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SCHNECK MEDICAL CENTER SMOKE FREE POLICY SHOWS COMMITMENT TO HEALTH

Schneck Medical Center has been smoke free for several years, made its entire campus smoke free on August 1, 2006.  Patients, visitors and employees are no longer permitted to smoke on medical center property.  Nationally, Indiana ranks fourth in the percentage of its population that uses tobacco. As recent health studies have found, tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S.

December 22, 2006

• Paoli Peaks is still closed due to the warm temperatures and the rain.  Retro Day was scheduled for today, but it has been rescheduled for January 4, 2007.

• Recently the news has been full of reports of norovirus outbreaks in Indiana.  Since the first of November the state has had 28 suspected outbreaks and 11 confirmed outbreaks of the norovirus, which most people call stomach flu.  The symptoms are familiar to everyone--nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.  The virus is very contagious.  As we have all heard before, the most important preventive action you can take is washing your  hands OFTEN--after using the restroom, upon returning from a shopping trip, before preparing food, etc.  And do you know how to cough and/or sneeze?  Into your elbow or arm--not into your hands!  Clean hands, clean house, and a clean heart!
• With only 3 shopping days until Christmas, it is too late to order anything for delivery by December 25th.  At this point, the next best option is a gift card.  You can bet that there will be a lot of those purchased over the next three days! 

December 20, 2006

• Who is that man?  Indiana Democrats are beginning to think about the 2008 gubernatorial election.  State Senate Minority Leader Richard Young has become the first of many to announce that he is running for governor in 2008.  A farmer and former small business owner who was elected to the state senate in 1988, he filled out Frank O-Bannon's unexpired term as lieutenant governor and has been leading the senate democrats for the past 10 years.  Still, he has a considerable amount of work ahead to establish some name recognition.  Other possible candidates are the mayors of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Hammond, former Lt. Gov Kathy Davis and former House speaker John Gregg.  It is expected to be an expensive campaign regardless of the candidate.  Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican elected in 2004, has not said whether he will seek a second term.
• Federal health officials on Tuesday proposed sterner warning labels for acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen, again cautioning millions of Americans who take the nonprescription pain relievers regularly of potentially serious side effects. The over-the-counter drugs remain safe and effective when used as directed, but overdoses of acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage, even death, the FDA said.  For aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, there is a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney injury even when patients take the correct dose. The drug are linked to thousands of deaths a year, although the FDA said the risk is rare when compared to the number of patients who take the drugs.

December 19, 2006

• Beginning January 1st, there will be a change in the basic admission fees to the Indianapolis Zoo and the neighboring White River Gardens.  The two facilities will combine their admissions.  Until that time, visitors have had the option to boy tickets or memberships for the zoo only or gardens only or a combination, but under the new policy the two will combine their admissions for a one-day admission price of $13.50, a $1 increase over the current basic zoo ticket for adults.  People older than 62 and children, ages 2-12, will be charged $8.50.  Separate memberships for the zoo and gardens are also being eliminated, with a combined membership remaining at $99 for a family.

December 18, 2006

• Although the rather balmy weekend weather is not what one expects in December, golfers welcomed it.  On the other hand, the unseasonably warm weather caused Paoli Peaks to suspend their operations temporarily last Saturday.   However, with colder weather predicted to arrive by the middle of the week, the slopes are expected to open for business again on Friday, December 22nd. 

• Tonight and tomorrow night, December 18th and 19th, Little Theatre of Bedford will have auditions for "The Odd Couple" by Neil Simon.  The production, requiring 5 men and two women, will be directed by Roger Manning.  Auditions are 7:30-9 p.m.

• Have you ever dreamed of becoming Time Magazine's "Person of the Year"?  Well, congratulations--you made it this year!  If you have ever used or created content on the World Wide Web you are a winner of the 2006 annual award.  In the past, some of the awards have caused readers to ask question the rationale behind a certain selection because the award has not always gone to the person who has done the most good for the world.  Perhaps this was the easy way out for the magazine staff?   In any event, check it out at the newsstand and see yourself on the cover of Time Magazine!
• Reports from the state of Washington indicate that 100 people have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning produced by generators and charcoal grills used for warmth and light during the power outages caused by the storms in the state.  While this has occurred in Washington, it is a warning to everyone about the dangers of using such appliances inside and the danger carbon monoxide poisoning. 

