To the Journal editor:

The Mining Journal needs paper carriers.

Having done this job for awhile now, I can honestly say it is not an unpleasant job and actually has many positives. Like the centenarians in the Blue Zone of the world, where their environment nudges them into walking often, having a paper route nudges you into exercise every day, consistently. It also brings in a respectable amount of extra income. The centenarians don’t join health clubs or gyms; they walk every day taking care of their business with friends and family.

The benefits of exercise are many: activates lympathic system, eliminates toxins, fights infection, strengthens immunity. Our bodies were designed to move.

A plus here in Marquette is the hills — they see to it that legs are made strong. Legs are the largest part of the body and they pump a lot of blood. Strong legs serve us well and help protect from the dangers of high blood pressure.

Being a paper carrier may seem like a simple, humble job. It isn’t really — it involves good memory and always thinking about how best to deliver a dry, neat paper preferably without a plastic bag. “From all toil (walking!) there is some gain, but idle chatter (sitting around) is pure loss.” Proverbs 14:23.

All this consistent daily walking increases the body’s natural feel-good chemicals and gives a boost to mood.

You people at least 10 years old and senior citizens like me — find a paper route you can do on foot and reap all the many benefits.

BONNIE TAYLOR

Marquette