Road travelers like Hoosier hospitality, recent survey shows

Hoosiers rate among the friendliest, most welcoming folks in the country, according to a recent survey of road warriors.

Gunther Kia, a vehicle dealership in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., commissioned a survey of 3,000 seasoned road trippers to identify which states boast the friendliest locals. Respondents were asked to rank their hosts’ friendliness on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the friendliest.

Indiana got a score of 7/10. Respondents indicated Hoosiers are known for their downto-earth nature and generous spirit, which often manifests in friendly greetings and a readiness to help others. Also, the state’s community-oriented way of life also seemed to resonate with travelers; a strong sense of camaraderie and togetherness exists in small towns and big cities alike.

Missouri was voted the friendliest state by travelers, earning a score of 7.9/10. On the other end, California got the lowest score of 5.6/10.

You can view an interactive map of the full survey results online at www.guntherkia.com/ most-hospitable-states.html

7. Alabama. Alabama comes in seventh place as the state spending the least on home improvements. The state, which has a population of 5 million, spends an estimated $2,874 per year on home renovations. This is 5.2% of the median household income of Alabama ($54,943).

6. Kentucky. In sixth place is Kentucky. The state, with a total population of 4.5 million, has a median household income of $55,454; each household spends $2,845 on home improvements, totaling 5.1% of the median household income.

5. New Mexico. New Mexico takes fifth place. Home to 2.1 million people with a median household income of $54,020, households spend $2,839 annually on home improvements. This equates to 5.2% of the median annual income.

4. Louisiana. Louisiana comes in fourth place. The southern state, with a population of 4.6 million, spends 5.2% of the median household income ($53,571) on home improvements, totaling $2,834 annually.

3. West Virginia. West Virginia, home to 1.7 million people, takes the bronze medal. The median household income is $50,884, and each household spends 5.4% of its median income on home makeovers, totaling $2,770 per year.

2. Arkansas. In second place is Arkansas. The state is home to 3 million people, where households spend $2,705 per year on home improvements. This is 5.1% of the median household income in Arkansas, $52,123.

1. Mississippi. Mississippi is spending the least amount of money on home improvements. The state, which has a population of 2.95 million, is spending an estimated $2,547 per year on reno- vations, which is 5.1% of the median household income ($49,111).

Contractor Growth Network noted in a news release that the study highlights the states investing the least amount of money in home improvements; however, while these states pay less than others, the percentage of the money paid compared to median household income is similar, if not the same or higher, as the states spending the most on home improvements. The organization also noted that while the states in the survey spend less on home improvements, all areas across the country reserve a similar proportion of household income to spend.

August 6, 10, 11 & 12, 2023

Can sleep apnea affect school performance in children?

Editor’s Note: Aaron Johnson works for the Sleep Department at Woodlawn Health.

Did you know that sleep apnea is not just something adults struggle with? Children can have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. OSA is a sleep related breathing disorder. This disorder can cause a partial reduction in airflow in mild cases, or a complete cessation of airflow in more severe cases.

Grass Creek Lions celebrated 50 years

There was a huge rolling roar in downtown Grass Creek as the Lions celebrated 50 years of Lionism and our montra, “We Serve.”

Hosting multiple clubs from the district 25G, over 250 plus Lions with friends and family converged on the pavilion and town park to enjoy the beautiful day.

Roasting two hogs with the trimmings, multiple home-cooked desserts and ice cream. Followed by the installation of officers and celebration of club members milestones.

Pinnacle awards were conveyed to Lion Dale Herrold, 40-year member; Lion Roger Field, 50year member; and club President Lion Jim Dague, also a 50-year member and a member of the racing Lions.

All members received a special pin reflecting the image of the Grass Creek Lion’s Club Friendship banner specially designed by Lion Martin Van Meter and his wife Lion, Sherry Van Meter. The community’s passion and love for agriculture that embraces the town is prominently emblazoned on the top with the Lion’s logo and the 50-year notation.

Most parents or children can recognize this as snoring, or even witnessed apneas. Following this reduction of airflow is an oxygen desaturation, this will cause the brain to signal to the body to wake up from sleep to restore breathing back to normal. This can happen hundreds of times throughout the sleep cycle, causing excessive daytime sleepiness.

What Is The Cause?

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause of Obstructive sleep apnea in children ages 2-8 years old. Symptoms associated with enlarged tonsils and adenoids are snoring or noisy breathing, sore throat, painful swallowing, bright red tonsils, and mouth breathing.

How This Affects Children

Children who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea were shown to have lower academic grades, behavioral and developmental affects. A study supported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine exhibited that no students with moderate to severe OSA had and “A” average, and 30% of the students had a “C” average or lower. This data was drawn from 163 child and adolescent participants.

Treatment options vary case to case and by severity, but if the child has frequent tonsil and adenoid infections the health care provider may recommend a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. This procedure removes both the tonsils and adenoids. A study showed that following a T&A; out of 1,000 children 74% of uncomplicated patients showed no signs of OSA. This shows that after a successful T&A on a qualifying patient OSA was significantly decreased.

The American Academy of Pediatric guidelines for OSA treatment stated, “the earlier a child is treated for OSA, the higher the trajectory for academic and, therefore, economic success.”

If you wonder if your child has OSA, please talk with your primary care provider or pediatrician.