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1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, IA 50613

http://www.cedar-falls.k12.ia.us

Health Alerts Beginning new habits at an early age can be a key factor in prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning and cervical cancer. To find out more about awareness, prevention and the dangers that can be avoided, see the FEATURE page. Volume 47 Edition 10

GSA carols for needy family Willa Simmett Feature Editor

As the holiday season approaches, many school groups are concentrating on giving to those who truly need it in the Cedar Valley. It was hard not to notice the huge refrigerator boxes sitting throughout the school last week, put out by sophomore leadership for their mitten drive. It was almost impossible for students not to walk into their fourth hour classes without wondering who brought toys in the Toys for Tots drive, which was put together by the Student Senate (the fourth hour bringing in the most gifts wins a party). Another group that contributed to the cause went a little out of the ordinary, connecting a lost tradition with fund-raising. The CFHS Gay Straight Alliance went caroling. “I was thinking about it, and people tend to like Christmas music early in the holiday season,” GSA member Alex Warner Barnes said. “They aren’t sick of it yet, so I thought to go caroling to raise money was a good idea. It was something we could all do together and have fun.” Barnes brought up the idea at the weekly meeting. After considering

other ideas, the group finally decided Barnes’ suggestion was the most intriguing. A week later, 21 members of the Gay Straight Alliance were bundled up in Santa hats with sheet of Christmas music in hand and ready to sing their hearts out. “I was pleasantly surprised that we had such a great turn out for a meeting dedicated to a service project than for most of our business and recreational meetings,” junior GSA executive board member Briana McGeough said. The group set out from the high school around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6. After singing everything from “Silent Night” to “Frosty the Snowman” to everyone from elderly couples to playing soduku to dancing toddlers in their pajamas, the group came back an hour later with $180 in hand. “I was really pessimistic at first,” senior GSA executive board member Rachel Jensen said. “I didn’t know if it would turn out so well. I didn’t think we would raise any more than $20, but we ended up raising almost $200.” The group turned something no one thought would actually bring in much money into something bigger. The GSA will be playing Santa for a very

needy family in the Cedar Valley. They adopted the family with three young children and will spend an afternoon picking out presents for the family in need of everything from shoes to a set of dishes. “I really hope the family knows that there are people out there who care for them,” Jensen said. “I can’t imagine that kind of situation on Christmas. I’m used to sitting by the fire with my parents, opening presents.” The GSA isn’t stopping with caroling. This week, before and after school, members will be selling hot chocolate, apple cider and tea in the lobby in hopes of raising even more money for the adopted family. Jensen laughs when said she’s hoping for colder weather during the week of selling hot drinks. “We want to squeeze as much as we can out of these people,” Jensen said. Along with this project and the sixmile CROP Walk, a walk raising money for hunger relief locally and worldwide in Africa, the GSA plans to have one more service project this year. “I want people to realize that we don’t care about one single issue, but that we want to be helpful and productive members of society,” Jensen said.

to discourage it. “I thought it was really eye-opening for students to see the panel,” CFHS guidance counselor and Harmony faculty adviser Susan Langan said. The students that were on the panel shared their personal experiences with discrimination in response to questions asked by Pramanik. Members of the audience then had the opportunity to ask questions as well. “I like doing panels because I like communicating with people,” Jensen said about her experience with the discussions. As the panel discussion ended and the night continued, members took part in role-playing activities and other positive discussions. Students were able to “fill each other’s buckets”, or reflect positively on how someone affects their life. Although the main point of the evening was to educate students about discrimination at the high school, the

idea of learning to disagree with other people’s opinions peacefully was also mentioned. “I hear people say things like, ‘I’m not going to come support gay people.’ Harmony isn’t about supporting them. It’s about learning to disagree without hurting other people’s feelings,” Core member Elahi said. About 40 people attended the training, but the group believes the night could have been more successful if students outside of Harmony would have attended. Even though, Langan said the night’s activities helped students to “Challenge the discrimination in appropriate ways. Hopefully they learned some things that will help our school become more accepting of diversity.” Harmony members encourage other students to take part in other training sessions throughout the year on topics such as religious tolerance, gender/ LGBT issues and cliques.

See FEATURE page

Amnesty International Art Show successfully raises over

$2 3 0 0

for Invisible Children, Inc.

