Christmas Tree Pick-Ups

Christmas Tree pick-up in North Middleton Township is scheduled to begin Monday, January 8, if the weather cooperates. Trees should be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on that Monday morning.

(Source: 2006 North Middleton Township Fall / Winter Newsletter)

Winter Wipeouts: Don't Delay Treatment for Ankle Injuries

If you fall on the ice and hurt your ankle this winter, don’t put off waiting to see a doctor. That’s the warning today from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), a national medical association of 6,000 doctors.

“Never assume the ability to walk means your ankle isn’t broken or badly sprained,” says Matthew C. Dairman, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon in Suffolk, Va. “It’s best to have an injured ankle evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.”

Putting weight on an injured ankle joint can worsen the problem and lead to chronic instability, joint pain and arthritis later in life. If you can’t see a foot and ankle surgeon or visit the emergency room right away, the ACFAS consumer Web site FootPhysicians.com recommends following the RICE principle – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation – until medical care is available.

“The ankle joint is vulnerable to serious injury from hard falls on ice,” says Dr. Dairman. “Ice accelerates the fall and often causes more severe trauma, because the foot can go in any direction after it slips.”

Falling on winter ice can cause ankle sprains and fractures. It is possible to both fracture and sprain an ankle from a fall, and a bad sprain can mask the fracture.

Most ankle fractures and some sprains are treated by immobilizing the joint in a cast or splint. Surgery may be needed to repair fractures with significant misalignments. Dr. Dairman says new surgical plates and screws allow foot and ankle surgeons to repair these injuries with less surgical trauma.

“With newer bone-fixation methods, there are smaller incisions to minimize tissue damage and bleeding and accelerate the healing process,” he says

For further information about ankle fractures and sprains, and to locate a foot and ankle surgeon in your area, visit http://footphysicians.com/.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) is a professional society of more than 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, the College’s mission is to promote research and provide continuing education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle through its consumer website, http://www.footphysicians.com.

(Source: The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons news release)

Getting Tattooed Could Have Hidden Health Consequences

Everyone knows that non-sterile tattoo needles can lead to AIDS and Hepatitis. However, according to research by Ronald Petruso, lecturer of chemistry at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pa., there are other, overlooked, risks.

For the past year and a half, Petruso has been collaborating with Jani Ingram of Northern Arizona University in studying the toxicology of tattoo pigments. As television shows such as Miami Ink and Inked gain in popularity, Petruso and Ingram wanted to delve into a topic that doesn’t get that much press in an industry that that the government doesn’t control.

“It’s not federally regulated and you don’t need a license in order to practice. But it should be because since these pigments are going under the skin, they’re being used as drugs,” Petruso explains. “The number of people with tattoos is growing and still we don’t see much aired in newspapers, broadcast news, or the rest of the media about possible dangers outside of AIDS and Hepatitis. We just wanted to look into the situation and see where the research takes us and see if we can make people more vigilant about the risks.”

At Northern Arizona, Ingram has found traces of lead in tattoo pigments. Meanwhile, at Delaware Valley, Petruso with the help of two students, Peter Olivieri and Michael Manyoun, have found carcinogenic substances in a common tattoo pigment. The shocking detail about this finding was that the carcinogenic pigment was manufactured at Sun Chemical in Cincinnati, with no intended use for tattoos.

“When we told Sun Chemical about our findings they were very concerned about this because this is not what they design their products for. The pigments they make are used by auto manufactures for making paint,” he explains. “The real implication of this finding is that some tattoo pigments are being exchanged under the table. Sun Chemical said that if they found out the source of who’s misusing their products, they would go after them and sue them.”

Petruso explains that the real danger is that since tattoos are not federally regulated, no one even considers that these pigments might be dangerous.

“There are so many tattoo parlors out there that you don’t have any idea where they’re buying their supplies. People come in knowing about Hepatitis and AIDS but these days tattoo artists are careful about ensuring that the needles are sterile. But they don’t expect to see other problems. They have no idea of the chemicals present in those pigments, and that’s the situation that needs to be addressed, “Petruso explains.

Petruso and Ingram presented their findings titled “A Quantitative Analysis of Tattoo Inks” at the American Chemical Society meeting in Atlanta, Georgia last March.

