KU health and fitness day gives kids chance to see college basketball

By Lindsey Slater

November 18, 2008

For an 11 a.m. game on a Tuesday, the stands were pretty full for the Kansas University women’s basketball game against Iowa.

The attendance of more than 3,500 students, teachers, parents and administrators representing Lawrence public elementary schools helped.

Tuesday was the first time that KU planned a health and fitness day with such a large group. Students in third through sixth grades from all of the city’s 15 elementary schools cheered on the Jayhawks and learned a thing or two about what it means to be a student athlete.

Women’s head coach Bonnie Henrickson was impressed with how well the youngsters seemed to know the game.

“Elementary school kids have great basketball IQ in Lawrence because they really knew when we needed help,” she said after KU won, 76-55. “They got loud when we needed them to be loud.”

The kids were more than happy to help cheer on the women.

“It was pretty cool,” said Anya Dickinson-Cove, a fifth-grader at Schwegler School. “Once they got the lead, it was no doubt they’re going to win.”

There were even a few future coaches in the crowd.

“They played really well today,” said Joshua Thomas, a sixth-grader at New York School. “Next time they play, I think that they should do a little bit more defense.”

Before the game, sixth-graders spent time learning about safety, nutrition, fitness and goal setting from the athletic staff and players.

Afterward, some Jayhawk athletes took to the court to answer questions.

“Being an athlete is tough,” said senior Marcus Herford, a wide receiver for KU’s football team. “It’s a tough deal, but we take it on each day with vigor.”

Junior softball outfielder Ally Stanton said she was surprised how many kids were in the stands.

“We felt like little rock stars. They’re so cute,” she said.

KU Athletics and their sponsors paid for everything for the students, from lunch to T-shirts.

And this first experience was a positive one for the school district and student athletes alike.

“We have kids that may or may not be able to do something like this with their families, so to give them this opportunity is just great,” said Anne Hawks, a curriculum specialist for the Lawrence district.

Students also had the chance to get autographs from the women’s basketball team after the game.

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Utah Firm Recalls Frozen Chicken Meals That May Contain Foreign Materials

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL FSIS-RC-043-2008 HEALTH RISK: HIGH Congressional and Public Affairs (202) 720-9113 Roger Sockman WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2008 - Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, a Springville, Utah, establishment, is recalling approximately 879,565 pounds of frozen chicken meals that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. The following products are subject to recall: 9.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE PESTO CHICKEN WITH BOW TIE PASTA” brand frozen meals. Printed on each side of each package is a production code of “8280595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best Before MAY 2010.” 10.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN MEDITERRANEAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8231595912” or “8241595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2010”; a production code of “8263595912,” “8269595911” or “8274595912,” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2010”; or, a production code of “8291595912” or “8301595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2010.” 12.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN TUSCAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8234595911” and a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2009”; a production code of “8253595911” or “8269595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2009”; or, a production code of “8292595911” or “8296595911” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2009.” Each package also bears the USDA mark of inspection as well as the establishment number “EST P-9018.” The frozen chicken meals were produced on Aug. 18, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 9, Sept. 19, Sept. 25, Sept. 30, Oct. 6, Oct. 17-18, Oct. 22 and Oct. 27 and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide. The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints and a report of one injury. The company identified the objects as small pieces of hard plastic. FSIS has not received other reports of injury. Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should consult a medical professional. Media with questions about the recall should contact Company Marketing Communications Manager Roz O’Hearn at (440) 264-5170. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Nestlé Consumer Services Center at (800) 227-6188. Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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Classes, workshops, seminars

THE FAMILY SERIES PART SIX: “I SHOULD, I OUGHT, I HAVE TO”: Discuss the guilt that typically goes along with the role of a caregiver. 1:30-3 p.m. Nov. 10, Tri-County Mental Health Services, Northland Human Services Building, Second Floor Conference Room, 3100 N.E. 83rd, Kansas City. Free. Register. www.tri-countymhs.org (913-831-3888)

Flu shots, immunizations

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST INFLUENZA: Written physician’s order and parental consent are required for those 16-17 years of age. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 6, American Red Cross, Mill-Walk Mall, 2733 Cantrell, Harrisonville. $25. For those 16 years old and above. www.kcredcross.org (816-380-4271)

DRIVE THRU FLU SHOTS: Non-perishable food items will be accepted for Harvesters at this time. Sponsored by the University of Kansas Hospital. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 8, The University of Kansas Hospital, 3901 Rainbow Blvd Kansas City, Kansas. Free. www.kumed.com (913-588-1227)