Harmony training focuses on equality Kellie Petersen Staff Writer

Though not a big problem at Cedar Falls High School, everyone has been a witness to discrimination at some point in his or her life. As Harmony, antidiscrimination club at CFHS, starts its training sessions for the year, they have been focusing on eliminating that statistic. “I don’t think it’s a problem. It’s just that not many people know about it,” said Nirmeen Fahmy, CFHS junior and Harmony core member. One of the main activities of the training night was a panel discussion lead by Aaron Green, Rachel Jensen, Safiah Elahi, Diamond Lee and emcee Ananya Pramanik. The goal of the discussion was to educate other members about the discrimination that does occur at CFHS. Students were informed on how they could handle it and effective ways try

Top: Setting up her clay display for her miniature scultpures, senior Hanna Boelts was among the top sellers at the art show. Middle: Setting up stands for the silent auction are seniors Jaime Gowans and Peter Fegley, who were also among contributing artists at the art show. Bottom: On display are Boelt’s clay sculptures which were a large success at the event. Amnesty raised over $2,300 for Invisible Children, Inc., through student art, bake sales, donations and a silent auction.

Brian Winkel Photos

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Our View

OPINION

Trans fat should be banned Adding to the long list of fat topics in American health lately is the controversy over trans fats. Although trans fats occur naturally in small amounts in meats, most of us ingest the industrially-created version that is added to many foods for flavor and to maintain a solid consistency. Although many would assume otherwise, most fats actually do carry health benefits. Trans fats, however, have none. Not only do they increase the risk of coronary heart disease, but research is being done to determine the impact they have on obesity and diabetes statistics as well. As a result, the use of artificial trans fats in restaurants has been an increasing cause of debate in America. On Dec. 5, New York City became the first in the United States to strictly limit the use of trans fats in public restaurants. Now, cities like Chicago are considering a similar path. As the debate reaches more cities, Iowans begin to consider the best response. While some argue that the government should have no part in regulating what people eat, those supporting a ban on trans fats counter that restaurants should protect their customers from undeniably dangerous acids. The Hi-Line editors are among those who believe artificial trans fats should be gradually banned in restaurants. Though we appreciate the argument that limiting ingredients can get out of control once we’ve begun, we also think trans fats are an exceptional case. Unlike other fats and most ingredients, trans fats have absolutely no nutritional value and are incredibly harmful to their consumers. While polyunsaturated fats, for example, help protect against cardiovascular disease, trans fats have no positive compensation for the obvious drawbacks of fat solidifying in your veins. What’s more, banning these harmful acids is not only necessary, but given enough time, it is practical as well. To impliment a ban would require time for restaurants to make adjustments in their menus. This, however, will be (and is being) taken into consideration. With the New York City ban, for example, the deadline for a complete ban isn’t until July 2008, which would give restaurants time to make necessary changes. Health concerns considered, a ban on trans fatty acids in restaurants is a necessary policy in America. And given sufficient time, it is a completely plausible goal as well.

Write the Tiger Hi-Line

The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes of Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division St., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Each edition is published on Wednesdays during the school year in The Insider and Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier, 501 Commercial St., Waterloo, Iowa 50701. Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the HiLine or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial staff view is presented weekly in the editorial labeled as Our View. Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to the Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday for publication the following Wednesday. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Include address and phone number for verification.

Editorial Staff Editors-in-Chief-Sheila Moussavi & Kirstin Riggs News Editors-Kelsey Ihde & Audrey Kittrell Opinion Editors-Andrea Huber & Robb Klassen Sports Editors-Josh Betts & Katy Schult Feature Editors-Briana McGeough & Willa Simmet On-Line Editors-David Jacobson & Olivia Schares