(Source: Dick Jones Communications news release)

Why Teens Do Stupid Things

Teens smoke, take drugs, have unprotected sex and ride with drunk drivers, not because they think they are invulnerable or haven't thought about the risks, says a new Cornell study.

In fact, they are more likely to ponder the risks, take longer (about 170 milliseconds more) weighing the pros and cons of engaging in high-risk behavior than adults -- and actually overestimate the risks. It's just that they often decide the benefits -- the immediate gratification or peer acceptance -- outweigh the risks, says Valerie F. Reyna, professor of human development at Cornell.

With Frank Farley of Temple University, Reyna reviewed the scientific literature on why adolescents make bad decisions, and on how interventions could help them do the right thing more often. The findings are published in the September issue of the journal Psychological Science in the Public Interest.

The researchers found that while adults scarcely think about engaging in many high-risk behaviors because they intuitively grasp the risks, adolescents take the time to mull over the risks and benefits.

"In other words, more experienced decision-makers tend to rely more on fuzzy reasoning, processing situations and problems as gists [the essence of their actions] rather than weighing multiple factors," said Reyna.

In another study, published September's Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, she found that doctors make better decisions by processing less information and making sharper black-and-white distinctions among decision-making options. "This leads to better decisions, not only in everyday life but also in places like emergency rooms where the speed and quality of risky decisions are critical," she said.

The findings on teenagers imply that interventions that use risk data regarding smoking or unprotected sex, for example, may actually backfire if young people overestimate their risks anyway. Instead, interventions should help young people develop "gist-based" thinking in which dangerous risks are categorically avoided rather than weighed in a rational, deliberative way.

(Source: Cornell University news release)

Association for Dressings & Sauces Encourages Everyone to Embrace the Holidays the Healthy Way

“Deck the halls the healthy way and savor the delicious flavors of the season,” says The Association for Dressings & Sauces (ADS). The Atlanta-based trade association of salad dressing, mayonnaise, sauce and other condiment manufacturers and suppliers to the industry advises everyone to welcome the culinary delights of the Holidays instead of fretting over their aftermath.

The holiday season brings an abundance of delicious cuisine and it’s everywhere you turn – home, the office, and friendly gatherings. Well, there’s no need to fear. There are plenty of ways to incorporate the treats of the season into a healthful eating regimen. The secret is to be sensible and flexible with food choices and watch portion sizes. But why only apply these guidelines during the Holidays? Make them a standard part of your healthy eating plan for life.

Strive for 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day this season. With the variety of delicious fruits and vegetables available this season, getting your 5-9 should be a snap and salad dressings, dips and sauces add pizzazz! Opt for guilt-free veggies like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, spinach and cranberries. Fall’s orange vegetables like sweet potatoes, pumpkin and carrots; for example, are excellent sources of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant and may protect against cancer. And, remember…fruits and vegetables are also good sources of fiber, folic acid and potassium.

Try the following tips this Holiday Season:

• Substitute chopped vegetables for some of the bread in your stuffing recipe.
  Offer vegetables in addition to traditional side dishes such as stuffing or mashed potatoes at your holiday meals.
• Bowls of fresh fruit are a festive and sweet substitute for candy or chocolates. Serve with one of the many fruit dips available at your local grocery store.
• For a flavorful turkey, baste with one of the many tangy or smoky sauces available on your grocery store shelves.
• Take that leftover turkey and make a delicious turkey salad. Add a few pieces of turkey to a generous portion of mixed greens, cucumbers, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, or any other vegetables you like. Sprinkle with dried cranberries or nuts for that authentic holiday taste. Top it off with your favorite salad dressing.

The Association for Dressings & Sauces is an international trade association representing the manufacturers of salad dressings and condiment sauces and the suppliers to the industry. Visit us on the web at www.dressings-sauces.org to learn more about the nutritional benefits of salads and salad dressings, and to obtain tasty recipes as well as a copy of the brochure, “The Good News About Salad Dressings and Sauces.”

(Source: The Association for Dressings & Sauces news release)

Americans’ Concern for Skin Infections, Flu, Spreads Across the Country

Type “schools and staph infections” into a leading Internet search engine, and you’ll find over 360,000 results. And for good reason.

