Mood booster

Top 10 detox foods

2012-01-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

Realbuzz – Thu, Jan 5, 2012

Lemons are a staple of many detox diets, and there is good reason for this. Firstly, lemons are packed with antioxidant vitamin C, which is great for the skin and for fighting disease-forming free-radicals. Furthermore, the citrus fruit has an alkaline effect on the body, meaning that it can help restore the body's pH balance, benefitting the immune system. Try starting your day with hot water and a slice of lemon to help flush out toxins and cleanse your system.

If too much fatty food or alcohol has caused problems for your digestive system, it may be worthwhile adding some ginger to your diet. Ginger is not only great for reducing feelings of nausea, but it can help improve digestion, beat bloating and reduce gas. In addition to this, ginger is high in antioxidants and is good for boosting the immune system. To give your digestion a helping hand, try sipping on ginger tea or adding some freshly grated ginger to a fruit or vegetable juice.

Garlic has long been known for its heart benefits, however the pungent food is also good at detoxifying the body. Garlic is not only antiviral, antibacterial and antibiotic, but it contains a chemical called allicin which promotes the production of white blood cells and helps fight against toxins. Garlic is best eaten raw, so add some crushed garlic to a salad dressing to boost its flavour and your health at the same time.

If you have recently been overindulging in fatty foods and alcohol, adding some steamed globe artichoke leaves to your meals is a great way to help get your body back on track. Globe artichokes are packed with antioxidants and fibre and can also help the body digest fatty foods. On top of this, globe artichoke is renowned for its ability to stimulate and improve the functions of the liver - the body's main toxin-fighting tool.

For those needing a quick health-boosting shot of nutrients, you can't do much better than beetroot. Packed with magnesium, iron, and vitamin C, the vegetable has recently been hailed as a superfood due to its many reported health benefits. Not only is beetroot great for skin, hair and cholesterol levels, but it can also help support liver detoxification, making it an ultimate detox food. To enjoy its benefits, try adding raw beetroot to salads or sipping on some beetroot juice.

While it's not technically a food, no detox plan would be complete without regular consumption of essential liquids. Fluids are essential for keeping our organs healthy and helping to flush toxins from the body, and drinking green tea is a great way of boosting your intake. Green tea is not only a good weight-loss drink, but it is extremely high in antioxidants. Research has also suggested that drinking green tea can protect the liver from diseases including fatty liver disease.

Many celebs have resorted to the cabbage soup diet to help lose weight and get in shape quickly before a big event, however cabbage is not only good for weight loss - it is also an excellent detoxifying food. Like most cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli and sprouts), cabbage contains a chemical called sulforaphane, which helps the body fight against toxins. Cabbage also supplies the body with glutathione; an antioxidant that helps improve the detoxifying function of the liver.

Fresh fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre= and are also low in calories, making them an important part of a detox diet. If you're after brighter eyes and skin, shinier hair and improved digestion, try boosting your intake of fruit and eating from a wide variety of different kinds. The good news is fruit is easy to add to your diet, so try starting your day with a fresh fruit salad or smoothie and snacking on pieces of fruit throughout the day.

If you want to cleanse your system and boost your health, it is a good idea to cut down on processed foods. Instead, try supplementing your diet with healthier whole grains such as brown rice, which is rich in many key detoxifying nutrients including B vitamins, magnesium, manganese and phosphorous. Brown rice is also high in fibre, which is good for cleansing the colon, and rich in selenium, which can help to protect the liver as well as improving the complexion.

Like most green herbs and vegetables, watercress is an excellent health-booster and detox food. Firstly, watercress leaves are packed with many vital detoxifying nutrients, including several B vitamins, zinc, potassium, vitamin E and vitamin C. Secondly, watercress has natural diuretic properties, which can help to flush toxins out the body. To reap the benefits of this nutritious food, try adding a handful of watercress to salads, soups and sandwiches.

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The Laurentians are Quebec's most-stressed region

2012-01-09T21:34:00.000-08:00

MONTREAL - Forget that bucolic image of cross-country skiers and cozy chalets. The most stressed-out region in Quebec - Canada's most angst-ridden province - is the scenic Laurentians.

The findings for 2010 are from Statistics Canada's annual report on health in 136 regions nationwide, the Canadian Community Health Survey.

"It's paradoxical," said Jack Jedwab, executive director of the Association for Canadian Studies, who crunched statistics from the survey to draw up a portrait of stress levels in Quebec and the rest of Canada.

"The pace of life in a place like the Laurentians, one would think, would be reasonably slower than it is bigger cities," he said.

But work pressures, economic difficulties or other stressors could be contributing to high anxiety levels in the scenic region northwest of Montreal, he said.

Nearly half of people age 35-44 in the Laurentians said most days in their lives are quite a bit or extremely stressful, the survey found.

Overall, 36.6 per cent of Quebecers in that age group reported having stressful lives on most days.

In Canada as a whole, 29.8 per cent of people age 35-44 described most days as stressful. In Montreal, 31.9 per cent in that age group report being quite or very stressed on most days.

Luisa Cameli, executive director of the Emotional Health CBT Clinic, was surprised to hear that people in the Laurentians reported more stress. But the region offers many pleasurable activities that buffer people from stress, she pointed out.

Commuting to jobs in Montreal might be contributing to pressures weighing on some Laurentians residents, pointed out Angelo Soares, a professor of sociology at Université du Québec à Montréal who specializes in stress and other mental disorders.

The Laurentians are one of Quebec's fastest-growing regions, as families move off the island of Montreal to northern suburbs.

Experts say a supportive network of family and friends helps keep stress at bay. Exercise is also a proven mood-booster.

Among those 35-44, 42.8 per cent in Toronto report having stress on most days, while 41.2 per cent in Quebec City and 32.4 per cent in Ottawa did so. In Vancouver, 22.6 per cent experienced daily stress.

The least stressed-out Canadians are in Newfoundland and Labrador (15.3 per cent of people age 35-44) and Prince Edward Island (15.7 per cent).

In all ages 15 and up, 26.7 per cent of Quebecers reported feeling daily stress, compared to 23.5 per cent of all Canadians.

Statistics Canada surveyed 130,000 Canadians in different health regions and an additional 30,000 people in the different provinces.

While Quebecers might have higher stress, the province also has far more therapists per capita than any other province, Cameli said. "Help is available," she said.

mascot@montrealgazette.com

A little knowledge is a good thing for hangovers

2012-01-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

Alcohol can also cause your blood vessels to expand, leading to headaches. It can also lead to a bad blood sugar crash that may leave you shaking and feeling weak. (Chris Ratcliffe / Bloomberg)

Gearing up for a big night on New Year's Eve? One that will involve some drinking? Then maybe you need a little primer on hangovers, since you could be nursing one soon.

You may already be familiar with the symptoms: The Mayo Clinic lists headache, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, thirst, not being able to concentrate and dizziness. What causes a hangover? Drinking too much, of course, which leads to a cascade of ill effects.

Imbibing can lead to urinating more, says the clinic, which can cause dehydration, then thirst and possibly dizziness. All that booze can do a number on your stomach lining too, irritating it and making you feel like you want to hurl.

Alcohol can also cause your blood vessels to expand, leading to headaches. It can also lead to a bad blood sugar crash that may leave you shaking and feeling weak.

So, what can you do about them? Not much, apparently. A 2005 meta-analysis in the British Medical Journal looked at studies of various alleged remedies, including tropisetron (a nausea drug), propranolol (a beta blocker that affects blood flow), tolfenamic acid (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) and fructose or glucose (supposedly they tamp down the metabolic effects of ethanol). The studies also examined the success of various dietary supplements, including prickly pear.

The study authors found no convincing evidence that any conventional or complementary remedies can prevent or cure a hangover. They added that until more is known about what happens in the body to cause a hangover, a true remedy may be tough to pin down.

The authors also offered this nugget: "The most effective way to avoid the symptoms of alcohol induced hangover is to practice abstinence or moderation."

Tempted to try an over-the-counter remedy? Read this first.

How much of a toll can a hangover take on your ability to think and function? A 2010 study in the journal Addiction gave 193 college students alcohol or a placebo and had them take some tests the next day. Researchers measured test-taking performance, neurocognitive performance and mood.

Test-taking performance wasn't affected by drinking, but mood state and attention and reaction time were.