Cheap, personal creations make great gifts Holidays mean snow, carols, bells, trees and, most of all, presents. So how are you going to handle those last minute gifts that just managed to slip your mind? Luckily, there are a few good ideas that are cheap and yet should get great feedback. 1. Gift Cards. This is always a great last minute option because it gives the receivers the chance to get what they want, and it doesn’t have to be a large amount of money. 2. Picture Frame. Go out and buy a cheap, plain picture frame at Hobby Lobby or Wal-Mart and then jazz it up with clippings from magazines, newspapers or pictures printed off the Internet, and top it off by putting a picture in it of you and the person who is receiving it. 3. CDs. Nowadays, with all the electronic music, one of the easiest and most personal last minute gifts you can give is a homemade mix CD. Put together a playlist on the program you have with songs that you share an inside joke with, or both just love, then throw a few new ones in there for good measure. Decorate a case, wrap and give. 4. Gourmet coffees with a personal mug. The caffeine craze is in abundance as of late, so if you’ve got a java-loving friend, grab a couple packets of gourmet coffee mix at your local grocery store and then go out and either buy a blank mug at a craft store and paint it if you have an artistic flair, or buy a mug that says something about their personality.

5. A home spa kit. Collect some things that you might have lying around the house like, odds and ends from perfume, foot scrub, nail polish and that sort of thing. Then go out and buy a couple small new Torie Jochims spa-related Staff Writer items such as facial mask, makeup, etc. Put it in a basket or box with a note promising a day at the spa. 6. Homemade cocoa mix in a decorated jar. Grab an empty glass jar, some scrap fabric, puff paint, cocoa mix, marshmallows and anything else you’d like to add for a personal touch. You can find instructions on how to assemble the cocoa-in-a-jar gift online, but it’s really pretty simple. Just layer the ingredients, cover the lid with the scrap fabric, and attach a nifty little tag with instructions on how to make the cocoa and maybe a witty note on the back. 7. Video Rental or movie theater gift certificates. If you have a last-minute gift problem, and the receiver is an avid movie fan, then this is the gift to give. With these, they can either wait until the movie they want to see comes out and rent it then, or go see it in theaters, your treat.

8. Sewing Supplies. Say you’ve got a fashion designer on the rise for a friend, and don’t know what to get them. Find your way to a craft store and pick up some thread, needles, patterns and fabric. Odds and ends will do just fine. Put it all together in a box you decorate yourself for a personal touch, and give it away. 9. Photo Album. You can find do-it-yourself versions at craft stores, so assemble a photo album for a friend. Plaster it with pictures that remind you of your friendship, much like the photo frame idea, but with more possibilities. Put more than one picture in there, and then perhaps add a disposable camera on the side, to get them started. 10. Specialty Cook Book. In case your last-minute friend is the next Emril or Rachel Ray, here’s a good idea. Know some of their favorite foods, find recipes that involve those foods and construct them a cook book. Decorate it with fun cookingrelated pictures, and throw in an apron with a witty saying on it, or something similar. Now that you’ve got a few ideas, there’s some inspiration for your own last-minute gifts. Just remember that the best way to make something cheap and quick into something memorable is to add a personal touch. It really is the thought that counts this season, so put thought and care into your gifts to ensure that it will be remembered fondly as time passes, and you’ll be remembered fondly, too!

Wikipedia is a free, informational and easy to access encyclopedia whose information can easily be attained with the click of a mouse. It covers just about everything that you could hope for, from profiles of sports stars and information on your favorite bands to history on Italy or the Roman Empire. This encyclopedia was started in 2001 by Larry Sanger and Jimmy Wales. One feature that is unique to this website is that everyone has the opportunity to edit it. What this means is that this encyclopedia is an up-todate resource for absolutely anybody to use or edit. Another unique feature of Wikipedia is that it is available in 250 languages, which may not affect you directly, but

you must admit it still is a pretty cool feature. The way that Wikipedia works is it uses what is called Andrew Doyle a wiki, Staff Writer which is a website that users can add to, delete from or otherwise edit. (I found that out just now when I looked it up on Wikipedia). Wikipedia is a non-profit project, something that’s just here to provide information to the masses. There is

a page where donations can be made, however, to help keep this great online resource, Wikipedia, running. Now, my first worry when starting to use this great online resource was that since it can be edited by anybody, that Wikipedia was automatically an unreliable resource. However, in my experiences with Wikipedia, I have found that the information I have obtained matched up with a large amount that I retrieve from other sources. I now use Wikipedia for just about everything. Whether I am seeking information for a school project, looking for interesting facts or keeping up on the latest happenings of Project Runway, I know I can count on this incredible resource for my information. Thanks, Wikipedia.