December 15, 2006

• Indiana is included in the recall of about 1,000 cartons of Kellogg's Pop Tarts Frosted Blueberry toaster pastries.  The pastries are being recalled because the product may contain undeclared milk, which can cause a severe reaction in those allergic to it. No allergic reactions have been reported.  Only eight-count cartons with a bar code of 3800 31010 and a manufacturing code beginning with "AUG 27 07 CPC" printed at the top of the carton are included in the recall.  For more information, call the company at 800-237-1132 or visit http://www.fda.gov.
• Yesterday Gov. Daniels announced his plan to fund higher education, and as rumored, it involves leasing the Hoosier Lottery to a private company for a period of 30 years.  University presidents support the plan, which the governor claims can raise $1 billion for a scholarship program, which would provide qualified college students as much as $5000/year.  Daniels believes such a program could stem the "brain drain" problem in Indiana.  The money brought in by the lease would finance 1,700 Hoosier Hope Scholarships of $5,000 a year for a four-year degree and $2,500 a year for a two-year degree.  It would also fund a second scholarship called the World Class Scholars Fund, designed to cover salary and start up costs for renowned researchers and scholars recruited to Indiana public universities.  The Governor says the $20,000 scholarship would amount to a $7,000 after tax pay raise for the recipient who stays in the state.  Rep. Pat Bauer (D-House Speaker), newly elected speaker of the House, is not impressed with the support many leaders in higher education expressed.  Does that sound hopeful?  The next move is up to the legislature.
• Police and immigration officials stormed meatpacking plants in six states this week and arrested 1,300 employees at Swift & Co.   The company claims it did not know the people were illegal immigrants.  They reported that the plants were running at reduced levels a day after the raid that temporarily halted operations.  The raid also cut the nation's daily cattle slaughter numbers by 9%, but those numbers have recovered and are actually up a fraction over last week.  Other meatpackers have picked up the slack at the Swift's plants. 

December 12, 2006

• The Indiana Department of Transportation has signed an agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation to study a proposed highway that would connect I94 in northwestern Indiana with I57 in Illinois.  Currently being called the Illiana Expressway, it would be 63 miles long, 50 of which would be in Indiana, and the hopes are that it would ease traffic congestion around the Chicago area.  Gov. Daniel's plan is that Indiana's portion would be publicly owned but built with private money and would be operated under contract as a toll road.
• Everyone is wondering.  It has been announced that Gov. Mitch Daniels plans to make a "significant" announcement Thursday concerning higher education.  Jane Jankowski, the governor's press secretary, declined to give any specifics Tuesday on what Daniels would have to say when he speaks to reporters Thursday in his Statehouse office, she said the announcement would involve "significant" news regarding higher education.  There are reports that it could involve a proposal to privatize the Hoosier Lottery.

December 8, 2006

• Warmer temperatures and some sunshine are in the forecast  for the weekend, with rain arriving by Monday.  Enjoy it while it is here!

• Radioactive polonium 210 has been in the news a lot recently as a result of the murder of a former Russian spy in Britain.  Did you know that polonium is also in cigarette smoke?  How long have we known about this?  In the 1960’s, researchers worried increasingly about polonium 210’s deadly health effects. Harvard researchers found it in cigarette smoke and argued that its concentrations were high enough to make its radioactivity a contributing factor in lung cancer.  Although cigarette smoke contains a lesser quantity than the "dose" given to Litvinenko, research indicates that pack-and-a-half smokers are dosed to the tune of about 300 chest X-rays each year.  And yes, the polonium is present in the second hand smoke as well. 

December 7, 2006

• Snow showers are in the forecast today.  Although there won't be much accumulation, there could be slick spots.  The high temp will be in the mid 20s with a bit of a breeze, and tonight's low will fall to around 10 degrees.  Brrrrr!
• Sixty-five years ago today the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in a sneak attack, sparking the beginning of World War II.  Known as "The Day of Infamy", there were 2,400 U.S. servicemen who lost their lives in that attack on the U.S.  The survivors of that battle are dwindling each year.  We are thankful for the devotion and service of all who have helped preserve our freedom and it is our duty to remember.  The country came together to meet the common enemy.  Our very survival was at stake.  Could we meet the demands of such a situation today with a united front devoid of politics?  Or would we be fractured and divided by the onsite media coverage and lack of resolve on the part of citizens?
• Just what is behind this situation?  Was this just a case of being short sighted, or were the ramifications known when the arrangement was made?  Apparently part of the arrangement officials made with Honda Motor Co. involved supplying the its new $550 million auto assembly plant with water in Decatur County.   Although hailed as salvation for the state and the area,  homebuilders and developers in the area of the plant are now having their water permits revoked because the water utility has reached its limit by supplying Honda with water.   As a result, some developers and homebuilders in the area are left between a rock and a hard place and in all probability will go out of business.  The Honda plant is expected to start operation in 2008 with a workforce of about 2,000 people.

