Peggy Phillips, RN, Health Services Coordinator for Forney ISD, attended the 41st Annual Conference of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), June 25-28, 2009.

Mrs. Phillips was among more than a thousand other school nurses and other experts from around the country who address school health issues on a daily basis.

Mrs. Phillips was selected to attend a training seminar to learn how to train school nurses in School Emergency Triage Training.

This year’s Conference featured four Tracks in 96 breakout sessions, allowing participants to customize their learning experience to meet their objectives. The Conference provides an opportunity for school nurses and school nurse administrators to network and stay abreast of the latest issues and legislation affecting school nursing.

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On Saturday July 4, Forney High School percussionist Nick Rothouse performed with the world-renowned Dallas Wind Symphony. Nick was chosen as the Outstanding Percussionist at the 2009 Dallas Wind band festival held this past May that led him to this rare performance with the Dallas Wind Symphony as a student.

The concert was under the direction of Major Jim Keene which performed patriotic music as well as performing along side the Hellcats, a drum and bugle ensemble from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Nick is the son of Finnye LaTour and is a junior at Forney High School. Nick has been a member of the Wind Ensemble, Indoor Drumline, Percussion Ensemble, Caribbean Ensemble, and was one of the 2008 Texas State Solo Ensemble Outstanding Performers. An Outstanding Performed award is the equivalent of being named a State Champion. Nick was part of the Caribbean Ensemble that performed at the 2009 Texas Fine Arts Day at the State Capitol in Austin. Nick studies privately with Mr. Shannon Jacobs and Ms. Patricia Islas. Percussion instructor is Mario Luna.

The week prior to his Symphony performance, Nick attended the University of North Texas marimba camp where he was able to study marimba from Christopher Deane, Mark Ford, Brian Zator and world-renown mairmbaist, She-e Wu. Ms. Wu is the coordinator of percussion at Northwestern University.

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The year 2009 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas and the organization is being honored with a special photo exhibition. “75 Years of Caring for Texans – A Photographic History of the Visiting Nurse Association” will be on display July 13 through August 31, 2009 in the Community Room of the Kaufman County Library on 3790 S. Houston Street in Kaufman.

The exhibition commemorates the remarkable history of the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas that began when a small group of volunteer nurses in 1934 went into the poorest sections of Dallas and the surrounding area to provide desperately needed care to
the sick, the infirm, and new mothers and their babies during the Great Depression.

Requests for the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas
to provide care in nearby counties became so numerous that branch offices were eventually established, including one in Kaufman.

The photo exhibition is free. The public is invited to a reception at the Kaufman County Library on July 16 from 1 p. m. to 2 p. m. Additional information about “75 Years of Caring for Texans – A Photographic History of the Visiting Nurse Association” can be obtained by calling 972-962-7500 or 1-800-354-0576.

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(Dallas, TX)—Every five-and-a-half minutes, a car is stolen in Texas, and every two-and-a-half minutes, a vehicle is burglarized for contents or parts. Historically, July and August are the two months when the most vehicle thefts and burglaries occur in Texas. Stolen vehicles can be used to commit other crimes, including theft, drug and weapon smuggling, human trafficking, domestic/international terrorism, and countless other offenses. In addition, vehicle burglary incidents that result in the theft of personal identification items, house keys, and garage door openers left inside vehicles are leading to cases of identity theft. Now, more than ever, Texas drivers must become actively involved in vehicle crime prevention by practicing “Hide, Take, Lock”: hide belongings, take keys, and lock vehicle doors. The Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) will highlight this philosophy throughout “Watch Your Car Month,” which is being recognized this month of July.

During “Watch Your Car Month”, hundreds of law enforcement task force representatives funded by ABTPA will be working in their communities reminding Texas drivers to take precautions when leaving their vehicles unattended. To raise awareness about the role of auto theft in secondary crimes, ABTPA personnel will heavily promote the “You Hold the Key” and “Where You Are, They Are” campaigns, which are designed to remind all owners and operators that vehicles should never be left running while unattended, and valuables should not be left inside.

In 2008, approximately 85,400 vehicles were stolen in Texas resulting in financial losses of more than $700 million. And in almost half of all auto theft incidents, keys were left inside, which means the vehicle owner was, in some cases, an unwitting accomplice to more heinous crimes. Recent statistics from Texas law enforcement agencies indicate the top three locations from which vehicles are stolen are: residences/homes (41.6%), public parking lots/public garages (28.7%), and roadways/highways/alleys (12.2%), which proves no area is truly safe from vehicle crime activity.

