Loveland Magazine

Do You Know the Rules of the Road?

Cars have changed and so have traffic rules.  If you are an older driver, you probably haven’t received any driving instruction since you got your license at the age of 16; even experienced drivers can benefit from a refresher course.  On Tuesday, April 20, 2010, the AARP Driver Safety Program will be held between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Batavia Township Hall, located at 1535 Clough Pike.  “This is a great opportunity for older drivers to learn current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate a vehicle in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment,” said Martha Enriquez with Clermont Safe Communities.

Targeted at drivers age 50 and over, the safety program will cover new technologies in today’s vehicles.  “We will look at ways to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots, proper use of anti-lock brakes, and provide information on when it’s time to turn over the keys,” said AARP driving safety instructor Joe Liotta.  “Many of those who take the course receive a discount on their auto insurance.”

“After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and how you can avoid potential collisions and prevent injuries to yourself and others,” said Enriquez.  As an increasing number of older drivers hit the roads, it is more important than ever to ensure safe driving skills are in place.  There is no test at the end of the course!

If you or a loved one is concerning about whether you are a safe driver, AAA has a quiz available on the web site http://www.aaafoundation.org/quizzes/index.cfm?button=driver55.

The cost of the AARP Driver Safety Program is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.  For more information or to register, call (513) 732-3888.  AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all as we age.

Pictured above: Joe Liotta, AARP instructor, will lead the April 20 Driver Safety Program

ODH Updates Immunization Requirements

To Protect School-Age Children from Preventable Diseases

COLUMBUS,OHIO - The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) recently announced additional immunization requirements for Kindergarten and 7th grade students for the 2010-2011 school year.

The changes in effect for the 2010-11 school year are:

• The addition of a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) or tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster requirement for 7th grade.
• The addition of a 2nd dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine for Kindergarten entry.
• A requirement that the final dose of polio vaccine be administered on or after the 4th birthday for Kindergarten entry.

“By requiring these additional vaccines, we hope to minimize the spread of preventable illnesses in schools and provide Ohio’s children with a healthier environment to learn,” said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D.

These new Ohio requirements more closely reflect recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and involved consultation of local health districts, medical providers, the state Medicaid program, and a school nurse.

ODH wants parents of children entering the 7th grade to have their youngsters vaccinated with the Tdap vaccine to protect against pertussis (also known as whooping cough), a severe respiratory illness that causes violent, rapid coughing that can last for extended periods of time. Cases of pertussis, which mostly occur in school settings, nearly doubled in Ohio between 2008 (628 cases) and 2009 (1,096 cases).

Like pertussis, varicella (known as chickenpox) is a vaccine-preventable disease that continues to sicken Ohio’s school-age children. A second dose of varicella vaccine provides a child with 99 percent protection against the disease.  By requiring this dose before school entry, ODH believes there will be a significant reduction in outbreaks of the disease in Ohio schools.

Ohioans looking for more information about the new immunization requirements, vaccines or vaccine-preventable disease can learn more at www.odh.ohio.gov or contact the Ohio Department of Health Immunization Program at 1-800-282-0546

Procter & Gamble to Reduce Toxic Contaminant in Herbal Essences Shampoo

New product tests reveal 1,4-dioxane in major laundry detergents brands too

Anaheim, CA – On March 12, at a press conference held adjacent to the Natural Products Expo West, the Green Patriot Working Group (GPWG), led by environmental health consumer advocate David Steinman, and the Organic Consumers Association (OCA), a watchdog group with over 850,000 members, announced that Procter and Gamble (P&G) and Steinman have reached an agreement in principle that P&G will reformulate its top-selling Herbal Essences brand to reduce
levels of the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-dioxane. The press conference also announced new 1,4-dioxane test results for twenty laundry detergents, of which notably some of the most popular mainstream brands—including Dial, Church & Dwight Co. and Procter & Gamble—had the highest levels overall.

Steinman presented a letter from counsel for P&G stating they will reformulate 18 products in P&G’s Herbal Essences line (which had tested as high as 24 parts per million) to reduce levels to or below 10 parts per million. P&G promised to complete the reformulation for 17 products before July 1, 2010 and for one product by the end of January 2011. The OCA, CSC and GPWG—all groups who have worked to increase awareness of 1,4-dioxane in consumer products—consider it a major step forward that industry giant P&G is positively addressing the problem of cumulative exposure to 1,4-dioxane from a variety of personal care and household cleaning products.

P&G’s promise of reformulation follows Steinman’s notices of intent to file a lawsuit against P&G in June, 2009 and December, 2009 regarding several P&G products. Similar lawsuits were filed against other manufacturers by the California Attorney General’s office in June 2008 for problematic levels of 1,4-dioxane found in other consumer products as established by California’s Proposition 65. The letter from P&G’s counsel states that, “[P&G] believes that each of its products, including each Herbal Essences branded product, complies fully with California’s regulatory scheme.”

