PSJA Students Take Advantage of Gifted and Talented Summer Camps
VOL. I, NO. 49
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How to Set Financial Goals You Can Keep
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2018
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Students Complete Mission EDC STEM Internship
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PLAN AN ACTIVE VACATION
HOW TO BAKE CHICKEN BREAST PG.7
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This November, Cast Your Vote Against The GOP
BY GEORGE F. WILL WASHINGTON -- Amid the carnage of Republican misrule in Washington, there is this glimmer of good news: The family-shredding policy along the southern border, which was merely the most telegenic recent example of misrule, clarified something. Occurring less than 140 days before elections that can reshape Congress, the policy has given independents and temperate Republicans -- these are probably expanding and contracting cohorts, respectively -- fresh if redundant evidence for the principle by which they should vote. The principle is: The congressional Republican caucuses must be substantially reduced. So substantially that their remnants, reduced to minorities, will be stripped of the Constitution’s Article I powers that they have been too invertebrate to use against the current wielder of Article II powers. They will then have leisure time to wonder why they worked so hard to achieve membership in a legislature whose unexercised muscles have atrophied because of people like them. Consider the melancholy example of House Speaker Paul Ryan, who wagered his dignity on the patently false proposition that it is possible to have sustained transactions with today’s president, this Vesuvius of mendacities, without being degraded. In Robert Bolt’s play “A Man for All Seasons,” Thomas More, having angered Henry VIII, is on trial for his life. When Richard Rich, who More had once mentored, commits perjury against More in exchange for the office of attorney gen-
eral for Wales. More says: “Why, Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world ... But for Wales!” Ryan traded his political soul for ... a tax cut. He who formerly spoke truths about the accelerating crisis of the entitlement system lost everything in the service of a president pledged to preserve the unsustainable status quo. Ryan and many other Republicans have become the president’s poodles, not because James Madison’s system has failed but because today’s abject careerists have failed to be worthy of it. As Madison explained it in Federalist 51: “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place.” Congressional Republicans (congressional Democrats are equally supine toward Democratic presidents) have no higher ambition than to placate this president. By leaving dormant the powers inherent in their institution, they vitiate the Constitution’s vital principle, the separation of powers. Recently Sen. Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican who is retiring, became an exception that illuminates the depressing rule. He proposed a measure by which Congress could retrieve a small portion of the policymaking power that it has, over many decades and under both parties, improvidently delegated to presidents. Congress has done this out of sloth and timidity -to duck hard work and risky choices. Corker’s measure would have required Congress to vote to approve any trade restrictions imposed in the name of “national security.” All Senate Republicans worthy of the conservative label that all Senate Republicans flaunt would privately admit that this is conducive to sound governance and true to the Constitution’s structure. But the Senate would not vote on it -- would not allow it to become just the second amendment voted on this year. This is because the amendment would have peeved the easily peeved president. The Republican-controlled Congress, which waited for Trump to undo by unilateral decree the border
folly they could have prevented by actually legislating, is an advertisement for the unimportance of Republican control. The Trump whisperer regarding immigration is Stephen Miller, 32, whose ascent to eminence began when he became the Savonarola of Santa Monica High School. Corey Lewandowski, a Trump campaign official who fell from the king’s grace but is crawling back (he works for Mike Pence’s political action committee), recently responded on Fox News to the story of a 10-year-old girl with Down syndrome taken from her parents at the border. Lewandowski replied: “Wah, wah.” Meaningless noise is this administration’s appropriate libretto because, just as a magnet attracts iron filings, Trump attracts, and is attracted to, louts. In today’s GOP, which is the president’s plaything, he is the mainstream. So, to vote against his party’s cower-
ing congressional caucuses is to affirm the nation’s honor while quarantining him. A Democratic-controlled Congress would be a basket of deplorables, but there would be enough Republicans to gum up the Senate’s machinery, keeping the institution as peripheral as it has been under their control, and asphyxiating mischief from a Democratic House. And to those who say, “But the judges, the judges!” the answer is: Article III institutions are not more important than those of Articles I and II combined. George Will’s email address is georgewill@washpost.com. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group. George F. Will writes a twice-weekly column on politics and domestic and foreign affairs. He began his column with The Post in 1974, and he received the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1977.