“We cannot stress enough to Texas drivers that they ‘hold the key’ to auto burglary and theft prevention,” said Michelle Lanham, program coordinator for ABTPA’s Reduce Auto Theft in Texas (RATT) task force, which is housed at the University of North Texas at Dallas Caruth Police Institute at Dallas Police Department. “Anything an individual leaves in their vehicle might be of value to a thief, including anything that has the vehicle owner’s name or address on it. We strongly suggest that vehicle owners and drivers always leave their vehicles the way they appeared the day they rolled off the factory floor—leave nothing more in the vehicle than the parts it is made with.”

Charles Caldwell, ABTPA director, adds, “We know for a fact that criminals go where vehicle owners go. No one should ever become comfortable with the thought that vehicle crimes can’t or won’t happen to them. Auto theft and burglary can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone. Texas drivers must become educated about these problems and solutions to avoid becoming victims. Practicing techniques to prevent vehicle crimes, such as utilizing visible deterrents and anti-theft devices, will help discourage thieves and make neighborhoods safer.”

The ABTPA, an office of the Texas Department of Transportation, was created by the Texas Legislature in 1991 to fund programs to reduce vehicle thefts. Since 1991, the vehicle theft rate has been reduced by approximately 60%. For more information on Texas vehicle crime statistics, the Texas ABTPA, contacts for any of ABTPA’s 29 vehicle crimes task forces in Texas, public service announcements, or to schedule an interview with task force personnel, call 800-CAR-WATCH or visit the ABTPA website, www.txwatchyourcar.com.

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New York, NY (July 2, 2009)- Just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. According to one US study, 54 percent of children become sunburned or tanned in their second summer, versus 22 percent in their first.

“Children should not be getting sunburned at any age, especially since there are a range of very effective sun protection methods that can be used,” said Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Parents need to be extra vigilant about sun protection all the time.”

Many parents don’t know the best ways to protect their young children. Below are The Skin Cancer Foundation’s recommendations.

Infants 0-6 months:
Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun. Their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen.

An infant’s skin possesses little melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair and eyes and provides some sun protection. Therefore, babies are especially susceptible to the sun’s damaging effects.

Use removable mesh window shields to keep direct sunlight from coming in through the windows of your car or invest in UV window film, which can screen almost 100 percent of ultraviolet radiation without reducing visibility.

Take walks early in the morning before 10 a. m. or late afternoon after 4 p. m. and use a stroller with a sun-protective cover.

Dress baby in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.

Choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that protects the baby’s face, neck, and ears. A baby who wears a hat during the first few months will get used to having it on.

Babies 6-12 months:
It’s now safe to use sunscreen on babies.

All the protection methods explained above still apply, however now sunscreen use should be incorporated.

Apply a broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen to areas left uncovered such as baby’s hands. Many companies have tear free formulas that won’t sting baby’s eyes.

Most importantly, sunscreen must be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.

Toddlers/Pre-School Age:

Protecting toddlers from the sun requires a little more thought and effort. It is important to educate your child and caregivers.

Make sure your child seeks the shade between 10 a. m. and 4 p. m. Check the outdoor area where your child plays to make sure there is adequate shade.

Make sure toddlers are covered. Long-sleeved, unbleached cotton clothing is cool and comfortable, while also highly protective. Clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) listing on the label offers extra security. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends clothing with a UPF of 30 or higher.

Don’t forget hats and sunglasses. Choose a wide-brimmed hat that protects face, neck, and ears.

Water-resistant, spray-on sunscreens are a good choice for toddlers who won’t sit still. Look for sunscreens with an SPF 15 or higher with some combination of the following UVA ingredients: avobenzone, ecamsule (a.k.a. Mexoryl), oxybenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

“With a little effort and planning, it’s easy for young children to enjoy the outdoors safely,” said Dr. Robins. “Parents need to make it a priority and to also lead by example.”

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Forney school trustees held a special meeting at 7:00 a. m. Tuesday, July 7. All trustees were present except Keith Bell and Becky Dobbs. The meeting was called to order by board president David Walker at 7:02 a. m. Trustee Greg Pharris gave the invocation. The group led the pledges to the U. S. and Texas flags.

Purpose of the special meeting was to authorize the issuance of two types of bonds. Steven Adams of Specialized Public Finance, Inc. was present to explain the purpose and the ratings of the bonds.