Steinman and Ronnie Cummins, director of the OCA, also announced new laundry detergent test results from Steinman’s continuing study (begun in 2007) that has tested over 160 consumer products for 1,4-dioxane, which is a contaminant and therefore not listed on product labels. In 2009, Steinman tested twenty laundry detergents, including major “natural” and conventional brands. Steinman, who formerly represented the public interest on a committee at the National Academy of Sciences, talked about the problems of wastewater and groundwater contamination with 1,4-dioxane, when it comes from products such as laundry detergents.

Laundry Detergent Test Results

Conventional Brands:

• Tide (P&G) – 55 ppm
• Ivory Snow Gentle (P&G) – 31 ppm
• Tide Free (P&G) – 29 ppm
• Purex (Dial Corp) – 25 ppm
• Gain 2X Ultra (P&G) – 21 ppm
• Cheer BrightClean Detergent (P&G) – 20 ppm
• Era 2X Ultra (P&G) – 14 ppm
• Arm & Hammer (Church & Dwight Co.) – 5.0 ppm
• Wisk 2X Ultra (Sun Products Corp) – 3.9 ppm
• Woolite complete detergent (Reckitt Benckiser) – 1.3 ppm
• All Laundry Detergent (Unilever) – 0.6 ppm
• Dreft powdered detergent (P&G) - ND
• Sun Burst (Sun Products Corp.) – ND

“Natural” Brands:

• Planet Ultra Liquid Laundry detergent – 6.1 ppm
• Mrs. Meyers Laundry detergent – 1.5 ppm
• Clorox Green Works Natural Laundry detergent- ND
• ECOS Laundry Detergent (Earth Friendly Products) – ND
• Life Tree Laundry Liquid – ND
• Method Squeaky Green Laundry Detergent - ND
• Seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent– ND

ppm = parts per million; ND=not detected

The independent third-party laboratory, Exova, known for rigorous testing and chain-of-custody protocols, performed all testing. The press conference was held in cooperation with The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC), a national coalition of health and environmental groups.

About 1,4-Dioxane

1,4-dioxane is generated as a byproduct of ethoxylation, a process used by some companies to provide mildness to harsh cleaning ingredients, which requires use of the cancer-causing petrochemical ethylene oxide. 1,4-dioxane is considered a chemical “known to the State of California to cause cancer” under Proposition 65, and is also suspected as a kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant, among others, according to the California EPA. For more information, please visit www.1-4dioxane.com.

Watch this March 2009 press conference revealing test results of carcinogens in personal care products.. The study, from the Organic Consumers Association, focused on 1,4 dioxane.

 

Further Resources

• History of Study, Definition and Scientific References: www.1-4dioxane.com
• Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=620
• Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org/chemindex/chemicals/23481
• OCA/Myths and Facts about 1,4-dioxane: www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneFacts080314.pdf
• Lawsuits from the CA Attorney General’s office: www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12797.cfm
• Clean Water Action: www.cleanwateraction.org/currents/summer2009/how-safe-your-bath-tub
• Safe Laundry website: www.safelaundryguide.com

For Background info:

Carcinogen Found in Leading Brand "Organic" Personal Care Products
  (Watch the press conference video on You Tube.)

LONG BEACH, CA (March 14, 2008) - A newly released study, commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA), a watchdog group with over 500,000 members, and overseen by environmental health consumer advocate David Steinman (author of The Safe Shopper's Bible), analyzes leading "natural" and "organic" brand shampoos, body washes, lotions and other personal care products for the presence of the undisclosed carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane. A reputable third-party laboratory known for rigorous testing and chain-of-custody protocols, performed all testing. Read on...

Find Green Products and Services in Your Area

You Are Not Alone with the Fear of Falling

Hamilton County Public Health Offers Tips to Reduce Risk of Falls

 

HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO – Many older adults share a common fear of falling that is so strong they actually limit their activities. Up to 50% of Americans aged 65 and older who live independently experience a fear of falling and one of three fall every year. When older adults limit their activity due to this fear, it can reduce their mobility and independence, affecting quality of life and actually increases the risk of future falls.  These who are most likely to be afraid of falling are likely to have already fallen once.

Avoiding daily activities such as walking outdoors, shopping, or visiting with friends, can lead to a decline in general health, reduced muscle strength, flexibility and balance – all of which are needed to perform daily living activities. The fear of falling can lead to a downward spiral marked by a loss of confidence and reduced activity, resulting in a loss of independence and mobility. It can also negatively impact mental health and overall well-being. As we age, the fear increases causing additional falls.

