22 Dec 2015

Concussion-Related Measures Improved in High School Football Players Who Drank New Chocolate Milk, UMD Study Shows

By Eric Schurr
COLLEGE PARK, Md. ? Fifth Quarter Fresh, a new, high-protein chocolate milk, helped high school football players improve their cognitive and motor function over the course of a season, even after experiencing concussions, a new preliminary University of Maryland study shows.

The study, funded through the Maryland Industrial Partnerships program and conducted by Jae Kun Shim, a professor of kinesiology in the School of Public Health, followed 474 football players from seven high schools in Western Maryland throughout the fall 2014 season.

"High school football players, regardless of concussions, who drank Fifth Quarter Fresh chocolate milk during the season, showed positive results overall," said Shim. "Athletes who drank the milk, compared to those who did not, scored higher after the season than before it started, specifically in the areas of verbal and visual memory."

Football players were tested before the season, after concussions and post-season using Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, also called ImPACT®, a widely used computer-based evaluation for concussions. Overall, 36 variables for attention span, working memory, sustained and selective attention time, response variability, non-verbal problem solving and reaction time were measured in the study.

Experimental groups drank Fifth Quarter Fresh after each practice and game, sometimes six days a week, while control groups did not consume the chocolate milk. Analysis was performed on two separate groups: athletes who experienced concussions during the season and those who did not. Both non-concussed and concussed groups showed positive effects from the chocolate milk.

Non-concussed athletes who drank Maryland-produced Fifth Quarter Fresh showed better cognitive and motor scores over nine test measures after the season as compared to the control group.

Concussed athletes drinking the milk improved cognitive and motor scores in four measures after the season as compared to those who did not.

The remaining test scores did not show a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups over the season, according to Shim.

He suggested that the naturally occurring high levels of specific nutrients in Fifth Quarter Fresh likely contributed to the results.

"Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are important for energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis in the brain," said Shim. "Previous studies have shown that BCAA supplementation has resulted in improved cognition in mice with brain injuries."

Shim also cited carbohydrates, calcium and electrolytes, all of which he says are likely to be critical for the recovery process after brain injuries.

While the study's results indicate a strong link between milk and the reduction of concussion-related symptoms, researchers caution that more in-depth studies are necessary to be conclusive.

Fifth Quarter Fresh is a fat-free chocolate milk made by combining nutrient-rich milk (yielding 40 percent more protein, calcium and electrolytes than conventional milk) with the benefits of a pasteurization process that preserves proteins and makes them easier for the body to absorb, according to the company.

Fifth Quarter Fresh has a balance of fast-absorbed whey and sustained-release casein proteins that provide a quick burst of amino acids followed by a continuous supply over several more hours, according to Richard Doak, co-founder of Fifth Quarter Fresh.

The company maintains that protecting student athletes and helping them perform at a higher level was the reason they created Fifth Quarter Fresh in the first place.

"We believe there is a real need to improve nutrition for young athletes. Fifth Quarter Fresh may help them prevent injuries by providing their bodies with the nutrients they need to heal and repair. This study suggests that," said Doak. "Our milk provides 20 grams of protein and five grams of undamaged BCAAs per 14-ounce serving?naturally. We use no supplements and no preservatives?it is fresh chocolate milk."

Officials in Washington County, Md., home to all seven high schools participating in the study, are now considering the broad adoption of Fifth Quarter Fresh in sports programs throughout its school system.
"There is nothing more important than protecting our student-athletes," said Clayton Wilcox, superintendent of Washington County Public Schools. "Now that we understand the findings of this study, we are determined to provide Fifth Quarter Fresh to all of our athletes."

Earlier this year, UMD released the preliminary results of a study showing that Fifth Quarter Fresh outperformed leading commercial workout recovery drinks for endurance recovery by 13-17 percent.

Fifth Quarter Fresh is produced through the Hagerstown-based Lanco-Pennland Quality Milk Producers, a farmer-owned, farmer-run cooperative with nearly 650 members that spans the U.S. East Coast. Frederick-based Dairy Maid Dairy bottles it.

The University of Maryland study was made possible by the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program, which jointly funds commercial product development projects teaming Maryland companies with University of Maryland faculty.

For photos and videos, visit: http://go.umd.edu/concussions

About the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) Program
MIPS, a program of the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech) in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, supports university-based research projects to help Maryland companies develop technology-based products. Commercial products benefiting from MIPS projects have generated more than $30.2 billion in revenue, added thousands of jobs to the region, and contributed to successful products such as Martek Biosciences' nutritional oils, Hughes Communications' HughesNet®, MedImmune's Synagis®, and Black & Decker's Bullet® Speed Tip Masonry Drill Bit.