December 6, 2006

• Last Friday's windstorm in Indy damaged about 25% of the  bulbs and sockets in the Christmas lights on Monument Circle, causing the lights to go out.  They were on again last night, however, thanks to several volunteer electricians who spent much of Tuesday repairing the lights.  Not only did they replace the damaged lights, but they also examined of of the 4,700 bulbs. 
• Governor Daniels wants full-day kindergarten, but he has now made it known that Indiana should phase in optional full-day kindergarten over the next three years, starting in fall 2007 with the state's neediest children.  He will talk about the specifics of financing the program later this month, but under his proposal,  all kindergarten-aged children eligible for free and reduced-priced lunches would have the opportunity to attend full-day programs beginning next fall.  This would cover about 33,000 statewide.  State Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed agrees that it makes sense to start the program with students from low-income families.  The decision ultimately rests with the Indiana General Assembly, which is expected to discuss Daniels' plan during its next session that begins in January.

December 5, 2006

• The flood warning continues for the East Fork or White River, closing several roads.  Do not drive into water that covers the roads!

• Last spring Consumer Report conducted  the largest national analysis of contamination and anti­biotic resistance in store-bought chicken ever published.  According to their report, they tested 525 fresh, whole broilers bought at supermarkets, mass merchandisers, gourmet shops, and ­natural-food stores in 23 states.  Their test included  four leading brands (Foster Farms, Perdue, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Tyson) and 10 organic and 12 non-organic no-antibiotics brands, including three that are “air chilled” in a newer slaughterhouse process designed to re­duce contamination.  The result?  A whopping 83% were found to harbor campylobacter or salmonella, the causes of most foodborne disease.  What do we do about that?  Either you become vegetarian or you take measures to protect yourself by cooking all chicken to at least 165 degrees and guard against cross contamination.  How?  At the grocery, choose well-wrapped chicken, and put it in a plastic bag to keep juices from leaking.   Store chicken at 40° F or below. If you won’t use it for a couple of days, freeze it.  Thaw frozen chicken in a refrigerator (in its packaging and on a plate), or on a plate in a microwave oven. Cook chicken thawed in a microwave oven right away.  Separate raw chicken from other foods. Immediately after preparing it, wash your hands with soap and water, and clean anything you or raw chicken touched.  To kill harmful bacteria, cook chicken to at least 165° F.  Don’t return cooked meat to the plate that held it raw.  Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of cooking.

• We're going to the moon again--this time to stay!   NASA announced yesterday that  it will establish an international base camp on one of the moon's poles, permanently staffing it by 2024, four years after astronauts return to the moon.  NASA is welcoming other nations on its journey.

December 4, 2006

• The temperatures feel like December!  High temps will probably not climb out of the 30s this week, with low temps in the lower 20s.  Although we have not yet had measurable snow, that is cold enough for Paoli Peaks to produce some for winter fun!

• Word is out about the holiday bowl games, and fans can make their plans.  Ohio State will play Florida, Purdue will play Maryland in the Champs Bowl in Orlando, and Notre Dame will meet LSU in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.  U.K. will play Clemson in the Music City Bowl in Nashville, and Louisville is paired with Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl in Miami.   

December 1, 2006

• The roar you hear this morning is actually the wind.  Would you believe there is a wind advisory in effect today?   Secure your trash cans, lawn furniture you have not yet put away, etc.  And if that isn't enough, there is also a flood warning in effect, with flooding expected to surpass levels seen in October and November by 1 foot to possibly more than 3 feet.   Along with the wind, today will be colder and cloudy, with a chance of snow and rain.  Expected high temp is  in the lower 40s, but the temperature will fall into the 30s in the afternoon.  The chance of precipitation 50 percent, so that means there is also a 50% chance of no precip.  Tomorrow is supposed to be mostly sunny until midday, highs in the upper 30s. 

• Dress warmly for those outside Christmas festivities this weekend!  Santa will arrive at 6 p.m. tonight for the  Brownstown Hometown Christmas celebration at the Jackson County Courthouse.  There will be refreshments inside the courthouse, free carriage rides, and free pictures with Santa will be available.  The 33rd annual Medora Christmas Parade will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in downtown Medora.  Medora festivities will begin at 8 a.m. with area craft and flea market vendors surrounding the Medora school and the downtown with gift ideas and food, as well as entertainment on stage from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.  Bedford's Christmas Parade, a lighted night parade, begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 2nd, and follow a route around the courthouse square.

• The U.S. government has warned U.S. private financial services of an al Qaeda call for a cyber attack (denial of service) against online stock trading and banking Web sites beginning today and continuing throughout December.  The reason?  Reportedly in retaliation for keeping suspects at the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba.  According to the information, the goal of the Islamic militant group is to penetrate and destroy the databases of the U.S. financial sites. 
• Because of a new federal rule that goes into effect  today, December 1st, U.S. companies are required to keep track of all the e-mails, instant messages and other electronic documents generated by their employees.  The rules require companies and other entities involved in federal litigation to produce "electronically stored information" as part of the discovery process, when evidence is shared by both sides before a trial.  That means no more copying over a backup computer tape that has been routine in the past.