If you're wondering whether certain types of alcohol can elicit more of a hangover than others, a 2010 study in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research looked at exactly that. Researchers tested the effects of bourbon and vodka on 95 healthy heavy drinkers who drank to the point of being drunk. Alcoholic beverages contain substances called congeners, toxins that are created during fermentation. More are found in darker alcoholic beverages such as red wine and whiskey.

The study participants said they felt worse after drinking bourbon, but other than that there were no differences seen on attention and speed tests, sleep disturbance or feeling sleepy the next day.

So pick your poison wisely, and do it moderation. You have been warned.

Ridgewood High School band to perform holiday songs

2012-01-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

BY DEBORAH BAYLISS dbayliss@pioneerlocal November 28, 2011 12:56PM

Updated: December 1, 2011 4:11AM

Ridgewood High School’s band program will help set the holiday mood with its annual winter concert next week.

“At our winter concert, audience members will hear arrangements of holiday favorites as well as major pieces from the concert band literature,” band director Steve Klaus said. “They will hear percussion ensembles, the jazz band, the concert band (younger students) and the symphonic band (older students).”

A typical concert cycle involves approximately six to seven weeks of preparation for Ridgewood’s 115 band-member program.

The concert is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the high school gymnasium.

“My process for selecting band literature involves choosing pieces that are appropriate for the ability level of the particular group,” Klaus said.

He said concert goers will hear high-quality compositions and arrangements.

“(The arrangements) are excellent vehicles for teaching musical concepts and skills and represent different eras of music and styles,” he said. “(The songs) are appropriate for the type of concert we are doing like the winter concert and are ones that the band can learn well in the time frame we have to prepare.”

The turnout for a Ridgewood concert averages around 250 people, Klaus said.

“We encourage students, parents, friends and families to attend our concerts to not only be entertained but to learn more about the music we are performing and see the result of weeks of hard work by the band students,” Klaus said. “The cost for admittance is minimal, and audience members invariably tell us afterward that they are amazed at how well the students perform.”

Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for seniors and children under 13, and free for Ridgewood High School students and Ridgewood’s Music Booster Card holders.

For more information, please contact Klaus at sklaus@ridgenet.org or by calling (708) 456-4242, ext. 760.

© 2011 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit http://www.suntimesreprints.com/. To order a reprint of this article, click here.

Champions to get Demons in cup mood

2012-01-09T00:25:00.001-08:00

By Brendan Mooney

Friday, January 06, 2012

UCC DEMONS return to the revamped Mardyke Arena on Sunday (3.30pm) but 11890 Killester, the defending Nivea for Men SuperLeague champions, can expect anything but a warm welcome.

With the semi-finals of the SuperLeague cup looming a week later — Demons face a third derby game of the season against neighbours Bord Gáis Neptune in that competition — coach Paul Kelleher will be looking for something special.

He has already said that, as far as he is concerned, the recent one-sided derby at Neptune Stadium will count for nothing come the cup semi-final but he also insisted that Demons are still a work-in-progress.

"Killester are still one of the best teams in this country and we will have to be very focused against them as they blew us away in the early stages when we played them recently in Dublin," he said.

"We are enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment and it is imperative that we maintain that and that we get a win before we take on Neptune in the national cup semi-final."

Killester have a big cup final date with their old foes UL Eagles ahead of them so coach Darren O’Neill will be trying to get a win after last Thursday’s overtime defeat by DCU Saints.

"There is no doubt that we are up for it," O’Neill insisted. "Paul [Kelleher] has a really strong squad and they are causing teams a lot of problems at the moment.

"We will have to be at our very best as a result from this game will be a huge confidence-booster for both teams ahead of the cup games against UL and Neptune, which are just a week away."

UCD Marian begin their double-header weekend with a tricky home clash against Belfast Star — a team desperately in need of league points — followed by a visit from DCU Saints on Sunday.

"Saints are very much the form team in this country and we will have to be clinical at both ends of the floor to get anything from this game but it’s not beyond us," coach Fran Ryan said.

A win for Star tomorrow night would be a just reward for veteran coach Danny Fulton, who has had to endure more than his share of frustration this season.

"Since we signed Joshua Johnson we have played some good basketball and had a place in the national cup semi-final snatched from our grasp by Neptune in the closing seconds," he said.

Mention of Neptune is bound to raise a few hackles in the camp as Star entertain them again on Sunday with coach Mark Scannell in buoyant mood after a big win over UL Eagles on Monday.

"We needed a response after getting wiped out by UCC Demons over the Christmas period and we showed great character to defeat Eagles on their home court," he said.

UL Eagles, following that defeat, won’t be taking any chances against Moycullen when they renew rivalry at NUIG, as the Galway side have already beaten them once this season.

In the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague, leaders UL travel to Waterford to play Wildcats while Team Montenotte Hotel are away to Ulster Rockets, before the sides meet in the semi-final of the cup at Neptune Stadium a week later.

a d v e r t i s e m e n t
This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Friday, January 06, 2012

Rock Hill church's Christmas lunch feeds bodies, souls

2011-12-28T04:48:00.000-08:00

ROCK HILL --

There was one message the guests had for the volunteers at St. Mary Catholic Church's Christmas lunch Sunday.

Bless you.

"Bless them, because they're all putting forth an effort to those in need," said Darrett Crockett, 37.

Crockett accepted a tray of turkey, ham, sweet potatoes and more as he talked about the necessity of people and places like these. He and his sister ate, laughed and talked together in the church's Bannon Hall with at least 50 others who came for the food and camaraderie.

The church has been serving its Christmas lunch for more than 20 years, organizers said. Volunteers were also piling food into containers and delivering them to people in the area.

"It's a really good thing," Crockett said. "Everyone needs a little help sometimes."

People like the Lintners are happy to give that help.

After spending months in Spain and Honduras helping others, Meghan Lintner came home to the best Christmas present: continuing to help others. "It's been great," said Lintner, 22. "I was very excited. I love helping people."

Nick and Carol Lintner brought Meghan and their two other children, Kelly, 20, and Nick, 18, to volunteer.

Having just graduated from Elon University in North Carolina, Meghan Lintner is still looking for ways to serve. She is awaiting news on her Fulbright Program application.

The Fulbright Program, an international education exchange sponsored by the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, has helped thousands of people continue researching or teaching abroad.

With her role model of Mother Teresa, Lintner hopes to return to Honduras.

"She said, 'Once you do it, you'll know why I'm so passionate about it,'" Carol Lintner said.

Giving back and being grateful was what it was about for them.

"It's the time of year to give," she said. "It's the meaning of Christmas. It's not all about Santa Claus. It's a joy."

In the past, she said the family has done a lot of community service around the holiday season, with the hopes that their children will see how important it is to give back and help others.

"They like to reach out," she said. "Once we leave, they beg to come back."

Kelly Lintner was happy to "spread the Christmas joy."

"It feels good to get out and do something," she said.

And the people they helped touched them as well.

Natalia Wszeborowska, 15, was looking for a community service project as part of her Confraternity of the Christian Doctrine classes at the church.

"I like it," she said. "I didn't do it just for the community service. I did it because I knew it'd be a good experience."

The people they met while serving touched them as well.

"There was a man going through the line singing Christmas carols," Wszeborowska said. "It was a great mood booster."

2012: Year of the simple

2011-12-27T22:38:00.000-08:00

Celebrating the good, the bad and the ridiculous moments of motherhood

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Happy over Kanimozhi's bail, says DMK

2011-12-21T03:03:00.000-08:00

New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS) The DMK Monday welcomed the Delhi High Court's order granting bail to party MP Kanimozhi in the 2G spectrum allocation case, saying it was a big relief to her family.

'We are very happy for Kanimozhi and the other four granted bail today by the honourable high court. At any point of time, the orders will come and then only we will come to know about the conditions,' said DMK leader T.R. Baalu.

He said it was a big relief for the parents and the near and dear ones of the MP.

DMK's Rajya Sabha member Tiruchi Siva told IANS: 'We are very happy. Everyone is relieved and the mood in general is upbeat.'

Party leaders and cadres said the bail had come as a morale booster to take on the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, which was facing the people's displeasure after hiking milk prices and public transport bus fares.

The high court Monday granted bail to Kanimozhi and Kalaignar TV chief Sharad Kumar, Cineyug Films' Karim Morani, Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt. Ltd. directors Asif Balwa and Rajiv B. Agarwal in the 2G case.

