Injuries from Lawn Mowing Increase Nationwide

Mowing the lawn can be a weekly ritual of the spring and summer months for many Americans. However each year, nearly 80,000 Americans require hospital treatment from injuries caused by lawn mowers, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The researchers also concluded that the number of injuries from lawn mowers is increasing, with the majority of injuries occurring in children under age 15 and adults age 60 and older. The most common injuries were caused by strikes from debris, such as rocks and branches, propelled by the mower’s spinning blades. The study, published in the April 2006 online edition of the Annals of Emergency Medicine, is the first to examine the extent and mechanisms of lawn mower injuries nationwide.

“There is no reason anyone under 12 should ever be injured by a lawn mower,” said David Bishai, MD, PhD, MPH, senior author of the study and associate professor in the Department of Population and Family Health Sciences at the Bloomberg School. “If we would keep the kids off the lawn when mowing and off the riding mowers we could greatly reduce the number of injuries each year.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no one under age 16 should use a riding mower, and no one under age 12 should use a push mower.

Bishai and co-author, Vanessa Costilla, a student with the School’s Diversity Summer Internship Program, analyzed data of mower-related injuries requiring hospitalization from the National Hospital Discharge Survey from 1996 to 2003 and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 1996 to 2004.

According to the results, more than 663,000 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for lawn mower injuries between 1996 and 2004. More than 80,000 people required hospital treatment for lawn mower injuries in 2004, which means about 2 out of every 1,000 injury-related emergency room visits is because of a lawn mower injury. The rate is about half the number treated for firearms injuries annually. In addition to strikes from flying projectiles, the most common causes of injury for people over age 15 were non-specific pain after mowing and injuries occurring while servicing the mower. The most common injury requiring hospitalization was fractures of the foot.

Based on the study results, Bishai recommends some safety tips to follow to avoid lawn mowing injuries.

• Wear goggles, long pants and close-toed shoes with gripped soles• Clear the yard of debris before mowing

• Keep everyone, especially small children, from the yard while mowing

• People with histories of chest, back or joint pain should reconsider mowing

• Use care and wear protective gloves when servicing mower or changing blades

• Many injuries occur while lifting mower—get help if needed

• Never service the mower while it is running

• Mow only in good weather conditions—avoid mowing in high heat

• Do not use riding mower on steep hills or embankments

• Do not carry passengers on riding mowers or tow passengers behind the mower

• Do not allow children under the age of 16 to operate riding mower

• Store lawn mowers in area with minimal traffic and not accessible to children
  

“These are machines with sharp blades spinning at 160 miles per hour just inches away from our feet and hands. Everyone needs to respect the dangers and use common sense,” said Bishai.

Funding for the study was provided by the Student Diversity Office at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and grants from the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

(Source: Johns Hopkins School of Public Health media release)

Annual North Ridge Yard Sale Set

Organizer Tammy Frutsche announces that the annual North Ridge Yard Sale will be held on May 5 and 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Advertising is being purchased to promote the event, and those interested in donating to help purchase ad space can do so by contacting either Tammy or Lisa Speake.

Research Analyzes Level of Protection Provided by Children’s Bicycle Helmets

Study Analyzes Skull Protection Provided by Children’s Bicycle Helmets

Bicycle accidents are a common cause of traumatic injury in the United States. The most recent statistics indicate that there were an estimated 500,000 bicycle-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2004. Of those, 69,500 were head injuries, and of the 600 bicycle-related deaths, about two thirds were attributed to traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Between 1984 and 1988, 557,936 visits to emergency rooms were related to bicycle accidents. About 6 percent (33,500) of these were serious enough to require hospital admission. In those same years, an average of 962 deaths annually resulted from these injuries. TBI caused 62 percent of all deaths resulting from bicycle accidents. Forty percent of deaths occurred in children age 15 and younger. Clearly, children are at the greatest risk of sustaining these injuries. Boys age 10 to 14 are at the highest risk. It is estimated that bicycle-related injury and death cost society $8 billion annually. Bicycle helmets are widely touted as a protective step against head injury. However, the degree of protection that they provide has not been widely investigated.

Researchers recently assessed the level of protection provided by children’s bike helmets. The results of this study, Quantification of the Protection Granted by Children’s Bicycle Helmets Using Engineering Tools and Experimental Design, will be presented by Chris A. Sloffer, MD, MBA, 4:30 to 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2006, during the 74th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in San Francisco. The co-author of this study is Julian J. Lin, MD.

Four human skulls were utilized for this study. Skulls were soaked in water and filled to weigh four pounds to correspond to the approximate weight of a child’s skull. An accelerometer was mounted to each skull to facilitate measurement of the forces sustained by the skulls during testing. Identical, commercially available bicycle helmets were obtained for use in each step of testing.

Current industry testing standards require helmets to be placed on a head form and dropped from various heights onto a metal anvil. The helmets pass if they do not sustain injury. In this study, each helmeted skull was dropped from progressively greater heights of two to four feet. Impact decelerations experienced by the skulls were recorded. Skulls without helmets were dropped beginning at two feet and increased until failure (fracture). Decelerations experienced by these skulls were also recorded. As an additional method of testing, compressive force was applied to skulls, both with and without helmets, as well as to helmets without skulls inside. Forces tolerated were recorded in each of these categories, and digital video records were taken of all testing. The results of the testing were as follows:

• Forces measured remained below the maximum allowed by commercial helmet design standards in falls up to three feet.

• Skulls without helmets experienced a deceleration between 4.2 and 7.7 times that of helmeted skulls in the heights tested.

• Helmeted skulls were unable to be crushed in compression testing at loads up to 470 pounds, whereas both the skull and helmet alone failed (fractured) in testing.

Children’s bicycle helmets provide measurable protection in terms of both reducing the deceleration experienced by the child’s head and protecting against direct compressive force.

“By quantifying those two measurements through experimental engineering design, an assessment of the protection levels of each type of helmet can be made, and this information has potential for enabling improvements in future helmet design,” remarked Dr. Sloffer.

Comparing the protection levels of different types of currently available commercial helmets would be a logical further topic to study. Additional studies should also assess the relationship of the deceleration forces on the skull to the brain injury itself. “The results of this study lend evidence to the theory that helmets reduce head injury significantly, and consequently, the use of properly fitting helmets should be strongly encouraged as a public health initiative,” concluded Dr. Sloffer.

(Source: American Association of Neurological Surgeons media release)

Multi-Family Yard Sale This Saturday In North Middleton Township

North Middleton's Waggoners UM Church at 1271 Longs Gap Road will hold a yard sale this Saturday, April 29, at the new church pavilion next to the church. Plenty of parking is available. Multiple families are participating, and plenty of good finds should be anticipated.

The yard sale will begin at 7 a.m. and run through the morning hours.

(Source: The Waggonette)

Health Care Chaos: Is It A Trend We Want To Continue?

The following is a guest opinion by Mark A. Piasio, M.D., M.B.A., President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.

Healthcare services play such an important role in the Pennsylvania economy, and amongst its residents: the elderly and the young, as well as everyone in between. The healthcare industry provides for the well being of the healthy and protects, cares for, and hopefully cures the infirmed. And, it also produces many jobs – in fact, 14 percent of all non-governmental jobs in the state. In other words, everyone has a stake in a healthy health care system.

But, in recent weeks, the Pennsylvania Medical Society issued the first ever The State of Medicine in Pennsylvania — 2005 report that suggests trends showing how our complex health care system pieced together over many years is severely stressed.

Many have questioned these trends when good data were not collected and organized. However, now it’s not hard to prove; our healthcare infrastructure is under severe stress. To demonstrate, let’s begin by looking at the health insurance data and market trends.

The State of Medicine in Pennsylvania – 2005 report finds the number of Pennsylvanians with private health insurance dropped from 7.1 million to 5.4 million between 2000 and 2005. Meanwhile, more people are relying on publicly funded insurance programs while too many go without any health insurance at all. Depending upon whose statistics you believe, there are between 900,000 and 1.5 million of our state’s residents uninsured. As far as the cost of private health insurance for those who have it, the study suggests that Pennsylvania rates are some of the highest in the country.

The report also looks at the demand for health care services.

Hospital admissions have increased in recent years. Also, analysis of five different data sources shows that the number of physicians engaged in patient care is either flat at best, or decreasing at a time when baby boomers are growing older and will require more health care services. Using trend data, it is possible to project a potential shortfall of nearly 10,000 Pennsylvania doctors in the upcoming years. Ultimately, there’s a trend of increasing demand for services and questionable supply.

This study was not intended to be all encompassing, and, for example, did not look at the areas of nursing, pharmaceuticals, and health care technology. But there are clear indications outside the report from other organizations that suggest a nursing shortage exists and the costs of medicine and equipment are increasing. It’s reasonable to believe that those areas also play important roles in resolving the health care chaos.

