State Police To Put Special Focus On Drinking And Driving During Labor Day Weekend

State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller earlier this week said state police will put a special focus on drinking and driving during the Labor Day holiday driving period.

“We want everyone to get home safely,” Miller said. “Stay sober if you intend to drive. If you’ve been drinking, don’t get behind the wheel.”

Miller said State Police, municipal police, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other agencies are participating in a campaign with a simple message: “Drunk driving: Over the limit, under arrest.”

Miller said the department has received federal funding to provide 500 hours of overtime to each troop for DUI enforcement through October.

“Troopers arrested a record 13,406 intoxicated drivers in 2005,” Miller said. “Based on results so far this year, we will exceed last year’s total in 2006.”

During the official Labor Day holiday driving period last year, 12 individuals were killed and 353 were injured in 665 crashes investigated by State Police. Miller said 65 of the 665 crashes were alcohol-related, including two of the fatal crashes. Troopers charged 226 motorists with driving under the influence during the period.

This year’s official Labor Day holiday driving period runs Sept. 1 through Sept. 4.

Miller said State Police again this year will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), a national program committed to traffic-crash reduction on interstate highways during holiday weekends.

“Operation C.A.R.E. is now in its 29th year of operation,” Miller said. “The program was started to deter the three key causes of highway traffic fatalities: speeding, impaired driving and failure to use occupant restraints.”

A Serving of Exercise After That Saturated Fat

Physical activity after a high-fat meal not only reverses the arterial dysfunction caused by fatty foods but improves the function of these same arteries compared to before the meal, according to new research from Indiana University.

The findings, reported in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, are part of a growing focus on the effect food has on the body after the meal -- also known as the postprandial state. After a fatty meal, arteries lose their ability to expand in response to an increase in blood flow, with the effect peaking four to six hours after eating -- just in time for the next meal.

"What happens four hours after that high-fat meal is that your artery looks just like the arteries of a person who has heart disease," said co-author Janet P. Wallace, professor in IU Bloomington's Department of Kinesiology. "What our study showed is that when you exercise after that meal, it doesn't look like a sick artery anymore."

The postprandial state is an important period to study, Wallace said, because of the amount of time people spend in it throughout their day, and its influence on conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The research examined whether physical activity lessened the well-documented impairment of vascular endothelial function -- the ability of the vessel to expand in response to an increase in blood flow -- after a high-fat meal.

"The impairment of endothelial function after a fatty meal is a key factor in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of illness and death in Western society," said lead author Jaume Padilla, a doctoral student in IU Bloomington's Department of Kinesiology. "Results from this study suggest that physical activity may be effective in reversing the adverse vascular effects observed following the consumption of a high-fat meal."

Wallace said the oxidation of high-fat meals causes oxidative stress markers that harm the arteries and contribute to such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and cancer. Their research shows that physical activity counteracts this oxidative effect. The next step, Wallace said, is to show how.

Eight study subjects, all 25-year-olds who were determined to be physically active and apparently healthy, walked on a treadmill for 45 minutes two hours after eating either a high-fat breakfast (940 calories; 50 percent fat) or a low-fat breakfast of comparable calories. The high-fat breakfast included eggs, sausage and hash browns. It included 48 grams of fat (16.5 grams saturated fat and 4.5 grams trans fat), 33 grams protein, 91 grams carbohydrates, 280 milligrams of cholesterol and 2,220 milligrams of sodium. The low-fat meal included cereal with skim milk and orange juice and amounted to 945 calories. It included no fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 23 grams of protein, 209 grams of carbohydrates and 959 milligrams of sodium.

In their study, Wallace and Padilla tested the brachial artery because it is supposed to mimic the coronary arteries. Wallace said the artery responded better after the physical activity than it did before the high-fat meal. More research should be conducted, she said, involving older populations.

The article, "The effect of acute exercise on endothelial function following a high-fat meal," can be found at http://www.springerlink.com/content/m6n9l1ml2w35n732/?p=78f6ae0e23224ab2907ca43acf1a7d7b&pi=0&hl=u, in the journal's on-line version. The article will appear in a September issue of the journal. Co-authors include Alyce D. Fly, an associate professor in IU Bloomington's Department of Applied Health Science; Ryan A. Harris, a doctoral student in the Department of Kinesiology; and Lawrence D. Rink, clinical professor in IU's School of Medicine. The departments of Kinesiology and Applied Health Science are in the IU Bloomington School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

(Source: Indiana University news release)

Holy Spirit Health System to Offer Free Program in September on Arthritis and Joint Replacements

Holy Spirit Health System will host a free program in September for individuals interested in learning more about arthritis. Millions of Americans suffer the crippling effects of arthritis – pain, discomfort, swelling, stiffness, fever, deformity and immobility. Physicians will talk about joint replacements and procedures that can alleviate the suffering.

On Wednesday, September 6, Craig W. Fultz, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeons of Central Pennsylvania, Ltd., will present "Total Joint Replacement for Arthritis of the Hip and Knee" at 10 a.m. Three physicians from the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania will present from 6 to 8 p.m. William J. Polacheck, Jr., MD, will begin with "Total Joint Replacement for Hip Arthritis." Stephen W. Dailey, MD, will present "Upper Extremity Arthritis: Treatment Options," and Richard J. Boal, MD, will speak on "Advances in Total Knee Surgery." A question and answer session will follow the formal presentations.

Orthopedic nurses, physical therapists and Comfort Care Home Health staff will be available to answer questions regarding care following surgery. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Zimmer Mobile Learning Center to see how innovative treatments and products can help improve the quality of life for those with arthritis.

The seminars will be held in Holy Spirit Hospital’s auditorium. The Zimmer Mobile Learning Center will be located in the hospital parking lot.

Light refreshments will be served. There is no need to register for these seminars.

(Source: Holy Spirit Hospital media release)

Bixby Bus Stop Safest One In North Ridge Thanks To Special Measures Taken

Although Sheila Could Be The Neighborhood Lurker

According to a front page story in the Harrisburg Patriot-News today, North Ridge resident Sheila Bixby makes sure that her kids are safe at the bus stop in front of their house.

In fact after reading the Patriot-News story, many in the neighborhood believe the Bixby bus stop may be the neighborhood's safest.

While Sheila is yielding to her children's independence by allowing them to stand at the bus stop (normally she'd walk them down on a parent-child leash), the article says she's not giving in on safety. For many years, Sheila made the daily trek down the driveway, walking Number One to the bus stop. But, as Number One is growing up and almost in high school, the daughter wanted some independence from her nagging mom.

Now, Sheila just lurks in the background.

"I know you don't like it, but I watch you from the window," Sheila was quoted in the Patriot-News.

But Sheila doesn't stop there when it comes to safety and security, especially since her husband, Kevin "Bread Dip" Bixby, appears to be lazy these days since he's too busy playing with his baseball cards. (click here to see his latest baseball card project).

