The Oklahoma State Department of Health has issued a public warning for Oklahomans to take precautions when outdoors, as the height of the West Nile season nears. So far, a total of 55 cases of West Nile virus have been identified in Oklahoma, with 14 of those in Tulsa County, the most of any county.
It is that time of year again. Parents, teachers and children are starting a new year with freshly sharpened pencils, clean sheets of paper and expectations that this school year will be a great one. It is also that time of year when hundreds of children fill the halls at the first bell, leaving sun-filled days of summer but not necessarily the germs behind. As we gather together for nine months of academic achievement, here is an overall health checklist to get everyone off to a healthy start.
The amount of TV preschoolers watch seems to contribute to what their waist size and athletic abilities will be when they reach fourth grade, researchers report.
The study, from researchers at the University of Montreal and Sainte-Justine Mother and Child University Hospital in Canada, found that every hour of TV children aged 2½ to 4½ years old watched not only added to their waistline but also affected their ability to perform in sports.
Fruit is one of nature's perfect foods. Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, without fat. Even though they are filling, most are naturally low in calories and delicious. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the American Cancer Society, the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Cancer Institute recommend that 5 to 9 servings of fruits (and vegetables) be consumed every day, depending on a person's energy intake, to maintain good health and reduce the risk of cancer.
Whether you are getting together with friends and family for the holiday at the park, lake, or in the backyard, chances are grilling out is on agenda. Before you head out to the grocery store and stock up, remember there are important considerations when preparing food on the grill. Follow these steps to keep foodborne illness from becoming the center of attention at the party.
Celebrating our nation’s independence with family and friends typically centers around food, fun, and especially fireworks! But that fun can be quickly doused when something goes wrong. In 2010, 8600 injuries were the result of fireworks, with 2 out of every 5 of those injured under the age of 15. Also, more fires are reported on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. Taking the right precautions will ensure you enjoy your holiday instead of dealing with serious injuries or even death.
It has been a long week of extreme heat for Northeastern Oklahoma. If you are running out of ideas to stay cool when the thermometer is reading 100 or greater, here are some fun ways to beat the heat.
It seems it doesn’t take long for the heat to take its toll. Once the thermometer tops 100 most of us experience a few changes in our general attitude, including heightened agitation. The inconvenience of the dog days of summer are setting in and you begin to hear people complain about it, if you aren’t already yourself. However, regardless of your age and overall health, extreme heat is something everyone should heed with caution.
