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September 18, 2014 VOLU M E 27 | I S S UE 43
HighlandsRanchHerald.net A publication of
D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
Old virus returns, hits kids
Bijan Azghandi, 15, skates during the annual Ruler of the Railzz competition Sept. 13 at Redstone Skate Park in Highlands Ranch. Azghandi took first place in the Skateboard Intermediate Bowl division. This marked the 13th year of the event hosted by the Highlands Ranch Metro District. A total of 35 skaters and riders faced off in skateboard, scooter and BMX divisions to win prizes. Photo by Courtney Kuhlen
Enterovirus can worsen respiratory problems By Jane Reuter
jreuter @coloradocommunitymedia.com
RULING THE RAILS Skateboarders, BMX riders and scooter riders of all ages gathered Sept. 13 at Redstone Skate Park in Highlands Ranch for the Highlands Ranch Metro District’s annual Ruler of the Railzz competition. A total of 35 competitors with a variety of skill level participated in this year’s event. This was the 13th year the Metro District has hosted the event, which was canceled last year due to inclement weather.
ABOVE: Jacob Matlock rides his skateboard Sept. 13 during the Ruler of the Railzz at Redstone Skate Park in Highlands Ranch. RIGHT:Dillon Rugg perfects a trick on his bike Sept. 13 at the annual competition. Photos by Christy Steadman
Enterovirus is a more than 50-year-old infection getting new life in 2014. Like the virus itself, the best way to curb its transmission hasn’t changed. “The way to prevent it is the same way we say to prevent viruses every year: hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough,” said Sky Ridge Medical Center chief medical officer Dr. David Markenson. Because treatment of this virus is no different than that of any other virus, doctors aren’t testing for enterovirus specifically. But they’ve seen a dramatic increase in respiratory-related pediatric illnesses, presumably due to the enterovirus. Originally discovered in 1962 in California, enterovirus “has been around as a minor player for many, many years,” Markenson said. “Years ago we had no way to tell it was an enterovirus. We would have just said, `We are seeing an increase in respiratory illness,’” he said. “But in the last few years, there’s been an explosion of technology where we can now more easily categorize viruses, so now you’re going to start to hear names associated with them.” The enterovirus is common, typically infecting 10 million to 15 million people in the United States annually — most of them children and most in the summer and fall. Most people who get it don’t get sick or suffer only mild illness. It poses a more serious threat to those with asthma or other respiratory problems. Knowing what kind of virus it is doesn’t change treatment. “That’s really the biggest reason we recommend not getting any test,” said Dr. Christine Nyquist, medical director of infection, prevention and control at Children’s Hospital. “There’s no anti-virus medication. Antibiotics don’t work. There’s no vaccine. It’s making sure (patients) are comfortable and their breathing is safe. “This is the common cold virus with a different name. Part of the difference is Virus continues on Page 9
A perfect pairing Beer tour matches specialty brews, local libraries By Mike DiFerdinando
mdiferdinando @coloradocommunitymedia.com Most pub crawls don’t end at a public library. But with the Great Douglas County Beer Tour, Douglas County Libraries partnered with local breweries to do just that. “We wanted to find a way to partner with local business and reach a demographic we don’t typically have the opportunity to get to and find a way to market the libraries in a different way,” Douglas County Libraries events coordinator Kerri Morgan said. The free beer tour asked participants
to visit each of seven participating breweries for a free beer. Tour-goers were given a stamp in their “passport” at each stop and at the end of the tour those stamps could be redeemed for a free pint glass. Literary suggestions and pairings were also available from breweries and librarians. “I had a couple librarians tell me a story about a couple of guys who came in to the Highlands Ranch library and they were so excited to finish their beer tour. They wanted to get their pint glass. They were 25-year-old males, not normally a demographic we get in the library, and they were just so excited about the whole program and to be at the library and that’s what it’s all about.” Morgan said. “Getting people interested in the library who may not think of us.” Beer continues on Page 9
Kerri Morgan of Douglas County Libraries pours the first glass of Alt Whitman beer at Living the Dream Brewery Sept. 12 near the intersection of Highlands Ranch Parkway and Santa Fe Drive. Photo by Mike DiFerdinando