Hamilton County Public Health offers several tips to curb the fear of falling. Older adults should have a discussion with their physician regarding any fear of falling. Physicians can review medications and potential side effects, conduct tests to review any balance issues and discuss exercises that can increase strength and mobility. Physicians may also recommend assistive devices such as a walker or cane that will allow senior adults to remain mobile.

There are several factors that will impact the likelihood of a fall. Understanding and avoiding these risks can greatly reduce chances of falling. Some precautions to decrease chances of falling include:

• Regular exercise can add strength and improve your balance and coordination. It can increase mobility, lessen depression and improve socialization, ultimately leading to a longer, more independent lifestyle. Talk to your doctor and begin slowly with perhaps with a 2-5 minute walk.
• Have your eyes checked annually and use up to date prescription lenses. Poor vision is associated with an increase for falling.
• Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all medications or over-the-counter      medicines you are taking. Taking four or more medicines increases the risk for a fall.
• Make your home safer. Be sure walkways and stairways are well lit. Make sure to improve the lighting in your home. Install night lights and use maximum wattage light bulbs allowed for that light fixture. Install hand rails on stairways. Remove clutter off the floor. Remove throw rugs or use double sided tape to keep them in place.  Install grab bars in the bathtub and next to the toilet and use non-slip mats in the tub or shower
• Loose and long clothing should be avoided because they can be easily tangled and cause a fall. Also be sure to wear sturdy shoes with thin, non-slip soles.

Falling is not a natural part of aging and can be avoided by assessing your risk factors and making changes to your environment. Hamilton County Public Health has partnered with many senior centers, retirement communities and churches to offer A Matter of Balance classes to the public. A Matter of Balance is a program proven to increase activity levels and reduce fear of falling among older adults. During the class, participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable and set realistic goals for increasing activity. They also find ways to change the environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. For more information on fall prevention visit www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org or call 946-7807.

Quarter Auction Benefits Children in Foster Care.

On this segment of Clermont County Today, host Kathy Lehr talks with Ashley Thompson, Children's Protective Services, about the need for foster parents in Clermont County, and an upcoming Quarter Auction which will benefit the children in foster care.

Program Available to Help Prevent Seniors from Falling in Their Homes

On this segment of Clermont County Today, host Kathy Lehr talks with Denise Franer of the Clermont General Health District about a program to help prevent falls among seniors.

Justice's wife launches 'tea party' group

The nonprofit run by Virginia Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, is likely to test notions of political impartiality for the court.

By Kathleen Hennesse Reporting from Washington

As Virginia Thomas tells it in her soft-spoken, Midwestern cadence, the story of her involvement in the "tea party" movement is the tale of an average citizen in action.

"I am an ordinary citizen from Omaha, Neb., who just may have the chance to preserve liberty along with you and other people like you," she said at a recent panel discussion with tea party leaders in Washington. Thomas went on to count herself among those energized into action by President Obama's "hard-left agenda."

But Thomas is no ordinary activist.

She is the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and she has launched a tea-party-linked group that could test the traditional notions of political impartiality for the court.

In January, Virginia Thomas created Liberty Central Inc., a nonprofit lobbying group whose website will organize activism around a set of conservative "core principles," she said.  Read on...

"Nothing But Nets" campaign to save lives in Africa

We swish you would contribute before the buzzer sounds!

March Madness Hits Loveland United Methodist Church

Game Stats: $10 = 1 Net = 1 Life

Your contribution of $10 (checks can be made payable to LUMC: memo line: Nothing but Nets) will be used to purchase a bed net, distribute it to a family in Africa and explain its use. These life saving nets can reduce the transmission of malaria by 50 %.  Read on...

Loveland United Methodist Presents "One Sacrifice"

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Chancel Choir of the Loveland United Methodist Church will present "One Sacrifice" on March 21st at the 9:40 and 11:00 AM services.

"This beautiful Lenten cantata tells the story of Christ's life, death and resurrection. Narration, period costumes and scenery transport the listener to early Jerusalem."

An instrumental ensemble complete with woodwind, string and percussion instruments will accompany the choir. The cantata begins as Jesus parades into town amid palm branches and ends with the women finding the empty tomb. The Church has invited family, friends and neighbors and include this musical offering in your observance of Lent.

Erika Lee: A Loveland Amazing Woman

LOVELAND, OHIO - The featured speaker at the Blue Chip Cookies "Amazing Women" gathering this Thursday is Erika Lee.  Lee is the Owner of Decorating Den Interiors.  She will share her story and journey of taking her passion and making it her career. Donna Drury, owner of Blue Chip said, "Here is my favorite quote from Erica's bio."

