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A Doctor’s Tips to Stay Healthy While Traveling

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Statepoint
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Travel can sometimes feel more daunting than relaxing, between flight delays and bumper-to-bumper traffic. What’s more, it has potential health impacts, including leg swelling and increased risk for cold and flu.

“Air travel, long drives, less sleep and added stress can weaken your immune system at a time when you’re around more people and susceptible to illness,” says nationally renowned natural health physician and best-selling author, Dr. Fred Pescatore.

Dr. Pescatore is sharing a few tips to help boost health while traveling.

-Feed Your Immune System

Being around so many people in tight spaces means you may be more at risk of catching a bug. “Take precautions before boarding your flight — wash your hands frequently, bring hand sanitizer with you and snack on antioxidant-packed vegetables like broccoli, carrots and sweet potatoes to keep your immune system strong,” says Dr. Pescatore.

-Fend off Fatigue

The American Sleep Association estimates that nearly 93 percent of travelers experience jet lag and it can be severe enough to interfere with vacation plans. “Sleep disturbances make you feel tired, nauseous and irritable — not a good combination with a packed travel itinerary,” says Dr. Pescatore.

A peer-reviewed study shows that daily supplementation with the super-antioxidant, Pycnogenol (Pic-noj-en-all), reduces jet lag symptoms by nearly 50 percent. “Pycnogenol, a natural botanical extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, is a traveler’s best friend. You can spend less time feeling fatigued and more quality time enjoying your destination,” says Dr. Pescatore.

-Boost Circulation

Long periods of immobility in a cramped space like a car or plane contribute to swelling and fluid accumulation throughout the legs. Known as edema, it can be uncomfortable and may feel worse after travel.

Dr. Pescatore recommends taking shorts breaks to move around on road trips and to stand up and stretch during long flights to keep blood circulating and reduce swelling. “Pycnogenol is also shown to promote circulation and studies show its benefits for reducing swelling and discomfort during long-distance travel. Again, it’s a good supplement for travel,” he says.

Pycnogenol is one of the most researched ingredients on the market with decades of studies showing its benefits for a variety of health applications. It’s available in more than 700 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide. For more information, visit pycnogenol.com.

“Drink plenty of water, use a supplement for a beneficial boost and remember to enjoy yourself. Yes, even the travel to and from your destination can be fun,” says Dr. Pescatore.

On your next vacation, ensure better health by taking simple steps.

(Statepoint)

NIGHT WORK PLANNED IN POLK COUNTY

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – Crews will begin night work in Polk County Wednesday to rehabilitate the roadway on US 190.

Mill and inlay work is scheduled to begin at the southbound frontage road of US 59 and move west on US 190 with mill and inlay operations that will require lane closures throughout the night from 6 pm to 6 am. Work will begin progress from US 59 to 2 miles west on US 190.

Motorists can expect business entry/exits to be temporarily blocked as the work progresses. Work is expected to be completed by Feb. 7, weather permitting. Message boards are in place to alert motorists of the night work.

As this work begins, motorists are advised to reduce speed through the work zone, stay alert to moving equipment and workers throughout the area and obey all traffic control devices. Fines double when workers are present.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

5 Ways to Ease Travel Stress With Your Phone

By
Statepoint
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People living in the U.S. are traveling outside of the country now more than ever. In 2016 alone, about 80.2 million Americans traveled internationally to different parts of the world.

Fortunately, your most helpful tool to make travel less stressful is right in your pocket: your smartphone. Not only does it make planning your perfect trip easier, your phone can keep you connected and entertained when you’re away. Here are some tips to optimize your phone before you go.

-Download Travel Apps

Apps like FlightAware, Google Maps and LoungeBuddy can keep you apprised of gate and flight changes, estimate traffic and plot travel routes and help you locate the best places to rest before your flight. There are even apps like SitOrSquat, for locating nearby bathrooms!

