To the editor:

Many like fried chicken as a special meal. Others prefer steak or pork chops. We have been assured that a healthy diet will help to ensure a long life. Yet we have noted that many friends to the south favor foods picante (peppery hot) and seem to thrive and live to an old age without serious consequences.

In the Andes, I learned that the special favorite meal consisted of that little rodent we usually call the guinea pig. There is little meat, but the gravy or salsa is fairly tasty. Along the Amazon, monkey meat was quite edible. In Argentina, of course, beef was a staple. A specialty was beef steak with two fried eggs on top. The meal might include mashed potatoes and tossed salad. Many Argentines feel that if they haven't had beef at least once during a day, they haven't eaten at all. Have they heard of cholesterol?

In some countries it is customary at a meal for the host to wish one "bon appetit" or "buen provecho," by which he wishes each one to have a good appetite and to enjoy the meal.

Some reach longevity and are somewhat obese, while others in their 90s seem to be extremely thin. One can say each to his own taste.

Sanitation is an important factor in this country, but I have noticed that some people seem to reach old age without much concern for that element.

One factor seldom mentioned when it comes to longevity is the hand of the Omnipotent who will have the final say as to when our time has come.

IVAN NOTHDURFT

Cape Girardeau