It’s always dangerous when issuing such a study like The State of Medicine in Pennsylvania – 2005. Some will get defensive. Others may misuse the data for personal gain. However, the Pennsylvania Medical Society issued this report not to point fingers or advance a personal agenda. We simply want the truth out and believe that the trends discovered in the report merit further discussion. Are these trends acceptable for the future of patient care in Pennsylvania? Should Pennsylvania have a statewide strategy to secure this resource and industry?

The Pennsylvania Medical Society does not claim to have all the answer to these questions. And, if stakeholders agree that these trends are found to be unacceptable, we don’t claim to have a lock on how to fix the system.

But we do know that the future of health care in Pennsylvania is too important to all of us for many reasons. And it’s too important to get lost in battles between groups and politicians.

That’s why the Pennsylvania Medical Society is organizing a health care summit for June. We will bring together all who want to be a part of the discussion and part of the solution to problems identified. We don’t expect all answers on that first day, but we do expect honest discourse from professionals who hold the public trust so that a process can begin to bring sanity back to patient care, and secure our medical service infrastructure for our children and generations to come.

(Source: Pennsylvania Medical Society)

Accuracy In Media Says: Give Back The Tainted Prizes; Urges Resignation of Post Pulitzer Winner

WASHINGTON, DC -- Accuracy in Media is calling on the Washington Post and New York Times to return the Pulitzer Prizes they recently won for stories about the war on terrorism. AIM is also urging that Post Pulitzer winner Dana Priest resign from the paper for misleading the public about her "sources."

Priest's main source for her prize-winning story on CIA "secret prisons" has been exposed as a John Kerry supporter in the agency and former Clinton aide who contributed financially to the Kerry presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee. That source, CIA officer Mary O. McCarthy, was fired after she acknowledged illegally leaking classified information to Priest and other journalists.

As noted by AIM editor Cliff Kincaid in his column on the scandal, posted on the AIM website, Priest had publicly denied that her sources for the story included critics of the Bush Administration from within the CIA.

What's more, the Priest story has never been confirmed and the evidence indicates that the main essence of her story – that the CIA operated "secret prisons" abroad – is false.

Kincaid says the Pulitzer Prize given to the New York Times for the story about the NSA monitoring the international communications of al-Qaeda operatives here and abroad should be returned as well. He says the story was twisted in such a way as to suggest that ordinary Americans were at risk because of an illegal "domestic spying" program. There is absolutely no evidence that this is the case, he notes. The story, Kincaid suspects, was also based on CIA and other sources that were determined to undermine the foreign policy of the Bush Administration.

Accuracy In Media (AIM) is a non-profit, grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage. For more information, please go to www.aim.org.

(Source: Accuracy in Media media release)

Not All Sunscreens are Created Equal: Are You Getting True Protection?

Sun protection factors (SPF) and the sunscreen label claims "waterproof", "all-day protection" and"sunblock" can create a false sense of security when it comes to sun exposure.

"The most important ingredient to look for in sunscreens is asufficient level of Zinc Oxide," said Don Kilday, Pharm. D., president ofCrown Laboratories Inc., the parent company of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. "SPF ratings do not have any relation to the product's ability to provide UVA protection and UVA rays are most associated with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The incidence of melanoma has doubled since 1986 and has increased so quickly that it is one of the nation's most serious epidemics."

In the United States there is currently no approved evaluation of UVA protection but in Australia, broad-spectrum sunscreens must filter out at least 90 percent of UVA rays. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen (http://www.bluelizard.net/) was introduced to the United States in 1999 and provides broad-spectrum protection that meets stringent Australian standards. Blue Lizard creates a physical barrier against both UVA and UVB rays with Zinc Oxide.

On March 30, 2006, a lawsuit was filed alleging that many sunscreen manufacturers exaggerate the degree to which their products protect against harmful ultraviolet rays. According to The Associated Press the lawsuit claims that misleading sunscreen labels have created a false sense of security among consumers. According to the complaint, sunscreens protect against UVB rays, but research indicates that they don't sufficiently protect against UVA rays, which can cause skin cancer, aging and wrinkling. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is not involved in the lawsuit.

A Blue Lizard sunscreen fact sheet has been developed to answer many questions now being raised about sunscreen. The fact sheet is available at http://www.bluelizard.net/.

The truth about sun protection

• No sunscreen offers complete protection against the sun therefore products using the term "total sunblock" are a misnomer as they allow some UV to penetrate the skin.

• No sunscreen is "waterproof/sweatproof". All sunscreens start to come off during activity; it is important that sunscreens be reapplied after towel drying and are always applied to dry skin.

• Products labeled as "waterproof" in the U.S. have completed an 80-minute still-water bath test. Products labeled as "very water resistant" in Australia have been tested for 240 minutes in a spa with moving water.

• No sunscreen provides "all-day protection". Chemical sunscreens lose their effectiveness quickly and inorganic filters (Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide) adhere to the skin but can be removed during towel drying.

• High SPF sunscreens don't necessarily offer broader or better protection. SPF only indicates the amount of UVB protection a product provides and does not indicate how much if any UVA protection is provided.

(Source: Blue Lizard media release)

Holy Spirit Hospital Offers Free Skin Cancer Screenings This Saturday

May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Detection and Prevention Month. In observance, Holy Spirit Hospital is offering free skin cancer screenings by appointment only on Saturday, April 29, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the hospital. Physicians from Crumay Parnes Associates, Inc., will be performing the screenings.

The physicians will examine each person for skin abnormalities and will discuss skin cancer risk factors and methods of prevention. This screening is offered to anyone, especially those who have never been examined for skin cancer, are at risk, or who are not covered by health insurance.

To schedule an appointment for this free skin cancer screening, call 972-7700 by Tuesday, April 25. A limited number of appointments are available and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bored, Stressed Out, Need Something to Do With the Kids? Download a Puzzle Game.

Guess what one of the hottest growing forms of entertainment is. Satellite radio? Possibly. Blogging? For some people. Digital music? Sure. Downloadable puzzle games? You've got it!

In the U.S. alone there are 65 million players of a new family friendly game genre known as casual games. Paul Thelen is CEO and founder of Big Fish Games (http://www.BigFishGames.com), one of the most innovative and popular puzzle game destination sites. Thelen has seen the interest in puzzle games on their site increase 250 percent in the past year and by 100 percent in the past 3 months alone.

"The widespread appeal of puzzle games is incredible," says Thelen."Whether it is parents unwinding after a long day at work, a grandparent playing with their grandkids or family game night, you name them, their playing!"

Who's Playing?

One of the most popular puzzle games is Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects. This hot new game is selling at a rate of more than 4 copies a minute at peak times. Who's playing it? Almost every type of person you can imagine. Why?

Parents: After a long day, many couples unwind and reconnect with one another by playing a puzzle game together. "It gives us a chance to talk about something other than work and enjoy each other's company," says parent Jade Lessone. Conversely, many adults play casual games alone when they need some "get away" time.

Entire Families: Unlike sitting in front of the TV, puzzle games engage everyone and they work together as a team to solve it. Moms, even grandparents, find it a great way to connect with kids. They even help kids develop their eye hand coordination and cognitive skills.

Tip: If you have a laptop computer, download a game such as Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects or Fairies and keep your child occupied during that long flight to grandma's this summer.

(http://www.bigfishgames.com/downloads/mysterycasefilespr)

(http://www.bigfishgames.com/downloads/fairies)

Seniors: Recent studies indicate that playing puzzle games keeps minds sharp and may protect against future memory loss, sharpen attention and improve motor skills. Plus, they are just plain fun.

So the next time you are stumped on what to do, head to the Internet and download a puzzle game. Your family will thank you!

(Source: Big Fish Games media release)

Shoe Fanatics -- Latest Spring Trends Might be Better for Your Feet

Comfort or fashion? For most women, that question is a no-brainer when it comes to buying shoes. But style-savvy women may have more foot-healthy and comfortable options this spring. According to the latest shoe trends, round-toe shoes are making a comeback as well as low heels, flat shoes and wedge heels.

James Brodsky, M.D., orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and president of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, says that these types of shoes are actually better for your feet than previous styles, such as narrow-toe shoes and stiletto heels.

“When shopping for shoes, make sure that your toes have plenty of room to wiggle around,” says Dr. Brodsky. “If your toes are crammed into the toe of the shoe, as is the case with most narrow-toe heels, it can lead to foot deformities that may need to be corrected by surgery.”
Dr. Brodsky says that low-heeled shoes, with a wide or open toebox, reduce the pressure on the front of the foot.

“The height of the heel makes a big difference in the pressure that you put on the ball of your foot,” says Dr. Brodsky. “But even low-heeled shoes can cause problems if they do not fit properly. Over time, ill-fitting shoes can contribute to foot deformities.”

Higher-heeled shoes such as stilettos can cause the foot to slip forward resulting in discomfort, blisters and possible toe injuries.

“If you’re going to wear high heels, choose shoes with cushioning under the toes and ball of the foot,” adds Dr. Brodsky.

As for keeping your ankles safe, look for shoes with a stable heel, such as current trends like wedges or wide-stacked heels.

“Flat or low-heeled shoes are a better option to reduce the pain of neuromas, bunions and hammertoes. It’s best if they have a substantial amount of cushioning on the outer sole and the insole,” adds Dr. Brodsky.