How to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder

2011-12-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

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The Cognitive Benefits Of Chewing Gum

2011-12-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

Why do people chew gum? If an anthropologist from Mars ever visited a typical supermarket, they’d be confounded by those shelves near the checkout aisle that display dozens of flavored gum options. Chewing without eating seems like such a ridiculous habit, the oral equivalent of running on a treadmill. And yet, people have been chewing gum for thousands of years, ever since the ancient Greeks began popping wads of mastic tree resin in their mouth to sweeten the breath. Socrates probably chewed gum.

It turns out there’s an excellent rationale for this long-standing cultural habit: Gum is an effective booster of mental performance, conferring all sorts of benefits without any side effects. The latest investigation of gum chewing comes from a team of psychologists at St. Lawrence University. The experiment went like this: 159 students were given a battery of demanding cognitive tasks, such as repeating random numbers backward and solving difficult logic puzzles. Half of the subjects chewed gum (sugar-free and sugar-added) while the other half were given nothing. Here’s where things get peculiar: Those randomly assigned to the gum-chewing condition significantly outperformed those in the control condition on five out of six tests. (The one exception was verbal fluency, in which subjects were asked to name as many words as possible from a given category, such as “animals.”) The sugar content of the gum had no effect on test performance.

While previous studies achieved similar results — chewing gum is often a better test aid than caffeine — this latest research investigated the time course of the gum advantage. It turns out to be rather short lived, as gum chewers only showed an increase in performance during the first 20 minutes of testing. After that, they performed identically to non-chewers.

What’s responsible for this mental boost? Nobody really knows. It doesn’t appear to depend on glucose, since sugar-free gum generated the same benefits. Instead, the researchers propose that gum enhances performance due to “mastication-induced arousal.” The act of chewing, in other words, wakes us up, ensuring that we are fully focused on the task at hand. Unfortunately, this boost is fleeting. The takeaway of this research is straightforward: When taking a test, save the gum for the hardest part, or for those questions when you feel your focus flagging. The gum will help you concentrate, but the help won’t last long.

This latest paper only adds to the impressive body of psychological literature on gum. Last month, scientists at Coventry University found that people chewing mint gum showed a dramatic decrease in feelings of sleepiness. The subjects also looked less exhausted when assessed with the Pupillographic Sleepiness Test (PST), which uses the oscillations of the pupils as a metric of tiredness. When we chew gum, we gain alertness and attention, but without the jitters.

And then there’s this paper, from a researcher at Cardiff University. 133 volunteers were given cognitive tests with and without chewing gum. (They were also randomly assigned gum flavors, treated to a selection of fruits and mints.) Approximately half of the volunteers were tested while listening to a screeching noise — this was the stress condition — while the other volunteers took the test in a quiet room. After each testing session, the volunteers rated their mood and underwent a number of physiological measurements, including heart rate and salivary cortisol levels. (Cortisol is a stress hormone, but it’s also a good indicator of alertness.) As expected, gum chewers were more attentive than non-chewers, with elevated heart rates and cortisol levels. They also had much faster reaction times, especially on more difficult reaction tests. They even appeared to be in a better mood.

Given the uncanny power of gum, it seems a little silly that we don’t allow it in the classroom. (If a pill achieved these same results, we’d all be popping it.) Of course, gum is disgusting and unsightly once it becomes litter, but it also appears to be a wonderful stimulant, allowing us to benefit from the attentional boost of eating without having to swallow or ingest calories. (Plus, fresh breath!) A recent review of the gum-chewing literature summarizes the science: “Gum appears to be a functional food with function but no food.”

Photo: Flickr/world of jan

via bakadesuyo

PS. @ResearchDigest points out that another new paper on gum chewing that found chewing decreased performance on tests of short-term memory that involve serial recall. Tapping with the hands achieved the same results, suggesting that the rhythmic pulse of bodily movement might interfere with the memorization of ordered lists.

Victor puts final touches on ‘11 Old Fashioned Christmas

2011-12-20T00:25:00.000-08:00

Holiday cheer will be the prevailing mood during the upcoming Victor Old Fashioned Christmas.
The event, an old-time celebration of happiness, anticipation and good will, is Saturday, Dec. 10, with plenty of fun for the entire family.
Activities are planned throughout the day. The event is sponsored by the Victor Area Chamber of Commerce and other participating organizations.
Following is a schedule of the various activities that will be taking place:
• 6:30-9 a.m.: HLV Booster Club Breakfast, HLV Elementary School Gym.
• 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: HLV Booster Club Craft Show, HLV High School gymnasium.
• 9 a.m.-noon and 4-7:30 p.m.: “A Storybook Christmas,” Victor Public Library.
• 10 a.m.: Cookie/Candy Walk, St. James Lutheran Church.
• 10:30 a.m.: HLV Booster Club Lunch, HLV School.
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lunch, St. Bridget’s Catholic Church.
• Noon: Housewalk by HLV Cheerleaders. This year’s hosts are Cathy and Fritz Kinzenbaw, Ladora; and Diane Maschmann, Jan and Dennis Phelps, and Roxanne and Kurt Pierce, all of Victor.
• 1-5 p.m.: Nativity Tour, Victor Methodist Church. Admission is free.
• 4:30-7 p.m.: Evening supper, American Legion Hall, Lincoln Loyal Leaders 4-H Club.
• 4-7 p.m.: Horse-drawn rides, loading at Bloethe Law Office.
• 4:30-7 p.m.: Special business hours.
• 5-7 p.m.: Pictures with Santa, Thys Auto & Outdoor Power.
• 5:15 and 5:30 p.m.: HLV Band and Chorus, American Legion Hall.
• 4:30-7 p.m.: Frosty/Talking Christmas Tree.
• 4:30-7 p.m.: Roasting marshmallows with Victor firemen.
• 7 p.m.: Fireworks, in the business district. The winner of the Lions Club Raffle will be announced prior to the fireworks.
• 7:30 p.m.: Closing ceremony, American Legion Hall, with local talent including the Victor Community Chorus.
Want more information? Just dial the OH SANTA network – that’s (319) 647-2683.

