Vol. 140 No. 13

COMMUNITY

Remembering an old friend during Women's History Month

Georgia: On My Mind

Georgia Green Stamper

I haven’t read that best-selling book about the five people you meet in Heaven. I haven’t read it because I don’t like the title. To be honest, I’m expecting at least half the Kentuckians who ever lived to come out to meet me at the Pearly Gates. The Bluegrass Angel Chorus will be singing “My Old Kentucky Home” a cappella when I arrive, and The University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team will be leading by twenty points in an NCAA championship game on a big screen celestial TV. Folks will be passing around platters of country ham biscuits and black walnut fudge and reassuring me that calories and cholesterol don’t count “up here.”

Limit TV watching
for everyone’s sake

How much and what kind of TV is your child watching each day? According to a large national research study, (Strong Families, Strong Schools, U.S. Department of Education, 1994), academic achievement drops sharply for children who watch TV more than 10 hours a week. Many children watch four to six hours a day or more. Today’s parents have grown up with TV. It is not always easy to imagine life without the TV. However, most parents would like to enhance the quality of their family’s life. You can make a positive difference in the quality of your family-life by controlling how the television is used and providing alternative activities.

Three Rivers District Health
Department prepares for the next health emergency

Celebrating National Public Health Week
April 2 – 6, 2007
National Public Health Week addresses the first steps to prepare for and address public health threats. Three Rivers District Health Department strives to help residents overcome barriers to preparing for the next public health emergency, whether natural or man-made. “We want residents in Owen County to be protected from health dangers that could arise in the event of an emergency, such as disease outbreak or natural disaster,” said Georgia Heise, Three Rivers District Director. “Today it is urgent that we adequately prepare for threats to our health.” The first step in preparing for these possible disasters is employing a staff that is committed to addressing public health needs. During National Public Health Week we celebrate the dedication of the employees at the Owen County Health Center. Whether keeping children safe with immunizations, preventing contamination of water supply, or educating new parents on safety issues for their children, the staff strives to make the health of Owen County a priority. Patty Green, RN at the center states, “Serving the public in this arena is very exciting. Knowing that you helped prevent disease and illness in your community makes the job very rewarding.” We urge you to celebrate this week by learning more about what your local health center offers. You may do so by calling (502)484-5736.

Healthy Living Workshop offered at Three Rivers

Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Enroll in the free Healthy Living with Chronic Conditions Workshop. The Healthy Living Workshop is for people with ongoing health conditions such as: diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, emphysema, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and others. Trained leaders will facilitate the two and one-half hour (one day weekly) workshop for three more weeks at the Three Rivers District Health Department District Office, 510 South Main St. There is no cost for participating in this program. You will learn about:
•working with your doctor
•relaxation techniques
•managing symptoms
•tips for eating well
•medication “how-tos”
•improving communications
•effective problem-solving
•setting weekly goals
•personalizing a fitness and exercise program.
For more information, call Three Rivers District Health Department (502) 484-3412 and ask for Melody Stafford or April Harris.

Fifth-grade entrepreneur

fair is Monday

The fifth-grade classes at Owen County elementary will have an entrepreneur fair on Monday. It will be held in the Owen County Elementary School gym. This is the culminating activity following a study of economics. It provides a realistic opportunity for students to apply economic principles and gain first-hand business experience through partnerships or a sole proprietorship. The fair will be open to the elementary students during the day and to the public from 4 - 5 p.m.