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If Your Property Was Underwater, There Are Some Things You Need To Do If the recent rains were serious enough for you to leave your home, be sure you stay safe upon your return. Here are some things to think about before you return to your home. The Federal Emergency Management Agency warns that you should check for any visible structural damage, such as warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, cracks, and holes before entering the home and contact utility companies if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, and sewer lines. In addition, it’s important to have a working flashlight and turn off all water and electrical sources within the home, says Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Disaster Preparedness.” Even if the power isn’t operational, it’s a good idea to go to your fuse box and turn off the main, plus all of the individual fuse connections. That way, if the power is reactivated, you’re not at risk for mixing standing water and electricity. Take Pictures Before you remove any water or make any repairs, fully document the damage for your insurer by taking photos or video. Digital versions are best, says Ramirez, because they can be stored electronically and easily copied. If you start removing water or making repairs before you photograph the damage, you could potentially decrease the extent of your coverage, he says. Protect Your Health Even if the water in your home is clear, it could be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals. Ramirez recommends wearing waders, hip- or waist-high waterproof boots. In addition, wear rubber gloves to remove water-damaged possessions and to avoid contaminants, Ramirez notes. Be sure to throw out any food that may have come into contact with flood waters. Call Your Insurance Company Since you should notify your insurer soon as possible after the flood, it’s a good idea to keep your insurance company and local agent’s phone number in your always-ready emergency bag. (Note that the National Flood Insurance Program works through private insurance companies, so you contact your insurer just as you would for any other type of claim). In cases where a flood has affected a region or community, your agent may be busy handling his or her own flood issues. In that case, contact the insurance company’s headquarters. Since groundwater flood damage typically isn’t covered by conventional homeowners insurance policies, you’ll need to work
with your insurer to determine the cause of the flood and the extent of your coverage. Advise your insurance representative of the state of your home and any repairs you intend to do immediately. Be sure to follow the insurance company’s direction about whether or not to wait for an adjuster to inspect the property before making repairs, says Ramirez. Document the damage and conversations at every stage of the process. What can you expect in terms of time to get back to normal? It could be as little as one week if the claim and clean up is minimal to five to six months if you’re working with an insurance adjustor and contractor to complete extensive repairs. Find Out if You’re in a Disaster Area Once a region has been officially declared a “disaster area” by government authorities, property owners have access to increased resources, including public services to protect and remediate the area. In addition, you may have access to financial assistance. Your insurance company will have additional information on this or you can contact FEMA directly. Remove Water Once you get the OK from your insurer to remove the water, use a sump pump, available from most hardware or home supply stores for $150 to $500, and a wet vac ($40 to $130). Ramirez cautions that water is heavy—a cubic foot weight 10 lbs.—so be careful not to injure yourself, especially if you’re carrying buckets of water up and down stairs. Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate so long as that won’t allow in more water. Mitigate Mold Damage Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours of a flood, says Ashley Small of FEMA, so remove wet contents, including carpeting and bedding, as soon as possible. If an item has been wet for less than 48 hours, it may be salvageable. However, you’ll need to decide whether it holds enough monetary or sentimental value to try to do so. And notify your insurance company before removing items to ensure that you’re not affecting coverage. Always photograph the floodsoaked items. Mold growth can be controlled on surfaces by cleaning with a non-ammonia detergent or pine oil cleaner and disinfecting with a 10% bleach solution. (Caution: Never mix ammonia and bleach products, as the resulting fumes can be highly toxic.) Always test this solution on a small area of the item or area you’re cleaning to be sure it doesn’t cause staining or fading.
