I must admit I was very sad when I learned of Whitney Houston’s death last weekend. I only remember a few times in my life when celebrities died that I literally stopped for a moment and tried to absorb it, but her death was difficult to handle. Two other times I remember that were this riveting occurred when actor John Belushi and singer Michael Jackson died. I knew Whitney had suffered from problems with drug abuse, but I didn’t expect her to die this young.

Every time I see footage on her or read about the details, it also expands my sadness of a loss of unbelievable artistic talent; perhaps the most natural singing voice I have ever heard.

Last weekend after Whitney died, I was talking to my 11-year-old daughter about it, and she brought up that Adele was a smoker, which surprised me that she knew that. Then she came back with a few statistics about smoking and drug abuse that her D.A.R.E. program had taught her in school. She said, “Dad, you know, smoking causes all these different problems from your lungs, makes your teeth dark, etc.” She even had some exact statistics memorized on how many years smoking cuts off of a person’s life. I think she told me on the average, smoking reduces life expectancy by 14 years.

I used Whitney’s death to talk about the perils of drug use with her. I am not saying that was the cause of death in Whitney, but I am sure she has health issues related to the use of drug abuse.

I have reflected a lot about Whitney’s death. I think doctors need to be more responsible with the stars in handing out prescription medications. We can’t make it is as easy for them to continue their drug habits. Maybe the Hollywood studios and major record companies need to do more in regard to drug testing, just like Major League Baseball is doing to try to keep more of these people clean. The studios and record labels need to encourage the stars to seek rehab whenever they are noticeably struggling with problems due to drug abuse.  For years, the stars have been able to get their hands on just about any drug they want so easily, and I think the studios and record labels have overlooked a lot of destructive behaviors.

Staying in a life of drug abuse is a personal choice, though. Ultimately, after rehab, a drug user has to decide is that what I want to be, or do I want a different type of life.

I can’t imagine being addicted to a drug and having to use it every day. Each day, I have to take several injections of insulin to survive because of diabetes, but if I didn’t have that worry, I would never be dependent on any type of drug. At least my drug is prescribed and for survival.

I also hope young people will realize the dangers of drug abuse and simply stay away. It’s not a bad thing to “just say no to drugs,” as used to be the slogan. Maybe that slogan needs to be reenforced more in our schools.  I am thankful for the work of D.A.R.E. in all of our schools and hope people will support their education efforts. I can tell by the brief conversation I had with my daughter last weekend, their message is getting through and it is so important.

Last, I feel terrible for Whitney’s daughter and hope she can rise above this terrible tragedy. Let’s hope if anything, we can learn from the deaths of Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston, and  try to stop this terrible spiral for these American stars and protect our young people from a similar tragedy as they grow into adulthood.

A presentation at the National Great Rivers Museum on Sunday about Robert Wadlow and my book “Boy Giant” once again made me realize the importance of preserving history.

I asked Gene Crivello, a close friend of Wadlow, to also present with me, and he did, but he said something that almost jolted me. He said he and Thomas Griesbaum, who was another classmate, are the only two still living that were close to Robert who can tell of personal experiences. I have watched one by one my Boy Giant sources show up in The Telegraph obituary column and I said during my presentation, each time, it makes me sad. I interviewed more than 100 people, mostly local, to recap their personal experiences with Robert and I think that is the selling point of my book.

My point is if you are doing something historical, get on it and don’t procrastinate. If I had waited another few months on the Wadlow project, it would have never become a reality. Harold Wadlow Jr., Robert’s baby brother, was a major source for me in the book and he died suddenly before the book was released. If I had waited to meet with him, all of his memories would have been lost and they are preserved in my book.

Crivello was magnificent in his brief presentation on Sunday. He is in his 90s, but he is still is very clear about his memories of Robert. I have always enjoyed being with him as a guest when I present and he helped me a lot with the book project so I have a lot of gratitude to him.

I think Erin Hilligoss-Volmann, park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has done a marvelous job with the program of inviting authors to come out to her museum. The new museum and its surroundings are truly a site for everyone to see. If you get time, visit one of the programs at the new museum; it will be worth your time.

Last weekend, the American Diabetes Association partnered with hospitals, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Pharmacy Department and several others to put on a free education program. An array of speakers took part and each were outstanding.

The topics including discussion about insulin, physical activity, stress management, food labels and vision.

Free foot inspections, blood pressure screenings and one-on-one counseling with health providers were also available.

Rawnie Berry, associate manager of the American Diabetes Association office in St. Louis and guides activities in the Metro East,  did an excellent job organizing and promoting the education event. One out of every seven in this country are suffering from diabetes and many don’t even know it. The disease stats are simply staggering. We have to work together to raise funds to continue research and find a cure for future generations, because the outbreak of the disease will only get worse.

I have been insulin dependent for nearly 20 years and I personally think the diabetes education event is one of the most important ones of the year.

I am going to do profiles of people living successfully and wonder if you know someone I might profile? E-mail me at dbrannan@thetelegraph.com if you have a suggestion. Include a contact number and brief information on why you see the person as inspiring.