And last, but not least, Dr. Brodsky says that contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a “break-in” period.

“If the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it. Don’t force your feet to conform to the shape of a shoe.”
Although style is a key consideration when choosing a pair of shoes, Dr. Brodsky wants women to know that the most important quality to look for is durable construction that will protect your feet and keep them comfortable.“Believe it or not, fashionable shoes can be comfortable too,” says Dr. Brodsky.

Shoe Shopping Tips

Dr. Brodsky gives the following tips that may be helpful when shopping for shoes this spring:

• Go shoe shopping at the end of the day. “Your feet are usually swollen and therefore larger after standing or sitting on them all day long.”

• Have your feet measured. “Your feet grow as you become older so it’s wise to know the exact size of your foot.”

• Try on both shoes. “One foot is typically larger than the other so make sure that both shoes fit your feet comfortably.”

• Walk around in the shoes. “Don’t purchase a pair of shoes just on how they look on your feet.”

• Judge a shoe by how it fits your foot and not by the marked size. “Shoe sizes vary among shoe brands and styles.”

(Source: Baylor Health Care System via Newswise)

Summerfair 2006 Updates

The following are updates from the Carlisle Summerfair Website (www.carlislesummerfair.org)

4/5/06: The parade sign-up form can be found under "Event Info" and then under "Forms". This year's theme is "Fun with Friends!" Cash prizes are awarded!

4/2/06: The 2006 musical will be The Wizard of Oz* directed by Kasi L.K. Marshall. Due to renovations at South Middleton, auditions, rehearsals and performances will be held in the Carlisle High School Swartz Building Auditorium. Roles are available for people of all ages, stage experience and training. Familes are welcome. Auditions will be held Friday, April 21st (3-5PM and 7-9 p.m.) and Saturday, April 22nd (9-11 a.m.) Call back auditions will be held on Sunday, April 23rd from 5 - 8 p.m.. Prepare 18-20 measures of a song of your choice. If piano accompaniment is desired, bring your sheet music.

Rehearsals will be held Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings starting April 29th with more frequent rehearsals in June to ramp up for performances Saturday, July 1st (2 & 7:30 p.m.), Sunday, July 2nd (2 p.m.), and Monday, July 3rd (7:30 p.m.)

If you have a specific question about the musical, please send email to info@carlislesummerfair.com .

4/2/06: If you want to sign up as a vendor for the craft show, or are a non-profit group and want to sell food during the craft show, please contact us using the email address above.

For a complete schedule of Summerfair 2006 activities, click here.

Summer Artist Series Coming To Carlisle

The Carlisle Parks and Recreation Department recently announced the schedule for its 2006 Summer Artist Series to be held at Thornwald Park's Carol Warrell Amphitheater. All shows are on Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

• June 4 -- Bob Plunkert and Band (traditional country)
• June 11 -- St. Paul's Brass
• June 25 -- Kathleen Jacobs and Puppets
• July 9 -- Crawdaddies (cajun)
• July 16 -- Lone Mountain Band (blue grass)
• July 23 -- Jerry and Marianna Doherty (guitar/violin/bass/vocals)
• August 6 -- Sousa Councert at Carlisle Theatre

For more information visit www.carlislepa.org

Who Knows Their Children Best, Teachers Or Parents?

Researchers have generally believed that teachers are better than parents at evaluating the behavior of school children, because teachers have a bigger group of children for comparison. A University of Virginia study, however, shows that parents are better at assessing their child’s emotional states, while teachers are better at rating bad behaviors. The results emphasize the importance of teachers and parents working together in the child’s best interest.

Associate professor Timothy Konold, coordinator of research, statistics and evaluation at U.Va.’s Curry School of Education, will report his findings on April 8 at the annual American Educational Research Association (AERA) meeting in San Francisco.

“Our results indicate that both parents and teachers are important considerations when assessing a child’s overall behavioral disposition,” Konold said.

“The results have important implications for the manner in which we collect information on child behavior problems that are used to inform instruction and counseling decisions,” he said.

Konold based his research on ratings given by mothers, fathers and teachers of a representative sample of 562 first-graders in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care. U.Va. is one of 10 sites of this national, 15-year research project, led by Robert Pianta, an authority on early childhood education, who is also a Curry School education professor.

One of the study’s commonly used questionnaire rating 96 behaviors typically reveals different scores on the same behaviors when mothers, fathers and teachers evaluate their children, said Konold, who sought to determine which rating was a better assessment.

What he found is that parents’ scores are better indicators of emotional behaviors, such as being anxious, sad or lonely, or making physical complaints (real or imagined).

“Parents do a much better job of assessing internalizing behaviors, so we should use their ratings when there’s a discrepancy,” he said.

When it comes to aggressive or other delinquent behaviors, called “externalizing,” teachers make a better assessment, he said. Examples of those behaviors include arguing, teasing, threatening, cheating, swearing and lying. These are behaviors children may have learned from their parents, so the parents don’t necessarily recognize them as deviant as consistently as teachers do.

Konold said researchers have not found these results before because they didn’t have an approach for disentangling the variations attributable to the method being used to collect the ratings from observers and what the ratings were actually designed to measure (behavior problems). He used a more modern methodology developed in the last decade to make it possible for educators to interpret the measurements more effectively.

(Source: University of Virginia media release via Newswise)

Huge Crowds Expected This Week At Carlisle's Car Show

The Carlisle Sentinel is reporting today that "up to 120,000 car enthusiasts" are anticipated to attend this week's Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet & Corral. The event starts on Wednesday and runs through Sunday.

Those interested in attending the event can visit the Carlisle Events Website for more information on times, admission price, and scheduled activities.

(Source: Carlisle Sentinel)

Americans And Their Cell Phones

Americans say their cell phones aid them during emergencies and fill in their free time.

But many also report driving unsafely while on their cells and they say they don’t like the new intrusions and public annoyances cell phones bring to their lives – not to mention their monthly bills.

The cell phone has become an integral and, for some, essential communications tool that has helped owners gain help in emergencies. Fully 74 percent of the Americans who own mobile phones say they have used their hand-held device in an emergency and gained valuable help.

Another striking impact of mobile technology is that Americans are using their cell phones to shift they way they spend their time. Some 41% of cell phone owners say they fill in free time when they are traveling or waiting for someone by making phone calls. And 44 percent say they wait to make most of their cell calls for the hours when they do not count against their “anytime” minutes in their basic calling plan.

At the same time, there are new challenges associated with cell phone use. More than a quarter of cell phone owners (28 percent) admit they sometimes do not drive as safely as they should while they use their mobile devices. Among cell phone users, men (32 percent) are more likely than women (25 percent) to admit they sometimes don’t drive as safely as they should.

Furthermore, 82 percent of all Americans and 86 percent of cell users report being irritated at least occasionally by loud and annoying cell users who conduct their calls in public places. Indeed, nearly one in ten cell phone owners (8 percent) admit they themselves have drawn criticism or irritated stares from others when they are using their cell phones in public.

For some, the cell phone has become so central to their communications needs that they lose track of the expenses associated with their phones. Some 36 percent of cell owners say they have been shocked from time to time at the size of their monthly bills.

When it comes to the features Americans would like to add to their cell phones, the desire for maps tops the charts by a clear margin. Fully 47 percent of cell owners say they would like this feature and 38 percent say they would like to have instant messages from select friends sent to their cells. Some 24 percent of cell owners say they would like to use their phones to conduct searches for services such as movie listings, weather reports, and stock quotes. And a similar 24 percent of cell owners would like to add email to their mobile-phone functionality.

A third of cell owners (35 percent) already use text messaging features on their phones and another 13 percent would like to add that capacity to their phone.

Some 19 percent of cell owners say they would like to add the capacity to take still pictures to their cells.

These findings emerge in a national survey of cell phone owners by the Pew Research Center’s Pew Internet & American Life Project, the Associated Press and AOL. The findings provide a detailed picture of the role of the cell phone in modern life, including how the use of cell phones has helped people become more spontaneous and prolific in their communication patterns. Half the survey was conducted among cell phone owners on their cell phones – one of the largest such samples ever conducted.

In all, 1,503 people were surveyed between March 8 and March 28 – 752 of them on their landline phones and 751 on their cell phones. Some 1,286 cell phone users were interviewed in the sample. The overall sample and the cell-phone user sample have a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

It is likely that many of the behaviors reported here will intensify in coming years as more people become attached to and reliant on their mobile phones. Indeed, 23 percent
of those who currently have landline phones say they are very likely or somewhat likely to convert to being only cell phone users.

Other overall findings – interruptions, deception, texting spam and “American Idol” In this survey of adult cell users, more than a third say their cell phones have enabled some type of unwelcome intrusion in their lives.

• 24 percent of cell-using adults report they often feel like they have to answer their cell phones even when it interrupts a meeting or a meal.

• 22 percent believe that “too many” people try to get in touch with them because others know they have a cell phone.
  