Her frustration with Bread Dip's baseball card project can be heard in her voice. "I don't care if U.L Washington used a toothpick," she said while wildly swinging her hands. "I want to make sure my kids are safe, including backpack safety for Number Two, so I don't appreciate him making them walk the neighborhood with 25 pound weights in their packs."

With such frustration, Sheila is now taking matters into her own hands by sending her children out on the street with boxing gloves to make the stop even safer. One day, Sheila sent Number Three out five minutes early to sweep the neighborhood of thugs.

"I've been a nervous wreck ever since I called the cops on the Carlisle Sentinel delivery guy today because I thought he was a stalker," said Amy "Who's Your Paddy" McMurdy. "I was thinking of getting another 2-by-4 to jam into my doorstop as an extra means of security, but now I'm very relieved to know that Sheila is cleaning up the neighborhood. Her kids are the toughest in the neighborhood, but of course they have to be coming from that end of the neighborhood."

However, some are worried about Sheila's quote in the Patriot-News today. As written earlier in this blog story, Sheila was quoted as saying "I know you don't like it, but I watch you from the window."

This has the Dave "Engelberg" Orr worried.

"Here we go again," Engelberg said. "Another neighbor peeking out their window at me. Now you know why I put that fence around my pool. Everyone wants to watch me in my bathing suit."

Another neighbor wonders if Sheila was the person who stole something from him. "I've been looking for my night vision goggles for months," said Mike "Fishy" Frutsche, who lost them sometime around the date of the Eskimo Plunge that was organized by Bread Dip. "Now that I know Sheila lurks behind windows watching people, I wonder if she stole them from me to watch people at night."

Chris "Tom" Morrow had this to say about Sheila being the neighborhood lurker and possibly a thief. "Those Bixby's are always stealing from neighbors," he said. "They stole my wiffleball game the other night. And, then they told C-Mo to steal my nickname. And, to make matters worse, Bread Dip once stole one of my fine British ales and replaced it with an Iron City."

When asked to comment on that, Kevin "Bread Dip" Bixby was confused and responded, "Did you know that Wayne Twitchell's 1979 Topps Baseball Card shows him playing for the Montreal Expos ... a great Canadian team. Nothing like Canadian baseball cards and a Tim Horton donut. I can eat dozens of Tim Horton donuts, especially those maple-filled ones."

(Photo captions: Top, Can you imagine that a dad would make his daughter walk around with 25 pound weights in her backpack? Well, Bread Dip did! Middle: Sheila sent Number Three out to clean the streets of thugs. Bottom: Bread Dip can't help himself at a Tim Horton's. He drove 8 hours just to eat this donut.)

North Ridge's Friday Night Football Section Announced For Carlisle's Season Opener

Like last year, North Ridge's social director Kevin "Bread Dip" Bixby recently announced that for the opening night of the Carlisle High School football season that those neighbors interested in supporting the Herd as a neighborhood will again meet at the high school stadium in the upper right side of the home bleachers.

This year the season opens on Friday, September 1, in a home match-up against Mechanicsburg. Game time is 7 p.m.

"Last year, we had about eight families gather there at the opening game to support the high school team," Bread dip said. "I hope the entire neighborhood will come out and join us this Friday night. We had such a great time last year."

Many in attendance at last year's home opener noted that the neighborhood kids really enjoyed the evening.

"I saw one neighborhood boy with funnel cake all over his face," said Raf "Big Enchilada" Calzada. "They just had a great time eating cake and peanuts, while watching the game."

However, while many in the neighborhood will be enjoying the game, one neighbor will be busy working the food stands. North Ridge resident Dave "Engelberg" Orr finds himself in charge of supplies for the food stands operated by the high school band parents.

"We'll have hot dogs, soda, candy ... etc.," Engelberg said. "If you can eat it, we'll sell it. Make sure you support our band by buying a hot dog at the game."

But this is where there may be some controversy. Last year, paperwork filed by Engelberg indicated that he had bought 500 hot dogs for the east side bleacher stand for the home opener. However, despite selling out of hot dogs, sales receipts for that game indicate that only 447 were sold, leaving 53 hot dogs mysteriously disappearing.

"Hey, I don't know what happened to those 53 missing hot dogs," Engelberg declared immediately after the game while wiping mustard off his shirt. "Maybe it was Bread dip Bixby?"

But, Bread dip says don't look at him. "I fill up on bread dip before going to the games, so I'm usually not hungry for 53 hot dogs during the game," Bixby declared. "All I know is that Mary said that Engelberg was up all night after that game with an upset stomach."


North Ridge Friday Night Lights Details
Carlisle HS Home Football Opener vs. Mechanicsburg HS
Friday, September 1
Game time 7 p.m.
All North Ridge neighbors wishing to cheer together should meet in the upper right side of the home bleachers.


Other Friday, September 1, Sporting Opportunities
Capital Area Classic Cross Country Meet
Dickinson College and Elizabethtown College at Messiah College
Men's race starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the women's race.

A Reminder From The State Police On School Safety

The Pennsylvania State Police remind motorists to slow down and use extra caution while driving now that the school year is starting. Drivers will see students walking to and from school and to school bus stops. School buses will be loading and unloading children.

Following are safety reminders for students and drivers.

Students:

• Never walk close to the front or sides of the bus. The bus driver may not be able to see you.
• When crossing the street to get onto the bus, always look left, then right, then left again.
• If you drop something near the bus, don’t pick it up until you tell the bus driver. Otherwise, he or she may not see you.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens and the driver says it’s okay to board before stepping onto the bus.
• Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell you parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.

Motorists:

• Yellow flashing lights on the bus indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and load or unload. You need to slow down and get ready to stop.
• Red flashing lights and a stop signal arm indicate that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. You must stop your vehicle at least 10 feet before reaching the school bus. You may not proceed until the flashing red signal lights are no long activated.
• You can be fined $250 for each violation when improperly meeting or overtaking a school bus. Additionally, a conviction will result in a 60-day driver’s license suspension and assessment of 5 points on the operator’s driving record.
• Please obey all posted speed limits; especially in school zones, where the penalties for speeding are enhanced.

Children walking to school or school buses stopping for children could slow down your morning or evening commute. Adjust your driving schedule appropriately.

(Source: Pennsylvania State Police news release)

Online Tools Help People Learn About Cholesterol, Reduce Risk

The American Heart Association has an abundance of scientifically sound information about cholesterol -- and it's free, online and available year-round.

Nearly 100 million Americans have total cholesterol levels that are borderline-high or higher (200 mg/dL or more), levels that put them at greater risk for heart disease and stroke. Many of these people go undiagnosed for years. This is tragic, because much can be done to lower cholesterol levels and reduce risk. A 10 percent decrease in total cholesterol levels population-wide could result in 30 percent reduction in the incidence of heart disease.

The association's Cholesterol Low Down program provides information on learning your cholesterol numbers by getting a simple blood test and being aware of your risk for heart disease.

"Patients know that cholesterol is important, but they need to better understand their own numbers so they can see their risks for heart disease and stroke -- the No. 1 and No. 3 causes of death in America," said Roger S. Blumenthal, M.D., associate professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital and School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md.