The latest National Cleaning Survey from The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) finds Americans are concerned about reports of skin infections, like Staphylococcus aureus, in their children’s schools.

If this bacterium becomes resistant to methicillin, a powerful antibiotic commonly used to fight Staph infections, recovery from the infection becomes much more difficult. This antibiotic resistant strain is known as MRSA, or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In the past, nearly all cases of MRSA were found in hospitalized patients, but now there is an increasing number of infections acquired outside hospitals and in the community.

SDA’s recent survey of 1008 American adults found 74 percent were concerned about ensuring good hand hygiene practices in schools, given many recent reports about infections spreading in scholastic settings.

Separately, 84 percent said they were concerned about ensuring good hand hygiene practices for themselves and their family members at home. “Surface cleaning, disinfection and proper hand hygiene all play critical roles in helping to prevent the spread of staph infections in schools, homes and health care settings,” said Nancy Bock, SDA Vice President of Education. “People’s levels of awareness of infection risk and prevention methods are promising. To stay their healthiest, people need to convert their awareness into action.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), good hygiene is critical in preventing staph or skin infections:

• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

And when you are around someone who has a staph infection, there are additional steps that can be taken to avoid spreading the infection to family and friends, including:

• Clean surfaces daily with an EPA-registered disinfectant according to the manufacturer’s directions, or
• Use a solution of one tablespoon of bleach mixed in one quart of water to disinfect all non-disposable items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the infected area, wound drainage, or soiled supplies.
• Wash soiled linens and clothes with hot water and laundry detergent. Dry them in a hot dryer, if possible.
• Wash utensils and dishes in the usual manner, with dish detergent and hot water or in a dishwasher.

Americans Generally Aware of Hygiene Importance in Spread of Viral Diseases
Many viral infections, such as colds, flu and gastrointestinal infections are spread through person-to-person contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Proper handwashing is the simplest and most effective way to prevent these infections from spreading.

According to SDA’s recent survey, most Americans are aware of the numerous benefits of clean hands. A full 90 percent of respondents believe that handwashing can help reduce the spread of a viral flu pandemic, and 87 percent believe hand hygiene can be helpful in preventing the spread of a viral disease outbreak such as the avian flu.

But that same survey found that 36 percent of Americans seldom or never wash their hands after sneezing.

“This is where we need to do better,” added Bock. “Many of the germs that can make us sick are spread hand-to-hand or hand-to-surface.”

SDA’s Online, No-Cost Information for Consumers

SDA has online information for consumers – at no cost – on the proper and safe use of cleaning, disinfecting, and hand hygiene products.

“Clean and Safe in the 21st Century,” a guide to safe and effective use of cleaning and disinfecting products, is available online at www.cleaning101.com/health.
SDA’s Hand Hygiene Fact Sheet, a new resource about products that clean hands and/or kill germs on hands, at home and on-the-go, is available by clicking here.

The National Cleaning Survey was based on a survey of 1008 American adults (508 men and 500 women). The independent consumer research study was completed in August-September 2006, on behalf of The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), by International Communications Research (ICR). The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.

A summary of the SDA survey results is available by clicking here.

The Soap and Detergent Association, the U.S. Home of the Cleaning Products Industry, is the non-profit trade association representing manufacturers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products; their ingredients; and finished packaging; and oleochemical producers. SDA members produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products marketed in the U.S. The SDA is located at 1500 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005.

(Source: The Soap and Detergent Association news release)

North Ridge Annual Beer Bottle Exchange Review #3: Saranac Brown Ale

Today, North Ridge Buzz continues with its review of beers tasted and traded at the Second Annual North Ridge Beer Bottle Exchange.

In our previous two reviews, we started in southern Pennsylvania and first looked at Lancaster Brewing Company Strawberry Wheat and later traveled north to review Butt Monkey Chimp Chiller Ale, brewed in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Today, we'll travel a bit further north to Utica, NY, to review Saranac Brown Ale.