The reasons for this become clear when cell owners describe how they use their phones: Fully 52 percent of all cell owners say they keep their phone on all the time and 81 percent of cell-only users say the device is always on. At times, mobile phones are used abet some white lies: 22 percent of cell owners say they are not always truthful about exactly where they are when they are on the phone. Younger users are much more likely to say they are not always honest about where they are: 39 percent of cell users ages 18-29 say that.

Spam has invaded cell phones, too. About one in six cell owners (18 percent) report receiving unsolicited text messages on their phones from advertisers.

Asked if they had used their cells to vote in contests that had appeared on television, such as “American Idol,” 8 percent of cell owners said they had done that.

Cell phone users are split in how attuned they are to making calls at times when it is less expensive to do so. Some 41% say they try to place most of their phone calls when they know the minutes they use won’t cost them extra money, while 58 percent report they don’t concentrate the use of their phones to those off peak hours.

(Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project media release)

Easter Delivery Brings Fresh Batch Of Wiffleballs To North Ridge Wiffleball Association

North Ridge Wiffleball Association President Kevin Bixby got a surprise gift this Easter morning when he walked outside to pick up his Sunday newspaper.

Dressed in his slumber wear, Bixby, who now prefers to be called by his new 2006 wiffleball nickname "The Pistol," found a batch of painted wiffleballs in an Easter basket waiting for someone to find them in his driveway.

"Who said the Easter Bunny doesn't bring gifts to adults," the 39-year-old kid said. "This will be one of those Easters that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Dave "Engelberg" Orr, who was recently promoted from player representative to vice president of the North Ridge Wiffleball Association, was equally happy as the Pistol was. "Kev's a good guy," he said. "I'm glad the Easter Bunny thought so highly of him to deliver a special gift for him on this beautiful day."

But, the Easter Bunny didn't come with gifts for all adult members of the North Ridge Wiffleball Association. Last year's MVP Billy "Buster" Etsweiler was one such person.

"This is an evil trick to play mind games with me so that I go into an early season slump," the 6-foot-5 slugger said. "I've been in training all winter in my garage for the upcoming season, and I know that I'm ready for the season. I'm in the best shape of my life. I predict I will win the MVP again."

Chris "Lotto" Morrow wasn't as lucky as the Pistol either.

"I may have accidently run over the Easter Bunny or one of his relatives on my lawn tractor," he said. "Hey, did you know that I am the 2005 North Ridge Lawn Tractor Race Champion? I beat guys like Mark "Give-way" Greenaway and Engelberg."

Sheila Bixby, wife of The Pistol and co-owner of Bixby Field, was happy for her husband. "Oh, he's very deserving," she said. "This might keep him out of the kids Easter baskets too."

IN OTHER NORTH RIDGE WIFFLEBALL ASSOCIATION NEWS ...

While some members of the North Ridge Wiffleball Association have been taking spring training batting practice, one such member is still listed on the disabled list. Rafael "The Big Enchilada" Calzada finds himself still going through rehab after his off-season surgery. His agent, Trish, says he hopes to be ready for opening day.

Speaking of opening day, North Ridge Wiffleball Association President Kevin "The Pistol" Bixby announced today that opening day will be no later than Memorial Day.

And, finally, NRWA Vice President Dave "Engelberg" Orr was given the task of forming the league's Activities Committee. Those interested in joining this committee should contact Engelberg. To date, the committee is in the early stages of planning the 2nd Annual Father-Kids Phillies Outing (although he says all neighbors are welcome). Other activities being worked on include the 2006 North Ridge Lawn Tractor Championship and North Ridge Night at the Cumberland Drive-In.

(Photo captions: Top, North Ridge Wiffle Ball Association President Kevin "The Pistol" Bixby (left) and Vice President Dave "Engelberg" Orr display the painted Easter Wiffleballs and basket that the Easter Bunny left at Bixby Field. Bottom, The Pistol takes some Easter Day batting practice.)

Local Areas Set To Be Sprayed For Black Flies

Aerial spraying to control black flies will begin as early as next week on some of the more than 1,500 stream miles in 31 Pennsylvania counties.

Treatment involves helicopters flying over creeks, streams and rivers. As in past years, DEP will notify county emergency management officials before spraying to make them aware of times and locations of the sprayings.

Residents can call their county emergency management office to verify that a black fly treatment is taking place in their area on that day.

When spraying is scheduled, treatments will usually begin between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., weather permitting, and continue until all waterways are treated, or until dark.

Spraying depends on favorable weather conditions and will not be done during heavy rain or if river and stream levels are too high. When water levels are too high – and water is moving rapidly – the material used in the spraying is carried away from the targeted location and is rendered ineffective.

DEP uses Bti, a naturally-occurring bacteria, to control black flies. Bti degrades quickly in the environment and does not harm the aquatic ecosystem.

Following is a local list of counties and waterways that will be sprayed for black flies in 2006:

• Adams County -- Conewago Creek
• Berks County -- Maiden Creek; Manatawny Creek; Schuylkill River; Tulpehocken Creek
• Cumberland County -- Conodoguinet Creek; Susquehanna River; Yellow Breeches Creek
• Dauphin County -- Susquehanna River; Juniata River; Mahantango Creek; Swatara Creek
• Perry County -- Sherman Creek; Susquehanna River; Juniata River
• Schuylkill County -- Schuylkill River
• York County -- Conewago Creek; Susquehanna River; Yellow Breeches Creek

(Source: DEP news release)

America's Legendary Ladies Paved Historical Pathways Throughout Pennsylvania

New Tours Highlight First Female Commercial Pilot, Jazz Greats, Film Stars, Many Others

America’s iconic seamstress Betsy Ross, jazz great Lena Horne, film star Katharine Hepburn and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly are, arguably, among the most notable ladies who once called Pennsylvania home. Their lives and deeds, and those of hundreds of other famous American women, come to life with "Legendary Ladies: A Guide to Where Women Made History in Pennsylvania."

"Legendary Ladies" presents new self-guided walking and driving tours that uncover the places in Pennsylvania where women made history. The tours are supported by two printed guides of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as a Web site that features maps and descriptions of nearly 200 famous women and key locations in the two cities. The printed guides are available at 800-VISITPA, or electronically at www.WomenMadeHistoryInPa.com.

"The guides were created with the visitor in mind, with easy to use maps that allow each person to chart a tour suiting their individual interests and experience women’s history," said Pennsylvania Commission for Women Executive Director Leslie Stiles. "This is the first tourism-focused initiative designed to highlight women’s heritage in Pennsylvania, and it pays tribute to women who changed the face of American history."

The Web site also includes tools to help visitors plan a road trip, book an overnight stay, make dinner reservations and explore other nearby activities.

The mission of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women is to identify and advance the diverse needs and interests of Pennsylvania women and girls; to inform, educate and advocate for its constituents; and to provide opportunities to empower women and girls to reach their highest potential. For more information, go to www.pcw.state.pa.us.

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of travelers by presenting them with the information and resources they need to plan and enjoy the activities, attractions and destinations that are uniquely Pennsylvania. For more information about Pennsylvania’s tourism industry, go to www.visitpa.com, or call (800) VISIT PA.

(Source: Pennsylvania Tourism Office media release)

Ophthalmologists Offer Information On Soft Contact Lens Scare

The FDA released a preliminary public notification on Monday warning of an increased number of reports in the United States of a rare but serious fungal infection of the eye in soft contact wearers. The infection, a fungal keratitis caused by the Fusarium fungus, may cause vision loss requiring corneal transplants.

Mark C. Maria, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology advises wearers of soft contact lenses who experience symptoms such as redness, pain, tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge, or swelling to consult an ophthalmologist.

“As physicians specializing in the medical and surgical care of the eye, ophthalmologists are uniquely qualified to treat eye infections and other medical conditions,” he said.

ReNu brand solution, manufactured by Bausch & Lomb, has been linked to 26 of 30 cases where complete data is available. The company voluntarily suspended shipment of the ReNu with MoistureLoc.

Dr. Maria says, “With no clear evidence of why there is an increased level of infection among users of ReNu products, the best way to prevent infection is by following FDA recommendations.” These include washing hands with soap and water, and drying them before handling lenses; wearing and replacing lenses according to the scheduled prescribed by your doctor; following cleaning and storage guidelines provided by your doctor and solution manufacturer; keeping your contact lens case clean and replacing it every 3 – 6 months. Dr. Maria also recommends using a “rub and rinse” lens cleaning method, regardless of which cleaning/disinfecting solution is used. This minimizes the number of germs and reduces your chance of infection.

CDC and FDA are investigating all case reports. Also, investigations by CDC, state and local health departments, FDA, and manufacturers of contact lens solutions are underway to define specific behaviors or products that place contact lens wearers at increased risk for Fusarium keratitis.

(Source: PAO media release)

Where To Recycle Your Electronics

According to the 2006 Spring / Summer North Middleton Township newsletter ...