Heart Profilers, an online treatment decision tool, has five modules to educate patients about various heart conditions -- including one on cholesterol. When you visit the Heart Profilers cholesterol tool will ask you questions about your numbers, then create a customized report on treatment options and possible side effects. You can print the report and work with your physician to help you choose the appropriate option.

"Heart Profilers is a valuable tool for both patients and physicians," said Clyde Yancy, M.D., professor of internal medicine/cardiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "It strengthens the relationship because patients are better informed about their condition and the treatment options available to them. Using this tool helps patients ask the right questions."

After patients are diagnosed and they work with their physician to determine a treatment plan, the cholesterol portal can be helpful in providing updated science-based tips on nutrition and lifestyle. It also offers a free subscription to a monthly e-newsletter that provides fitness tips, healthy recipes and other cholesterol-related information.

For more information on these tools, visit:

• Cholesterol Low Down
• Heart Profilers
• Cholesterol Portal

(Source: American Heart Association news release)

Summer Over but Kids Still Need Time Outdoors

Summertime often provides a reprieve for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but now that school is starting up, the usual parental concerns are at the forefront again. Can my child stay focused enough to keep up with his class work? Will he get the extra attention he needs in the classroom to keep him on task? There are now 2.5 million children using ADHD medications to reduce symptoms, but there may be a “greener” part of the solution.

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that exposure to “ordinary natural settings”, like those experienced more of during summertime, may be widely effective in reducing attention deficit symptoms in children. Researchers Frances Kuo and Andrea Faber Taylor recommend that children with ADHD spend some quality after-school hours and weekend time outdoors enjoying nature. And it’s not just kids with ADHD that can benefit from a “green hour”.

Today’s kids are indoors more than any previous generation. Computer time, video games and TV, taking up an average of six hours of a child’s day according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, have replaced time spent running through backyards, front yards, tree-line streets, biking around the neighborhood, and playing in local parks or wooded areas.

“Research says that people get attached to nature by spending time in nature, says Kevin Coyle, Vice President of Education for the National Wildlife Federation. “If we don’t get kids out more, how are they going to experience the wonders of Mother Nature?”

Author Rich Louv, who coined the phrase “nature deficit disorder” agrees, saying the sense of wonder and awe that nature inspires in all of us just can’t be replicated by playing Grand Theft Auto. He also believes that the ravine behind the house or little wooded area at the end of the cul-de-sac can be just as effective as taking your child to Yosemite.

An organization called Playing for Keeps has assembled some particularly troubling data:
Unstructured outdoor activities declined by 50 percent compared to the previous generation.

• More than 80 percent of children under age 2 and more than 60 percent ages 2-5 do not have access to daily outdoor play.
• The average American home with a toddler has the TV on six hours a day.
• The average 2-year-old spends more than four hours a day in front of a TV or computer screen.
• One in six 2-year-olds has a TV in his or her bedroom.
  

Some researches refer to this phenomenon of people preferring sedentary, electronically-based activities to more active pursuits “videophilia”, a new spin on the old “couch potato”.

Children who fish, camp and spend time in the wild before age 11 are also much more likely to grow up to be environmentally-minded and committed as adults. Researchers at Cornell University sampled more than 2,000 adults, ages 18-90, about their early childhood nature experiences and their current adult attitudes and behaviors related to the environment. They concluded that “participating in wild nature activities before age 11 is a particularly potent pathway toward shaping both environmental attitudes and behaviors in adulthood. When children become truly engaged with the natural world at a young age, the experience is likely to stay with them in a powerful way – shaping their subsequent environmental path.” With the serious environmental threats facing our nation, from habitat loss, to the dangerous impacts of global warming, creating the next generation of conservation stewards is ever more important.

All this research points in one direction. Even though the demands of the school year are back in play, children need to get outside for a “green hour” every day, especially children with ADHD. The result is happier, healthier kids whose creativity and imagination will soar, and a generation of adults who will care for the planet.

Check out the National Wildlife Federation’s web site for Green Hour ideas, http://www.nwf.org/greenhour.

The National Wildlife Federation is America’s conservation organization protecting wildlife for our children’s future.

(Source: National Wildlife Federation news release)

Do College Sports Enhance Future Earnings?

Do student athletes financially outperform their non-athlete counterparts after they graduate from college – or do the earnings of college athletes lag behind?

According to Binghamton University researchers in a new study published in the Journal of Human Resources, both views are supported by data. Former athletes working in business, military or manual labor occupations fare better wage-wise than non-athletes in those occupations, the researchers found. However, former athletes who teach in high schools, and perhaps work as coaches, lag behind non-athletes.

“Although college jocks have a reputation of being poor students, we found that on average, former athletes were making more money than non-athletes six years after college. This may be because athletics enhance existing skills during college or because athletes learn skills on the field that they can apply in their careers,” says study co-author Daniel J. Henderson, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

The study used data from the Cooperative Institutional Research Survey of college freshmen in the 1970-71 academic year, and included more than 4,200 males, of which 646 (16 percent) were athletes who had earned a varsity letter in any sport in college. The participants were then surveyed in 1980, six years after their expected college graduation. The follow-up questionnaire asked about individuals’ post-college earnings, occupational choices, graduate degrees attained and athletic participation in college.

Henderson and his co-authors found that a slightly higher percentage of athletes than non-athletes were in higher income brackets. Most athletes in business, the military and manual labor were better off wage-wise than non-athletes working in those fields, but not all athletes enjoyed a premium from sports participation.

The survey further showed that former college athletes were more likely than non-athletes to select high school teaching as an occupation, even though they earned 8 percent less than nonathletes who chose high school teaching careers. This may be because athletes choose to become high school teachers for reasons other than pay, the researchers suggest.

“In certain occupations, athletes did better wage-wise than non-athletes,” says Henderson.

“However, we found that college athletes are more likely to become high school teachers, perhaps because athletics fosters an affection for a school, and athletes want to return to their high schools to work or want to become coaches.”

The research also showed that a higher percentage of athletes than non-athletes had earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral or professional degrees by six years after they were expected to complete college. In addition, compared with non-athletes, athletes were more likely to attend a private institution, to report themselves to be more driven than non-athletes, and to have a goal to be financially well-off.

In conclusion, Henderson and co-authors write that “. . . Financial benefits are not uniform to all individuals who play sports. On average athletes receive a modest return, and go into occupations where they do best. But this is not the case for all collegiate athletes. Almost 10 percent enter teaching, an occupation with an especially low wage for athletes. Further, a good 50 percent do no better than the college population at large.”

The study results can be found in the Summer 2006 issue of the Journal of Human Resources, published by the University of Wisconsin Press. The paper was co-authored by Henderson; Alexandre Olbrecht, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics at Ramapo College of New Jersey; and Solomon W. Polachek, Ph.D., distinguished professor of economics at the State University of New York at Binghamton. The paper can be accessed by clicking here.