Tagged as: Victor, Victor Iowa, Victor Old Fashioned Christmas

Postpartum mental illness linked to later bipolar disorder

2011-12-19T20:47:00.000-08:00

Postpartum mental illness linked to later bipolar disorder - latimes.com jQuery = $; //rename $ function trblib.ns('trb').data = { contentId: '66532088', marketCode: 'lanews', section: '/health/boostershots'}; xd.configure({ 'https://latimes.signon.trb.com':{ sender : 'https://latimes.signon.trb.com/registration/xd/xd_sender.htm', receiver : '/hive/common/includes/xd_receiver.html' } }); carnival.init({"hostname":"https://latimes.signon.trb.com","apiKey":"","product":"lanews", "xd":"1", "activateMessages":"true", "ssorNavBackgroundColor":"#000000", "ssorModalTextColor":"", "skipNewsletters":"0" , "captchaType" : "reCaptcha" }); (function() { var cookieName = 'tribanalyticscookie', cookieData = readCookie(cookieName), ssorId = carnival.user.profile().masterId, data; if (!cookieData) { cookieData = guidGenerator(); createCookie(cookieName, cookieData, 3650); } data = 'k=viewcontent&u=' + cookieData + '&url=' + encodeURIComponent(window.location.href); if (ssorId) data += '&es=' + ssorId; if (trb.data.contentId) data += '&contentId=P2P-' + trb.data.contentId; if (trb.data.marketCode) data += '&marketCode=' + trb.data.marketCode; if (trb.data.section) data += '§ion=' + encodeURIComponent(trb.data.section); trblib.jQuery.ajax({ url: 'http://tribunegls.cloudapp.net/profiles/e949eb98-f19d-472c-92cd-ee7620ad47c7/analytics', data: data, dataType: 'script' }); function guidGenerator() { function s() { return (((1+Math.random())*0x10000)|0).toString(16).substring(1); } return s()+s()+'-'+s()+'-'+s()+'-'+s()+'-'+s()+s()+s(); }})(); var _sf_startpt = (new Date()).getTime(); div.thumbnail span.credit { font-weight: normal !important;}div.article div.articlerail ul li.relatedTitle, div.storygallery div.storyGalleryRail ul li.relatedTitle { font-size: 12px !important;} Subscribe/Manage Account Place Ad LAT Store Jobs Cars Real Estate Rentals Classifieds Custom Publishing Booster Shots HOME Breaking Photos Video Crime Obituaries Weather Traffic Crosswords Games Horoscopes Apps Local L.A. Now Politics Crime Education O.C. Westside Neighborhoods Environment Obituaries FindLocal U.S. Politics Nation Now Politics Now Science & Environment Obituaries Religion World World Now Afghanistan war Africa Americas Asia Europe Mexico Under Siege Middle East Business Money & Co. Technology Personal Finance Small Business Company Town Jobs Real Estate Cars Sports Lakers Clippers Dodgers Angels NFL Ducks/Kings USC UCLA College football Preps Scores/Stats Entertainment Movies TV Music Celebrity Arts & Culture Industry Awards Calendar Books FindLocal Health Booster Shots Medicine Fitness & Nutrition Mental Health Health Reform Diabetes Living Gift Guide Home Food Image Books Parenting FindLocal Magazine Comics Reader Photos Travel SoCal California Mexico Hawaii Las Vegas Europe Asia Australia Travel & Deal Blog Opinion Editorials Op-Ed Letters Opinion L.A. Readers' Rep Deals Daily Deals Travel Wine Subscribe/Manage Account Place Ad LAT Store Jobs Cars Real Estate Rentals Classifieds Custom Publishing Health Topics: Billy Graham Peyton Manning World AIDS Day Mental Health Medicare & Obesity /*OVERWRITES*/.adv_search { background-color: #fff; }#adv_search { background-color: #eee; }#adv_search .adv_search_head,#adv_help .adv_search_head { background-color: #000; }#search_overlay { background-color: #eee; }#search-results ul.advTabs { background-color: #000; }#search-results ul.advTabs li a { background-color: #000; }#search-results ul.advTabs li.advCurrTab a { background-color: #fff; color: #000; }div.panelTab { background: url("/images/adv_search/adv_panel_bg.png") no-repeat; }#adv_keywords_head { background-color: #000; }#adv_results .clearfix {display:block;} Advanced Search Advanced Search X include all of these words: include any of these words: include this exact phrase: exclude: Select a date range this week past 30 days past 3 months past year Create a custom date range From: To: BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world

Postpartum mental illness linked to later bipolar disorder Comments8 trblib.jQuery(function() { trblib.require('http://w.sharethis.com/button/buttons.js', function() { stLight.options({ publisher:'4b7449a5-38e2-462a-a6cd-97326133f123', onhover: false, newOrZero: 'zero' }); }); }); Researchers have linked symptoms of mental illness following childbirth to a higher risk of developing bipolar disorder later in life. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

AlsoEpilepsy, psychiatric drug taken in pregnancy may cause developmental delaysA key diagnostic deadline draws nearSuper memory, obsessive behavior: Do they share brain space?One in five U.S. adults takes medication for a mental disorderSupplements for depression: What the research reveals By Shari Roan, Los Angeles Times / For the Booster Shots blog December 5, 2011, 2:19 p.m.

Childbirth can trigger psychiatric illnesses in some women, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and even psychosis. A study published Monday, however, draws the first connection ever between postpartum mental illness and later bipolar disorder.

Researchers searched a Danish registry of more than 120,000 women receiving treatment for a first episode of a psychiatric illness other than bipolar disorder. They found 3,062 women who had a first episode of a mental disorder other than bipolar disorder but who were later diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

The analysis showed that the women who reported having symptoms of mental illness within two weeks of childbirth were more than three times as likely to be diagnosed later with bipolar disorder compared to women whose first episode of mental illness was not in the postpartum period. About 14% of the women with a first-time psychiatric problem that occurred just after childbirth went on to develop bipolar disorder within 15 years.

Bipolar disorder is marked by mood swings that include periods of both deep depression and episodes of heightened mood or mania.

The study implies that a postpartum-onset mental problem could really be an underlying bipolar disorder, say the authors, led by Trine Munk-Olsen of the National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, in Aarhus, Denmark.

They wrote: "Despite improvements in reliability over recent decades, the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, particularly of first episodes, is often unclear and needs to be revised as the illness develops."

An accurate diagnosis is critical because treatments vary by condition, they note. For example, antidepressants can worsen the condition of someone with bipolar disorder.

The study was published Monday in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Return to Booster Shots blog.

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Comments8 trblib.jQuery(function() { trblib.require('http://w.sharethis.com/button/buttons.js', function() { stLight.options({ publisher:'4b7449a5-38e2-462a-a6cd-97326133f123', onhover: false, newOrZero: 'zero' }); }); }); Comments (8)Add / View comments | Discussion FAQ Doctorlady at 9:12 PM December 07, 2011

Psychiatric illnesses, when properly identified, can be treated and improve the quality of life of the patient. No, thyroid disease does not cause post partem psychosis. I have treated thousands of patients and the most challenging and scary are women with post partem depression. They are desperate of relief from their pain, which is neurologically based. Sadly, some cannot bear the struggle and choose to end their lives. Post partem depression and bipolar illness are serious neuropsychiatric conditions that demand compassionate and competent treatment. Drugs don't cause bipoar disorder but some drugs can worsen mania or even cause mania...that is why a medical degree and a sound mind make for a good psychiatrist. Women with these illnesses need comprehensive care. Not vitamins.

frankin at 8:01 PM December 07, 2011

Has anyone esle noticed the constant liking of diseases, behaviors and unnecessary studies lately.

it must be the insurance industry gearing up to use everything as apre existing conditon therefore they can collect premiums but not cover.

Patrick D Hahn at 12:55 PM December 06, 2011

Have they considered the possibility that the drugs they are giving these women for postpartum symptoms are CAUSING bipolar disorder?

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Ram is upbeat nowadays

2011-12-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

IndiaGlitz [Friday, November 25, 2011]

Kandireega's success gave a fresh lease of life to the slumping career of Ram. It is not as if the film is a stupendous hit, but it has been a definite booster. The actor is unable to resist himself from showing the joy on his face nowadays. When he arranged a special lunch for the members of the media fraternity recently, the upbeat mood was palpable on his face. (Though, he maintained that the party had nothing to do with Kandireega crossing the 100-day mark).

Why would he not be happy? He has got twice lucky because his next film, Endukante.. Premanta, is expected to fetch good money thanks to the latest hit that has fallen in his kitty.

The ever-so-humble Ram is waiting to register yet another hit. The fact that the film is directed by Karunakaran and produced by Sravanthi Movies must be giving him enough reason to hope for the best.

Noel a master juggler

2011-12-18T23:50:00.000-08:00

Boy helped with trauma of crash

2011-12-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

Home » News» Local
Loading… Published: 11/24/2011 - Updated: 3 weeks ago BY ROBERTA REDFERN
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Perrysburg Township officers David Molter, left, and Joe Ball, right, were among those who helped Bryce Johnson, 5, center, get new glasses from Walmart after he was in a car wreck caused by another passenger. PERRYSBURG TWP POLICE Enlarge

Five-year-old Bryce Johnson had just gotten new eyeglasses, blue metal frames to complement his eyes that might be blue today and green tomorrow, depending on his mood.

That same day -- Nov. 17 -- just hours later, the Sylvania Township youngster found himself suspended upside down in his booster seat, his head inches away from icy-cold water rapidly rushing into the car. His new wire-rimmed glasses were gone, destroyed.

His sister, Madison, had fallen out of her booster seat and into the freezing water that had started filling the vehicle.

Their mother, Jodi Carter, 26, was injured beside them, as was her friend, Andrea MacRitchie of Toledo, the driver of the car that had just veered off the road and overturned into a water-filled ditch along State Rt. 199 near Perrysburg.

A fifth person in the vehicle that day, Michael Garczynski, 34, of Toledo, was accused of intentionally causing the crash.

Now home and recovering, the family of three and their friend, Ms. MacRitchie, are having a hard time erasing the nightmare of that day. But a kind gesture this week by Perrysburg Township police and the Walmart in Perrysburg -- new glasses for Bryce and a gift card for Christmas -- helped ease the pain.

"A little holiday good coming out of a tragic incident," said Officer Joe Ball, the lead investigator on the case and the catalyst behind the good deed. He called the Perrysburg Walmart and explained the situation to a manager there, who agreed to contribute $150.