2006 Electronics Recycling

April 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cumberland Valley Education Park

6746 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg

Items that can be dropped off ... answering machines, camcorders, CD players, copiers, duplicators, fax machines, hard drives, laptops, mainframe computer equipment, mobile phones, modems, pagers, personal computers, printers, printed circuit boards, radios, remote controls, scanners, stereos, tape players, telephones and telephone equipment, televisions, transparency makers, uninterrupted power supply systems, VCRs, and word processors.

Do not bring ... microwaves, household batters, ceiling fans, lamps, vacuum cleaners, small kitchen appliances, irons, fluorescent light bulbs.

For additional information, contact Solid Waste Authority of Cumberland County.

New Hound Moves Into North Ridge

Dakota, a 2- or 3-year-old chocolate lab that was recently rescued by Canine Rescue, has moved into North Ridge as of today, living at the Moran house on Regal View.

A friendly dog, Dakota was found underweight and roaming the countryside of central Pennsylvania. As of this time, Dakota knows some basic tricks like sit and shake. Soon, he'll be trained to know the Moran yard boundaries and the electric fence.

Dakota appears to have relatively good manners for a dog. Unfortunately, you can tell he is still recovering from being underfeed. But, the good news is that he'll be fine.

As a side note, for those of you who remember Haines, the Susquehanna Service Dog that lived at the Moran house last year during his training, some good news. Haines, currently being used as a demo dog, therapy dog, and a stud dog is the proud father of 10 puppies that need vlunteer puppy huggers as part of their service dog training. Those interested who would like to know more about how to get involved as a puppy hugger can contact Lori.

DEP Issues Drought Watch for Entire State

Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty today put all 67 Pennsylvania counties under a drought watch and called on residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 5 percent.

“Despite recent rainfall, precipitation levels over the last two months are below normal in every corner of the commonwealth,” McGinty said. “Two-thirds of our counties are 50 percent or more below their normal precipitation levels. The remaining counties are reporting a deficit of at least 25 percent.

“Although conservation is a year-round responsibility, now is the time for residents to manage water resources even more carefully to avoid serious problems if precipitation levels do not return to normal in the coming weeks,” McGinty said.

In addition to below normal precipitation, groundwater and surface water levels are low in many regions of the state. Even in areas with normal or near-normal groundwater and surface water levels, those levels are declining rapidly.

The Susquehanna River is 65 percent below its normal flow. Several streams and rivers recently posted record low flows for this time of year, including: Loyalhanna Creek, Westmoreland County; the Clarion River, Clarion County; Dyberry Creek, Wayne County; the Schuylkill River, Schuylkill County; Muncy Creek, Sullivan County; and Conodoguinet Creek, Cumberland County.

Public water suppliers, businesses and industries should monitor supplies during this drought watch period. Water-intensive commercial users should try to conserve water.A drought watch is the lowest of three levels of drought status, asking for a 5 percent reduction in water use by residents. The next stage, a drought warning, calls for a voluntary reduction of 10 percent to 15 percent. A drought emergency, the final stage, includes mandatory water use reductions of at least 15 percent. Pennsylvania’s last declared drought emergency was in 2002.

All 67 Pennsylvania counties have been in normal status since seven counties on the western edge of Pennsylvania were upgraded from a drought watch to normal on June 18, 2003. With that upgrade, it was the first time since Aug. 8, 2001, that the entire state was normal.

“There are actions that all of us can take to reduce our daily water use in and around our homes,” McGinty said. “Not only will these actions conserve water, but they also will help families save money.”

Indoor water-conservation tips include:

• Using washing machines and dishwashers only when loads are full.
• Not running water continuously while shaving, brushing teeth or washing dishes by hand.
• Refrigerating tap water to avoid running the faucet waiting for cold water.
• Taking shorter showers.
• Installing new shower heads and sink faucets equipped with water-saving devices, such as aerators or spray taps.
• Repairing leaking and dripping faucets and leaking toilets.
• Replacing older toilets with newer, low-consumption toilets.

Outdoor water-conservation tips include:

• Holding back from watering lawns, unless newly seeded (grass often goes dormant --- it does not die --- during dry conditions).
• Limiting vehicle washing.
• Sweeping sidewalks and driveways, rather than washing them.

Pennsylvania’s Drought Task Force will meet Friday, April 14 to review the current precipitation numbers and overall status of surface water and groundwater resources.More information on drought conditions, as well as real-time monitoring of drought indicators, is available on DEP’s Web site at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/, Keyword: “Drought.”

(Source: Department of Environmental Protection media release)

Ancient Ants Arose 140-168 Million Years Ago

Ants are considerably older than previously believed, having originated 140 to 168 million years ago, according to new research on the cover of this week's issue of the journal Science.

But these resilient insects, now found in terrestrial ecosystems the world over, apparently began to diversify only about 100 million years ago in concert with the flowering plants, the scientists say.

"This study integrates numerous fossil records and a large molecular data set to infer the evolutionary radiation of ants, which have deeper roots than we thought," said Chuck Lydeard, program director in NSF's Division of Environmental Biology, which funded the research.

The study was also supported by the Green Fund.

Led by biologists Corrie Moreau and Naomi Pierce of Harvard University, the researchers reconstructed the ant family tree using DNA sequencing of six genes from 139 representative ant genera, encompassing 19 of 20 ant subfamilies around the world.

"Ants are a dominant feature of nearly all terrestrial ecosystems, and yet we know surprisingly little about their evolutionary history: the major groupings of ants, how they are related to each other, and when and how they arose," said Moreau. "We now have a clear picture of how this extraordinarily dominant - in ecological terms - and successful - in evolutionary terms - group of insects originated and diversified."

Moreau, Pierce and colleagues used a "molecular clock" calibrated with 43 fossils distributed throughout the ant family tree to date key events in the evolution of ants, providing a well-supported estimate for the age of modern lineages. Their conclusion that modern-day ants arose 140 to 168 million years ago pushes back the origin of ants at least 40 million years earlier than had previously been believed based on estimates from the fossil record.

"Our results support the hypothesis that ants were able to capitalize on the ecological opportunities provided by flowering plants and the herbivorous insects that co-evolved with them," said Pierce. The herbivorous insects that evolved alongside flowering plants provided food for the ants.

The researchers found that the poorly known ant subfamily Leptanillinae is the most ancient, followed by two broad groups known as the poneroids (predatory hunting ants) and the formicoids (more familiar species such as pavement ants and carpenter ants).

Other co-authors of the Science paper are Charles Bell at Florida State University and Roger Vila and S. Bruce Archibald in Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering, with an annual budget of $5.58 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 1,700 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 40,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes nearly 10,000 new funding awards. The NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

(Source: National Science Foundation media release)

Sentinel Covers Creek Road Recreational Site Issue

Tonight's edition of the Carlisle Sentinel covers the recent North Middleton Township Supervisors Meeting in which the Carlisle Aeromodelers Club asked for exclusive use of the Creek Road Recreational Site, a recycled landfill next to North Ridge.

Township supervisors did not agree with the club's request for exclusive use of the township property, sending the issue to the township's recreation board, which last year passed a resolution to open the field to the public.

To read the Carlisle Sentinel story, click here.

North Ridge Buzz has been following this developing story for the past several months. For past stories click here, here, here, or here.

Muhammad Ali’s Toughest Fight: Neurology Now Tells the Inside Story

Muhammad Ali has been quoted and written about more than anyone in the world. Yet for all those words, few people have ever seen him as he is portrayed in the new issue of Neurology Now, a magazine for patients with neurological conditions and their families.

The cover story extends Muhammad Ali’s legacy as a sports legend and cultural icon to add another courageous facet: the world’s most famous Parkinson’s patient.

The article provides this private look at how the world’s most public figure battles Parkinson’s disease with the same conviction that made him champion in and out of the ring:

• Anecdotes from family and friends paint a moving portrait of Ali’s daily life in the face of worsening symptoms that have stilled his voice and slowed his movements.

• Evidence from his trainer Angelo Dundee and daughter Rasheda indicates that Ali may have boxed with symptoms of Parkinsonism, the umbrella term for movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease.

• The world-renowned neurologist who diagnosed Ali’s Parkinsonism, Stanley Fahn, M.D., traces the disorder’s progression over the ensuing 22 years and casts doubt upon the commonly held belief that Ali’s symptoms were caused by boxing.
  

The Muhammad Ali story was never just about boxing, but now that’s true more than ever. Now it’s the story of a once-dynamic champion battling a debilitating disease in a way that inspires us all. To tell it as it’s never been told, Neurology Now enlisted boxing expert Wallace Matthews, who has known and covered Ali for over two decades as an award-winning writer and television reporter. And the article is enhanced by the photographs of Neil Leifer, whose shots have graced more Sports Illustrated and TIME magazine covers than anyone ever.

Ali’s daughter has teamed up with the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) to help educate the public about Parkinson’s disease. She has recorded Public Service Announcements promoting the AAN’s new clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease. For more information on the guidelines visit www.aan.com.