(Source: Binghamton University, SUNY, media release)

Corvettes of Carlisle: August 25-27

CARLISLE, Pa. – The American love affair with the Corvette is legendary...Carlisle’s is permanent...every August. This year, Corvettes at Carlisle rolls in on August 25-27 for the annual meeting at the 82-acre Carlisle Fairgrounds. Carlisle is the largest gathering of Corvettes in the world. This three-day meet draws over 5,000 Corvettes to Carlisle. The show field alone is more than 2,500 vettes. In addition, some 3,500 spaces are dedicated to a Corvette corral and vendors of parts, accessories and memorabilia.

In 2006, Carlisle will host a HUGE Grand Sport Reunion. It is has already doubled the size of the largest-ever gathering of ’96 Grand Sports. The present count is more than our goal of ninety-six 1996 Grand Sports and increasing daily. Additionally, an important 50th reunion of 1956 Corvettes takes place at Carlisle as well. The Corvette Z06s Unite! will highlight Z06 Corvettes of all years. The Z06s will have a designated field area and fine examples under tent throughout the weekend.

Chip’s Choice this year will be a showing of the second half of Chip Miller’s family-wide collection of Corvettes. This will be a great exhibition of cars. At noon on Saturday, all Corvette owners are requested to rev their Corvettes’ engines for 20 seconds, following by a moment of silence, in tribute to Chip Miller.

Come out and talk with the guys that design and build Corvettes. This year, Tom Wallace, Chief Engineer at Corvette will join us. This is his first trip to Carlisle. Be sure to come out and meet him and his team of engineers. They will be available to answer questions, talk about Corvettes and sign autographs.

The National Corvette Restorers Society will present a unique Corvette collection in a true gallery exhibit format. This enables non-NCRS members to have a better understanding of the National Corvette Restorers Society, its goals and purposes. Sponsored by West Coast Corvettes, the NCCC judged show field is hosted by York County Corvette Club. Up to 175 of the finest Corvettes will compete for cash prizes on the NCCC judged show field. Also, all Corvettes parked in the Fun Display show field are eligible to win Celebrity Pick awards.

To test your driving skills, you can try out the Carlisle Events’ Autocross. Sponsored by Cumberland Valley Corvette Club, each driver will get three or four chances to run the course. The fee is $20 for 1 hour. CVCC will have instructors for each session to watch, ride with and advise novice drivers. It’s a learning event for those interested in the sport or just learning how to handle their Corvette and a chance for experienced drivers to compete against each other for fastest time. Don’t miss the Dyno Challenge, sponsored by Corvette Enthusiast, awards and bragging rights will be distributed throughout the weekend!

For those of you looking for something new, exciting and fun, Corvettes at Carlisle bring you for the first time…the Corvette Burnouts! Watch as intelligent adults ruin a set of tires!

Looking for a Vette? Want to sell one? An auction, produced by Mecum Auction, takes place Friday and Saturday. Saturday morning, a special auction will benefit the Chip Miller Charitable Foundation. Pre-register for sales or bidding numbers by calling (815) 568-8888 or go on-line to www.mecumauction.com. You may also register at the show.

Win a Corvette! This year, Corvettes at Carlisle is giving away a low-mileage 1994 Polo Green convertible, with factory hardtop, to one lucky attendee or vendor. The giveaway is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. No purchase is necessary, but you must be present to win. This event is sponsored by Corvette Mike.

Corvettes at Carlisle is fun for the entire family. For women, there is the Women’s Oasis, complete with seminars, demonstrations, free therapeutic massages, manicures and a Saturday fashion show. Free Ride and Drive with battery-powered cars, Jimbo the Clown, caricature artist, spin art and more will entertain the kids.

Gates open at 7 a.m. General admission is $12 daily. On-grounds parking for Corvettes only is $10. Children under 12 years old are admitted free. Visit carlisleevents.com/corvette for more information, to sign up for Carlisle Events’ e-newsletters, hotel info and to check out Carlisle Events’ Web forum. You may also call our info-line at (717) 243-7855. Carlisle Events welcomes Advance Auto Parts, official auto parts store of Carlisle Events, and Meguiar’s.

Carlisle Events, host of 10 collector car, truck and motorcycle events, attracts more than half a million people to its 82-acre fairgrounds in Carlisle, Pa., each year. Included in the annual schedule are two huge automotive swap meets – in the spring and fall – and individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, motorcycles, sport compacts and imports. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, the “Cars at Carlisle” shows attract automotive.

(Source: Carlisle Events media release)

Top 10 Healthy Foods -- and Why They’re Good for You

If you could eat foods that were tasty, nutritious and helped reduce your risk of disease, what more could you want? The August issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource offers its 10 top picks for healthy foods:

Apples
Apples are a good source of pectin, a fiber that can lower cholesterol and glucose levels. They’re also a good source of vitamin C -- an antioxidant that protects your body’s cells. Vitamin C also keeps your blood vessels healthy and aids in the absorption of iron and folate.

Almonds
These nuts are packed with nutrients -- fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. They’re also good for your heart. Most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol levels when substituted for other fats. Most almonds are considered low sodium, with less than 140 milligrams of sodium an ounce.

Broccoli
Besides providing calcium, potassium, folate and fiber, broccoli contains phytonutrients -- compounds that may help prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Broccoli contains the antioxidant beta-carotene and is also an excellent source of vitamin C.

Blueberries
They are a rich, low-calorie source of fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Regular intake of blueberries may improve short-term memory and reduce the cellular damage associated with aging.

Red beans
Small red, pinto and dark red kidney varieties -- are an excellent low-fat source of antioxidants, protein, dietary fiber and copper. They’re also a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and thiamin.

Salmon
This fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to provide heart benefits. Salmon is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol and is a good source of protein. If possible, choose wild salmon, which is less likely to contain unwanted chemicals such as mercury.

Spinach
It’s high in vitamin A, and also is a good source of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, riboflavin and vitamins B-6 and C. The plant compounds in spinach may boost your immune system and help prevent certain types of cancer.

Sweet potatoes
The deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes tells you that they’re high in beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes are also high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin B-6 and potassium. And, they’re fat-free and relatively low in calories.

Vegetable juice
This beverage is an easy way to include vegetables in your diet since it contains most of the same vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Tomato juice, and vegetable juices which include tomatoes, are good sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart attack and certain types of cancer. Be sure to select the low-sodium varieties.

Wheat germ
The germ at the center of the wheat seed is a concentrated source of nutrients. Two tablespoons provide a good source of thiamin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Sprinkle over cereals, yogurt and salads. Or use it in muffins, cookies and pancakes.

(Source: Mayo Clinic news release)

Kids and Backpacks

More school-age children are suffering injuries caused by heavy, ill-fitting backpacks. The California Chiropractic Association urges parents to be aware of important safety tips for purchasing and using backpacks as they and their children prepare for the start of the new school year.

