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

CLINTON COLUMN FOR AUGUST 1, 2002

Another summer month has come and gone. They seem to fly so fast, and pretty soon, it is time for all the club meetings, school, etc. I hope that all of you have enjoyed the summer as much as I have. I love getting up in the morning, and opening the door to the outside, watching the birds at the feeder, walking out on my porch to look at the peaceful street, and being grateful for my life.

During the past week, I spent a few days in Ocean City with a friend, and it always amazes me how it changes. It has become such a family-friendly place that you see a lot more families than you used to. There are still mostly young people in the food and t-shirt stores and the girls still look great in their bikinis.

An interesting story in the latest Civista Hospital Newsletter tells about the reason the hospital was built. When the tornado of April 28, 2002 arrived in La Plata, the hospital was able to take care of the people who were injured quickly, but the tornado of November 9, 1926 did not have the same results. During that tornado, many people had to make a long trip to another hospital (of course, Southern Maryland Hospital Center was not built then, either), which meant life-threatening delays in treatment in many cases. In this recent case, the hospital was largely undamaged, fully operational, fully staffed and neither patients nor staff, were injured. No patients needed to be evacuated and many townspeople whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed found shelter and assistance at the hospital. The word "miracle" is used frequently these days as a grateful hospital and community rebuilds and looks to a future full of promise. Although 1100 businesses and homes were affected by the tornado which has been called "the worst in Maryland's history" few lives were lost.

The Department of Parks and Recreation of Prince George's County is seeking volunteers age 14 and older to work with archeologists with excavations and laboratory work on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 5 pm. If you do not have experience, training will be provided. Call 301-249-7308 (TTY) 301-699-2544.

Volunteers 14 and older are also needed to help teach horseback riding skills to county residents with disabilities. Horsehandling/riding experience is not required. Call 301-627-4308 (TDD) 301-454-1493.

Mentors are needed to assist women in transition from incarceration or homelessness into the workforce. Training is provided. Call 301-530-0788 for more information.

Sister's Keeper Resource Center of Fort Washington is seeking a space for its meetings on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Please call 301-505-0190.

The MidAtlantic Recreation and Parks' Sports Alliance, a group which is dedicated to communicating a message to players, coaches, and spectators that they will be held accountable to a code of conduct promoting sportsmanship, offers information for youth and adults. Call 410-887-3804 or 410-396-6136.

The Patuxent River Civic Association is looking for crafters and artists for the 5th annual Queen Anne Day Festival, to be held on October 19 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Patuxent River 4-H Center on Queen Anne Road in Upper Marlboro. Call 301-249-9761 for more information.

Antioxidants are in the news because they are mainstays of good health and disease prevention. Vitamin C protects against gastrointestinal cancers, cataracts and heart disease. It also lessens the severity of colds. Vitamin E protects against heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's and some cancers. May also protect skin against harmful UV rays. Selenium protects against cancer, heart disease, cataracts, andpossibly will deter the development of macular degeneration. Coenzyme Q10 fights cancer and heart disease, strengthens gums, protects nerves and helps generate energy. Alpha-LipoicAcide protects against heart disease, cataracts, stroke, cancer and diabetes-related nerve damage. Ginkgo Biloba improves circulation, fights heart disease, Alzheimer's and impotence.

The first Mr. Yuk sticker was created at the Poison Center at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh after research indicated that the skull and crossbones previously used to identify poisons had little meaning to the children of today (for most children, it meant exciting things like pirates and adventure). Covering 27 counties and 33 percent of Pennsylvania's population, the Pittsburgh Poison Control Center .at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is the largest such center in the United States.

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.

2002 Archives: May 30, June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25

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