Health fairs, screenings

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS: 9:30-11 a.m. Nov. 5, Olathe Senior Center, Multi Purpose Room 110, 311 E. Park, Olathe. Free, donations accepted. For ages 50 plus. www.jcprd50plus.com (913-782-1878)

STROKE AND OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING: The complete screening package now includes a new Heart Rhythm screening which checks for irregular heartbeat, a major risk factor for stroke. 9 a.m. Nov. 6, Wexford Place, 6500 N. Cosby, Kansas City. 9 a.m. Nov. 7, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4, 7844 Leavenworth, Kansas City, Kansas. $149 for a Wellness package. Please call to set up an appointment. www.lifelinescreening.com (1-800-697-9721)

HEALTH AND SPIRITUALITY WORKSHOP: This continuing nurse education activity will count for 11 accredited contact hours. 12:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 7; 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 8, Community of Christ Temple, 201 S. River, Independence. $75 for Friday and Saturday workshops including 2 meals. $10 discount for Seniors over 65 years. 1/2 price for students. Call for registration pricing and extra fee information. www.CofChrist.org (816-833-1000 ext. 1262)

BIRTHRIGHT EMERGENCY PREGNANCY SERVICE TRAINING: This class is to train new volunteers. Lunch will be provided. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Nov. 8, Birthright, Emergency Pregnancy Service, 6309 Walnut. Free. Registration required. www.birthright.org (816-444-7090)

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Salina Ks

Fitness, whole-health testing offered for seniors

Sat. Nov. 15th and Tues and Nov. 18th.

Fitness and whole-health testing geared specifically to seniors will be offered Saturday and Tuesday at the University United Methodist Church, 1509 S. Santa Fe.

The testing is available to the public without cost. No appointments are necessary, but advance registration is encouraged.

The tests, administered under the supervision of Evelyn Maxwell, registered nurse, include the nationally known Senior Fitness Test as well as health habits, nutrition and depression screening.

Participants may choose one of four sessions planned over the two days. The sessions, in the church’s lower-level forum, will begin at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each day. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

To register or seek more information, call Maxwell at 827-3304 or e-mail emmx@cox.net.

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The Kansas Health Consumer Coalition and the Kansas Faith Alliance for Health Reform invite you to a legislative candidate forum on Thursday, October 23rd from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

The event will be held at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium 101B-C, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka. All Topeka-area candidates for the state senate and house have been invited to attend.

The forum gives you an opportunity to listen to candidates address one of the most pressing issues for Kansans-access and affordability of health care. A question and answer format will be directed by a moderator, with some time allotted for questions from the audience.

The following is a list of the candidates attending this discussion:

Laura Kelly
Shari Weber
Carolyn Weinhold
Ann Mah
Annie Tietze
Annie Kuether
Vicki Schmidt

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Vermont Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL FSIS-RC-039-2008 HEALTH RISK: HIGH Congressional and Public Affairs (202) 720-9113 Laura Reiser WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2008 - Vermont Livestock, Slaughter and Processing Co., LLC, a Ferrisburg, Vt., firm, is recalling approximately 2,758 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.     Preparing Ground Beef For Safe Consumption USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHOTLINE or visit www.fsis.usda.gov Wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot, soapy water. Immediately clean spills. Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and cooked foods. Consumers should only eat ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F. Color is NOT a reliable indicator that ground beef or ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7. The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature. Refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours after purchase or one hour if temperatures exceed 90°F. Refrigerate cooked meat and poultry within two hours after cooking.     The following product is subject to recall: 5-pound approximate weight vacuum packages of “VT BURGER CO GROUND BEEF.” These packages of ground beef products bear the establishment number “EST. 9558″ inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a lot code of “090508A,” “090808A,” “091208A,” “091908A” or “092208A.” This product was shipped two packages per box, intended for restaurants, food service and institutional use and not available for direct retail purchase. These ground beef products were produced on Sept. 5, 8, 12, 19 and 22 and delivered to distribution centers intended for restaurants and institutions in Vermont and Plattsburgh, N.Y. The problem was discovered through a joint epidemiological investigation by FSIS and the Vermont Department of Health. FSIS has received 10 confirmed reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Consumers and media with questions about the recall should contact company Manager Carl Cushing at (802) 793-4742. Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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Small changes can have big impact on overall health

Lenexa, KS (Oct. 6, 2008) –This October, during National Chiropractic Month, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is encouraging families to make simple changes in an effort to improve their overall health and well-being.