Officer Ball took up a collection among his fellow officers and came up with another $185.

On Tuesday they went to the store, where Bryce picked out new glasses -- this time, thicker black frames with a thin decorative red line through them.

The glasses cost $117, so the rest of the money was placed on a Walmart gift card for the family's Christmas shopping.

"This means so much," Ms. Carter said Wednesday afternoon, her voice cracking. "When Officer Ball told me he had money left over for Christmas, I was so thankful. I had to take two weeks off work [because of the accident], and now my kids can have a Christmas."

When the family arrived at the Walmart optical center Tuesday, they were met by a large group of police officers. Bryce was shy at first, his mom said, but it didn't take long for him to open up.

"He really likes officers -- he tells me he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up," Ms. Carter said. "I never thought anything like [the crash] would ever happen to me.

"To have an officer put a hand out and help, it was the best feeling in the world."

On the day of the accident, Ms. MacRitchie was northbound on Route 199 just south of Eckel Junction Road about 6:50 p.m. when, police say, Garczynski grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it during an argument.

"He allegedly made a statement asking the occupants of the car if they wanted to die and he pushed the steering wheel, causing the car to veer out of control and then the car flipped into a ditch, upside down on its top," Officer Ball said.

The vehicle landed in about four feet of water of the eight-foot deep ditch.

When police arrived, they broke out the rear passenger-side window and pulled the children out. Officer Ball wrote in his initial report that a male passenger "had gotten himself out of the car and was standing on the roadside offering no aid to the remaining trapped occupants."

The two women and two children were admitted to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center -- both women with broken ribs, Ms. Carter a concussion, and the children with bruises, soreness, and broken glass embedded in their heads.

For Bryce, the biggest obstacle had been his extremely poor vision and the loss of his eyeglasses.

"The poor kid was back to not being able to see right," his mom said.

Garczynski, described by Officer Ball as an acquaintance of Ms. Carter and Ms. MacRitchie, was also transported to the hospital for observation but left before police could arrest him.

He is wanted on warrants for two counts of felonious assault and two counts of endangering children the police department issued on the advice of the Wood County Prosecutor's Office.

In 1997, Garczynski was convicted of felonious assault and failing to comply with an officer's orders by a Wood County Common Pleas Court jury for trying to run down a Perrysburg police officer the previous December.

An initial prison sentence of seven to 25 years was reduced by the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals to six to 15 years because of a clerical error on a verdict form.

Contact Roberta Redfern at: rredfern@theblade.com or 419-724-6081.

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New Search Results, from Technorati and Ingboo

2011-12-18T03:05:00.000-08:00

Breakfast: still the most important meal of the day

2011-12-17T20:28:00.000-08:00

Q. I don’t have time for breakfast, do I lose weight when I skip a meal?

A. You’ve probably heard it before “it’s the most important meal of the day.” Just look at the root words break and fast. When you wake up your body is craving energy to sustain itself throughout the day. Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast have more energy and are less obese than those who do not. Also, if you consume an early breakfast you are less likely to overeat during other meals. If you’ve always been a person who doesn’t eat breakfast it may take a while initiate the habit or have your body digest normally early in the day. Once you’ve created the habit of eating breakfast your body should naturally respond to the change and you will see an improvement in your focus, energy and mood. If you don’t have time to prepare your morning meal and sit down to eat it, try making it the day before to have ready for when you wake up.

Q. What should I eat for breakfast?

A. It’s important to look at your personal fitness goals. Do you want to gain weight, or lose weight?

For the weight loss individual, smaller portions may be important factors to consider. Some of my favourite options for breakfast include:

• 1 cup of oatmeal with chopped apples, 2 tbsp raw almonds, 1 tsp cinnamon, cranberries, and 1 tbsp organic maple syrup

• Grapefruit with 1 slice of rye bread, and an omelette made with 1 large whole egg and 3 egg whites

• 1 cup of fat free Greek yogurt with ½ cup of blueberries, sliced strawberries and 1 tbsp of chia seeds

• My favourite Banana smoothie (tastes just like Booster Juice’s Banana’s-a-whey). ½ cup fat free half and half, ½ cup skim milk, 2 tbsp flax meal, 2 tbsp chopped walnuts, ¼ cup fat free Greek Yogurt, 1 ½ bananas. Blend and serve!

Pay attention to nutrition labels and remember that excess sugars can be stored as fat if the body does not burn the energy. Stay away from sugary cereals and try to balance your breakfast with healthy carbs, protein and fibre.

Q. Why would someone want to gain weight?

A. The misconception that gaining weight appears easier than losing weight is something I hear too often, but it’s not as easy as consuming boxes of doughnuts like Charlize Theron did for her role in Monster. It’s about gaining the right kind of weight, muscle rather than fat. Increasing muscle improves numerous things: improved performance for athletes, increased strength and endurance, faster reflexes. There are definitely obstacles to overcome for both the weight loss and weight gain individual, and nutrition plays a crucial role. For people wanting to gain weight you still want to maintain a balanced diet, not just increase protein. Too much excess protein intake, like consuming a lot of protein powders, can lead to health risks including dehydration which adds stress on the heart and kidneys when you exercise. It’s definitely important to seek the advice of a local dietician if you can; they can give you valuable information to healthily reach your goals, and can offer some insight and new ideas for things like your shopping list.

Dan Swedberg is a registered personal trainer. Send your fitness questions to dmimageconsulting@gmail.com.

Gibbons volleyball player honored

2011-12-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

Madison Bugg was glad to receive a phone call Tuesday night. Anyone could have been on the other end, and she would have welcomed the distraction.

All Bugg knew was that for at least a few minutes, she didn't have to study for her two remaining exams, English and philosophy, at Cardinal Gibbons High School the next morning. The call ended up being cause for celebration, as Cardinal Gibbons volleyball coach Logan Barber was on the other end of the line, relaying some good news.

For the second time in three years, Bugg was named Gatorade's North Carolina Volleyball Player of the Year.

"It feels great to win (the award)," said Bugg, who also has a 4.50 weighted GPA. "It was a good thing to hear when you're not in a great mood. I really didn't want to do my work."

A senior committed to play at Stanford next fall, Bugg is now a finalist to win the national Player of the Year award that will be announced later this month.

During their conversation, Barber congratulated Bugg and thanked her again for leading the Crusaders (22-3) to their third consecutive N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A state title with a three-set sweep of North Iredell in the Nov. 5 state final. Bugg earned MVP honors for the tournament, as she did the previous two seasons.

Bugg led the Crusaders this fall with 271 kills, 182 digs and 31 service aces. She also recorded a kill percentage of .445.

"She is the most talented player I've ever coached," Barber said. "She knows the game so well."

Barber became the coach at Cardinal Gibbons two years ago. When he arrived, Barber understood Bugg was a special player.

But with just two seniors on the team, Barber asked Bugg to switch from setter to outside hitter, a transition Barber knew could be difficult.

Instead, his star player improved.

Bugg, who is 6-foot-1, became Cardinal Gibbons' best hitter and was able to incorporate the fundamentals she had learned as a setter.

"We asked her to change position, and she was OK with it," Barber said. "It was pretty impressive for me to see her take over that position so quickly and dominate other teams."

When last season started, Bugg agreed with her coach on the one thing she had to do to advance her development: She needed to become a vocal leader.

Bugg said she made an effort to get to know each of her 15 teammates, and that in turn allowed the Crusaders to become a closer team. On the court, she showed more of her personality by giving out advice, something Bugg and her teammates had to get used to.

"Coach really challenged me to be a bigger leader," Bugg said. "That's been harder for me than just playing volleyball."

Bugg will play in the Under Armour All-America Volleyball Match in San Antonio on Friday. And though receiving a scholarship offer from Stanford was already a confidence boost, Bugg said winning the Gatorade award confirmed that she's ready for her next challenge.

"It kind of makes me feel better, because I'm going to a school where everybody is just as good as me," Bugg said of Stanford. "It's a major confidence booster to hear I won."

Band spreads cheer

2011-12-11T12:46:00.000-08:00

Last week, the Sweetwater High School band toured five campuses in six hours, performing a variety of holiday favorites at all Sweetwater schools. On Sunday, Dec. 11, both the Sweetwater High School and Sweetwater Middle School bands will perform their annual Christmas concert at 2 p.m. at the SHS Auditorium. A silent auction benefitting the bands will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the SHS Auditorium with many items available. Above, the SHS Band is shown performing at SMS.