-Maximize Your Storage

Cell phone cameras are more powerful than ever, and the average smartphone holds thousands of photos and videos of your cherished memories. You don’t want to run out of storage space, so get the right MicroSD card for your phone before you depart. You can also set up cloud storage services so your pictures are automatically uploaded and secured.

-Check Your Mobile Plan

Some mobile plans have designated perks for travelers. For example, T-Mobile ONE gives international travelers unlimited data and texting along with cheap, flat-rate calling in more than 140 countries and destinations. That means no wasting time or money searching for public Wi-Fi or purchasing an international SIM card. Plus, since unlimited data and texting are included, you can communicate without worrying about surprise overage fees.

Also, on flights equipped with Gogo In-flight Internet, all T-Mobile ONE customers can send texts, picture messages and check Visual Voicemail in the air – and they get one hour of free internet on their smartphone (or for the entire flight with T-Mobile ONE Plus). More information is available at www.t-mobile.com/one.

-Get the Right Phone Accessories

When you’re playing the balancing act with your luggage, carry on, wallet and other travel gear, it’s that much easier to drop your device, so keep your smartphone safe with a screen protector and a case that’s sturdy and practical. Some cases have non-slip materials that make them easier to grip and include storage for credit cards. Or try a PopSocket collapsible grip which doubles as a built-in stand – that’ll come in handy if you’re watching a movie on the plane or in your hotel room.

-Bring Your Own Entertainment

On average, one in six flights were delayed last year, resulting in boring and stressful waits. Head to Amazon or your app store to download some shows and movies before your trip (especially key when traveling with kids!) so you can watch when Wi-Fi is unavailable, and find a few games that can be played offline, too, like UnblockMe and Plants vs. Zombies. When you do have an internet connection, you can stream Netflix without worrying about your data on a T-Mobile ONE family plan.

With smart planning and accessories for your phone, travel becomes much less stressful, and you can save yourself from racking up surprise fees for extras and overages.

(Statepoint)

No. 6 McLennan Sweeps Roadrunners in AC Home Opener

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College centerfielder Sam Haley goes all out to make a diving catch during Monday’s doubleheader against McLennan College. The No. 6 Highlanders swept the Roadrunners 4-1 and 11-0 at Roadrunner Field. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)

By GARY STALLARD/AC Athletics

Angelina College catcher Sam Gotlieb awaits the throw as McLennan’s Chase Sortor (38) scores during Monday’s doubleheader. The No. 6 Highlanders swept the Roadrunners 4-1 and 11-0 at Roadrunner Field. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)

McLennan’s Highlanders, the nation’s sixth-ranked junior college baseball team, swept Angelina College 4-1 and 11-0 in AC’s home opener Monday at Roadrunner Field.

Roadrunner pitchers Jarod Sprinkle and Jeremy Rodriguez teamed up in the opener to hold the high-powered Highlanders to just two earned runs over seven innings, but AC could manage just one score against McLennan pitchers over those innings. Sam Haley’s fifth-inning solo homer would be the Roadrunners’ only run of the day.

Sprinkle struck out five and allowed just two hits – none over the first four innings – in his four and two-thirds innings of work. Rodriguez struck out two and gave up a pair of hits while keeping the Highlanders scoreless over his two and a third innings.

McLennan’s Mitchell Caskey launched a two-run homer in the nightcap to fuel the Highlanders’ 11-0 win.

The Roadrunners will host Mountain View College on Wednesday in a doubleheader scheduled for a 2 p.m. start.

The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

Angelina College pitcher Jeremy Rodriguez delivers during Monday’s game against McLennan College. Rodriguez tossed a pair of scoreless innings in the opener, but the No. 6 Highlanders swept the Roadrunners 4-1 and 11-0 at Roadrunner Field. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)

LUFKIN ALERT

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Motorists are urged to use caution as work begins on FM 1194 at SL 287 West in Lufkin. A lead car is in place to lead motorists through the work zone. Prepare for delays and frequent lane closures or choose alternate routes.