Neurology Now is the American Academy of Neurology’s official magazine for patients, their families and caregivers. Published bimonthly by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a leading international publisher of health and medical publications, the magazine provides accurate and important new information about advances and treatments in all neurological disorders. It offers expert advice about wellness and disease prevention, new medications and therapies, and strategies for coping with neurological disorders. Its goals range from improving communication between patients and caregivers to supporting disease awareness and self-management. Access back issues at www.neurologynow.com.

(Source: American Academy of Neurology media release)

Life Expectancy: Women Now On Top Everywhere

2006 is likely to be the first year in human history when – across almost all the world – women can expect to outlive men, say researchers in this week’s British Medical Journal.

The trend towards this remarkable achievement will probably be confirmed this week in the 2006 world health report.

“We tend to forget that in many countries of the world women could expect, until recently, to live fewer years than men and that maternal death in particular remains a big killer,” write Danny Dorling and colleagues. In Europe, men last outlived women in the Netherlands in 1860 and in Italy in 1889. Elsewhere females’ life expectancy has long exceeded males’: in Sweden since 1751, Denmark since 1835, England and Wales since 1841.

But in all western European countries the life expectancy gap between women and men is now narrowing.

Greater emancipation has freed women to demand better health care and to behave more like men, and most importantly to smoke, say the authors. As this transition is so recent, the processes driving it cannot be purely biological: they relate primarily to social change.

“We must remember, though, that life expectancy data apply from birth onwards, so the picture would be different in some countries if life expectancy from conception was considered,” they add. “But even the life expectancy from birth may not be a permanent achievement, given that the largest remaining untapped market for cigarettes in the world is made up of women living in poorer countries,” they conclude.

Click here to view full editorial: http://press.psprings.co.uk/bmj/april/edit808.pdf

(Source: British Medical Journal via Newswise)

Marchers Wanted

The Carlisle Joint Veteran's Council of Carlisle cordially invites

all veterans and other patriotic individual units, groups, and civic

organizations to participate in the

2006 Carlisle Memorial Day Parade

May 29 at 9 a.m.

(Assemble at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of High and North Streets)

Please contact

William L. Martin

(717) 243-5338

No later than April 25

Pro-trainers for Kids, a Dangerous Trend?

Each year in the United States, 3 million children and adolescents get hurt playing sports. But despite these statistics, an alarming number of parents are enrolling their kids in training programs designed to turn young Jimmy or Susan into the next super athlete.

"Pushing kids too hard during activities involving running, jumping or kicking can sideline them for good," said sports medicine expert Howard J. Palamarchuk DPM. "Children are not miniature adults and should never be expected to perform like professional athletes."

Exercise and sport psychologist, Michael Sachs Ph.D., adds that this new trend toward sport specialization and year-round training can lead to emotional burnout for kids and unnecessary anxiety for parents. "Kids start to wonder if "mommy and daddy will still love me if I don't win," and parents feel burned if young Johnny or Susie loses interest in an activity that they've invested huge amounts of money and time supporting."

Both suggest that children first start playing in sports -related leagues where they focus in on teamwork and fun. They also recommend that kids be encouraged to try several different sports over time. And if an injury occurs, parents should encourage their children to take a break to heal completely.

(Source: Temple University media release via Newswise)

Getting Comfortable With Color -- Home Decorating Tips

Want to give your home a splash of color but afraid it will be too brash? Davis Remignanti, lead Design Consultant at www.Furniture.com offers some step-by-step advice on making good color choices.

"Start with the walls," Davis advises. "Unless you live in an apartment and can't paint, avoid white walls."

Incorporating color into your home doesn't have to be intimidating -- if you put it into perspective.

"Reflect on your own fashion tastes when choosing colors for your home. Many people know what colors look good on them. Those same colors can be incorporated into your personal space, because they are familiar, flattering and comforting."

Davis suggests

• First Things First: Identify any major room features that you can't (or don't want to) change -- the color of woodwork, the brick in the hearth -- then decorate with and around them.


• Work Your Way Up: If starting with an empty room, select a rug or floor covering first. You're more likely to match walls and furniture to the rug than vice versa. The colors in your rug will provide good choices for wall and accent colors.


• Create Your Color Palette: Good room design should incorporate a palette of at least five colors: two main colors, one supporting color and two accent colors. For hints on combining colors, see http://www.furniture.com/color.


• Create a Flow: For rooms connected by an open archway or large doorway, choose harmonious color palettes. You'll create a color link between the two spaces and avoid a jarring transition from one room to th next.


• Use Patterns Sparingly: For beginners, it's better to use only a single pattern per room. If the rug carries a pattern, avoid "competition" by keeping window treatments, upholstery and accents simple.


• Don't Over-Indulge: Too much of the same color in a room can be a mistake. Even if it's your favorite color, maintain a good balance of main colors and accent colors around your room.


• Light It Up: Generate an elegant room-wide glow by using gold or peach hued light bulbs in table lamps. Bright enough for daily tasks, they can add a beautiful warm tone to a room.


• Embrace Change: Be brave with your accent colors, because they can be changed easily. Candles can be burned, picture frames re-painted, pillows recovered. Go with your instincts, but don't be discouraged if you're not happy with your choice -- it's all part of the process of getting comfortable with color.

"Whatever the decorating challenge, it's important to remember, no rules are written in stone. Still not confident about making color choices? Many manufacturers now offer paint samples and fabric swatches -- take advantage and test your color combining skills on a small scale first."

"In the end," Davis advises, "take your time and enjoy the experience. Your color confidence will grow with each project. And before long, you'll have created a stylish, inviting home, and your friends will start asking you for color advice!"

(Source: www.Furniture.com media release)

Report Indicates Health Care Vital To Pennsylvania Economy, But System Is Stressed And Access Questionable

Group Calls for Statewide Summit to Address Report's Findings

According to a 120-page report issued today covering the state of medicine in Pennsylvania, health care plays a significant role in the state’s economy; however, the future of patient care is uncertain as problems with insurance and supply of services as well as increased demand for care combine to severely stress the system.

“The State of Medicine in Pennsylvania – 2005” report, issued by the Pennsylvania Medical Society, comes after a nine-month analysis of various data sources related to physician services. Data sources reviewed in the report come from both governmental and non-governmental offices including the state’s Office of Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare), Medicare, and the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council.

“This report is not intended to play politics and the medical society intentionally did not draw conclusions or present solutions,” said Pennsylvania Medical Society President Mark A. Piasio, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon from DuBois. “This is concrete evidence that hopefully will initiate discussion with stakeholders on how to best preserve patient access to quality care.”

“The time for finger pointing is over and hopefully those interested in solving problems will want to be a part of the solution,” Dr. Piasio added, mentioning that the Pennsylvania Medical Society will organize a statewide summit to open discussion of the report’s findings and to provide all interested parties an opportunity to make recommendations on how to preserve the future of health care so that every Pennsylvanian has access.

According to the report, unprecedented demand for health care services in the country, particularly Pennsylvania, has placed the health care delivery system under significant pressure from many directions.

Among the study’s key findings:

• In 2003, health care represented 11.7 percent of all U.S. non-governmental jobs. In Pennsylvania, the percentage was 14 percent.
• In 2004, hospitals, physicians, health insurers, home health care providers, nursing homes, and prescription drugs accounted for 12 percent of Pennsylvania’s $464 billion gross state product.
• In 2004, Pennsylvania had about 2.1 million Medicare beneficiaries and about 1.7 million Medicaid recipients.
• In 2004, the number of uninsured in Pennsylvania was between 900,000 and 1.5 million.
• Commercial health insurance enrollment in Pennsylvania declined from 7.1 million lives in 2000 to 5.4 million lives in 2005.
• The financial health of Pennsylvania’s health insurers is vital to citizens of the commonwealth; however, Pennsylvania health insurance premiums are higher than the rest of the U.S. and are increasing at greater rates.
• Pennsylvania hospital admissions are on the rise.
• Because of Pennsylvania’s aging population, Pennsylvania physicians see more Medicare patients than most other states.
• Between 1999 and 2005, the top 20 most populous states saw a 15 to 35 percent increase in the number of physicians with a Medicare unique physician identification number permitting them to bill for Medicare services and refer Medicare patients. However, Pennsylvania saw a 10 percent decline.
• Pennsylvania Mcare Fund data indicate that the number of permanent full-time equivalent physicians has fallen from 36,500 in 1998 to 32,000 in 2004.
• The percentage of part-time permanent physicians has increased from 6 percent to 16.5 percent of the physician work force.
• In 2004, only 7.8 percent of Pennsylvania doctors-in-training stayed in Pennsylvania after completing residency, down from 50.5 percent in 1994.
• In 2004, the National Practitioner Data Bank documented Pennsylvania physician liability insurance payouts of $450 million, up from $180 million in 1991.
• By 2010, Pennsylvania could face a shortfall of nearly 10,000 physicians based upon current trends related to supply and demand.

The full report includes seven chapters, each covering a separate issue related to physician-directed patient care in Pennsylvania. Those chapters include:

• The role of medical care in the U.S. and Pennsylvania economies
• Trends in health insurance coverage that affect access to medical care in Pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania’s health insurers
• Pennsylvania’s hospitals
• Physician payment and practice costs in Pennsylvania
• Physician manpower and work load
• Physician liability issues

The lead researcher on the report was Stephen Foreman, Ph.D., J.D., M.P.A., who serves as associate professor of health economics and allied health at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh.