Wikipedia makes quick research effortless

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SPORTS

Women’s basketball falls to 3-4 after four straight losses Josh Betts Sports Editor

After going 3-1 in a stretch of four games in seven days, the No. 13 CFHS women’s basketball team would look to improve on their record with a stretch of three games in five days, against Class 3A No. 4 Cedar Rapids Xavier, Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Class 3A No. 2 Decorah. After falling to No. 4-rated Cedar Rapids Xavier last Tuesday 42-39, the Tigers welcomed Cedar Rapids Kennedy the CF gym last Friday night, but Kennedy got the best of the Tigers, defeating them by a score of 63-58. The Tigers outscored the Cougars 16-15 in the first quarter. List talked about the quick start his team made in the first quarter. “It’s very important to get off a good start, especially at home,” List said. The Tigers would outscore the Cougars again 14-10 to take a 30-25 halftime lead. The Tigers held Kennedy freshman standout Jade Rogers to four points in the first half, while drawing three fouls against her. Rogers would be held to just eight points in the game. Rogers had been averaging 17.5 points per game coming into the game, a bright spot for List. “I thought we did a good job on her (Rogers),” List said. List talked about being up five points at halftime. “We were pleased to be ahead,” List

said. “We told them (the girls) that we need to get off to good start (in the second half).” In the third quarter, the Tigers would once again outscore the Cougars 13-11 to take a 43-36 lead after three quarters. The fourth quarter was when things got interesting. Kennedy began what would be a 16-0 run and a 4:56 scoreless stretch for the Tiger offense. At the 4:23 mark of the fourth quarter, with Kennedy leading by four at 47-43, the Cougars Ellie Blankenship hit a threepoint basket to give Kennedy a 50-43 lead. List talked about his team’s chance to win at that point. “It certainly did not look good at the time,” List said. “Our defensive intensity went down, and we didn’t recognize their three-point shooters.” Late in the quarter, the Tigers would draw closer, and with 1:09 to go in the game, the Tigers’ Alyssa Heller would drain a three-pointer, one of her three on the night, to draw the Tigers within one at 58-57. “You’re in it,” List said, of his team’s chances at that point. “When you dig a hole, and have to expend so much energy to get out of it, it’s hard to get over the hump.” On the next possession, the Cougar’s Juliane Lord got a steal and a lay-up to seal the victory for Kennedy. All told, the Tigers allowed eight three-point baskets, the most so far this season against any opponent.

“We told them they like to shoot the The Tigers would be outscored 19three,” List said. “We didn’t identify 16 in third quarter to trail 44-35 after them, and at times we lacked in com- three quarters. munication, and that hurts you.” “The way we had gotten down, it List talked about the 16-0 Kennedy looked like we had ran out of gas,” List run in the fourth quarter. said. “They brought back energy in the “It’s a combination of lack of expe- fourth quarter, clawed back and made a rience game of it.” a n d The Tigers lack of would outscore confithe Vikings 20-15 dence,” in the fourth quarL i s t ter, but the rally said. “It fell just short. hurts talked —Dan List List y o u about his team’s Women’s Basketball Coach when overall play vs. you go Decorah. score“I was pleased,” less for long stretches as we did.” List said. “They competed. It’s one of Blankenship led the Cougars with things you look for in a team.” 14 points. Freshman Mariah Duke Decorah was led by UNI signee added 10 for the Cougars. Rachel Madrigal’s 23 points and 10 Mohlis led the Tigers in scoring rebounds. Sam Jewell added 12. for the second straight game with 16 “We had to shut them down,” List points. Heller added 15. said. “They had too many putbacks to Saturday, the Tigers traveled to get to the free throw line. We didn’t Decorah to face the Class 3A No. 2 feel like we boxed out well.” rated Decorah Vikings, and once again, Mohlis led the Tigers for the third the Tigers fell just short, as the Vikings straight game with 18 points, while defeated the Tigers by a score of 59- Heller added 10. 55. List talked about Mohlis’ play. The teams would play to a 14-all “She plays hard,” List said. “She tie in the first quarter, and the Tigers really doesn’t want to come out. Some would trail 25-19 at the half. other girls played well, and we had nice “We had a poor second quarter,” production off the bench.” List said. “We came out and got close, The Tigers played at No. 15 Cedar but they pulled away the beginning of Rapids Jefferson last night, and travel the fourth quarter.” to Dubuque Hempstead Friday.