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How to Set Financial Goals You Can Keep BY JAMES ENRIQUEZ
Students Complete Mission EDC STEM Internship
A school year’s worth of work by a group of young women from Mission High School’s T-STEM Academy and Mission Collegiate High School was recently showcased during special presentations. The 11 students participated in the first Career Readiness and Empowerment of Women (CREW) program offered by the Mission Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The CREW provides interns with the soft and technical skills needed to succeed in entrepreneurship and STEAM fields through four core areas: career lab, mentorship. Social innovation, and coding. Not only do the interns go through intensive career readiness training, but they also create professional networks with successful women across the globe. During the second semester, CREW interns focuses on developing solutions to problems affecting their community by embarking in social innovations projects. After completing an intensive coding course, the students create a website for their respective social venture. It is these social ventures that were showcased recently. Each student presented their venture business plan and website to a small audience. These ventures included: a non-profit that prepares unemployed and underemployed women for careers; a smart watch technology that notifies first-responders when a patient’s pulse stops; a site that allows teens in the arts to connect with each other; a teen-led organization that motivates
teens to explore the Rio Grande Valley; an app that prevents teenagers from unlocking their cars if they are under the influence of alcohol; a shelter for recent immigrants that also offers language and career classes; an app that connects teens with medical professionals; SAT/ACT tutoring prep through a video game; a company that provides feminine hygiene products to low-income girls through an app; an app that helps teens transition into adulthood by providing them with information on mental health, wealth management, and college advice. The students who made their final presentations are: Angelina Ayala, Laura Zavala, Odalis Villarreal, Yatzziri Ruiz, Xitlaly Villanueva, Carina Martinez, Kysela Garcia, Brijida Luna, Daisy Powers, Ana Gonzalez, Chelsie Barrientos. The CREW internship program is the first time that a high school program has been based out of the Mission EDC. Although this first CREW internship was made possible with the support of the Mission EDC, Mission EDC has plans to extend the program to other districts in the community. For more information about the CREW program, contact Cristina Garza, Mission EDC Program Director at cgarza@missionedc.com. You can also learn more about CREW online at, www.crewmisionedc.com. Pictured are members of the first Mission EDC Crew after having received their certificates of completion.
Setting New Year’s resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans who see January 1 as a fresh start. However, we all know how easy it is to have resolutions fall to the wayside as the year progresses. Fortunately – even if it’s the middle of the year already – if the goal you have in mind is a financial one, there are ways you can break it down into steps that will keep you motivated and on track to achieve it. Here are some tips to help you set attainable goals: Be specific and realistic. Setting aspirational goals, such as living the life you want in retirement or taking a coast-to-coast road trip, is exciting and can be a great place to start. Yet, broad goals can quickly become overwhelming, so tangible ones can help you keep the commitment. The best way to make your dreams a reality is to break each goal into small, specific tasks that are realistic to accomplish this year. Prioritize. You’re not alone if you have a myriad of financial goals. However, it can be hard to achieve them all without focus or unlimited resources. Pick one or two goals, tailoring your savings, time and resources accordingly. If you have competing priorities such as saving for your child’s education and retirement, create a plan that will help you make measurable progress toward both. Remember, incremental changes (or savings) made over time can make a big difference in the long run. Identify stumbling blocks. Strengthen your resolve by anticipating events and triggers that might derail you from your goals such as overspending on dining out or purchasing that is outside of your budget. Be as specific as possible, and brainstorm strategies to overcome these potential obstacles.