For a copy of the report’s executive summary or to order a copy of the full report, visit www.pamedsoc.org/SoM.

For an Associated Press story on this issue, click here.

Another Poll Related To Pennsylvania Guv's Race

Well another poll came out today on the Pennsylvania governor's race. This time from New England's Quinnipiac University. In recent weeks, several polls have come out, and depending upon which one you believe either 1) Rendell is ahead; 2) Swann is ahead; or 3) it's too close to call. Makes one wonder, doesn't it! Anyway, here are the results of the latest one to be published ...

• Rendell Leads Swann By 10 Points, 47 - 37 percent

• Blacks Back Rendell 6 - 1

• Rendell leads Swann 74 - 15 percent among Democrats and 50 - 28 percent among independent voters

• Swann leads 63 - 21 percent among Republicans

• Men back Rendell 50 - 35 percent, while women back him 45 - 38 percent

• Only 21 percent of voters say Swann has the right kind of experience to be Governor. Another 43 percent say he doesn't have the experience and 36 percent are undecided.

• 75 percent of voters say a black candidate such as Swann can get enough support from white voters to be elected Governor of Pennsylvania.

• Rendell has a 46 - 37 percent approval rating among Pennsylvania voters, down from 51 - 33 percent February 15. He has a 35 - 27 percent favorability, with 24 percent mixed and 13 percent who haven't heard enough to form an opinion.

• Voters give Swann a 23 - 12 percent favorability rating, with 11 percent mixed and 52 percent who haven't heard enough to form an opinion.

• Voters disapprove 45 - 35 percent of the way Rendell is handling the state budget.

To learn more about this poll, click here.

For past North Ridge Buzz stories related to the Governor's Race, click here, here, here, here, and here.

(Source: Quinnipiac University media release)

Not Your Parents’ Fat Rules Anymore: Consumers Confused On The Healthfulness Of Dietary Fats

After 20 years of advice from health professionals warning of the health risks associated with consuming too much fat in our diet, there is strong evidence that consumers got this message. Now science suggests that consumers should not only be eating the right amount of fat, but also the right type. That begs the question: has consumer understanding caught up with the science?

A new online survey of Americans’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to food and health conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation among 1,060 Americans age 18 or older in November 2005 sheds some insights on this subject. (See Methodology under Supporting Data below)


Concern and Awareness

HighAbout two-thirds of consumers say they are somewhat or very concerned about both the amount and type of fat in their diet. When asked “Which of the following types of fats have you heard of,” a majority of consumers were aware of many different types and sources of fats. (See Data Slide 1 under Supporting Data below)

Highest awareness was of saturated fat (91%), vegetable oils—including canola, corn, soybean, and olive oil (86%), animal fats (83%), trans fat (81%), and polyunsaturated fats (79%). (See Data Slide 2 under Supporting Data below)


Mixed Understanding of the Healthfulness of Fats

In terms of healthfulness, consumers rate fish oil (70%) and omega-3 fatty acids (58%) as “somewhat or extremely healthful.” Consumers rate animal, saturated, and trans fats as least healthful. The most confusion exists around polyunsaturated fats, the type of fats considered healthful by health professionals. While consumers indicate high awareness of polyunsaturated fats, close to half say that they are neither healthful nor unhealthful. (See Data Slides 3 and 4 under Supporting Data below)

“In this complicated dietary fats communication environment, consumers get the message to pay attention to the amount and type of fat to consume, but there is still confusion,” said Susan T. Borra, RD, President of the IFIC Foundation and past president of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). “Consumers tell us they are confused because they believe dietary advice is conflicting and constantly changing. It’s hard for them to keep it all straight.”

Many Consumers Not Taking Action

Nearly half of consumers indicate they are not trying to increase or decrease the amount of the various fats that they consume. Further, approximately 60 percent say they are not trying to consume more or less of the healthful polyunsaturated fats. However, some consumers report that they are trying to consume more fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids and less animal, saturated, and trans fats. (See Data Slides 5 and 6 under Supporting Data below)

“We know consumers recognize the various types of dietary fats but have a hard time determining what types to increase or decrease in their diet,” said Borra. “This provides an opportunity to encourage consumers to choose foods rich in healthful fats such as plant-based oils, fish, and nuts.”

(Source: International Food Information Council media release)

Summertime Adventure in North Middleton Township

According to the 2006 Spring/Summer North Middleton Township newsletter ...

Sumertime Adventure is a program for children ages 5 through 12. It offers games, crafts, exercise, and fun for all. This six-week program begins on June 12 and ends on July 21. The program is held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Village Park off Suncrest Drive. You do not have to be a North Middleton Township resident to attend.

For questions or additional information, contact program coordinator Cindy Bear at 243-9356.

(Editor's Note: We know Cindy personally through church. And, while I sat on the township rec board, I got to know more about this free activity for children. Cindy does an outstanding job, and those interested are encouraged to participate. Last year, the Carlisle Sentinel did a great story on Cindy and this program. To read that story, click here.)

Pennsylvania Spring Road Trips

Special events and attractions to visit this spring in Pennsylvania

Springtime in Pennsylvania is beckoning travel enthusiasts to take a peek at Asia’s influences on the silver screen, explore a piece of World War II history, get soaked at the newest of water park attractions and shop for the oldest antique treasures.

What’s equally enticing is the fact that Pennsylvania’s events and attractions are within a day’s drive of nearly half of the U.S. population. So, get in the car and take a roadtrip in the State of Independence this spring.

The premiere of the Silk Screen: Asian American Film Festival will expose visitors from across the globe to more than 30 Asian-made feature films at multiple venues. Oscar-nominated producer Jim Shamus ("Brokeback Mountain," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") has brought his creativity to the festival as part of the advisory board. A gala, workshops and presentations will also showcase some of the best filmmaking in the world, shining a light on multiple Asian influences. Pittsburgh, May 12-20.

The Pittsburgh International Children’s Fest celebrates its 20th birthday this year on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Over five days, audiences of all ages will enjoy the best children's theater from around the world, as well as hands-on educational activities. Pittsburgh, May 17-21.

The Birthplace of Memorial Day, colonial Boalsburg near State College, commemorates this piece of history with a town-wide celebration each Memorial Day weekend. The event is filled with activities like the Boalsburg Fire Company carnival and parade, World War II reenactments, arts, crafts, music and food. Boalsburg, May 27–28.

Idlewild Park and SoakZone, "one of the top two best kids’ parks in the world," according to readers of Amusement Today magazine, will unveil its $1 million, pirate-themed expansion to its popular SoakZone during opening week. Kids will walk the planks in this new area of Idlewild, Pennsylvania’s oldest amusement park and the country’s third oldest. Ligonier, May 25–29.

Other upcoming events in Pennsylvania include the Quilters’ Heritage Celebration in Lancaster, April 6-9; the annual Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration at Asa Packer Park in Jim Thorpe, May 20-21; and the 8th Annual Thunder Mountain Lenape Nation Native-American Festival in Saltsburg, August 19-20.

For a complete list of Pennsylvania’s signature events, visit www.VisitPA.com or call (800) VISIT PA.

(Source: The Pennsylvania Tourism Office media release)

Sleep Apnea Takes Your Breath Away

People may not know they have sleep apnea – a potentially life-threatening disease which increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and stroke – because outward signs of the disorder – interrupted breathing, loud snoring – occur during sleep.

Some 18 million Americans have sleep apnea; the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

“People with OSA stop breathing when throat tissues collapse and block the airway,” said Dr. Nidhi S. Undevia (Un-Day-via), Center for Sleep Disorders, Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Ill. “Sensing something is wrong, your brain wakes you up, you choke, gasp for air, then start to breathe normally and go back to sleep.

“However, the airway will close again, many, if not hundreds of times a night, preventing restful sleep,” said Undevia, assistant professor, department of medicine, division of pulmonary and critical care medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Ill. With interrupted breathing, oxygen levels may decrease and carbon dioxide levels may increase. Both are potentially hazardous.

“Even if the person was in bed for eight hours, they wake up groggy and fatigued,” said Undevia. “As a result, the person might fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as during meetings or while driving. Concentrating will be difficult.”

The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable. “The sooner the condition is identified in a sleep study and treatment begun, the better for the patient,” said Undevia.

Gregory H., 58, of Berwyn, Ill., had been healthy all his life, was enjoying his 30-year sales career when he noticed he started waking up not feeling rested. “There were times when I fell asleep at my computer,” he said. “My wife told me that I had begun snoring and it was waking her at night.” The snoring became louder and more frequent.

Then, Greg’s wife saw that her husband stopped breathing for short periods of time during the night. So Greg went to Loyola’s Center for Sleep Disorders, where he had a sleep test and was diagnosed with sleep apnea.