“It hurts you when you go scoreless for long stretches as we did.”

Men’s swimming team takes second place at annual Marcussen Invite on Saturday Katy Schult Sports Editor

After taking second place in the annual Marcussen Invite at home last Saturday, Dec. 9, the CFHS men’s swimming team prepares for the rest of the season and looks forward to maintain an appearance at the state meet. At the state meet last year, the Tigers placed first overall, with a total number of points amounting to 257.5. The team had members placing in the top 10 of each individual race, and first in the three relay races. Also, the 2006 200-yard medley relay team set the state record time of 1:33.56. Cedar

Falls’ own Sean Osborne still holds the record time of 1:50.29 in the 200-yard IM. Recently, one of the team members, senior Nick Cordes, signed with Maryland to continue his swimming after high school. Last year, Cordes was a member of the first place 200yard medley relay team, placed first in the 50 freestyle race, was a member of the 200 freestyle relay team and placed first in the 100 backstroke race. On Saturday, the CF men’s swimming team won 11 of the total events, but finished second out of the final three. Cedar Falls finished with a total of 432 points, just 59 points behind first

place Mason City. CF took first place in the 200 medley relay, consisting of Garret Moses, Jordan Wessels, Brian Verink and Nick Challgren. The team had an impressive time of 1:44.34. CF also took first in the 400 freestyle relay consisting of Kevin Van Heiden, Verink, Moses and Wessels. The team had a time of 3: 26.42. Moses also took first place in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:49.70, and first in the 100 backstroke with a time of 57.84. Teammate Verink came in right behind him in second in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:51.90. He also took first in the 500 freestyle

with a time of 4:58.81. Wessels also took first in the 200 individual medley with a time of 1:56.33 and also took first in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:01.63. CF also had the top swimmer in the 50 freestyle, and Challgren took first with a time of 23.21. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Cordes was participating in an individual allstar meet for the second straight week, and was unable to compete with the team. With such a young team this year, the Tigers hope to improve their times even more and maintain an appearance at the state meet in February in Marshalltown.

Athlete Week of the

Sydney Good Women’s Bowling

Sophomore at Cedar Falls, Sydney Good is a member of the Tiger women’s bowling team. Her highest score is a 262. 1, What is the best part of bowling? When I slipped down the alley. People drop the ball behind them all the time. That’s pretty funny. 2. What do and your team do special to get ready? I stretch my right arm, our coach gives us a pep talk and then we huddle and say “CF.” 3.What made you want to wrestle in high school? Well, I do other sports like soccer, but I’ve grown up bowling since I was five, because my whole family does it. 4. Do you have a special ball and shoes? Yeah, I have a 12-pound blue and red ball, a red bag and some sweet black shoes with pink flames down the sides.

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Men’s Basketball (2-1) played CR Jefferson last night Next Up: Dubuque Hempstead 12/15 (Home at 6 p.m.) Women’s Basketball (3-4) lost to CR Kennedy 63-58 played at CR Jefferson last night Next Up: Dubuque Hempstead 12/8 (Away at 6 p.m.) Wrestling (2-0 in team duals) competed at CR Duals Next Up: I.C. West 12/21 (Away at 6:15 p.m.) Women’s Bowling lost to Dubuque Senior 2398-2302 Next Up: IC West 12/8 (Away at 3:45 p.m.) Men’s Swimming 2nd place at Marcussen Invitational Next Up: CR Kennedy 12/14 (Home at 6 p.m.)

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FEATURE

HEALTH ALERT

Carbon Monoxide produces serious hazard Honor Heindl Staff Writer

When math teacher Keith Weifenbach makes his annual pitch to CF staff and students about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, he’s speaking from experience, and now that winter has settled in for the long haul, his message is as serious as ever. “Several years ago, there was an ice storm in Northwest Iowa where my parents lived. During the storm, some build up in the chimney flue broke loose and fell, restricting the vent from the furnace. This caused carbon monoxide to back up into the house. During the night, both of my parents died of the poisoning. An aunt, who had been visiting for a few days, also died,” Weifenbach said. What happened to the Weifenbachs is not uncommon. In the United States each year, approximately 200 people die of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from fuel-burning home appliances. Most of the time in the winter season, when people turn on their heaters to stay warm and cozy, the fuel in their home appliances is fully combusted,