Experts say a loaded backpack should not exceed fifteen percent of the child's weight, but as many as 55 percent of today's students are carrying loads far in excess of the recommended limit. Due to the increasing size of textbooks, and the removal of lockers for space and safety reasons, some students' packs exceed 40 pounds, more than would be advisable for most adults.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there has been an almost 300 percent increase in backpack-related injuries among children since 1996. A 2004 study of 3,498 California students whose backpack weight was measured found back pain to be highly prevalent, severe and chronic, and showed a link between backpack weight and back pain.

"The good news is that this is one health problem that can easily be avoided by following a few simple, preventive measures," said Dr. John Bueler, president of California Chiropractic Association. "Backpack injuries can be stopped before they occur if parents take the time to choose the right pack and teach their children how to wear it correctly."

The chances that children may suffer injuries from a heavy backpack are compounded by the epidemic of childhood obesity.

"Kids today are more sedentary than ever as they spend increasing time indoors playing video games and watching television. Not only are they obese, they are also out of shape, making it hard for them to support any extra weight on their backs," Bueler said.

Part of the challenge in raising awareness about backpack injuries is that the harm can occur without obvious symptoms.

"Like a car out of alignment, you don't know it until the tires wear out," Dr. Bueler said. "Young people may be experiencing only mild symptoms now, but this could be a preview of future problems like chronic back pain and spine degeneration later in life."

"Doctors of chiropractic are sounding the alarm about kids' backpacks because of our expertise in dealing with this type of injury on a regular basis," Dr. Bueler explained. "Parents must be aware of the potential long-term harm caused by backpacks, and help their children take preventive steps now."

The California Chiropractic Association recommends the following guidelines to help prevent childhood backpack injuries.

BACKPACK SAFETY CHECKLIST

When choosing a backpack, look for:

• Padded shoulder straps
• Padded back
• Lumbar support
• A waist belt
• Multiple compartments
• Correct size
  

When loading a backpack:

• Distribute the weight properly; load heavier items closest to the
  back
• Loaded backpacks should weigh no more than 15 percent of the
  child's body weight

When wearing a backpack:

• Wear both shoulder straps
• Tighten straps until snug, but not tight
• Use the stabilizing waist strap
• Take the backpack off when standing for a long time
  

A Guide to Maximum Backpack Weight for Children

Child's weight -- Recommended backpack weight when loaded

50 lbs. -- 7.5 lbs.
80 lbs. -- 12 lbs.
100 lbs. -- 15 lbs.
130 lbs. -- 19.5 lbs.

(Source: California Chiropractor Association media release)

New Walking Trail Promotes Healthy Living In North Middleton Township

Waggoner's United Methodist Church located at 1271 Longs Gap Road in North Middleton Township recently announced the latest addition to the church's recreation facilities, a walking trail, is now open.

The trail travels around the perimeter of the church's 25-acre plot. In addition, the church property includes a picnic pavilion and softball field.

Pass the word around to family and friends who like to walk for exercise.

Health And Safety Precautions Help Children Adjust To New School Year

A Back-to-School "Shopping List" from the Pennsylvania Medical Society

When planning your back-to-school checklist, health and safety precautions should be at the top – right up there with new clothes, notebooks, and lunch boxes. Bicycle helmets and protective sports gear, updated immunizations, and properly fitted backpacks also should be addressed to make your child’s transition into a new school year as successful as possible.

"It’s important to prepare your children for the upcoming school year so that they are ready for the challenges ahead both physically and emotionally," says Richard D. Baltz, MD, a pediatrician in Camp Hill and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. "This is the time to lay the foundation for a good year, before your children head to school."
In addition to new pencils and binders, your school to-do list should include the following, according to the Pennsylvania Medical Society.

Preparing for the School Year

Immunizations

State law requires all children to be current on their immunizations before entering school. Multiple vaccines are required to protect against communicable diseases such as measles, mumps, chicken pox, and polio. Physicians are aware of this law and the necessary actions. To avoid any disruption in the start of your child’s school year, the Medical Society suggests that you check with your doctor and be sure all required immunizations are up-to-date.

Safety on the Playing Field

The return to school heralds the excitement and enthusiasm of fall sports like football, soccer, and field hockey – all contact sports with a high frequency of injury. Before the new year starts, the Medical Society advises parents of sports-minded children to talk with physicians and coaches about precautions to reduce the risk of injury. At the same time, be sure your child has all necessary protective gear such as properly fitted helmets, padding, and mouth guards.

Backpacks

Special attention should be given to choosing the backpack that’s right for your child. While trendy styles and colors may be appealing, backpacks, if not fitted and used properly, can be as harmful as they are helpful. They can cause back and neck pain and, over time, permanent injury, especially when they are over packed. Backpack weight should be comparable to your child’s age and size. The younger the child, the less the backpack and its contents should weigh. To help avoid physical problems, select a backpack that’s compatible with your child’s size, one that he or she can lift comfortably. Teach your child to bend at the knees when lifting a backpack and to use both straps to properly distribute weight.

Starting the School Year

School Lunches

After a summer of carefully supervised lunches, your child is heading off to school where he or she is free to pick and choose what to eat and what to discard. So, what’s a parent to do to get a child to eat healthy, nutritious lunches? The first step is to make yourself aware of your school’s vending machine policy, and then discuss with your child how to spend his or her lunch money. If your child takes a packed lunch, be sure it includes fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, and water or milk. Avoid sugary, fatty, and salty foods and sweetened drinks. Fortunately, many schools are revising school lunch menus and options, such as soda, because of the trend toward increasing obesity among children.

Asthma and Allergy Precautions

Asthma is the most prevalent childhood illness found in schools. Dr. Baltz recommends that you discuss preventive medication, inhaler use, and exercise restrictions for your asthmatic child with school personnel at the start of the new year.

About one in 50 young people are allergic to certain foods, most commonly peanuts, shellfish, strawberries, and oranges. Dr. Baltz notes that schools are starting to eliminate peanut butter and other peanut products from school lunches because of potential allergic reactions.
If your child has an allergy, you can ease the transition into a new school year by carefully explaining the consequences of eating the wrong foods and of sharing lunches with classmates. Also, be sure to note your child’s allergies and remedies on appropriate school records.

Stress Reduction

Parents aren’t the only ones who feel the stress of a new school year. Children feel it too. Whether their stress derives from academic or social pressures, students need positive reinforcement of their achievements in order to maintain the self-confidence necessary for success.

"Emotional well-being is an important part of an individual’s good health," explains Dr. Baltz. "The academic environment can often be a source of stress for children because of performance comparisons with their peers and various social pressures." Dr. Baltz advises parents not to compare a child with siblings and friends, but instead to recognize their individual strengths and talents and encourage them along those lines.

Often, a child is separated from the family at the time of school registration in order to assess his/her development and social adjustment, explains Dr. Baltz. "This is to determine how best to help the child adjust to the overall school experience. Not all children perform at the same levels. It’s important to recognize social, personal, and cultural differences at the start of school to make the necessary accommodations."