This mental exercise will help you be more aware and better equipped to resist temptations. Set deadlines. Without target dates in mind, goals tend to drift. As you set deadlines for each task, consider adding a reminder on your calendar so you keep the goal a priority throughout the year. If you fall short of what you want to accomplish, don’t give up. Adjust your dates and get back on track. Enlist family support. If you’re married or in a committed relationship, involve your spouse or partner in financial goal setting. If your goal is a family affair, consider including your children in the process. Your children can benefit from watching you make smart financial choices. With everyone on the same page, you can support one another and overcome obstacles together. Work with a professional. Share your goals with your financial advisor, tax professional or estate planner, as appropriate. These specialists may be able to suggest additional strategies to help you reach your goals, while being mindful of your other financial priorities. James Enriquez MS, CFP®, is a Financial Advisor and Certified Kingdom Advisor® with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in McAllen, TX. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 8 years. Contact him at (956) 687-7902, 709 E Esperanza Ave. McAllen, TX 78501 www.sifpg.com Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. 2017 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
If Your Property Was Underwater, There Are Some Things You Need To Do From pg.3
Take photographs before removing wet wallboards and baseboards because insurers will want to see the height of any water damage to walls. Carefully poke holes at floor level in the drywall to allow water trapped behind it to escape. You may also wish to hire a flood restoration service—you can find pros under “Flood” or “Disaster recovery” in your local phone book, or check with the Better Business Bureau. Look for those with Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. Secure the Property As the homeowner, it’s your responsibility
to secure the property so that no additional damage occurs. Put boards over broken windows and secure a tarp as protection if the roof has been damaged. Again, take photographs to prove to the insurance company that you have done everything possible to protect your home against further damage. If the home is habitable, take precautions to keep yourself and your family safe from injury. Use flashlights to move around dark rooms, for example. If the home isn’t habitable, don’t try to stay there. Move to a shelter or alternate location. Consult your insurer to find out what provisions the company will make for temporary housing while your home is being repaired.
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PSJA Students Take Advantage of Gifted and Talented Summer Camps
Approximately 250 students recently participated in PSJA ISD’s Gifted and Talented Summer Camps from June 4-16 at Liberty Middle School in Pharr. The camps, which were geared toward 1st-8th grade students, celebrated its 21st year of operation this summer. PSJA ISD is proud to offer these free camps to students participating in the GT program to get them engaged in various hands-on and analytical skills early on, according to Noemi Serna, PSJA ISD’s Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator. Students who participate in GT services demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication, as stated by the Texas Education Agency. The Agency’s goal is for GT students to develop innovative products and sophisticated performances that reflect individuality and creativity outside the classroom. “We sponsor Destination Imagination, Chess, and Robotics [throughout the
year],” said Serna. “We want them to get insight into the programs, so they can later participate in teams.” One of the many engaging activities during the camp included building and taking care of robotic pets. According to Marci Hernandez, kindergarten teacher at McKeever Elementary in Alamo, the students were able to rescue a robotic pet that was lost and needed aid by nursing them back to health. “They went through the process of surgery on the pet, learning how the gears worked, how to diagnose certain illnesses in the dogs, such as dehydration or problems that they had with running different tests in the labs,” Hernandez said. “Then they were able to adopt their own pet, name it, personalize it and take care of them!” For more information about PSJA ISD’s Gifted and Talented Program, please contact the district’s office at 956-354-2044 or email noemi.serna@psjaisd.us.
Elementary students at PSJA Independent School District take advantage of summer camps for Gifted and Talented students, which will help them keep their skills sharp over the summer.
VSO Season Subscriptions Open McAllen City Manager To Stay To Public For Purchase In McAllen, Gets A Pay Raise Reenrollment of VSO season subscriptions has ended. New patrons interested in purchasing a season subscription to an open seat in the McAllen Performing Arts Center by visiting www.valleyorchestra.org today. Season subscriptions to the five-concert series are very affordable – ranging in price from the orchestra level at $290; front house at $240, and backhouse at $190. Become a season subscriber and save. Aside from claiming your regular season seats for the entire, “2018-19 SYMPHONY…That’s Entertainment,” concert season, patrons stand to save considerably -- up to 37% -- compared to purchasing directly via Ticketmaster when purchased online. As a member of a musical community, patrons will enjoy stupendously entertaining LIVE classical, symphonic concerts, build their social calendars and gain insider information on all upcoming concerts via our monthly newsletter. All concerts will be held on Friday evenings at the McAllen Performing Arts Center located at 801 Convention Center Blvd (between Exp. 83 & Ware Rd) in McAllen. The season begins with an evening of romance, passion, and intrigue in concert one, A Night In Paris, on Friday, September 28 featuring internationally renowned pianist, Christopher Atzinger; sponsored by guest artist sponsor, Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, LLP.