producing carbon dioxide, a common gas in the atmosphere. In rare cases, however, the combustion in an appliance is incomplete, and the deadly gas carbon monoxide is produced. This gas is circulated around the home by the heating system, and this can cause tragic results. When inhaled, carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream and replaces oxygen in the blood. With carbon monoxide in the blood, cells don’t get the oxygen they need to function properly. Carbon monoxide poisoning has symptoms similar to those of the flu, which can create large problems when the symptoms are misdiagnosed. Symptoms include headaches, vomiting, drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, weakness and most critically, the inability to think clearly. Often by the time someone realizes something is seriously wrong, it is too late to do anything about it. “My family and I are not on any crusade, but we hope that telling about our tragedy will save lives,” Weifenbach said. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious health risk that can affect

anyone. “No one is immune from the danger of CO poisoning. Even former ISU basketball coach Johnny Orr nearly suffered a carbon monoxide poisoning tragedy in his home caused by a leaking furnace. Also, a few years ago, two mechanics at an auto repair shop in central Iowa nearly died on the job from the CO leaking from the shop heater. These people, along with my family, now all have CO detectors,” Weifenbach said. Since carbon monoxide is both tasteless and odorless, it is difficult to detect, so it is imperative that people try to protect themselves by purchasing carbon monoxide detectors. These detectors cost in the range of $20-$40. All that needs to be done to put the detector into action is to plug it in, and it will start working immediately. Any measurable amount of detected CO will sound the alarm, warning the owner that it is time for action.

I n the event that the alarm sounds, everyone in the building should leave without delay and call a heating professional to investigate the situation. “Have a professional check any heating appliance that uses a flame. Any

immunization. Being the first vaccine ever created to prevent a cancer, it will hopefully lead to further breakthroughs in the field of cancer research. This vaccine will impact many women. Cervical cancer can have tragic consequences, even for survivors. For example, a woman who is diagnosed early in life is usually unable to have children. “The Gardasil vaccine is now available at clinics in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area. Doctors have been informed that most insurance companies are now covering the cost of the vaccine for patients who want to receive it. This will be an important matter for

young female patients to discuss with their parents and their doctors. You may want to bring up the subject at your next annual physical,” Dr. Diane Heindl said. Gardasil blocks Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection which can lead to cervical cancer. The vaccine steps in and diminishes any possibility of receiving the virus before it is ever contracted. “This is one type of cancer that occurs relatively early; the average age is about 50. The main cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus. The virus has about 70 subtypes. The vaccine protects against the most common subtypes that cause cancer. It’s

important for girls to get the vaccine in their preteen years,” Heindl said. However, if a woman is vaccinated before age 26, even if she is already sexually active, it can be effective. The vaccine is injected in three doses over the period of six months. Over 25,000 women and girls have already been vaccinated, and no safety issues have been discovered. Side effects are mild, and typically only include slight soreness in the area of the injection; the most serious side effects are mild flulike symptoms or small fevers. Costs for Gardasil range between $300 and $500. The vaccine is now available and in most areas covered by insurance.

Saving lives is the major function of a carbon monoxide detector.

Willa Simmet Photo

s u c h heater, no matter how new, can be a source of carbon monoxide. Also remember a person shouldn’t use a gas oven without a vent to heat a room because of the danger in carbon monoxide production,” Weifenbach said. There is a lesson to be learned from the Weifenbachs’ story. Even though measures to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning are simple, they can easily save lives.

Cervical cancer vaccine available Honor Heindl Staff Writer

In the United States each year, nearly 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, and nearly 4,000 women die because of it each year. With the help of new medical technology, these troubling statistics could become a pattern of the past. Gardasil is a new vaccine that will fight and protect women against the disease that causes cervical cancer. Gardasil is highly recommended for girls who are 11 to 12 years old, but women aged 13 to 26 years are also eligible for the

Things to Know about Gardasil

•Gardasil can prevent 70%

of all cervical cancer cases.

•Women ages 13 to 26 are eligible for the vaccine.

•Gardasil costs $300-$500,

but many insurance companies cover the cost.

•Side effects are typically mild