I love my new career. I have the flexibility to be Mom when my kids need me. I have my creative outlet. I get to wear many hats (about 5% of my job is actually decorating). I find that some of my clients & I build friendships. That part of my job is priceless. Many of my client/friends call me just to talk or have lunch...on occasion it's about decorating.

In addition, Drury, an executive coach and motivational speaker will lead you in an "insightful networking exercise."

"Of course, Loveland's Blue Chip always has a few sweets and treat to sample and test," said Drury.

RSVP to Drury via email.

Time is 10 AM till noon. 

Loveland Superintendent Survey Results In

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Board of Education recently conducted an on-line survey to measure community values and receive input into the hiring of a new superintendent. You can download the survey results and read what District residents feel are important qualifications for a new superintendent and what direction the District should be moving towards. 

"High ethics and integrity" and "High academic expectations" were the top two characteristics a new superintendent should possess. Class size, budget cutting, and the current grade scale at the High School are also on your neighbor's mind. Download Survey_Results

The deadline for receiving applications from persons seeking the job was March 6. The Board is currently reviewing the applications and intends to have a new superintendent hired in May.

Brandon Williams: State Champion Swimmer for Loveland High School

by: Chris Shoals

LOVELAND, OHIO - Brandon Williams is a State Champion for Loveland High School, becoming the first high school student at Loveland in over 4 years to win an individual State Championship. Williams won the race for 2010 in the 50 yard freestyle on February 27, at the C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton, Ohio. The last Loveland athlete to win a State title was cross country runner, Sarah Leeper in 2003.

Williams has entered elite company, becoming only the sixth person ever to win an individual state championship for Loveland High School. “What Brandon has achieved is great for Loveland. He also shows sportsmanship, making him the complete package,” Loveland Athletic Director Jeff Zidron said.

Williams swam a 21.14 in the championship swim, the 50 yard freestyle, which was good enough to beat second place by 6 hundredths of a second. The second place finisher was Ian Richardson, a senior from Mt. Vernon High School.

The state record for the 50 yard freestyle is 20.01 seconds, set by St. Xavier High School's two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Joe Hudepohl back in 1991. Williams fell short of that mark by 13 hundredths of a second.

“We are extremely proud of Brandon for representing Loveland at the state level,” said Dr. Molly Moorhead, Principal of Loveland High School.

Williams will be attending Michigan State University, of the Big Ten Conference next year, and will be a member of the Spartan Swimming Team. His mother, Julie
Williams said, "His goal this high school season was to win the 50 free at State"

Brandon Williams said, “I am happy that my hard work all season paid off in the end.”

Williams was part of a very successful state meet for first year head coach Dan Ketchum, who brought a record 14 swimmers to the state meet. 

Zidron also mentioned first year head coach Dan Ketchum, who sent a record 14 swimmers to the state meet. “Coach Ketchum’s knowledge of the sport goes unquestioned. Even more important, though, was his ability to motivate and create a team atmosphere.”

As if winning a state competition was not enough, Williams was named 2010 FAVC Buckeye Swimmer of the year, All City, and 1st team all FAVC. He also achieved the FAVC All-Conference Academic Award, achieving a minimum 3.5 GPA to qualify. He has been named to the 1st team All Conference Team for three years in multiple events. Williams is the District Champion in 50 and 100 freestyle in 2010. He was named, Loveland High School's Most valuable swimmer 2008, 2009, and 2010.

In the overall competition, the boy’s finished 7th in Ohio as a team, and the girls finished 14th.

Williams started swimming at the age of seven for Harper’s Point Swim Club. At age 12 he was going to take a summer off to play baseball, but his coach talked him into doing both, and that fall he decided to swim competitively for Sycamore Flying Fish, just shy of turning 13. He stayed with that team for a year and a half and has been swimming for the Mason Manta Rays ever since. He practices at the Mason Community Center six days a week for three hours a day with Coach Ken Heis. During the high school season he would occasionally get a morning practice in with Coach Dan Ketchum as well.

Season records are not yet complete, however it is believed that Williams holds five individual and all relays records at Loveland High School, and four individual and six relay records with the Mason Manta Rays.

Julie Williams said, "His father, Brad and I are very proud of Brandon’s dedication to swimming. Needless to say, when he touched that wall first, it was quite an emotional moment for all of us.”

The video below of William's winning swim, was shot by Loveland High School Senior, Austin Bessey who is also a member of the swim team.

Columbia Road Closed for Culvert Replacement March 23rd

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The Warren County Highway Department will be closing Columbia Road for a culvert replacement, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 23, 2010, weather permitting. The closure will be between the addresses of 9228 and 9194 on Columbia Road. The detour for the culvert replacement will be routed using US 22 & 3 and Fields Ertel Road.