|
||||
|
News You Can Use January 5, 2007 New Headlight Law When the wipers are required, so are the lights, according to the PA Department of Transportation. Weather conditions prompting a driver to use a vehicle's wipers either continuously or on an intermittent basis, should now be considered as a signal to also turn on your headlights. January 2007 kicks off implementation of the new safety measure. Motorists confronting rain, snow or just a mist, who do not comply with the law, could face a fine of $25. With fees and other associated costs, the penalty would approach $100. See pages 3 and 4 of House Bill 2133 passed by the Senate on November 20, 2006. The bill was signed into law on November 29, 2006 and became Act # 159 of 2006. PA DOT announcement on new law. 91st PA Farm Show Kicks Off Snow, rain, or sunshine during the second week of January can't stop Pennsylvania from paying tribute to its agricultural roots while supporting farming's future economic growth. Hundreds of thousands of spectators will descend upon Harrisburg and the 91st PA Farm Show from January 6-13, 2007. The theme for the 2007 Farm Show, "Growing Pennsylvania Agriculture to Feed and Fuel Our Future" will find this year's event highlighting alternative forms of energy and the major role for PA agriculture. The show will also feature some 10,000 animals, 8,000 competitive exhibits, and 270 commercial exhibitors. From angel food cake to wool, there are demonstrations and competitions from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. on an almost daily basis. Consult the schedule for your favorite events. Don't forget to check out the "Culinary Connection Schedule" for daily presentations. Whether you want to check out the Wagon Wheel Alfredo and Eggs or Pork Medallions with Pears & Apples in a Brandy and Red Wine Sauce or Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Yogurt Sauce, these dishes and many more feature the best of PA foods. Access the "2007 Culinary Connection Schedule" Visitor information, maps, food & lodging are just some of the details available at the 2007 Farm Show website Rain or Snow: Safe Driving Tips for Winter 2006-2007 Much of Pennsylvania experienced higher than normal temperatures as we said good bye to 2006. Forecasts for rain seemed more likely than predictions of snow as the holidays came and went. Look for more of the same. According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), seasonal forecasters predict warmer than average temperatures across the Northeast and northern mid-Atlantic from December 2006 through February 2007. PA travel advisories are as likely this winter to focus on driving during rain and flood conditions as they are snow and ice. The PA Emergency Management Agency offers motorists tips for rain and flooding as well snow. Motorists are advised to take the following steps to remain safe during winter travel.
Acknowledging NOAA predictions, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family. Browse PEMA's floods and flash floods fact sheets, as well as those designed to make your winter travels equally safe. Winter driving fact sheet NOAA Issues Final Forecast for 2006-2007 U.S. Winter -- December, January, February Forecasts Snort. Sniffle. Sneeze. No Antibiotics Please! Antibiotic-resistant infections result in longer-lasting illnesses; increased doctor visits; extended hospital stays; the use of expensive and toxic medications, and, in some cases, death. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, doctors are increasingly pressured to prescribe antibiotics for viruses. Along with diagnostic uncertainty, time pressure on physicians and patient demand, antibiotics are not being reserved for the bacterial infections for which they are intended. Which of the following illnesses can be treated with an antibiotic?
The answer is none. All of the above are usually caused by a virus. Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed causes some bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic, according to the CDC. Antibiotics administered for a virus will not cure the infection, help you feel better or prevent others from catching your illness. Related flyers, posters, and brochures are available for home, work, community and educational institutions. Consult CDC resources offered through the "Snort. Sniffle. Sneeze. No antibiotics please!" campaign for more on a growing problem. Consult the CDC's "Frequently Asked Questions" related to antibiotics. Fighting Cabin Fever in PA Don't let the fever keep you down – cabin fever, that is. Pennsylvania is fighting back with "Cabin Fever Month" for the third consecutive year. "Two-for-one" lodging deals start for as little as $69 a night when booking a room for two nights. Coupled with discounts for select attractions, you can write your own prescription for staving off the January blues. Build your 2007 remedy around one of PA's upcoming special events:
Or choose a quieter get-away at a quaint bed & breakfast; scheduling daytime antiquing and bargain hunting in PA's many historically significant towns and villages. Choose your own formula from a large menu of options and opportunities. Select your favorites and book your reservations to take advantage of "Cabin Fever Month" in PA. 2007 Calendars The 2007 calendars have arrived. If you are seeking something other than the usual magazine-stand calendar this year consider checking in with your favorite nonprofit, state or federal websites. The exterior of the PA Game Commission 2007 Wildlife Calendar features a beautiful painting of a duck coming in for a water landing. Inside it is filled with breathtaking wildlife scenes. You may purchase the PA Game Commission 2007 Wildlife Calendar. For the outdoor enthusiast, consider the first ever PA state parks calendar produced by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Each month features a beautiful seasonal snapshot of one of 12 state parks scattered throughout the Commonwealth. Calendar pages feature festival dates, campground openings, athletic competitions and more, all for the time and paper it will cost you to print it off at home. If your New Year's resolution calls for a healthier 2007, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention are ready for you. A simple one-page, 8 1/2" by 11" calendar is framed with positive simple steps to employ in every day life promoting safe and healthy living. Choose from Healthy Women 2007, Healthy Men 2007 or Healthy Living 2007. Access and print your free copy.
|
|||