The words printed on the Saranac bottle best describe this beer. "This authentic brown ale is brewed with all-American malt, Pacific Northwest hops, and traditional ale yeast. It's smooth malty character is complimented with a touch of chocolate malt and hoppy aroma. Look for a sweet, malty, chocolaty taste with a balanced hop bitterness resulting in a full flavored but smooth drinkable beer."

First, this beer pours nicely and holds its head for long-lasting enjoyment. A medium brown color provides a good first impression, followed up by a great aroma.

Indeed there is a bit of bitterness, and it will stay with you for a few minutes.

It's recommended that you eat pizza or spicy foots with Saranac Brown Ale. North Ridge Buzz taste-tested this beer with mushroom pizza. The combination was a winner.

The only bad thing that North Ridge Buzz can criticize this beer about is that it's only brewed seasonally. Of course, that's no criticism of the beer's flavor at all.

The critics at RateBeer.com say this beer falls into the 41st percentile with a score of 2.95 out of 5.0. So, of the three reviewed by North Ridge Buzz to date, Saranac Brown Ale, brewed by the Matt Brewing Company, is in the lead. As of today, Saranac Brown Ale is ranked #8,287 by RateBeer.com.

It's the opinion of North Ridge Buzz that this beer should be rated higher.

Next North Ridge Buzz will travel to the West Coast to review Sierra Nebada Pale Ale.

Rankings of those reviewed to date

Saranac Brown Ale #8,287
Lancaster Brewing Company Strawberry Wheat Ale #9,957
Butt Monkey Chimp Chiller Ale #13,083

Breathe Easier! Family Guide to Winter Allergies

Spring and summer are not the only seasons that bring misery to those with allergies.
"The end of the pollinating season is good news for people -- both adults and children -- with hay fever and similar summer allergies, but those who are sensitive to mold spores may have to wait until the first frost to find relief. Allergy to mold spores can be more of a problem than pollen allergy because mold grows anywhere and is not limited to a single season. It needs little more than moisture and oxygen to thrive," says Dr. Michael Stewart, chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

In addition, Dr. David J. Resnick, acting director of the Allergy Division at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian, says, "Allergies can trigger or worsen asthma and other respiratory illnesses especially in the winter when families spend more time indoors, which increases their exposure to irritants like dust mites, pet dander, smoke, household sprays and chemicals, and gas fumes -- any and all of which can make their lives miserable."

Drs. Stewart and Resnick offer these 10 tips to make the winter months more bearable for allergy sufferers:

• Keep your indoor humidity level below 35 percent to help prevent the growth of mold and mites.
• Use exhaust fans when showering or cooking to remove excess humidity and odors. Avoid putting rugs in the bedroom, if possible, since wall-to-wall carpeting is an ideal place for dust mites to proliferate.
• When outdoors, keep children from playing in areas that promote mold growth, such as dark, wooded areas.
• Use dust-proof covers for mattresses, box springs and pillows to decrease exposure to allergens, but consult your allergist before undertaking such an expense.
• Wash bed linens and nightclothes in hot water (above 130 degrees) to kill dust mites.
• If you must use a humidifier, keep it clean and change the water frequently to avoid contamination by mold and bacteria. Central humidifiers should be sprayed with an anti-mold agent.
• Don’t put plants in the bedroom, since decaying leaves and increased humidity can stimulate growth of mold.
• Adults and children allergic to household pets (dogs and cats) should minimize their contact with them. If you cannot remove the pets from the household, keep them out of the bedroom at all times.
• Children with asthma should get a flu vaccine at the end of October or the beginning of November before the onset of cold weather. Also, keep your child well-hydrated and protected from cold air with proper attire (i.e., a scarf over the mouth).
• Contact your family physician or allergist for proper evaluation and treatment.

(Source: New York Presbyterian Hospital news release)

North Ridge Annual Beer Bottle Exchange Review #1: Lancaster Brewing Company Strawberry Wheat

Over the weekend, the Second Annual North Ridge Beer Bottle Exchange was held, and a variety of beers were sampled and exchanged. They included

• Lancaster Brewing Company Strawberry Wheat
• Great Lakes Brewing Company Edmund Fitzgerald
• Lord Chesterfield Ale (Yuengling Variety Pack)
• Yuengling Lager (Yuengling Variety Pack)
• Shiner Bock
• Samuel Adams Winter Lager
• Butt Monkey Chimp Chiller Ale
• Saranac
• Smithwicks (pronounced Smit-icks)
• Sierra Nevada
• Old Leghumper

Tonight, North Ridge Buzz reviews the Lancaster Brewing Company Strawberry Wheat.