"Many adjustments must be made by both parent and child at the start of school year," says Dr. Baltz. "Once the school experience has begun, parents and administrators share responsibility for a child’s personal and emotional well-being. However, if problems develop that cannot be resolved by either party, it’s sometimes helpful to involve the child’s physician," says Dr. Baltz.

With a little forethought and careful preparation, the transition back to school can be a smooth, pleasant one for both parent and child. The goal, after all, is to gracefully ease your child from a relaxed summer vacation into the demanding structure of a new academic year.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society, headquartered in Harrisburg, has advocated for patients and their doctors for more than 150 years. Since its beginning, the Society has represented its members throughout the commonwealth on issues that directly affect patient care. Today, the organization continues to promote a strong patient-doctor relationship in the delivery of health care. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Medical Society, visit its Web site at www.pamedsoc.org.

(Source: Pennsylvania Medical Society news release)

Now And Then: A Look at 2006, 1967, and 1915

Our nation’s population is expected to reach 300 million the later part ofthis year. To help spotlight this occasion, the Census Bureau steps back intime by comparing contemporary life and statistics to those in the timeperiods in which the nation reached other noteworthy population milestones— in 1967 (when the population reached 200 million) and in the year 1915(when it reached 100 million). America, how you have grown and changed.

Note: If data are not available for the specific year highlighted, we haveprovided data available closest to that year.

President
2006: George W. Bush
1967: Lyndon B. Johnson
1915: Woodrow Wilson

Price of a new home
2006: $290,600
1967: $24,600 ($149,147 in 2006 dollars)
1915: $3,200 ($64,158 in 2006 dollars)

Cost for a gallon of regular gas
2006: $3.04 (as of Aug. 7)
1967: 33 cents ($2.00 in 2006 dollars)
1915: 25 cents ($5.01 in 2006 dollars)

Price of milk
2006: $3.00 gallon
1967: $1.03 gallon ($6.24 in 2006 dollars)
1915: $ .36 gallon ($7.22 in 2006 dollars)

Cost of a first-class stamp
2006: 39 cents
1967: 5 cents
1915: 2 cents

Notable Events
2006: The 20th Winter Olympic Games take place in Turin, Italy.
1967: Dr. Christiaan Bernard performs the first heart transplant; the first Super Bowl is played.
1915: World War I continues in Europe.

Pop Culture
2006: iPods and “American Idol” reign supreme and cell phones are the rage.
1967: Color TV is the rage. “The Lucy Show,” “Andy Griffith” and “Gomer Pyle” are the top-rated television shows.
1915: The “Model T” and silent movies are the rage. Raggedy Ann, aspirin in tablet form and processed cheese are introduced. The milk carton is invented.

World Population
2006: 6.5 billion
1967: 3.5 billion
1915: 1.8 billion

Tying the Knot
Median age at first marriage for men and women, respectively.
2006: 27.1 and 25.8
1967: 23.1 and 20.6
1915: 25.1 and 21.6

Coming to America
2006: 34.3 million
Number of foreign-born people. They comprise 12 percent of the totalpopulation. Mexico is the leading country of origin.
1967: 9.7 million
Number of foreign-born people. They comprised 5 percent of the totalpopulation. Italy was the leading country of origin.
1915: 13.5 million
Number of foreign-born people. They comprised 15 percent of the total population. Germany was the leading country of origin.

Tuberculosis
Death rate from this disease per 100,000 population.
2006: 0.2
1967: 3.5
1915: 140.1

Homeownership . . . the American Dream
Percentage of the nation’s householders who owned the home in which they lived.
2006: 68.9 %
1967: 63.6 %
1915: 45.9 %

Our Aging Nation
Number of people age 65 and older.
2006: 36.8 million
1967: 19.1 million
1915: 4.5 million

Median Age of the Population
2006: 36.2
1967: 29.5
1915: 24.1

Living Longer
Life expectancy at birth.
2006: 77.8 years
1967: 70.5 years
1915: 54.5 years

Working Women
Percentage of women in the labor force, age 16 and older (10 and older for1915).
2006: 59%
1967: 41%
1915: 23%

Education
Percentage of the population, age 25 and older, who had at least a high school diploma.
2006: 85.2%
1967: 51.1%
1915: 13.5%

Earnings
2006: $33,459 and $22,472
Median wage and salary income for male and female wage and salary workers, respectively.
1967: $5,974 and $2,295 ($33,787 and $12,980 in 2004 dollars)
Median wage and salary income for male and female wage and salary workers, respectively.
1915: $687
(Constant dollar figure not available.)

Names
The most popular baby names for boys and girls, respectively.
2006: Jacob and Emily
1967: Michael and Lisa
1915: John and Mary

Our Love Affair with the Motor Vehicle
Number of motor vehicle registrations.
2006: 237.2 million
1967: 98.9 million
1915: 2.5 million

Safer on our Roads
2006: 42,643
Number of traffic fatalities in 2003. This amounted to 1.5 fatalities per every 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
1967: 51,559
Number of traffic fatalities. This amounted to 5 fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles of travel.
1915: 6,779
Number of traffic fatalities. This amounted to 35 fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles of travel.

The Military
Active-duty military personnel.
2006: 1.4 million
1967: 3.4 million
1915: 174 thousand

Down on the Farm
Number of farms.
2006: 2.1 million
1967: 3.2 million
1915: 6.5 million

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau media release)

Tips to Get a Good Night's Sleep

Short on sleep? According to sleep experts, people are sleeping less than they used to and the "sleep debt" can take a toll on your health, relationships and work performance.

Despite the popular notion that you need less sleep as you get older, sleep needs generally remain constant throughout adulthood. And sleep loss can take a real toll on your health. Lack of sleep is implicated in a host of conditions and diseases from the common cold and memory impairment to high blood pressure. Lack of sleep has also been linked to increased risk of some cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. And, of course, if you're short on sleep, chances are good that you'll be irritable and have low energy.

The August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers suggestions to improve your sleep:

• Make sleep a priority. Set aside adequate time for sleep and only do what tasks you can get done with the time remaining, instead of taking the reverse approach.
  Go to bed and get up at about the same time every day, even on the weekends. Sticking to a schedule helps reinforce your body's sleep-wake cycle and can help you sleep better at night.
• Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. Nicotine and caffeine are stimulants that can keep you awake. Although alcohol is a depressant and may help you doze off, it can cause restless sleep.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful.
• Keep active. But being too busy can keep you from getting adequate sleep. Not being busy enough can cause boredom and an inability to sleep.
• Develop a relaxing bedtime routine. Do the same things each night to tell your body it's time to wind down. Avoid doing work activities in bed, such as balancing a checkbook or using a laptop computer.
• Make your bedroom cool, dark, quiet and comfortable. Adjust light, temperature, humidity and noise levels to your preferences. Pets often disrupt sleep, even if you are not aware of it. You may need to set limits on pets sharing your bedroom.
• Go to bed when you are sleepy. If you don't fall asleep within 30 minutes, get up and do something else. Go back to bed when you are tired.
• Don't put up with pain. If pain is keeping you from sleeping, talk to your doctor about drugs or therapies to reduce pain.
• Use sleeping pills only as a last resort. Check with your doctor to make sure the pills won't interact with other medications you are taking. If you take a sleep medication, reduce the dosage gradually when you want to quit. Never mix alcohol and sleeping pills.