He started treatment for sleep apnea with a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure), which delivers continuous air pressure in the throat so the airway will not collapse. Since then, Greg and his wife are both sleeping better. And, Greg is more alert during the day.

How do you know if you have sleep apnea?

Anyone can develop sleep apnea, said Undevia, but it is more common in males over age 40; in people who have large tonsils or nasal congestion; and in people who are overweight.

“Neck circumference larger than 16 inches in women and 17 inches in men is associated with an increased risk for OSA,” said Undevia. Although snoring doesn’t necessarily mean that one has sleep apnea, most people with the condition do snore.

During normal sleep, a person’s heart has less of a workload. “When a person stops breathing, it stresses the heart and increases blood pressure,” said Undevia.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by undergoing a sleep study called a polysomnogram. The sleep test will monitor the person’s brain waves, oxygen levels, breathing, heart rate and leg movements. At Loyola, a board certified sleep physician will interpret the test and determine if sleep apnea is contributing to disturbed sleep and daytime fatigue.

(Source: Loyola University Health System media release)

Can New Nicknames Change The North Ridge Rumor Mill

Friendly North Ridge rivals say they've been mischaracterized and will work together to correct the neighborhood rumor mill.

It all started with a little trash talking during an intense North Ridge wiffleball game one hot Sunday evening last July.

Standing on the mound at Bixby Field, Kevin "Bread Dip" Bixby called Chris "I have no nickname" Morrow the "best .240 wiffleball-playing beer snob in the North Ridge Wiffleball Association." Shortly later, Bixby, who started calling himself the "King of Wiffle" reached into his cooler and popped open a cold Lion's Head, his favorite beer of choice for wiffleball.

Morrow exploded at the plate, blasting a homerun. And after Jodi was finished rounding the bases, Chris was the next at bat.

"You call yourself the 'King of Wiffle,'" Chris said. "Well, I call you the 'King of Waffles.'"

Thus the friendly feud started, and lasted through Super Bowl weekend when during a visit to see the injured Raf "Big Enchilada" Calzada, the turmoil boiled over with an argument over the best tasting beer.

The Feud, The Words, The War ... But Was It?

Although the feud lingered in the shadows of the Moran-Engelberg wiffleball incident last summer, rumors recently spread through North Ridge as fast as a one-legged Irish Step Dancer that Morrow and Bixby were at war.

"That was very disturbing," both Bixby and Morrow said in a recent exclusive interview with North Ridge Buzz.

"And, to prove that we're not at war," Morrow said, "we're gonna work together at getting better North Ridge wiffleball names for ourselves. Starting now, we're petitioning the league for new nicknames."

"Yeah, I don't like being called 'Bread dip' any longer," said Bixby. "And, to date, we've been unable to tag Chris with a neighborhood nickname since Moran stole C-Mo."

Together, the two are trying to turn their public image from oil and vinegar to bread and butter in a new union of friendship, brought together by a common cause.

The Strategy Behind The Strategy

By brainstorming together, they came up with a strategy to kill the rumor mill, and rebuild their friendly competition. The creative strategy: new nicknames for each of them.

Bixby says his new nickname is "Pistol." Morrow says his new nickname is "Lotto."

Jealous by the success of Calzada gaining the nickname of the "Big Enchilada," Bixby began his crusade to change his nickname in recent weeks and has been seen in North Ridge wearing a shirt with "Pistol" written on the back.

When asked for comment, Kevin's wife Sheila put her hands over her ears and said, "La-la-la-la-la-la-la ... I'm not hearing this." Then she blessed herself and pulled out her rosary.

Dave "Engelberg" Orr was amused with the news of the new Bixby nickname. "I once heard someone call him pea shooter," he said. "If he's 'The Pistol' then I'm 'The Cannon'. However, I'm quite happy being 'Engelberg' since he was a homerun-hitting slugger with cannons for arms like me. Oh, by the way, I'm from Philly and tell it as it is."

Morrow said he likes the idea of being called "Lotto."

"It's fitting for me since I audit the lottery," he said. "Plus I feel so lucky to have a good friend like Kevin "The Pistol" Bixby along with my many other North Ridge neighbors. This is the best neighborhood in the world."

Both Morrow and Bixby say that by having better nicknames, they also may have a better chance of making it into the majors some day.

But Will The Neighborhood Buy It?

Regarding the new efforts by Bixby and Morrow to create new nicknames in an attempt to correct the rumor mill and improve their chances of being signed by the major leagues, some in North Ridge don't believe it will help their efforts.

"I'm the best darned wiffleball player here, and that's why I was MVP last year," said Billy Etsweiler, while working on his bike one sunny Saturday afternoon. "Throughout the off-season, I've been in training in my garage, and as a final tune-up for the season, I plan to ride my bike across Ohio. I will be in the best wiffleball shape ever and will be a threat to win the MVP again. If anyone is going to the majors, it will be me."

Mike "Fishy" Frutsche, who will begin his rookie season of wiffleball as a possible starter on the mound, believes that this is a smart move for both Bixby and Morrow; however, cautioned that improper use of public relations tactics could cause injury, pain, and agony.

"You have to be careful when you pick these types of nicknames," he said, while taking off his night-vision goggles. "If you call yourself a pistol, then you have to back it up with quick feet to get extra bases, and if you call yourself lotto, then you have to be willing to gamble by going for doubles and triples instead of singles. With C-Mo in the outfield, I hear that he has the ability to cause severe pain to base runners trying to get that extra base."

Engelberg confirmed Fishy's words of caution about severe pain when trying to get an extra base.

And, Chuck "McMurphy" McMurdy agreed with Fishy too. "I'm not taking those chances," he said. "I almost blew my knee out last year trying to get to first base. When I get there, I'm a happy camper and I'm quite happy with my nickname ... by the way, can you pass me another Guinness and the Bailey's?"

The wives of North Ridge with their own rumor mill had some chuckles over the new strategy.

"Pistol?" Amy McMurphy said with a laugh. "That's not what I heard at the last Bunko night."

Sheila Bixby, still saying "la-la-la-la" and covering her ears, pointed to Trish Calzada for comment next.

Trish, who understands the agony of pain during a wiffleball game after a season-ending injury, serves as the North Ridge Buzz Political and Regulatory Affairs Editor. In a politically correct way, she said, "Well, we were talking about all types of things at the last Bunko Night including recipes for pea soup, bread dip, and enchiladas. We often see this type of confusion in government work and political campaigns. The bottom line is whether or not the taxpayer buys it ... or in this case, if members of the North Ridge Wiffleball Association buy in. If they do, well then we have 'The Pistol' and "Lotto' joining the great other nicknames of the League such as 'Big Enchilada,' 'Engleberg,' and 'C-Mo'."

Lori "L-mo" Moran added, "But if we don't buy into 'The Pistol' and 'Lotto' then we're left with 'Bread Dip' and 'I need a nickname.' I think the proper thing to do would be to let Sheila and Jodi make the final call. Women power! Hey, by the way, if anyone wants to go for a walk, let me know."

(Photo captions: Top, Kevin Bixby doesn't believe "Bread Dip" is the best nickname for him, and he's planning on being called "Pistol" instead. Bottom, Sheila Bixby wants nothing to do with the idea of "The Pistol" however, Dave "Engelberg" Orr finds the entire situation amusing.)

Phillies Opening Day Schedule, Trivia

Monday, April 1, is opening day for the Philadelphia Phillies season at Citizens Bank Park. Here is the opening day schedule and trivia ...

12:05 pm - Gates Open

12:20 pm - 1:20 pm - Phillies batting practice

1:20 pm - 2:10 pm - Cardinals batting practice/infield

2:25 pm - Parade of Athletes ... Phillies players will parade in led by Cardinal O'Hara Marching Band.

2:38 pm - America the Beautiful will be performed by the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Mens' Chorale, directed by Jeffrey R. Smith as personnel from the Willow Grove Naval Air Station and the 56th Brigade of the Pennsylvania National Guard unfurl the American Flag.

2:41 pm - Introductions ... Cardinals

2:44 pm - Introductions ... Phillies

2:49 pm - National Anthem will be performed by the Philadelphia Boys Choir
Flyover, 111th Fighter Wing, Willow Grove, PA.

2:53 pm - United States Falling Angels Skydiving Event team will bring in the first ball.

2:59 pm - First Ball ... Kimmie Meissner, 2006 World Figure Skating Champion and member University of Delaware Figure Skating Club. Also throwing out a first ball will be Warren Bloom from Philadelphia who is the winner of the Modell's Sporting Goods first ball contest.

3:05 pm - Play Ball!

End - 5th - Phillie Phanatic and Fred Bird will perform.

Mid - 7th - God Bless America will be performed by Art Garfunkel.

End - 7th - Miss America will dance with the Phillie Phanatic.

Trivia
Phillies have a 1-1 record in Citizens Bank Park opening games. (2004 lost to the Reds 4-1; 2005 beat Nationals 8-4)

The Phillies are sold out for the opener on Monday; it will be the fourth straight home opener to be sold out. 500 standing room only tickets will go on sale on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the CBP box office.

(Source: Philadelphia Phillies news release)