This is advertised as an "American Wheat beer, with the subtle suggestion of fresh strawberries ..." Malts used are 2 Row Barley, Wheat, and Carapils, while Hops used are Cascade and Hallertau. Brewed naturally without preservatives, there's an advertised claim that it is a "must try for fruit and beer lovers alike."

I like fruit, and I enjoy a good beer. Unfortunately, this beer won't make my all-time favorites list. Possibly this would taste better on a hot summer night, but it doesn't get a passing grade for December.

The aroma and bottle presentation are pleasant. But the flavor is just a bit odd to get over the tastebuds.

Critics agree that this isn't the best beer out there. Ratebeer.com gives this beer a 2.75 out of 5.0 rating as of December 12, 2006. Of all beers rated at Ratebeer.com, Lancaster Brewing Company Strawberry Wheat falls into the 27th percentile, coming in ranked #9,957 as of today.

For more on the Lancaster Brewing Company, click here.

The next beer to be reviewed by North Ridge Buzz will be Butt Monkey Chimp Chiller Ale. Look for that review in an upcoming edition of North Ridge Buzz.

Update on North Ridge Holiday Lights Night Walk

Jodi Morrow, the organizer of the 2nd Annual North Ridge Holiday Lights Night Walk, announced today that the annual event is now featuring a social mixer near the end of the walk where participants can warm up with hot chocolate and cookies.

According to Jodi, during the walk participants will stop at the Shimandles house at 280 Summit View for a walk break. The Shimandles have been kind enough to volunteer for this part of the event.

As a reminder, the 2nd Annual North Ridge Holiday Lights Night Walk will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 23. Neighbors interested in the walk should meet at the corner of Skyline and Regal View Drives. Also, neighbors are asked to turn on their holiday lights for that evening for the walkers to enjoy.

"We tend to lose touch with our neighbors during the colder winter months," said Jodi. "This is a great opportunity for all of us North Ridgeans to gather, keep in touch, and get some exercise."

As of press time, Jodi says she is still mapping out the walk route. Jodi also mentioned that several families have indicated they plan on participating.

"Everyone in the neighborhood is invited to join the walk," she said.

For a previous story on the annual walk, including photos from the 2005 walk, click here.

Should North Middleton Township Tie Its Parks Together With Trails?

One North Ridge resident believes the timing is right for North Middleton Township to take a step forward.

Some time ago, Bill Myers brought before the North Middleton Township Supervisors a plan to tie together the three North Middleton Parks with walking/hiking/biking trails. To date, no action has been taken.

According to Bill, that plan could easily be extended into Cross Creek and North Ridge and actually any of the new developments proposed for North Middleton. Bill is interested in forming a community committee to review the idea and see if there is sufficient support to lobby the supervisors to consider the plan.

What do you think? Should the plan be resurrected? Would you volunteer for the committee?

As a firm believer in building for healthy communities, North Ridge Buzz has pledged its support and blog space for the committee to post stories.

Those interested in forming a committee should contact Bill at bill.myers@jgr.com

New State Law Requires Motorists To Turn On Headlights When Using Wipers

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced earlier this week that a new law, which goes into effect in January, will require motorists to turn on their headlights anytime their vehicles wipers are in continuous or intermittent use due to weather or other atmospheric conditions such as fog or mist.

Motorists who do not comply with the law could face a fine of $25, but with fees and other associated costs, the penalty would approach $100.

Allenberry Christmas Show Features Santa's Sister

YES, VIRGINIA, SANTA HAS A SISTER!

Allenberry Playhouse near Boiling Spring is proud to present the musical-comedy written especially for their Playhouse; “SANTA HAS A SISTER…AND OTHER MUSICAL SECRETS”.

The show opened November 8 and runs thru December 30 at Allenberry Playhouse.