Last Friday the Sweetwater High School Band completed a whirlwind tour of five campuses in six hours, performing at Sweetwater Intermediate School, J.P. Cowen Early Childhood Center, East Ridge Elementary School, Southeast Elementary School and Sweetwater Middle School. The band performed for over 2000 students.
The band performed a variety of holiday favorites, including Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. “It was so neat watching the little kids faces when they heard the crack of a whip or the horse whinny,” commented junior baritone soloist Laura Duclos.
The band also featured sophomore saxophonist soloist Chase Scott in the classic ballad, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Each section of the band was also featured, performing themes from the Nutcracker, Pirates of the Caribbean, In the Mood, Turkey in the Straw and Themes from Sesame Street.
“My favorite part was when we went into the audiences and brought up volunteers to conduct the band,” added freshman percussionist, Leah Warren. The “guest conductors” led the band in their parade song, Fanfare to Joy to the World. The band also performed a sing-along medley of such favorites as Jingle Bells, O Come All Ye Faithful, Hark the Herald, Silent Night, Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. They closed to a percussion-driven rendition of “What Child is This?” which included solos by Stephen Shipp, Annie Lansford, Briana Rosas and Chase Scott.
The band was conducted by Ross Grant, and expertly assisted by Bonnie Walters.
All SISD Bands will be presenting their winter holiday concert this Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. in the SHS Auditorium. Admission is free. Also, beginning at 1:30 p.m. will be the Band Booster Club's annual silent auction benefitting the bands. Many items will be available at the auction and all proceeds go towards scholarships and trips taken by the band, as well as many other needs of Sweetwater school bands.

Side effects may cause some women to quit breast cancer drugs early

2011-12-11T06:36:00.000-08:00

Many women quit breast cancer drugs because of side effects - latimes.com jQuery = $; //rename $ function xd.configure({ 'https://latimes.signon.trb.com':{ sender : 'https://latimes.signon.trb.com/registration/xd/xd_sender.htm', receiver : '/hive/common/includes/xd_receiver.html' } }); carnival.init({"hostname":"https://latimes.signon.trb.com","apiKey":"","product":"lanews", "xd":"1", "activateMessages":"true", "ssorNavBackgroundColor":"#000000", "ssorModalTextColor":"", "skipNewsletters":"0" , "captchaType" : "reCaptcha" }); var _sf_startpt = (new Date()).getTime(); div.thumbnail span.credit { font-weight: normal !important;}div.article div.articlerail ul li.relatedTitle, div.storygallery div.storyGalleryRail ul li.relatedTitle { font-size: 12px !important;} Subscribe/Manage Account Place Ad LAT Store Jobs Cars Real Estate Rentals Classifieds Custom Publishing Booster Shots HOME Breaking Photos Video Crime Obituaries Weather Traffic Crosswords Games Horoscopes Apps Local L.A. Now Politics Crime Education O.C. Westside Neighborhoods Environment Obituaries FindLocal U.S. Politics Nation Now Politics Now Science & Environment Obituaries Religion World World Now Afghanistan war Africa Americas Asia Europe Middle East Business Money & Co. Technology Personal Finance Small Business Company Town Jobs Real Estate Cars Sports Lakers Clippers Dodgers Angels NFL Ducks/Kings USC UCLA College football Preps Scores/Stats Entertainment Movies TV Music Celebrity Arts & Culture Industry Awards Calendar Books FindLocal Health Booster Shots Medicine Fitness & Nutrition Mental Health Health Reform Diabetes Living Gift Guide Home Food Image Books Parenting FindLocal Magazine Comics Reader Photos Travel SoCal California Mexico Hawaii Las Vegas Europe Asia Australia Travel & Deal Blog Opinion Editorials Op-Ed Letters Opinion L.A. Readers' Rep Deals Daily Deals Travel Wine Subscribe/Manage Account Place Ad LAT Store Jobs Cars Real Estate Rentals Classifieds Custom Publishing Health Topics: Billy Graham Peyton Manning World AIDS Day Mental Health Medicare & Obesity /*OVERWRITES*/.adv_search { background-color: #fff; }#adv_search { background-color: #eee; }#adv_search .adv_search_head,#adv_help .adv_search_head { background-color: #000; }#search_overlay { background-color: #eee; }#search-results ul.advTabs { background-color: #000; }#search-results ul.advTabs li a { background-color: #000; }#search-results ul.advTabs li.advCurrTab a { background-color: #fff; color: #000; }div.panelTab { background: url("/images/adv_search/adv_panel_bg.png") no-repeat; }#adv_keywords_head { background-color: #000; }#adv_results .clearfix {display:block;} Advanced Search Advanced Search X include all of these words: include any of these words: include this exact phrase: exclude: Select a date range this week past 30 days past 3 months past year Create a custom date range From: To: BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world

Side effects may cause some women to quit breast cancer drugs early Comments1 trblib.jQuery(function() { trblib.require('http://w.sharethis.com/button/buttons.js', function() { stLight.options({ publisher:'4b7449a5-38e2-462a-a6cd-97326133f123', onhover: false, newOrZero: 'zero' }); }); }); Side effects such as joint pain caused some women to stop taking breast cancer medication early, a study finds. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

AlsoHold the pasta: Starchy food linked to breast cancer recurrenceLife choices dwarf pollutants in breast cancer risk, report findsDrug combos could hold off advanced breast cancer, studies saySporadic low-carb diets may help lower weight, insulin resistance By Jeannine Stein, Los Angeles Times / For the Booster Shots blog December 9, 2011, 2:55 p.m.

Some women stop taking their breast cancer drugs early, and a study reveals why: side effects from the medication may be more than they can bear.

The study included 686 postmenopausal women who were taking aromatase inhibitors, which halt estrogen production in postmenopausal women whose cancer cells are fueled by the hormone, thus reducing the risk of the cancer returning.

The recommended length of time to stay on the medication is five years. Among the participants, 10% quit after two years and 54% quit between 25 months and 4.1 years. Some 36% quit before an average 4.1 years.

Joint pain was the number one symptom most likely to make women stop taking the medication; they were also bothered by hot flashes, a drop in libido, weight gain, feeling bloated, sensitive breasts, mood swings, irritability and nausea.

Most at risk for quitting early were those still feeling the effects of chemotherapy or radiation when they started on the aromatase.

"Clinicians consistently underestimate the side effects associated with treatment," said lead author Lynne Wagner in a news release. Wagner, an associate professor in medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, added, "They give patients a drug they hope will help them, so they have a motivation to underrate the negative effects. Patients don't want to be complainers and don't want their doctor to discontinue treatment. So no one knew how bad it really was for patients."

She added that although there are ways to treat the various side effects, the information from the study should be a wake-up call to physicians: "We need to be better at managing the symptoms of our patients to improve their quality of life."

The study was presented this week at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center-American Association for Cancer Research San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times

Comments1 trblib.jQuery(function() { trblib.require('http://w.sharethis.com/button/buttons.js', function() { stLight.options({ publisher:'4b7449a5-38e2-462a-a6cd-97326133f123', onhover: false, newOrZero: 'zero' }); }); }); Comments (1)Add / View comments | Discussion FAQ walterpagan18 at 3:18 AM December 10, 2011

Search on the web "Penny Health" if you have a condition such as high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, cancer, depression or have had an injury, like a broken leg and need health Insurance NOW.

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What's Happening

2011-12-10T20:08:00.001-08:00

Concerts

Holiday Concert -- 7 p.m. Friday, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 6325 W. Main St., Maryville. Granite City Community Adult Concert Band performs Christmas selections. Also performing is Immanuel United Methodist Choir of Edwardsville and St. Luke's handbell choir. Concert is free, donations are appreciated.

Getting in the Christmas Mood -- 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, First Baptist Church Maryville, 7110 Illinois 162, Maryville. Free. 100-voice choir, live band, special effects. Seating first come, first serve. Doors open 45 minutes prior to show.

Metro East Community Chorale Christmas Concert -- 3 p.m. Sunday, The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Church, 442 S. Demazenod Drive, Belleville. Free; offering only. Concert interpreted for the deaf.

"Christmas Joy with Strings & Winds" -- 3 p.m. Sunday, St. John United Church of Christ, 307 W. Clay St., Collinsville. Free; offering only. Lakeshore String Quartet & Prevailing Winds woodwind quartet are all members of Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra. 343-2526.