NACOGDOCHES ALERT

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Motorists traveling US 59 northbound at SL 224 in Nacogdoches are advised to take SL 224 East through the end of the week to alleviate congestion as construction is ongoing at the US 59/SL 224 intersection. Prepare for delays.

5 Game Day Tips for the Ultimate Tailgate

By
Statepoint
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Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or a viewing party at home, a true football fan is always prepared for game day fun.

Start with these five game day tips that will take you well into playoff season, even if your team doesn’t:

1. Claim your territory: The early bird gets the worm, so be sure to research potential tailgating spots early, then set up camp as soon as possible on game day. Don’t forget to consider things like shade and flat ground space. Whatever the weather, bring a pop-up tent or canopy for some cover.

2. Fire up the grill: One thing rival fans agree on is the importance of a good burger. The grill is the center of the tailgate, so make sure you’re equipped with one that’s easy to take on the road and set up quickly. Rule the parking lot with the Coleman RoadTrip X-cursion Propane Grill, which features collapsible steel scissor legs and a low-profile design that offers portable, porcelain-coated cast iron grilling.

3. Set the mood: A tailgate is not complete without a game day playlist and fun lawn games. Don’t forget portable Bluetooth speakers for music, as well as cornhole boards and ladder ball to heat up the competition.

4. Libation station: If you plan to crack open a cold beverage with friends, you need a strong, reliable cooler to keep your guests hydrated and happy. The retro designed Coleman 54 Quart Steel Belted Cooler holds up to 85 cans with an ice retention rate of four days, allowing your tailgate to continue well after the game ends.

5. Relax and enjoy: Most importantly, have fun. Regardless of whether your team wins or loses, enjoy spending the time outdoors, making memories with family and friends.

(Statepoint)

More Students are Going to Grad School: How are They Paying for It?

By
Statepoint
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0

Career aspirations are driving more students to graduate school these days, and nearly two thirds believe an advanced degree is the new minimum standard level of education for any professional occupation.

According to “How America Pays for Graduate School,” the new national study from Sallie Mae and Ipsos, an independent global market research company, nearly all grad students (95 percent) said an advanced degree is necessary to enter, advance, accelerate or remain competitive in their chosen career.

Cost is less of a factor in the enrollment decision than it is at the undergraduate level, as more than eight in 10 surveyed based their enrollment decision on a school’s academic offerings, prestige, location, campus culture, or other personal consideration. However, eight in 10 grad students said they took more responsibility for paying-for-school decisions than they had for their undergraduate studies.

“It is human nature to plan for what you value, and that includes graduate school. Today’s students see graduate school as their ticket to a successful and prosperous career, and most have a plan to pay for their advanced degree before they enroll,” says Raymond J. Quinlan, chairman and CEO, Sallie Mae. “That planning pays off: the overwhelming majority are confident in the financial decisions they’ve made about how to pay for their graduate education.”

How much did they pay? Students spent an average of $24,812 on grad school in academic year 2016-17, and more than three-fourths of them (77 percent) paid for it, at least in part, by borrowing. Funds borrowed by students covered more than half of the cost (53 percent), while money students earned, including income and savings, paid for 24 percent. Grants, fellowships, scholarships, and tuition waivers accounted for 15 percent, while eight percent of grad school costs came from funds borrowed or contributed by parents or others.

The study also reveals that scholarships and grants are less available for grad students than for undergrads, accounting for just 15 percent of grad school costs. In response, Sallie Mae announced a new Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students that will award four $20,000 scholarships in 2018. Students may apply by Feb. 14 by visiting SallieMae.com/BridgingtheDreamGrad.

To view the complete report, visit SallieMae.com/HowAmericaPaysGrad and join the conversation using #HowGradsPay.

As a graduate degree continues to become the educational norm, students will continue to plan and find creative ways to meet the cost.