Last year when every one gathered at the Kringle Mansion for the annual telling of how Kris Kringle became Santa Claus, they were surprised to learn that Santa had a ghostly brother. This year the surprises continue when Santa’s brother reveals that Santa also has a sister! What’s more, he brings her to the musical celebration!

The original play was written by Bob Crawford and directed by Allenberry’s Artistic Director Claude A. Giroux. The laughter filled musical comedy features favorite holiday music, a heart-warming story and memorable characters. Start a family tradition by getting together for the holidays at Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse for “Santa Has A Sister”.

“SANTA HAS A SISTER” plays thru December 30. Christmas Buffet and Matinee Show packages are Tuesday thru Sunday and Christmas Buffet and Twilight Show packages on select Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings in December. Please check website for details www.allenberry.com or call box office at 717 258-3211.

(Allenberry Playhouse announcement via Carlisle Chamber of Commerce)

Better to Wait for Post-holiday Sales for Self-indulgent Gifts

December is the month when most people scramble to find gifts for their friends and family. In the process, many decide to treat themselves to a gift as well — especially when they notice that something they've wanted is now on "sale." According to a business professor at Washington University in St. Louis, most people have an easier time justifying an indulgent purchase when there is the promise of saving money, especially when it is in the form of an unexpected discount or rebate. The catch is that frequently customers aren't saving as much money as they might think.

Effect of discounts

It takes just one good excuse to make most people buy, says Amar Cheema, assistant professor of marketing at the Olin School of Business. And discounts are usually the best excuse. A consumer who is trying not to spend too much may use the rebate as an excuse to overcome self-control and buy. A typical example of this is when a shopper had been thinking about buying a new TV, but hadn't quite been ready to shell out the big bucks. Then one day when he is out buying presents, he discovers that the store is offering a 20 percent discount on the $1000 TV he had been looking at. Suddenly that consumer has reason to actually make the purchase that very moment, Cheema said.

"The customer is using this unexpected price drop — a "windfall gain" — as a justification to buy something he wanted to buy anyway," Cheema said.

"Discounts are also more effective for luxury purchases than for necessities. A discount breaks down any self-control the shopper had before seeing the sale and helps assuage the guilt of indulging in the purchase." Even though the shopper intellectually knows that the price of the item may drop further during the post-holiday sales, he is probably going to buy the TV on the spot rather than wait.

Redeeming mail-in rebates

Mail-in rebates have the same effect on consumers, but are even more perilous, Cheema said. A rebate will convince a customer to buy something, but chances are a lot of those consumers who do purchase an item that has a mail-in rebate aren't going to save a dime.

"Rebates require the consumer to mail in some kind of form. Recent data show that only 40 percent of the shoppers actually take the initiative to do this correctly," Cheema said. "The retailer ends up getting the benefit of selling an item at full price and the customer doesn't get the discount he was counting on. For instance, TiVo Inc. 'saved' $5 million when about half of 100,000 new subscribers failed to redeem their rebates during the Christmas season last year."

"Unexpected discounts seem like found money to the customer; money they didn't have before," Cheema said. "People have a very hard time asserting self-control with found money and they end up indulging."

Even when you do file the rebate correctly, by the time you receive the rebate a couple of months later you have forgotten about the expense, and treat the check as an unexpected bonus. You are likely to spend it more easily than you would money in the bank. At the very least, if you do buy something and later get a $200 rebate check in the mail, deposit the "found money" in your bank, preferably in your savings account, Cheema suggests.

Easier credit

Yet another incentive to indulge is the offer for deferred payment on an item. In other words, "Buy now. No interest. Don't pay until next spring." Cheema said as long as the consumer actually pays off the entire amount in time, buying on credit can be a good idea. But, he cautions, when people do fall behind, the retailer may charge high interest rates and the consumer may end up paying more than they would had they paid with cash at the time of sale.

"Credit also appears to be easier to come by this time of the year, in terms of higher credit limits on credit cards, and balance transfer checks with low interest APRs," he said. These offers may make the consumer think they have more money to spend, while it may actually make them more likely to be in debt as a result of using this easy credit. As a result, they may also end up paying high finance charges on their credit cards.