Next, we move into our POPS concert two, A Harry Potter Halloween, set for Friday, October 26 where patrons are encouraged to dress up as their favorite ghoul, goblin, Harry, Herminie or Phantom for a spooktacular evening of hauntingly good music and Halloween fun. Family members of all ages will be overjoyed with the sounds and sights of a traditional holiday season featuring the angelic voices of the Valley Symphony Chorale with music such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Schubert’s Ave Maria and Anderson’s Sleigh Ride in A Touch of Frost on December 7 led by Dr. David Means, Chorale Director sponsored by Frost Bank. Get ready for a concert with a salute to music in film from the movies you love such as “Gone With the Wind,” the main theme from “Lawrence of Arabia,” “The Pink Panther” and many more in concert four, Hooray For Hollywood, set for Friday, March 1, 2019. The season finale will wrap with concert five, The 3B’s: Beatles, Brahms and Beethoven featuring the Valley Symphony Chorale in Beethoven’s popular Ode to Joy and Mancini’s Tribute to the Beatles on Friday, April 5, 2019. To purchase season subscriptions to this year’s exciting concert line up visit us online at www.valleyorchestra.org or call the Box Office at (956) 661-1615 weekdays, and Monday-Friday from 8:30 – 5:30 p.m.
BY DAVIS RANKIN
McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez Monday night took himself out of the running to be the new Brownsville city manager and into a $25,000 pay raise. At the end of the regular commission meeting, in open session after a long, closeddoor executive session, Mayor Jim Darling announced that “it is our understanding that our city manager has made the finals list for the city manager’s list at Brownsville, Texas, and after discussing this matter, as a show of our appreciation for the job that he’s done and will continue to do, I’d like to entertain a motion to amend his employment contract to provide for a raise of $25,000, conditioned on his withdrawal of his application for the city manager position in the city of Brownsville.” Commissioner J.J. Zamora made the motion, seconded by commissioner Aida Ramirez, and it passed unanimously. Commissioner John Ingram did not attend the meeting. Zamora likened the city manager’s job to conductor of an orchestra with “many departments, many employees.” Rodriguez earns about $250,000 per year, plus benefits, so it will be $275,000 per year after the raise. He is a licensed engineer Rodriguez became McAllen city manager in 2014 after city officials considered 50 applications for the job. Rodriguez was then
working as interim city manager after thenCity Manager Mike Perez left. Rodriguez came to the city manager job from the top position at McAllen Public Utility. His bio on the city website reads this way: Mr. Rodriguez manages 35 departments including two international ports of entry, an international airport, a municipal golf course, and the Convention Center District and has direct oversight over the City’s $197 million operating budget. Mr. Rodriguez has over 30 years experience managing diverse fiscal, environmental and community areas. He previously served as General Manager for the McAllen Public Utility where he oversaw all water and wastewater operations, including a capacity of 59 million gallons of treated water per day and growing. He previously worked as the City Engineer, Assistant City Manager and City Manager in Harlingen; the City Engineer in Weslaco; Jefferson County Engineer in Texas; and as Area Engineer in Oklahoma. Mr. Rodriguez has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&I University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas - Pan American. He currently serves on the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Board of Trustees, to which he was appointed by Governor Rick Perry in 2005. He was also appointed by Governor Rick Perry in 2009 to serve on the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority.
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Get Your Due From A Homeowners or Flood Insurance Claim
If your home or property was affected by last week’s rains, you need to take the proper steps to get the most out of your insurance coverage. The first step: Get in touch with your insurer or the agent who sold you the policy. The insurance company will then assign an adjuster to document the damage you’ve suffered and submit it for review by your insurer. If you have the more common “replacement cost” coverage, you could be entitled to new items to replace what you lost. If you have “actual cash value” coverage, you’ll get enough money to replace what was destroyed, lost, or stolen, minus depreciation. There’s a risk that you could get less than what’s due to you if you don’t back up your claim with evidence, don’t ask the right questions, don’t act promptly, or don’t make sure the adjuster has accounted for all your losses. Be Vigilant With the Adjuster Document all losses. Take as many photos as possible of the damage. List as many items as possible that you can see or recall that have been damaged or lost. Include what you paid for items, including any receipts you can find. “The more of that you can do before the adjuster arrives, the faster the process will go,” says Jeanne Salvatore, a spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute, which represents the property and casualty insurance industry. “Be as organized as possible.”
