Norma Jean's Column for Southern Prince George's County

CLINTON COLUMN FOR OCTOBER 2, 2003

It is time to bring out the fall and winter clothes, but don't plan on wearing them all the time yet. Today will be 80, but the problem is that temperature does not last but a couple of hours in the afternoon. I am lucky that I have two different thermostats for my heat and air conditioning. I just keep the temperature on each one kept at 70 and 80, so whichever one I need works its magic. Sometimes the heat goes on at night, and then the air conditioning goes on in the late afternoon.

Last week, I asked if anyone knew when "autumn" had become "fall." My S.C. daughter, Barbara, sent me a website that is pretty funny about this subject, but still does not explain it. If you want to read an amusing description of "fall", check www.opentechsupport.net/laboratory.php. 

The Senior driving course is being offered on October 1 to 2 at the Harriet Hunter Senior Center on Allentown Road. Call 301-599-0947 to register for this one. Call 301-210-5091 to register for the one coming up on October 3 and 10 at Doctors Community Hospital. Beltsville Community Center will be having one on October 7 and 9 so you can call 301-937-6613 for that one. On October 8 and 9, Faith United Methodist Church in Accokeek will be the scene, and you can call 301-292-3274 for that one. This is a course that everyone should take if it has been some years since you have received your driver's license. You will be surprised at what you have forgotten and what has changed in the rules.

Is there any possibility you might have gallstones? In many cases, there is no sign. About 20%of people with gallstones experience at least one episode of severe abdominal pain. Gallstones can lead to serious complications that may become life-threatening. Fortunately, a permanent cure is available. If you have persistent severe pain in the upper right abdomen that may last from 30 minutes to several hours, you could be having a gallstone attack. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, pain under the right shoulder, and pain in the back between the shoulder blades. Indigestion after eating high-fat foods also is common. Women are more likely to develop gallstones than men. Obesity appears to decrease gallbladder emptying, which can make gallstones. Losing a lot of weight quickly or fasting also increases the risk of forming gallstones. It is estimated that by age 70, 25% to 30% of women and 10% to15% of men have gallstones. A healthy diet that includes adequate fiber and limits refined sugar appears to be protective. An active lifestyle also can lower risk. One extra bit of help can be in the form of Vitamin C. Some studies suggest that consumption of regular coffee and moderate amounts of alcohol also can mean a lower risk of gallstones. This information comes from the Johns Hopkins Newsletter, "Health After 50."

Big crab feast at the American Legion this weekend, Saturday 4 to 7 pm. All you can eat steamed crabs, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, cole slaw, crab soup, with fountain sodas and draft beer. Price is $25 in advance, and $30 at the door.

The Ladies Auxiliary to the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department is seeking crafters for their Annual Craft Fair to be held on November 15, 9 am to 3 pm at St. John's Church Hall on Old Branch Avenue. For further information and reservations, call Linda Heffron, 301-638-3333, or stop at the firehouse on Woodyard Road and pick up an application.

St. Mary's Church (St. Paul's Parish) is having their annual ham and oyster dinner on October 12 at the Baden Fire House in Baden on October 12 from 12 noon to 5 pm. Adults and carry outs will be $13, children age 6 to 12 will be $6 and children under 5 are free. There will also be a bake table, silent auction, and craft table. For more information, call 301-579-2611.

In mentioning the Country Fest happening on October 11, I did not tell you that there will be an auction featuring a Bath Boat with motor (whatever that is), office equipment, farm tools, china and crystal, and many other interesting items. This is a Brandywine Lions Club event.

Some facts about the Patuxent River you may be interested in. It is 111 miles long and completely within the state of Maryland; has 6700 acres of wetlands; the river's mouth is two miles wide; and, in 1781, the British looted homes along the Patuxent as far as Upper Marlboro.

Norma Jean Fazenbaker's column can be found in the Clinton Gazette, Prince George's Post, Prince George's Sentinel, and the Enquirer Gazette. You can contact Norma Jean by email - click this link.

2003 Archives: Jan. 2, Jan. 9, Jan. 17, Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27, March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24, May 1, May 8, May 16, May 22, May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 24, Aug. 14, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 4, Sept. 18, Sept. 25

2002 Archives: May 30, June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 15, Aug. 22, Aug. 28, Sept. 5, Sept. 12, Sept. 18, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Nov. 14, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Dec. 19, Dec. 26

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