“Making small consistent changes are the keys to achieving better health,” says Dr. Frank Jimenez of Integrity Chiropractic and Wellness in Lenexa, KS and a member of the American Chiropractic Association. “Chiropractic, because of its focus on prevention, can play an integral role in helping Americans improve their health.”

Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to serve as primary care doctors, Dr. Jimenez notes. “They stress preventive protocols such as, dietary and nutritional counseling, exercise, rehabilitation and ergonomics.”

Dr. Jimenez and the ACA recommend the following health tips.
 Exercise daily
 Control your weight
 Commit to proper nutrition
 Avoid smoking or other tobacco products
 Use alcohol in moderation
 Control any chronic diseases or disorders (including high blood pressure, diabetes, or osteoarthritis).

Doctors of chiropractic provide drug-free, non-invasive treatment options for many types of pain and inflammation. For example, chronic back pain, neck pain, joint pain and headaches can often be reduced with the appropriate combination of chiropractic manipulation, rehabilitative exercises and lifestyle counseling – all of which are offered by doctors of chiropractic in a patient’s personalized treatment plan.

“Consumers also should know that chiropractic treatment is a covered benefit in virtually all traditional insurance policies,” adds Dr. Jimenez. “As many as 87 percent of all insured American workers have coverage for chiropractic services in their existing health care plans.”

A significant amount of evidence has shown that the use of chiropractic care for certain conditions can be more effective than traditional medical care, with many patients feeling improvement shortly after their first chiropractic visit.

This October, during National Chiropractic Month, talk with a doctor of chiropractic about ways you can achieve better health. “Doctors of chiropractic believe that prevention is the key to health and wellness. Discover how treatment by your local doctor of chiropractic can not only improve your spinal health, but also start you on the road to wellness.”

Dr. Jimenez is working in collaboration with the American Chiropractic Association to observe National Chiropractic Month. For more information on chiropractic or any of the tips mentioned above contact Dr. Jimenez at (913) 888-2066, visit his office website: www.integrity-chiropractic.com or visit the ACA’s website: www.ACAtoday.org.

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Hundreds expected to take the Plunge

ERIN MATHEWS
Hundreds of Salinans may soon feel like a real weight has been lifted from their shoulders — and their thighs and hips and stomachs. More than 850 people are signed up so far to participate in Pound Plunge, a free, community-wide, 12-week program designed to help participants lose weight the healthy way through regular exercise and nutritious food choices.

“We’re doing the whole thing — nutrition, exercise and having fun,” said Ellen Hogeland, fitness director for the Salina Family YMCA and one of the event organizers. “If we can get a lot of people in Salina motivated, then that’s the key.”

The program, which was patterned after a similar event in Hays, kicks off from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Bicentennial Center, where new four-person teams will still be able to register. Salina Regional Health Center nurses have volunteered to take blood pressure readings, and participants will have the option of having blood work done at half price to determine cholesterol, lipid and glucose levels.

At 9:45 a.m., Salina Mayor John Vanier will address the crowd. At 10 a.m., Jez Luckett, a Garden City man who lost 150 pounds while a contestant on the reality TV show “The Biggest Loser,” will give a motivational message.

Participants, who must be 18 or older and not pregnant, can sign up until Sept. 20 to compete as part of a team. Team members should plan to visit the YMCA each week between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays or during YMCA hours Wednesdays to weigh in and track their progress. Weight information will be kept confidential.

Read more about Pound Plunge in Friday’s Salina Journal.

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Kentucky Firm Recalls Frozen Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sandwich Products That May Contain Foreign Materials

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL FSIS-RC-033-2008 HEALTH RISK: HIGH Congressional and Public Affairs (202) 720-9113 Peggy Riek WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2008 - Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, a Mt. Sterling, Ky., establishment, is recalling approximately 215,660 pounds of frozen stuffed pepperoni pizza sandwich products that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels] 54-ounce, 12-pack cartons of “HOT POCKETS PEPPERONI PIZZA” brand stuffed sandwiches. Printed on the side of each carton is “8157544614D,” “EST 7721A,” and “BEST BEFORE JAN2010.” Each carton bears the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on June 5 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide. The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints. FSIS has not received any consumer complaints or reports of injury at this time. Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should contact a physician. Media with questions about the recall should contact Company Marketing Communications Manager Roz O’Hearn at (440) 264-5170. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Nestlé Consumer Services Center at (800) 350-5016. Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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