Be deliberate

Cheema said that often the customer isn't getting much of a deal on the Christmas season discounts. Discounts, mail-in rebates, and credit make it more likely that the consumer will overspend in the holiday season. The manufacturer, retailer, and the credit-card company come out on top most of the time. So you might as well wait until after Christmas to buy things for yourself. At that time or later, retailers are eager to get rid of their inventory and really start cutting prices. You can then buy those presents to yourself, if you can afford them, with cash.

(Source: Washington University in St. Louis news release)

New Web Site To Help Citizens Fight Back Against Identity Theft

Pennsylvanians urged to develop a personal ‘action plan’

A new resource is available to help Pennsylvanians fight back against identity theft: www.IdentityTheftActionPlan.com, an innovative Web site designed to help citizens prevent, detect and respond to America’s fastest growing crime.

According to the state, nearly 9 million Americans will become victims of identity fraud during 2006. “It is important for consumers to learn how they can safeguard against this type of crime, as well as understand the best course of action to follow in case their identity is stolen," said Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.

“Few consumers would immediately know how to report a stolen credit card or contact the credit bureaus and banks that maintain their personal data,” Governor Rendell said. “This Web site explains the importance of keeping a separate record of account numbers, phone numbers and other essential information that can help consumers stop an identity thief in their tracks.”

The Web site includes information on how identity theft occurs, prevention tips, steps to take if you become a victim, statistics, and information for law enforcement agencies that investigate these types of crimes. In addition, www.IdentityTheftActionPlan.com provides a downloadable identity theft action plan to help citizens better manage their personal and financial information and be prepared to respond effectively should they become a victim.

By developing a personal identity theft action plan, citizens can document the financial institutions that issue their credit and bank cards, and the fraud reporting numbers for those businesses. It also includes information on filing a police report, filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, which tracks incidents of identity theft, and filing reports for lost or stolen driver’s licenses, state-issued photo identification cards, health insurance cards, Social Security cards and passports.

Anyone can be the victim of identity theft. In 2004, Walter M. Phillips Jr., the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime of Delinquency (PCCD), the agency that developed the Web site, had his identity stolen.

“I came home one night to find a message on my answering machine from a bank I had never heard of, asking when I was going to make a payment on my new car,” Chairman Phillips said. “The problem was I had not purchased a new car.”

Phillips came to learn that someone stole his identity to purchase a new $50,000 luxury car. Police eventually tracked down and arrested the culprit.

“I can tell you from personal experience that the faster you can detect and report identity fraud, the less damage you will suffer,” Phillips said. “I encourage all citizens to take five minutes to fill out the action plan so you have all of your important information in one place if you ever need it. Should you become a victim, it will give you peace of mind that you have the document.”

According to the 2006 Identity Fraud Consumer Report:

• During 2006, nearly 8.9 million Americans, or 4 percent of the population, will become victims of identity fraud.
• The average fraud amount per victim is $6,383.
• The average out-of-pocket expense to consumers is $422.
• The average time to resolve the situation is 40 hours.
• The faster fraud is detected, the lower the fraud amount and consumer costs.
• Forty-seven percent of cases are detected by the victim and self-detection results in lower consumer costs.
• The most common way that identity theft happens is through lost or stolen wallets, checkbooks, credit/debit cards.

For more information about identity theft or to download the identity theft action plan, visit www.IdentityTheftActionPlan.com.

(Source: News release from Governor Rendell)

New Year's Eve Resolution Run / Walk Takes You Through Miles Of Carlisle Holiday Lights

The Carlisle YMCA will be sponsoring a 5k run and 1 mile walk through the Holiday Lights at the Carlisle Fairgrounds on December 31 at 5 p.m. Titled the "New Year's Eve Resolution Race," the lights on display will light the way for runners and walkers.

Pre-registration is $15, while on-site registration is $20. Those who register before December 18 receive a long-sleeve shirt.

For more details, click here.

Many North Ridge Residents Attend North Middleton Township Christmas Tree Lighting

Santa arrived safely in North Middleton Township thanks to local volunteer firefighters. Upon his arrival, Santa helped light the township's Christmas Tree (before half of the lights went out). The tree is located along Route 34 in front of the township building.



