Getting help in hard times

As I look at the difficult economic times we are facing, it is comforting to know that there are businesses in Cape Girardeau that are as concerned about my financial well-being as well as my physical well-being. These companies are the ones that let us breathe easy when it comes to money.

For instance, Southeast Missouri Hospital offers free heart health assessments, free screenings and a wellness center with a number of great programs. Cross Trails Medical Center offers medical and dental treatment with a sliding-scale payment options. And Miracle-Ear will screen your hearing free of charge.

Cape Girardeau is blessed to be able to maintain quality health care in a declining economy. I am grateful to live in a place where businesses are sympathetic to the financial hardships that we all are facing.

Also, a special thanks to those working so hard to restore power! You are appreciated.

ANDREA THOMPSON, Cape Girardeau