The bottom line is the better you sleep, the better you feel.

(Source: Mayo Clinic news release)

Cookout Planned At Local Church

There will be a Community Worship and Cookout at Waggoner's United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 13, starting at 10 a.m. in the church's pavilion. All members of North Middleton Township are invited to attend.

All cookout materials will be provided. And, for the children, Rocko the clown will do balloon art and there will be a candy scramble.

Waggoner's United Methodist Church is located at 1271 Longs Gap Road in North Middleton Township, about 2.5 miles from North Ridge.

Boosting the “Good” Cholesterol

When it comes to cholesterol, most of us worry about too much of the “bad” kind, low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It causes plaque to build up in and potentially block the arteries that supply your heart with blood.

But don’t overlook the “good” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It helps remove excess cholesterol from arteries and eliminates it from your blood. Lifestyle changes can improve your HDL cholesterol. It’s worth the effort. According to the August issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, raising your HDL cholesterol level even 1 milligram per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood can reduce your heart attack risk by as much as 3 percent.

Overall, it’s best to have a low level of LDL cholesterol and a high level of HDL cholesterol. For women, that means an LDL level below 100 mg/dL and a HDL level of 50 mg/dL and above. For men, it’s best to have the same LDL level, but an HDL level of 40 mg/dL and above. If your HDL falls below 50 mg/dL, you’re generally at increased risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource offers these suggestions to increase HDL cholesterol:

• Stop smoking. You can increase your HDL by up to 20 percent when you quit.
• Lose excess weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a diet that’s low in saturated fat.
• Drink alcohol in moderation. One drink with dinner, a 5-ounce glass of wine, has been shown to increase HDL. However, if you don’t drink, it’s not recommended that you start just because of the possible HDL benefits.

If healthy habits aren’t enough to raise HDL cholesterol levels, your doctor may recommend medications. Niacin, some statin drugs and a class of drugs called fibrates can raise HDL cholesterol for some people.

(Source: Mayo Clinic news release)

Tips for Handling Summer Heat For People With Diabetes

The heat being experienced in many parts of the nation these days is tough enough for the average healthy person, but for the estimated 21 million Americans with diabetes, special precautions may be required, according to experts at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

“People with chronic diseases like diabetes as well as people taking certain medications, including heart disease medications and diuretics, which are often used to treat complications of diabetes, are at increased risk of experiencing difficulties in the heat, even though they may not be aware of it,” says Catherine Carver, M.S., A.N.P., C.D.E, Director of Educational Services at Joslin Clinic.

Carver and her colleagues at Joslin Clinic offer the following tips for people with diabetes during these steamy summer days:

• Keep hydrated. Dehydration, or the loss of body fluids, can happen on these very hot summer days whether you have diabetes or not. If you have diabetes, dehydration also can occur when blood glucose is not under control. When blood glucose is elevated, this can lead to an increase in the body’s excretion of urine. To prevent dehydration drink plenty of caffeine-free fluids such as water, seltzer, sugar-free drinks like iced tea, and lemonade. Limit your intake of alcohol.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, especially if you are working or exercising outdoors. People with diabetes and other chronic diseases like heart disease are more susceptible to overheating. Symptoms include: feeling dizzy or fainting; sweating excessively; muscle cramps; skin that is cold or clammy; headaches; rapid heartbeat; and/or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, move to a cooler environment, drink fluids like water, juice or sports drinks (based on your healthcare provider’s instructions) and seek medical attention.
• Exercise in a cool place such as an air-conditioned gym, or early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Check blood glucose levels at least four times a day, and more often if you are not feeling well. Remember that heat can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate. Carry plenty of water and snacks.
• Store your blood glucose meter, strips and insulin in a cool, dry place. Do not store insulin in extreme temperatures. Never store insulin in the freezer, direct sunlight or in the car or in the glove compartment of the car. Examine your vial of insulin. Clear insulin (Regular, Humalog, Novolog, Apidra, Lantus, Levimir) should remain clear. NPH insulin should not have any clumping or “frosting” on the vials.

Additional Tips For Insulin Pump Users

• For insulin pump users, excessive perspiration can be a problem in hot weather or during strenuous activities. This can loosen the adhesive securing the infusion set, the part of the device that attaches to your body. If perspiration is a problem, try using a spray of antiperspirant on the insertion site after your usual skin-preparation routine. Others have success with skin-barrier preparations such as Mastisol, Skin-Tac H or a compound tincture of benzoin applied to the skin.
• The pump housing provides some insulation from the heat. If you are concerned about heat, you can use a protective pouch with a small, cold gel pack placed inside the pouch as a way to protect your insulin from the effects of heat. If you are spending an extended amount of time in the sun, cover the pump with a towel to protect it from prolonged direct sunlight. Disconnecting your pump for up to an hour is another option, but if it is disconnected for a longer time, you will need to adjust your insulin infusion rate accordingly to allow for the missed doses.If you have diabetes and have any questions about coping the heat and other extreme weather conditions, consult with your medical team.

About Joslin Diabetes Center

Joslin Diabetes Center, dedicated to conquering diabetes in all of its forms, is the global leader in diabetes research, care and education. Founded in 1898, Joslin is an independent nonprofit institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Joslin research is a team of more than 300 people at the forefront of discovery aimed at preventing and curing diabetes. Joslin Clinic, affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, the nationwide network of Joslin Affiliated Programs, and the hundreds of Joslin educational programs offered each year for clinicians, researchers and patients, enable Joslin to develop, implement and share innovations that immeasurably improve the lives of people with diabetes. As a nonprofit, Joslin benefits from the generosity of donors in advancing its mission. For more information on Joslin, call 1 (800) JOSLIN-1 or visit http://www.joslin.org.

(Source: Joslin Diabetes Center news release)

E-Mail From the IRS? Be Skeptical Says NATP

Fraud perpetrators have found the perfect means to intimidate taxpayers into filling out legitimate-looking, but phony, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms – using the threat of government action or loss of tax refunds if you don’t respond. The latest e-mail scam uses the Treasury Department's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), which is used by more than six million taxpayers to pay their federal taxes online or by phone, as a hook to lure individuals into disclosing their personal information.

Between November 2005 and July 2006, IRS uncovered 104 different fraudulent websites that posed as IRS sites to collect personal information from taxpayers. If you get an e-mail that appears to be from the IRS, DON’T fall for the deception.

“The IRS does not send out unsolicited e-mails asking for personal information,” said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. “Don’t be taken in by these criminals.” If you are worried or unsure about any IRS-related correspondence, bring a copy to a tax professional, who is trained to help. Harley Snyder, an NATP member from Charlotte, NC, confides, “One taxpayer brings questionable items to me every few weeks. I’m glad to help sort out the good from the bad."