Crestview Elementary School 4th and 5th graders entertained those attending the tree lighting ceremony. At least five, North Ridge kids are members of this choir. Afterwards, cookies and hot chocolate were available while children sat on Santa's lap.



Santa is always happy to be visiting North Middleton Township.



This little girl was very sad, and almost cried, when half of the lights on North Middleton Township's tree mysteriously went out. Seems like every year there's a problem with these lights. Maybe someday the township will figure out what's wrong.



Afterwards, several North Ridge residents pose in front of the North Middleton Township fire and rescue truck. From left to right are an unknown person, Mike Frutsche, Chuck Moran, Chuck McMurdy, and Kevin Bixby.

Tips Can Put The Chill On Home Heating Costs

So you've put your summer clothes in storage and pulled out heavy sweaters and woolen coats for the coming winter, but have you purchased an insulated "blanket" for your water heater?

That is just one of many ways to save on home heating costs, according to Heather Cooper, an assistant professor in the College of Technology and a researcher with the Discovery Park Energy Center at Purdue University.

"Heating water is the second largest energy user in a home, and an insulated water heater blanket will pay for itself in less than one year," Cooper said. "You also should turn down the temperature of the water heater to 120 degrees."

A furnace is the largest energy user in a home, but Cooper said there are ways to effectively and inexpensively reduce those costs, such as turning down the thermostat at night or when no one is home or using a programmable thermostat.

Other tips for winterizing your home include:

• Cleaning the gutters. Remove all leaves and other debris because the buildup can cause water to stay in the gutter. When water freezes, it can seep into the house and not only add to your heating costs but also cause structural problems.
• Crawling into the attic or crawlspace and inspecting insulation. Insulation should be 12 inches thick on the attic's floor or, if the home has a crawlspace, underneath the floor.
• Sealing up large air leaks with caulk. The most common areas for air leaks are around window and door frames, electrical outlets and recessed lighting. Use masonry sealer for bricked areas.
• Upgrading leaky windows. It may be time to replace older windows with energy-efficient models or boost their efficiency with weather-stripping and storm windows. A less expensive option is to tape or seal plastic around the windows during the winter months.
• Cleaning or replacing furnace, air-conditioner and heat pump filters.
• If you have a waterbed, then make it. The covers act as insulation that will save up to one-third of the energy the waterbed heater uses.
• Keeping draperies and shades on south-facing windows, which receive the most sunlight, open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill.

(Source: Purdue University news release)

Relax and Refocus with Yoga

The essence of optimal health is a healthy mind in a health body. Yoga, which has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, is a way to achieve both.

Rooted in ancient India, today’s yoga is broadly understood as a system of relaxation, postures and breathing. Over the centuries, different forms of yoga have evolved. Some focus more on spirituality, others on mediation and mastering the conscious mind. Some are more physically challenging than others.

A number of research studies have been conducted on the potential health benefits of yoga. Some commonly acknowledged benefits include:

• Relaxation and stress relief. Yoga’s quiet precise movements focus your mind less on your busy day and more on movement as you breathe deeply and progress through a series of poses.
• Increased flexibility and balance. As you learn and practice new poses, you’ll find that each time you can reach a little farther.

Although evidence isn’t definitive, studies have also shown that yoga may help manage certain chronic health conditions, such as:

• Depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders
• Asthma
• Cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Chronic painDiabetes

If you’d like to try yoga, look for classes in your area. You also can learn from books and videos, but an instructor can help you adjust poses to your needs. Ask about the instructor’s training and experience in working with your particular needs or health concerns.

At the end of the yoga class, you should feel invigorated yet calm. If that’s not the case, talk to the instructor for suggestions. Otherwise, another yoga class may be better suited to your needs.

(Source: Mayo Clinic news release)

Carlisle First Night Schedule Posted

The schedule for Carlisle First Night was recently posted to their website. Click here to see it.

For a listing of locations where you can purchase your Carlisle First Night button that gives you access to these events, click here.

For other details, click here.

North Middleton Township To Light Christmas Tree

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting in North Middleton Township is scheduled for Sunday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the township municipal building. Santa will be in attendance, and cookies and beverages will follow the lighting.

(Source: North Middleton Township 2006 Fall/Winter Newsletter)