"A Masterworks Christmas" -- 7:30 p.m. Sunday, St. Clair Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., O'Fallon. Hosted by the Masterworks Chorale, Children's Choruses, and Orchestra. Tickets $15, $10 for students; available at 236-0182 or the door.

Holiday Harmony -- 8 p.m. Tuesday, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S. DeMazenod Drive, Belleville. Sounds of Harmony, award-winning barbershop chorus, and local music groups. Donations accepted.

Dances

Country Dancing -- 8 p.m.-midnight Friday, Swansea Improvement Association, 301 Service St., Swansea. Cactus Moon Band.

Country Western Dance -- 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Belleville/Swansea Moose, 2425 N. Illinois St., Swansea. DJ: Al and Gail Woolverton.

Events

Way of Lights -- 5-9 p.m. through Jan. 1, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville. 1.5-mile light display features 1.7 million lights, statuaries and electro-art displays telling Christmas story. Interactive children's village, choir, Christmas tree display, camel, donkey and pony rides, petting zoo, laser show, souvenir photos. Drive and several events are free. Donations accepted. wayoflights.org

Lebanon's Winter Wonderland -- 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, through Jan. 1, Horner Park, 11119 Widicus Road, 1 mile north of Lebanon. Features gingerbread village, penguin village, polar bears, Santa's workshop, salute to military, respect first responders, 4-H farm display, Victorian town. One-ton Santa says goodbye to all children.

Gingerbread Walk -- through Jan. 3, West and East Main streets on both sides of Public Square in downtown Belleville. Gingerbread creations displayed in downtown merchant store windows.

Christmas Wonderland -- 6-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 5-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, starts Friday through Dec. 25, Rock Spring Park on College Avenue, Alton. More than 2.5 million lights throughout the park. Suggested donation: $7 for cars and small vans, $1 per person for vehicles with more than 10 people. Carriage rides available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with advance reservations, 458-6986; $25 for first person, $5 additional person.

Christmas Lights Display -- 5-9 nightly through Dec. 31, American Farm Heritage Museum, Exit 45 on I-70, Greenville at 1395 Museum Drive. Free admission, donations appreciated. 15-inch grand scale railroad on mile-long track past lights visible only by train. Train rides $2 for passengers 3 and older. Santa present Friday and Saturday evenings. Cookies and cocoa provided.

Horse Drawn Trolley Rides -- 5-8 p.m. Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, through Dec. 23, downtown Belleville. Take a leisurely ride through downtown aboard large horse-drawn trolley.

Santa on the Square -- through Christmas Eve in Belleville. Hours are 6-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through Dec. 19; 10 a.m. to noon, 1-5 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m. Saturdays and Dec. 20-23; noon-5 p.m. Sundays (also open 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 18); 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 24. Visit Santa at his house on Belleville's Public Square, photos are optional on Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-5 p.m. Free hot cocoa and cookies. Sponsored by the Optimist Club of Belleville.

Coulterville Holiday Light Display -- 5-8 nightly through Jan. 1, Coulterville City Park, downtown Coulterville. Featuring more than 350 wooden Christmas figurines, more than 250,000 lights throughout the park, 15 animated displays, Christmas music, ceramic Christmas village in Rudolph's Barn.

Train Showcase --Monday through Dec. 31, Oliver C. Joseph Inc., Showroom, 3795 State Route 15, Belleville. Sponsored by The Gateway Garden Railroad Club. 233-8140.

New Baden Festival of Trees -- 3-9 p.m. today and Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, New Baden Civic Center. Twenty decorated Christmas trees designed by New Baden businesses, organizations and individuals. Admission $5 adults, $3 kids 3-12, military and seniors $4. $1 off each admission if a donation of a non-perishable food item is made to the Zion United Church of Christ-St. George Food Pantry. Live entertainment, Sweet Shoppe, Polar Express Pajama Party for kids ($5 per person). Santa Claus will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. today and 5-7 Friday for photographs. Pancake breakfast with Santa ($5 per person) at 8:30, 8:30 or 10:30 a.m. Saturday; reservations 588-4135.

"White Christmas" -- 7 p.m. Friday, Wildey Theater, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Cocktail party from 6-7 p.m. in the 2nd floor Marquee Room. Tickets are $30 for the party and screening; $8 for movie only.

Santa in Trenton -- 2-6 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Deien Chevrolet, Trenton. Treat bags for all the children. Cookies and refreshments served. Attendance prizes. Coloring contest. "Stuff the Sleigh" food drive for the Green Bean Food Pantry. 1959 Mack fire truck on display.

Breakfast with Santa -- 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Immanuel United Methodist Church, 800 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Each child receives a gift from Santa. Christmas Sweet Shoppe open 9-11 a.m. Pound of homemade cookies $7 or choose from other baked goods.

Model Railroad -- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Metro East Model Railroad Club, old Glen Carbon Firehouse, 180 Sumit St., Glen Carbon. Open house visitors can view club's 18x27-foot HO Scale model railroad. Free admission and holiday snacks. Information: 476-9228, 254-656 or www.trainweb.org/memrc.

World Aids Day -- 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Shiloh United Methodist Church, 210 S. Main St., Shiloh. Events, include winter kids festival featuring Slugs and Bugs for kids 12 and younger, 10 a.m. Free lunch, balloon lady, carnival games, gifts, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Shiloh Elementary School, 125 Diamond Court. Concert by Sidewalk Prophets at 2 p.m.; free nursery for 1 and under, 2-4 p.m. Rapid HIV testing. The first 100 people 16 and older receive $10 Walmart gift card. Information: 632-6223.

Santa in Mascoutah -- 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Leu Civic Center, Mascoutah. Christmas crafts and Santa will visit from 10-11 a.m. Bring a camera. 566-2175.

Gingerbread Cookie Walk -- 9-11 a.m. Saturday, downtown Belleville. Hosted by Illinois Trekkers and the Bank of Belleville.36 merchants will hand out cookies to walkers. Gingerbread Man will be on hand for cookies. Start point is Bank of Belleville, 720 W. Main St.

Book Signings -- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Morrison-Talbott Library, 215 Park St., Waterloo. Bill Rex, author of "Grand Legacy," and Gene Haller, author of "Columbia ... A Glance at the Past." will be selling and signing their books.

Grafton Holiday Riverwalk -- noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Grafton. Jerseyville High School choir caroling throughout town. Visit bed and breakfasts and guest houses in town. Festivities will conclude with a Show Choir performance at the Grove Memorial Park Gazebo as town is lighted.

Wreaths Across America -- 11 a.m. Saturday, National Cemetery, 600 Pearl St., Alton. All 530 veterans graves in the Alton National Cemetery decorated with balsam wreaths.

French/Indian Event -- 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Kaskaskia Church, 1741 Bell Shrine, Kaskaskia. Sponsored by The Church of the Immaculate Conception at Kaskaskia. Honoring native American and French traditions extablished in 1675 between French missionaries and Kaskaskian Indians. Mass with hymns sung in Indian language, 4 p.m. Refreshments follow. Free. Directions: After crossing Chester bridge, follow Highway 51 for 4 miles, turn right on H Road, proceed to Highway 61, turn right onto the Old Channel Road to cross the bridge, turn left at the leve and follow North Kingshighway 5 miles to Kaskaskia.

Gingerbread House Workshop -- Saturday-Sunday, Eckert's Country Store, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville. Eckert's provides supplies and guidance.

"Wildey Holiday Sleigh Ride" -- 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday,, Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main St., Edwardsville. A community celebration of the season featuring a variety of local performers and ensembles. General admission $15 for adults, $10 for kids 18 and younger. Tickets: 307-1750.

"Arrival at Camp River Dubois" -- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Interpretive Center, Hartford. Commemorates the anniversary of the Epedition's arrival at their Illinois winter camp. Historical artifacts on display at the center. Free.

Holiday Story Time -- 9 and 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Eckert's Country Store, Garden Center, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville. Free. Gingerbread craft for kids.

Breakfast With Santa -- 8 a.m.-noon Saturday-Sunday, Eckert's Country Store, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville. Cost $12.99 for kids, $8.99 for adults. Tell Santa your Christmas wishes. Reservations requested. 233-0513, Ext. 3.