Those who operate scams are called phishers. Victims caught in their nets can end up feeling like they’ve been skinned, gutted, and battered. The scams perpetrated by phishers all have one thing in common; they gather personal information for use in defrauding victims. In fact, the simple act of clicking on a fraudulent e-mail verifies a working e-mail address and allows the transfer of malware to your computer. Malware is programming that collects and sends information such as credit card numbers, PIN numbers, and passwords to databases at remote locations. Unfortunately, the IRS is only one of many aliases that fraudulent phishers use to obtain personal information for purposes such as raiding bank accounts, opening charge cards, acquiring cell phones, and unethically harming unsuspecting individuals. Those who provide the information requested become victims of identity fraud and find themselves in a distressing cycle of harassment from collection agencies, difficulties obtaining credit, job loss, and even arrest; all in addition to monetary losses and mental trauma.“

To protect yourself from having your identity stolen, guard your personal information, and always verify the validity of any forms or correspondence requesting you to divulge personal information,” advises Cindy Hockenberry, enrolled agent and tax information analyst with the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP). If you have any question at all, look up the number and call the organization that sent the correspondence BEFORE supplying any information. Do not rely on phone numbers or e-mail addresses provided with correspondence. Be suspicious of any unsolicited correspondence that requests the following types of information:

• Date of birth
• Social security number
• Passport number
• Bank name
• Credit card information
• Account number, type, and date opened
• E-mail address
• Occupation
• Daytime phone number
• Frequency of U.S. visits
• Information about spouses, children, and parents.

Any website that collects personal information should contain “https” in the URL address at the top (the s indicates that it is a secure site). It should also have a padlock in the lower right corner of the screen in your browser’s status bar. Double-click on the padlock to see the website’s security certificate. Certificates show the owner of the website in the “Issued to” line. An @ sign, “under construction,” or “cannot be located” in this line is reason for suspicion. The certificate should also show dates with a range of only a few years in the “Valid from” line (such as 7/29/05 – 7/29/07). Another way to view this information is by going to File, Properties on your menu bar. If there is ANY question in your mind about any site, do not use the link. Instead, login to the site directly (such as www.irs.gov), and find phone numbers to call. Be safe, not sorry.

Check the validity of any IRS forms with a tax professional or on the criminal enforcement page of the IRS website at www.irs.gov. Forward any suspicious IRS-related e-mail to phishing@irs.gov. Fraudulent form information should go to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at fax 202.927.7018, or mail to TIGTA Hotline, P.O. Box 589, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, D.C. 20044-0589. TIGTA’s website is www.ustreas.gov/tigta, and their phone number is 800.366.4484.

New forms and methods to perpetrate fraud show up every day. Be aware and safeguard your personal information. To report suspected attempts at identity theft, or if you feel you may be a victim of fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and follow the steps listed on their website: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/. The FTC phone number is 877.FTC.HELP.

Tax professionals are experts who keep current on tax law changes. They can save you time and offer insight on how to use the tax breaks available to you. To find a professional tax preparer, look to NATP whose members subscribe to a strict code of ethics and standards of professional conduct (read them in the Press Room at www.natptax.com). NATP maintains a listing of professionals in your area at www.taxprofessionals.com. To receive a FREE brochure on finding the right tax professional for you, visit the NATP Press Room at www.natptax.com and download a copy.

Members of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) assist over seven million taxpayers with tax preparation and planning. The average NATP member has been in the tax business for over 20 years and holds a tax/financial designation and/or a college degree. NATP has more than 17,500 members nationwide. Members include individual tax preparers, enrolled agents, certified public accountants, accountants, attorneys, and financial planners. Learn more at www.natptax.com.

NATP is a nonprofit professional association founded in 1979 to serve professionals working in all areas of tax practice through professional education, tax research, and products. The national headquarters, located in Appleton, WI, employs over 40 staff members.

(Source: National Association of Tax Professionals news release)

Local Concert Set For Waggoners United Pavilion This Sunday

A summer concert by "Reminisce" is scheduled at the Pavilion at Waggoners United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 6 at 6 p.m.

The concert is free and the public is invited. Light refreshments will be served after the concert.

The pavilion is located at 1271 Longs Gap Road in North Middleton Township, not far from North Ridge. For Mapquest directions, click here.

Holy Spirit Health System Will Host A FREE Program For Individuals Interested In Learning More About Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death

David L. Scher, MD, FACP, FACC, FHRS, director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Associated Cardiologists, PC, will present "Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention: How a Simple Test Can Save Your Life" at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8. The seminar will be held in Holy Spirit Hospital's auditorium.

The seminar is intended to provide attendees with information about sudden cardiac death, risk factors and how diagnostic testing can identify those at high risk. Dr. Scher will also discuss how implantable defibrillators can prevent sudden cardiac death.

Light refreshments will be served. There is no need to register for this seminar.

(Source: Holy Spirit Hospital media release)

5k Road Race and 2 Mile Walk Set For August 18

The 2006 Carlisle Regional Medical Center 5k Race and 2 Mile Walk will be held on Friday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Those interested should contact the Carlisle Family YMCA for additional race information or click here.

For information on other local races, click here.

For other local races, check out www.centralpennsylvaniarunner.blogspot.com.

Back to School Means Back to Lunches

Glow in the dark yoghurt. Fruit strips that are mostly sugar. For parents facing the back-to-school lunch crunch, it’s hard to decide what to buy. And food manufacturers aren’t making it any easier, according to research funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

“We place a lot of focus on junk food,” says Dr. Charlene Elliott of Carleton University in Ottawa, and its contribution to childhood obesity. “But,” she adds, “We know much less about how food outside the category of “junk” is targeted to children.” This “fun food” is conveyed through food packaging, colour, graphics or language – and even the shapes and colours of the foods themselves.

“It’s ironic,” she says – “We tell adults not to use food primarily as fun, as sport, as entertainment. Yet, that’s the very message we’re sending to children."

Dr. Elliott went through a local supermarket and found 366 products that fell into the category of fun food, including glow-in-the-dark yoghurt tubes, cereal that turns the milk blue, and instant oatmeal that hatches dinosaur eggs when boiling water is added – food that may have a huge “yuck” factor for adults, but is irresistible to children.

It would be much easier if you could just steer clear of all fun foods, no matter how much your children plead. But not all fun food is necessarily bad for you.

“The way marketers present products as kids’ products is interesting, because the products span the spectrum from completely healthy to decidedly unhealthy,” says Dr. Elliott.

Take fruit strips, a common feature of many packed lunches. Some are 100% fruit, while others are full of sugar – and without carefully reading labels, it’s hard to know the difference.

“Lots of parents who are vigilant about not buying junk food will unthinkingly go down the aisle and grab sugar-laden fruit snacks,” says Elliott.

When it comes to finding healthy ingredients for school lunches, she says, it’s clear that parents can’t let down their guard.

(Source: Canadian Institutes of Health Research news release)