The first item on the agenda was to consider the adoption of an order authorizing the issuance of School Building Bonds, Series 2009. This is a current re-funding of the Series 2000 General Obligation Bonds for savings and restructuring. There was no discussion. Trustee John L. Taylor moved to approve adoption of the order authorizing the issuance of these bonds, with trustee Bruce Benedict seconding. All trustees present voted in favor.

The next item was to consider adoption of a order authoring the issuance of Re-funding Bonds, Series 2009, authorizing the execution of a bond purchase agreement and an escrow agreement, and approving an official statement. This is the issuance of approximately $3 million of new money bonds for technology, along with the re-funding. Pharris moved to adopt the order authorizing the issuance of these bonds, with a second by trustee Charles Treadway. All trustees present voted in favor.

Both of the bonds were negotiated for sale on Monday, July 6 with First Southwest Company (the underwriter).

Next, the school board held an executive session beginning at 7:15 a. m. to consider the employment of professional contract personnel. The executive session ended at 7:38 a. m.

After the board came back into open session, Treadway moved to employ all professional contract personnel as recommended. John L. Taylor seconded. All trustees present voted in favor.

Those employed were Kiala Albright, Lewis Elementary, teacher – first grade; Melanie Benjamin, Administration – Speech, Language Pathology Assistant; Amy Burden, Smith Elementary, teacher – Head Start; David Glasgow, Brown Middle School, teacher – reading/language arts; David Gonzalez, Blackburn Elementary, teacher – fifth grade math; Richard Harris, NFHS, teacher – health, science and technology; and Barbara Knight, Henderson Elementary – teacher, fifth grade.

There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 7:39 a. m. by unanimous “yes” vote.

On June 29, the trustees employed the following people: Jason Bellows, Blackburn Elementary, teacher – third grade; Ashley Clark, Henderson Elementary, teacher – fourth grade; Susan Conner, FHS, teacher – English; Kristie Crabtree, Claybon Elementary – Assistant Principal; Shafen Crawford, FHS teacher – social studies/assistant coach; Mary Farrow, Crosby Elementary, teacher – fifth grade; Brandi Freeman, Crosby Elementary, teacher, – special education; Gayla Gonzalez, FHS, teacher – special education; Robyn Grossnicklaus, Warren Middle School – Assistant Principal; Heather Jestis, FHS – diagnostician/speech supervisor; Tracy McLeran, Blackburn Elementary – Nurse; Kristen Morgan, Warren Middle School – diagnostician/intern; Angela Patterson, Brown Middle School, teacher – special education; Andrew Potter, Blackburn Elementary, teacher – sixth grade science and social studies teacher; Scott Rowe, Brown Middle School – Assistant Principal; and Bryan Sharkey, DAEP, teacher – math.

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Summer is in full swing, and barbeques are a perfect way to relax, spend time with family and friends, and celebrate the July 4th holiday. To help you better prepare for this popular activity, nutrition experts at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center offer advice on how to barbeque the healthy way.

M. D. Anderson dietitian, Vicki Piper, R.D., L.D., encourages cookout fans to grill plenty of fruits and vegetables, and less meat. Diets high in plant foods can lower your chances of developing several cancers, including breast and colon cancers.

“You can still have a barbeque without letting your health go up in flames,” Piper said. “Aim for a meal made up of two-thirds vegetables, fruits, whole grains or beans, and one-third animal protein.”
Grill plant-based foods

Eating mostly plant-based foods provides a range of nutrients that protects the body from cancer. And it is a great way to manage weight, which is important because there is evidence that excessive body fat increases cancer risks.

“Try a new vegetable every week, one that you have not tried in many years,” Piper said. “My family favorites are grilled onions, zucchini, asparagus and pineapple.”

Use a light brushing of canola or olive oil on vegetables and fruits to help prevent sticking to the grill.
Sprinkle vegetables with pepper, a small amount of salt and vinegar to bring out their taste. Using non-stick grates, foil packets or a grilling basket lightly coated with oil also can be helpful when grilling plant-based foods. As a general rule, don’t peel vegetables before grilling. You’ll get more nutrients and enjoy a smokier flavor if they aren’t peeled.
Where’s the beef?

Diets high in red meat (beef, pork and lamb), and especially processed meats (such as hot dogs), have een reported to be a convincing cause of colorectal cancer, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. Fatty red meat is high in saturated fat, which is the most damaging type of fat.

“You do not need to give up red meat to be healthy, but the evidence suggests you would be wise to limit how much you eat,” Piper said. “Experiment with other healthier sources of protein, such as fish, chicken, beans, edamame or tofu. My red meat-loving husband has grown to enjoy more grilled salmon, marinated chicken and even hummus!”