Holiday on the Boulevard -- 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Signal Hill Boulevard, Belleville. Stroll and enjoy carolers, holiday food, events and carriage rides. Sponsored by Family Hospice.

Milk and Cookies with Santa -- 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Fairview Heights Elks, 9480 Old Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights. Cost $3 per visitor. North Pole pictures with Santa, reindeer games, Santa's Crafty Workshop, Santa's Gift Shot. Cookies from Pasta Fare Restaurant available for purchase. Each child to visit Santa receives small toy while they last. Sponsored by The Illinois Center for Autism.

Santa at the Blum House -- 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday and Dec. 16 and 19, Victorian Blum House, 414 W. Main St., Collinsville. 344-1112.

Exhibits

"Praises for the Earth" -- through Dec. 21 at Governor French Gallery, 223 West Main St., Belleville. Photographs and paintings by Maribeth Clancy, of Belleville.

Glen Carbon Heritage Museum -- 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 124 School St., Glen Carbon.

Yanda Log Cabin -- 10 a.m.-2 p.m., fourth Saturday of each month, 148 Main St., Glen Carbon.

St. Clair County Historical Society Museum -- 2-4 p.m., second Sunday of each month, 701 E. Washington St., Belleville. Also the Kunz House at 602 Fulton St., Belleville. $2 adults, $1 children 6 to 14, 5 and younger free.

Labor & Industry Museum -- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, or by appointment, 123 N. Church St., Belleville. Permanent and temporary exhibits on the history of Belleville and St. Clair County. Current exhibit centers on the achaeological dig at National City. Free admission. Donations accepted. 222-9430.

"Making It" -- through Dec. 16, Schmidt Art Center, Southwestern Illinois College, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. An exhibition by recent SWIC art alumnae Labecca Peterson and Meredith Foster, recently retired SWIC art professor Doug Eskra and master artist Frank Roth.

Nativity Display -- noon-6 p.m. today through Monday, Cathedral of St. Peter, Belleville. 50 nativity sets from around the world will be on display. Free. Also visit the Cathedral Museum and the Cathedral Crypt.

French Artist Lyliane Lavabre -- 6-9 p.m. Friday, The Abbey Expresso Bar, 6500 W. Main St., Belleville. Host: Veronique Lavabre Orlet. Watercolors on display and available for purchase. Wine and cheese reception. 398-3176.

Food

Aviston Fish & Chicken Fry -- 4:30-7 p.m., Friday, American Legion Post 1239, 601 South Clinton, Aviston. Eat in or carry out. 228-7311.

Collinsville Fish Fry -- 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, Illinois 157, Collinsville. Eat in or carry out.

Fairview Heights Fish Fry -- 3-8 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 5420 Old Collinsville Road. Walton's Fish Fry. Homemade desserts. Carryouts: 632-5222.

Highland Fish Fry -- 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Eat in or carry out. 654-6367.

Mascoutah Fish Fry -- 5-8 p.m. Friday, Mascoutah VFW Post 7682, 620 Donaphan St., Mascoutah. Dine in or carry out. 566-2288.

O'Fallon Fish Fry -- 4-8 p.m. Friday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon. Sponsored by KC and Ladies Auxiliary. Eat in or carry out. 632-6229.

O'Fallon Fish Fry -- 4-8 p.m. Friday, VFW Post 805, 221 W. First St., O'Fallon. Sponsored by Sgt. Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805 and Ladies Auxiliary. Homemade pies, grilled fish available. 624-2651.

Okawville Fish Fry -- 5-8 p.m. Friday, American Legion Post 233, 205 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Eat in or carry out. 243-6545.

Shiloh Fish Fry -- 5-8 p.m. Friday, 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Sponsored by Eagles No. 545. Cod, Walleye, shrimp, chicken strip plates. Eat in or carry out. 624-5412.

Swansea Fish Stand -- 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 301 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, shrimp. 222-7171.

Waltons Fish Fry -- 3-8 p.m. every Friday, Knights of Columbua, 5420 Old Collinsville Road, Fairview Heights. Homemade desserts. Carryouts, call 632-5222.

Pancake Breakfast -- 8-9:45 a.m. Saturday, TGI Fridays, Fairview Heights. Benefits the O'Fallon Panther Diamond Booster Club. $10, free for kids younger than 3. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, orange juice, milk. Information: 979-8514.

Turtle Soup -- 10 a.m. Saturday, South Side Improvement Association, 800 S. Sixth St., Belleville. Sponsored by South Side Improvement Association. $12 a gallon. Bring a container. Call-ins welcome. 233-9380.

Breakfast Buffet -- 8-10:30 a.m. Sunday, Corpus Christi Parish Center, Shiloh. All you can eat breakfast buffet featuring bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast sticks, biscuits/gravy, fried potatoes, fruit, pastry, drink. $7.50 adults, $3.50 kids 6-12, free for kids 5 and younger.

New Baden Breakfast -- 8-11:30 a.m. Sunday, New Baden American Legion, 105 E. Illinois St., New Baden. All you can eat. Cost $7 adults, reduced price for kids. Features fresh Behrmann's sausage.

Games

Smithton Euchre Tournament -- 7 p.m. Friday, Smithton Senior Center. Everyone welcome.

Fayetteville Euchre Tournament -- 1:30 p.m. Sunday, St. Pancratius Parish Center, Fayetteville. $5. Information: 978-4999.

Markets

Art on the Square Unique Boutique -- 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 17, 30 Public Square, Belleville. Local artwork, home accessories, variety of holiday gifts.

SIUE Holiday Arts & Craft Fair -- 9 a.m.-6 p.m. today, Main Floor, Morris University Center, SIUE, 1 Hairpin Drive, Edwardsville. Handmade crafts by local artisans and original works by artists around the area.

Holiday Craft Show -- 4-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Belle Clair Fairgrounds, Illinois 13 and 159, Belleville. Country treasures, Christmas decorations and wearable art jewelry and gourmet foods. $3, free for kids 12 and younger.

Rummage Sale -- 7 a.m.-noon Saturday, O'Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O'Fallon. Men's, women's, children's clothing plus houshold items. To volunteer or donate, call 632-3517.

Winter Craft Show -- 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center, 13653 Lodge Boulevard, Grafton. Shopping, music, Winter Wonderland.

On Stage

"A Mato Mosaic" -- 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Metcalf Theater, Hairpin Drive, SIUE Campus, Edwardsville. Dance program with guest artist Jose Tojo, a native of Suriname. Magic, warmth, love and beauty unite in tales of wonder from the country that proclaims itself, "The beating heart of the Amazon." Tickets: $10 adults, $8 for all others; free for SIUE students with ID.

"Every Christmas Story Ever Told" -- 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday and Dec. 16-17, 2 p.m. Dec. 18, Historic Avon Theatre, 535 N. 2nd, Breese. Tickets $10 adults, $9 students, senior citizens, active military. Reservations: 526-2866.

"A Christmas Carol" -- 7:30 Friday-Sunday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Looking Glass Playhouse, 301 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon. Tickets $5. Reservations: 537-4962.

"The Shoemaker and the Elves" -- 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, SIUE's Dunham Hall Theatre, Edwardsville. Musical based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale by The Imaginary Theatre Company of St. Louis. $5. Sponsored by the SIUE Friends of Theater and Dance.

"A Festival of Lessons and Carols" -- 3 p.m. Sunday, Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, McKendree University, Lebanon. Admission free. Showcases students from McKndree's new Visual and Performing Arts Division. 537-6863.

"The Glory of Christmas" -- 7 p.m. Sunday-Monday, St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 12100 Moreland Drive, Belleville. Story of the birth of Christ in drama and music with a company of more than 200 people. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free; love offering accepted.

Shoots

Dupo Meat Shoot -- noon to dusk, Sunday, Triple Lakes Bar, 8055 Triple Lakes Road, Dupo. 538-5999.

Millstadt Indoor Rifle Shoot -- noon Sunday, Millstadt Sportsmen's Club, 4915 Schmidt Lane, Millstadt. Indoor .22 Rifle shoot. Iron sights only. Chili, 50 cents a bowl, other refreshments available.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot take items by telephone. The deadline for Local Events is noon Monday. Send information to What's Happening, c/o Lifestyle, 120 S. Illinois St., P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. E-mail to whatshappening@bnd.com. Fax to 236-9773. For information, call 239-2547.