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News You Can Use March 16, 2007 What is Deep Vein Thrombosis? Seventy-five percent of us are not familiar with it; while annually it:
"It" is Deep Vein Thrombosis and the PA Senate is designating March 2007 as "Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month." Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is considered one of the most common causes of preventable hospital deaths in the U.S. Yet, 75 percent of us know little or nothing about DVT. Ninety-four percent of physicians believe informing patients about DVT symptoms and risks is important, while only 20 percent report speaking with their patients about it very often. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. Resulting complications may lead to pulmonary embolism and death. Knowing the risk factors: DVT risk factors and DVT symptoms can be life saving. Download and print a copy of the DVT risk assessment tool. Complete a copy for yourself or a loved one. Then talk with your healthcare professional about your risk for DVT and how to prevent it. Consult with the National Heart and Lung Institute for more on DVT, including diagnostic testing and treatment. DVT is among topics discussed in
Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2006 Update published by the American Heart Association
and the American Stroke Association. Did Daylight Saving Time sneak up on you before you had batteries in hand to change those in your smoke alarm? According to the Pa State Fire Commissioner, 25 percent of all smoke alarms in homes do not work due to dead or missing batteries. In addition, more than 8 out of 10 fire fatalities happen at home where many lives could be saved by installing smoke alarms. The Commissioner reminds us to install at least one smoke alarm on every level of a structure and to test it once a month. It is important to note that the useful life of a smoke alarm is considered 10 years, at which time it should be replaced. The PA Emergency Management Agency offers a fact sheet on how to avoid fires, as well as what to do in case you are confronted with a fire. The
State Fire Commissioner says smoke alarms
are the first line of defense against deadly smoke and fire in our homes.
The 175,000 boaters who received a renewal notice for their watercraft in December 2006 from the PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) are reminded that their registrations expire Saturday, March 31, 2007. The Commission will not send second notices. Upon renewal, your registration will remain in effect until March 31, 2009. You may choose to renew online at the PA Fish & Boat Commission Outdoor Shop. See the PFBC renewal announcement. Select from two versions of Frequently Asked Questions regarding boat registration & titling to address concerns. A colorful, printable brochure and an interactive set of 16 questions are available. For
new registrations and launch permits and
PA's boating education certification requirements, you can also find a
boating course, get statistical information, learn about water rescue and more. Spring is in the air and so are the birds. Pennsylvania is aflutter with activities and opportunities to appreciate our feathered friends. Mid-March is prime time to facilitate the nesting of Pennsylvania's bluebird population, according to the PA Game Commission (PGC). Due to the accidental introduction of the English House Sparrow and European Starlings, the threatened Eastern Bluebird's population is helped each year by the PGC's bluebird boxes program. The boxes and kits are for sale at PGC's Harrisburg Headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Avenue or Howard Nursery at 197 Nursery Road in Howard, Centre County. Check availability at Headquarters at 1-888-888-3459 and Howard Nursery at 814-355-4434. Build your own Eastern Bluebird with the help of these plans. See more on the plight of the Eastern Bluebird and also here. Head out to Centre County on Saturday, March 31, 2007 for the American Woodcock Festival. A discussion of past and future wildlife management, conservation displays, kid's crafts, and an eagle watch are a prelude to a final walk to observe the incredible American Woodcock mating display. Contact the Park at 814-625-2775 or email the park for specific questions. Waterfowl migration across Pennsylvania brings a shower of feathers to Middle Creek, Lebanon County. Recent reports find snow geese numbers to have reached an all-time high while Canada goose and tundra swan numbers are low. Click here for an update on waterfowl migrations or explore Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. The PA Game Commission offers a summary of bird life "Through the Seasons". Before heading out for a little birding, check out the PA Game Commission site for what to expect as the ides of March bring spring renewal and new flocks into the Commonwealth. Access a year around summary of bird activity divided into bimonthly summaries. Be sure to download a copy of the
2007 State Parks Calendar published by the Pa Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources for a year-round list of outdoor activities. Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is offering larger crisis grants and extending the application deadline to March 30, 2007. Crisis grants are increasing by $100 to $400; allowing previous LIHEAP recipients to claim an additional $100 in the event of another home heating emergency. The PA Department of Public Welfare (DPW) is urging low-income households struggling to meet their home heating needs to take advantage of the increased crisis grants and deadline extension. A family of four with an annual income of up to $30,000 can qualify for assistance. Download and print the LIHEAP brochure with the phone number and address of your local County Assistance Office and eligibility details. You may also call the LIHEAP statewide toll-free hotline at 1-866-857-7095. Consult DPW's Energy Assistance webpage for related information including an application for the program. March into Spring with a Gettysburg Retreat Looking for an early spring outing? March off to Gettysburg the last weekend of the month for a host of special events, presentations, and tours that will bring to life the history of the Civil War. The weekend commences Friday, March 30, 2007 with a reception at Gateway Gettysburg with a presentation of "Fields of Freedom," a 30-minute film about Pickett's Charge. Participants will board a bus on Saturday the 31st for a tour that will carry them to the site of the Battle of Monterey, the second bloodiest battle of the Civil War waged on Pennsylvania territory. A colonial cooking demonstration will be sandwiched between a house tour and an excursion to the sites of the Battles of Hanover and Hunterstown. Activities and entertainment continue throughout the weekend, including a Civil War-era church service and a walking tour focused on shattering the stereotype of the demure Victorian female and her brave male protector. Before saying goodbye on Sunday, chat with Mrs. Grant over tea, as part of a living history presentation. Lodging choices for your getaway are varied. Select a lovely B&B that once served as a field hospital during the Battle at Gettysburg. Today the Baladerry Inn offers the visitor modern conveniences in a beautiful circa 1830s inn with a striking terrace overlooking spacious grounds. Prefer to step back further in time; choose the oldest deeded house in Gettysburg. The Brafferton Inn B&B is a 1786 fieldstone house located within waking distance of many attractions and points of interest. The Gettysburg Courtyard by Marriott offers non-smoking and ADA accessible rooms, complimentary high-speed Internet access, an indoor pool, a whirlpool and an exercise room, if you are looking for a few more modern conveniences. The deadline to register for the Friday, March 30 through Sunday April, 1, 2007 Discovery Weekend Package is Monday, March 26, 2007. Access the Civil War Trails Discovery Weekend Itinerary and find links to registration, lodging and related information. Click here for additional lodging options. Consult the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau or see the PA Civil War Trails – Prelude to Gettysburg here. The PA Historical & Museum Commission has published "Pennsylvania Civil War Trails -- The Guide to Battle Sites, Monuments, Museums and Towns" containing photos, maps and detailed tourism information to help you make the most of your trip.
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