Grill fish and skinless chicken breasts are much leaner than most red meat. If you are going to grill red meat, look for those with “loin” in the name, such as beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin and lamb loin chops. For beef, also look for round steaks and roasts, and choose ground beef labeled at least 95 percent lean. Finally, beef labeled “prime” is the top grade but also is the highest in fat. For the leanest red meat, look for a “select” grade at your supermarket.

Keep meat portions small by cutting them in chunks and removing excess fat. Combine them with vegetables and make kabobs. Serve any kind of meat as an accent to a meal rather than the main dish.

Where there’s smoke, there’s cancer risk

Grilling any type of meat, even chicken or fish, until it’s charred or burned can increase your chances of getting cancer, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. Grilling vegetables and fruits does not create carcinogens (sources that cause cancer) so there is no cancer risk, which is just one more reason to add them to your shopping list.

If you do choose to barbeque meat, stay clear of burning it, and follow these tips:

Grill fish instead. Fish contains less fat than meat and poultry do, making it less likely to create carcinogens and cause flare-ups caused by dripping fat. Fish also requires less time on the grill, reducing its exposure to carcinogens.

Precook your foods. The higher the temperature at which food cooks and the longer it stays on the grill, the more carcinogens develop. Partially cooking meat or poultry indoors for two to five minutes draws out most of the potentially harmful chemicals without sacrificing moistness. Heat your meat up in the microwave or oven, and then finish it on the grill.

Lightly oil your grill. A little oil keeps charred material from sticking to the food. It also helps keep fish and chicken in one piece.

Lower the heat. On charcoal grills, increase the distance between the food and the hot coals by spreading the coals thin or by propping the grill rack on bricks. On gas grills, just lower the settings.

Stick to charcoal and hardwood. Barbecue briquettes and hardwood products, such as hickory and maple burn at lower temperatures than softwood (pine) chips.

Clean your grill. Scrub your grill thoroughly after every use to avoid a buildup of carcinogens that can be transferred to your food the next time you grill.

Spread aluminum foil on the grill. This will reduce flare-ups. Just make sure to make small holes in the foil to allow fat to drain.

Flip meat frequently. This reduces the amount of carcinogens that arise.

Marinate your food. Marinating not only makes grilled foods taste better, but makes them safer because marinades draw out chemical precursors of carcinogens.

For additional information, visit www.mdanderson.org/focused

This story and any accompanying photo(s) were originally published in the Forney Messenger and are Copyright © 2009, Forney Messenger, Inc. and have been used by permission. The Forney Messenger is the publisher of Kaufman County’s oldest newspaper and may be found online at www.ForneyMessengerInc.com

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New rules require more vaccinations before a child can start kindergarten or seventh grade this fall. The physicians of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) are urging parents to get their child’s shots now before school starts.

“Don’t wait until school starts to ensure your child’s health. The sooner your children get their vaccines, the sooner they are protected against serious diseases,” said Carol Baker, MD, a spokesperson for TMA’s Be Wise — ImmunizeSM program and executive director of the Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

In March, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced revisions to vaccine requirements for school admittance. In addition to the shots already required for kindergarten children to start school, they now need to get these vaccinations:
•?Two doses of hepatitis A;
•?Varicella (chickenpox); and
•?Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
Seventh-graders also need additional shots. DSHS requires these children get these vaccinations:
•?Meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine;
•?Two doses of varicella vaccine; and
•?Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) (Tdap) booster.

These vaccines were not required in the past. DSHS is now requiring the vaccines so Texas mirrors the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

“Vaccines protect us from potentially deadly infectious diseases that could be lurking just around the corner,” said Dr. Baker. “Nearly one in five teens who contract meningococcal disease dies, and another 20 percent of those who survive may end up with lifelong complications,” she added.

Other diseases can have lingering effects. During the past few years, Texas has seen more cases of the highly contagious whooping cough, a disease that can cause children to cough for weeks or even months, Dr. Baker said. “Students miss school, parents miss work, and students can’t study or sleep because of the constant cough.” In Williamson County near Austin, for example, pertussis cases have risen from 18 in 2008 to 112 already this year.

Parents shouldn’t put off getting their child vaccinated because they don’t have insurance or money to pay for it. “Most communities offer free or low-cost vaccinations at local public health clinics so every child has a way to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Baker.

TMA is actively involved in improving immunization practices in Texas through its Be Wise—Immunize program. The program works to educate physicians and the public about the latest vaccination practices. Since the program began in 2004, more than 128,000 vaccinations have been given to Texas children.

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