Stove Types

Residential stoves are pretty simple, no-nonsense appliances, but they’ve been making headlines lately with a public debate over gas vs. electric models. The three primary types of cooktops—gas, electric and induction—are all adept at their primary purpose: delivering heat to pots or pans. They also have unique pluses and minuses in how they’re constructed, how they work and the side effects they may create.

Gas

How it works: Flammable gas is ignited and transfers heat to cookware.

Pluses

•High heat output

•Works even when the power is out

Minuses

•Harder to clean

•May contribute to indoor air pollution

Electric

How it works: Electricity is run through resistive metal coils, which heat up based on the amount of current.

Pluses

•Less ambient heat released

•Less expensive to buy and run

Minuses

•Can be slow to heat up

•Won’t work when power is out

Induction

How it works:

A metal coil generates an electromagnetic current that excites particles in specialized steel or iron cookware.

Pluses

•Safer – no residual heat

•More precise temperature control

Minuses

•Won’t work if power is out

•More expensive to buy

Play it safe at the beach this summer

One of the highlights of a beach trip is water recreation. But the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reminds everyone to be mindful of safety around water this season.

Never swim alone. Stay in groups, and don’t drift too far from shore.

• Don’t swim near piers, pilings and platforms.

• Do not swim in areas being used by fishermen. Avoid swimming in areas where schools of fish are present.

• Use extra caution when water is murky. Avoid being in the water during nighttime hours.

• Rip currents are most prevalent when the waves crash perpendicular to the beach, rather than at an angle. Look for gaps between the waves; a small patch of calm water surrounded by waves is often a rip current. And look for discolored water near the shore. Rip currents tend to drag large amounts of sediment back out to sea; they’re identifiable by a noticeable flow of sand extending away from the shore.

• Heed beach warning flags, which are posted at all public beach areas in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Gulf State Park. For more on summer safety, visit alea.gov.

Alabama launches statewide action plan to eliminate cervical cancer by 2033

Alabama ranks third in the nation in the incidence and deaths from cervical cancer, and the burden is even worse in rural counties. To address the problem, the state Department of Public Health, primary care providers and several other health and advocacy groups have launched “Operation Wipe Out Cervical Cancer Alabama.”

The action plan will use evidence-based strategies to promote vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), encourage cervical cancer screenings, and ensure follow ups when a screening indicates abnormal results.

HPV vaccinations help protect children and adolescents before they are exposed to the virus. Cancer screenings among women ages 21 to 65 detect abnormal cells in the cervix, which can lead to cancer. And appropriate follow-ups improve the chance of recovery from cervical cancer.

For more information on the statewide action plan, and to find out how you or your organization may get involved, visit alabamapublichealth.gov

Take us along!

We’ve enjoyed seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Please send us a photo of you with a copy of the magazine on your travels to: mytravels@alabamaliving. coop. Be sure to include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo.We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month.