Ask the insurance company for the adjuster’s name before he or she arrives. As with anyone entering your home, make sure that the person shows identification. Make sure that you are home when the adjuster visits and make sure he or she sees all the loss and damage. Get the adjuster’s e-mail address and communicate using email so that you have backup of all your communications. Document every contact with your insurance company, including times, dates, and what was discussed. Note when an adjuster visits as well as any missed appointments, unreturned phone calls, or rude behavior. You might need the notes if you have to sue. Copy everything you give the adjuster, such as a list of property lost or damaged. If the adjuster advises you to start repairs, get that permission in writing, advises Steve Mostyn, an attorney in Houston who represents consumers against insurers. Mostyn observes that in an emergency situation, the first adjuster may be replaced by a new one during the claims process. “There’s often not a good handoff of information when the next adjuster comes in.” Get additional estimates if necessary. If you have custom work in your house, insist on an outside estimate by an appropriate contractor. And don’t accept lower-quality replacements. Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster
If you have a very large claim, a public adjuster might save you hassles and help you get a higher payment. A public adjuster is an independent adjuster who works on your behalf and represents you. But be aware of fees; in some states these are capped, typically at 10-12 percent of the insurance payout. To find a public adjuster, check the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Insist on references from past clients, several years of experience as a public adjuster, and a state license where required, says Diane Swerling, vice president at Swerling Milton Winnick Public Insurance Adjusters. Standard flood policies are capped at $250,000 for the dwelling and $100,000 for contents. They’re strict in terms of what they cover. Most don’t cover personal items stored in a basement. (Some private insurers will sell policies with higher limits.) Swerling says that it could make sense for a flood victim to hire a public adjuster, even with their coverage limitations. “They are very difficult losses to adjust,” she says. Deal With Roadblocks Head-On The adjuster may hand you a check on the spot to cover immediate costs like replacement of clothes and medicines. However, it could take weeks to get a full estimate of your damages and a final check. So keep on top of where your claim is in the pipeline. Once the adjuster finishes the report, review it for
mistakes before signing. For more on what’s involved in the flood claims process—including what’s covered and what’s not—check the Flood Insurance Claims Handbook published by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA’s guideline for delivering an estimate of damage to the flood policyholder is no longer than 45 days, notes Maureen Westling, vice president of claims at Aon National Flood Services, a flood-insurance-policies provider based in Kalispell, Mont. But once work begins on your home, you’re entitled to add to your claim if you or your contractor discovers more damage or loss. “There’s nothing to prevent you from doing that even after the claim is closed,” Westling says. “You’ve signed that statement of loss to say, ‘At this time, to the best of my knowledge, this is correct.’ That doesn’t mean it can’t change.” If you’re not able to resolve your flood claim, check the NFIP’s recommended steps to take action. FEMA also has consumer advocates who may be able to help. If you feel you’ve been misled by the policy wording, contact a local plaintiff’s attorney who specializes in insurance law. The Consumer Federation of America notes that courts have consistently ruled in favor of policyholders on policy ambiguities. File a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance.