(Statepoint)

How to Register to Become an Organ Donor

By
Statepoint
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0

(SPM Wire) February 14 is National Donor Day, an annual reminder that organ donation is a life saver.

More than 118,000 people in the United States are waiting for organs, and every 10 minutes, someone is added to the national transplant waiting list, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.

Average people can make a big difference, simply by adding their names to The National Donate Life Registry. Indeed, one organ donor can save up to eight lives. You can register to become a donor at the DMV when applying for a driver’s license or by visiting registerme.org.

With more organs needed than are actually available, consider learning more about how organ donation works and how you can get involved.

(Statepoint)

State of Texas Slashes Tobacco Prevention Funding Even With Tobacco Tax Dollars Available

By
Ezra McMullen
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The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids recently published a report with information on current tobacco prevention funding and how each of the fifty states rank based on two variables, funding dollars and current tobacco use. Texas ranks 44th for 2018. In 2017, Texas ranked number 38, but due to the cuts in tobacco prevention funding this past legislative session, Texas is now ranked in the bottom 12%.

With Texas ranked as one of the unhealthiest states, tobacco prevention funding is needed. Unlike other state programs that rely on variable funding, tobacco prevention dollars are ready and available. The Texas tobacco tax revenue earns $1.9 billion per year. Unfortunately, only $4.5 million of that tax revenue is spent on tobacco prevention programs to prevent kids from smoking and to help smokers quit. The Center for Disease Control recommends $264 million be spent on tobacco prevention, but Texas spends only 1.7% of the recommended amount.

Not only does tobacco impact our health, it impacts the economy as well. The total annual public and private health care expenditures caused by smoking is approximately $170 billion and an additional $6.03 billion is caused solely from exposure to secondhand smoke.

Additionally, Big Tobacco spends billions, $8.9 to be exact, on advertising. Sadly enough, tobacco companies target vulnerable populations including children, those with mental illness, minority groups, uneducated, and people in poverty.

However, there are science-based strategies to reduce tobacco use:

· Comprehensive prevention programs. Prevention programs such as Towards No Tobacco, teach youth the dangers of tobacco as well as the skills needed to say no to tobacco; the program builds self-esteem, communication skills, and refusal skills.

· Raise tobacco prices. Studies show by raising the price of tobacco, tobacco use decreases, especially in youth.

· Smoke-Free ordinances. Smoke-free laws and policies effect the entire population and protect the vulnerable population. Everyone has a right to breath clean air.

· Tobacco 21. 80% of adult smokers begin smoking by age 18. By raising the minimum age to 21, it reduces the chance of youth initiating tobacco use.

In Angelina County, The Coalition, Inc. and other groups work to implement all of these strategies. Many of our local schools are already implementing tobacco prevention curriculum and Lufkin passed their no-smoking ordinance in 2013. However, with limited state funding, the programs and strategies are hindered. Sharon Kruk, Executive Director of The Coalition, states, “The Texas legislature cut our tobacco prevention program by 28% this year. We worked closely with our partners to ensure that we could maintain our current programs, but that big of a cut is devastating to prevention efforts. In addition, the legislature prohibited any state tobacco funding to be used on media efforts, so we are unable to continue our TV, radio, and print advertising for tobacco prevention. This means that we cannot advertise the Quitline (877-YES-QUIT), which is a free resource to help tobacco users quit the habit. It is unfortunate that the legislature does not realize the benefits of prevention.”

Bold action from our state and local governments are needed to accelerate the decrease in tobacco use. We encourage citizens to speak with their representatives and make them aware of the harmful impact tobacco has on the health of the population, economy, and especially our youth.

For over 25 years, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. The Coalition is one of the oldest substance abuse prevention community coalitions in the United States. For more information, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

For more information, please contact Sharon Kruk, Executive Director, at skruk@angelinacoalition.org or 936-634-9308.

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