VOL. I, NO. 25
Plan an Active Vacation
Getting away from it all on a summer vacation doesn’t have to mean getting away from living an active lifestyle. Think about planning an active vacation. It could be a chance to explore a new interest or hobby, and might end up taking you to places you never thought possible. The great outdoors offers many options. Try planning your vacation around a specific activity, or choosing a spot and exploring activities nearby. • Headed toward the mountains? Camping, climbing, and hiking are great ways to spend time in nature and get a lot of exercise. • If you’ll be near water, try canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, or snorkeling. • City destinations can also offer ways to stay active beyond the hotel gym. If possible, try to stay in an area that’s easily walkable. Consider renting bicycles or signing up for a walking tour of the city. No matter what activity you choose, be sure that you have the proper equipment and training, and work with reputable outfitters and guides to stay safe. Having a guide to help you through an unfamiliar area can also ensure you’re getting the most out of the experience. You can find adventures appropriate for any experience level, but if you plan to tackle some of the more physically demanding activities, be sure you’re up to the challenge before you go. Check with your doctor about your plans if you have health concerns, and with your health insurance company to be sure you are covered, especially if you are traveling to another country. Even though you’re on vacation, don’t forget to eat right, drink plenty of water, and protect your skin from too much sun exposure. Taking an active vacation is just one way of fitting fitness into your life. Regular physical activity can significantly lower your lifetime risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
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Summer safety: Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning Summertime is filled with special occasions focused on family, friends, and food. While cookouts and picnics are fun, food preparation and storage is a serious consideration in the summer months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that each year, nearly 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness. Although proper preparation and prevention help reduce the chances of getting sick from food.
Symptoms of foodborne illness, also called food poisoning, occurs when contaminated food is eaten and causes an adverse reaction. This reaction may differ among various illness strains, but most include stomach cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pregnant women, young children, older adults, and individuals with conditions causing a weakened immune system are at an increased risk for food poisoning. Most food poisoning symptoms are minor and will get better without treatment. If symptoms continue or worsen, see your doctor or seek urgent care. According to the CDC, following four simple steps at home —
clean, separate, cook, and chill — can help protect you and your loved ones from food poisoning.
•Clean - Wash your hands and clean kitchen surfaces often when cooking. Use soap and warm water when washing hands and make sure to wash continuously for at least 20 seconds. Wash your cookware and utensils thoroughly. •Separate - Keep foods apart and don’t cross-contaminate. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods in the refrigerator and when grocery shopping. Use separate cutting boards and plates for these foods before they’re cooked. •Cook thoroughly - Consider your food safely cooked when the internal temperature gets high enough to kill germs. You can check the temperature of your food by using a food thermometer. •Chill - Refrigerate perishable food within two hours or within one hour if the outdoor temperature is above 90°F. Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Don’t leave food at room temperature where bacteria can easily grow.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
AUTISM BLOOD TEST: ONE STEP CLOSER Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of conditions that impact the way in which an individual interacts with the world. Though every case is different, symptoms can include repetitive behaviors, tics, anxiety, and learning difficulties. There are many questions about ASD that are still unanswered. For instance, we still don’t understand exactly why it occurs, and there is no cure. However, the earlier ASD is picked up, the better the outcome tends to be. But, because clinical observation is the only way to diagnose ASD, it is only possible once the child is around 4 years old. The hunt for diagnostics Designing a reliable diagnostic test for ASD is a challenge that a number of institutions have taken up. One such institution is the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Instead of looking for one single chemical to measure, the researchers — led by Prof. Juergen Hahn — used a big data approach and searched for patterns in metabolites. In 2017, the researchers had their first success. They analyzed blood from 149 people with an ASD diagnosis, assessing each sample for levels of 24 metabolites. The chemicals were all related to two particular cellular pathways: the methionine cycle, and the transsulfuration pathway. Having done this, they scientists were able to create a test that could correctly identify more
than 96 percent of ASD cases within the group that they had recruited. Recently, the same team set out to replicate its findings in a new dataset. Testing the blood test They assessed data from 154 children with ASD, taken by researchers from the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute in Little Rock. This time, however, they only had access to information on 22 of the 24 metabolic markers they had used in the last trial. Their results were published this month in the journal Bioengineering and Translational Medicine, and they are encouraging. When they applied the algorithm, it predicted ASD correctly in 88 percent of cases. While 88 percent is an impressive result, it is lower than the success rate from the previous studies. Prof. Hahn thinks that this is because the two missing metabolites were shown to be strong indicators in the last study. However, the results are still exciting. An estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States has ASD, and being able to spot the condition at the earliest possible age is known to improve outcomes. Hopefully, this new test will be moved swiftly on to the next stage of research, so that it may soon be available to clinicians. Prof. Hahn is eager to move forward, saying, “This is an approach that we would like to see move forward into clinical trials and ultimately into a commercially available test.”
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