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22 Dec 2015

Smiddy-Backed Bill Helping Special Needs Patients Get Dental Care Takes Effect

By State Representative Mike Smiddy

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Beginning in the new year, children with special needs will be able to receive accommodations at the dentists due to a new law, sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, which will take effect on Jan. 1.

"Even a simple visit to the dentist can be traumatic for children with special needs," Smiddy said. "If we want these children to get the preventative dental care they need, we have to ensure the resources necessary for these procedures are available."

Dental patients with autism or other special needs often require sedation for regular dental exams and procedures. The costs associated with the sedation can be a large financial burden on families. Under current law, insurance companies in Illinois are only required to cover sedation for dental procedure for children under six. Smiddy sponsored House Bill 235, a new law which requires coverage for sedation for individuals with special needs until the age of 26 for dental appointments if they have been unable to get care without it.

"This new law will help children have access to dental care that may otherwise be unavailable due to the costs associated with sedation," Smiddy said. "Families with special needs children face many challenges, and I'll continue to work to ensure they have the resources they need."

House Bill received bipartisan support when it passed the House in April. It was signed into law on July 27 and takes effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

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22 Dec 2015

KWQC-TV6 Delivers Strong November Ratings

By Eric VanWinkle

KWQC-TV6 swept the November 2015 ratings period, winning total households in all Monday through Friday newscasts.  The station won mornings with Quad Cities Today, as well as the News at Noon, and the 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. time slots.

In the key Persons 25-54 demographic sought after by advertisers, KWQC-TV6 also won every newscast.  At 6 a.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m., KWQC-TV6 more than doubled the ratings of its closest competitors in that demographic.

"We're proud that we've earned the trust of so many people in the Quad Cities," said KWQC-TV6 news director Rich Kurz. "Viewers here have counted on us for years, and these ratings are proof that we're continuing to connect with them every day."

"Wheel of Fortune" continues to be a strong performer, winning the 6:30 p.m. time slot in both Persons 25-54 and total households.  NBC was the place to be both in the mornings and in late night.  "The Today Show" continued to be the highest-rated network morning show in the Quad Cities, both in total households and in persons 25-54.

Meanwhile, "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" more than doubled its ratings from the July 2015 ratings period, and had ratings three times those of its late-night network competition combined in the persons 25-54 demographic.

Locally, it was also a strong ratings period for "Paula Sands Live," which posted its highest ratings in more than a year.
22 Dec 2015

Branstad make appointment to the Public Employment Relations Board

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad announced today that he has appointed Mary Gannon to the Public Employment Relations Board.

Gannon's term on the Public Employment Relations Board begins Monday, January 4, 2016 and ends April 30, 2016.  Gannon, who resides in Des Moines, will be eligible for a full four-year appointment in April at the conclusion of her partial appointment announced today.

The Public Employment Relations Board is a three member body and is responsible to administer the collective bargaining statute by determining appropriate bargaining units and conducting elections; adjudicate prohibited practice complaints fashioning appropriate remedial relief for violations of Chapter 20; adjudicate and serve as arbitrators regarding state merit system grievances; provide mediators, fact finders and arbitrators to resolve impasses in negotiations; and collect and disseminate information concerning wages, hours and other conditions of employment of public employees.

Gannon's appointment is subject to Iowa Senate confirmation.

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21 Dec 2015

Moline Youth Graduates Lincoln's Challenge Academy, Receives Scholarship

By Illinois National Guard
SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/21/2015)(readMedia)-- Anthony Rodriguez, a native of Moline, Illinois, was awarded a $500 Northrop Grumman Scholarship during a graduation ceremony Dec. 18 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois. Rodriguez was one of 171 Cadets that graduated from the Lincoln's Challenge Academy Class 45-15. The Illinois National Guard administers the Lincoln's Challenge Academy program, based in Rantoul, Illinois. The program is designed to give Illinois at-risk youth the opportunity to continue their education and learn life skills in a quasi-military environment. More than 14,500 Cadets have graduated the 22-week program since its start in 1993. The academy is accepting applications for the next class which starts in January. For more information about the program, please contact 1-800-851-2166 or visit http://lincolnschallenge.org/.

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Moline-Youth-Graduates-Lincolns-Challenge-Academy-Receives-Scholarship/12097833

21 Dec 2015

President Signs Loebsack Legislation to Help Critical Access Hospitals In Iowa & Nationwide Into Law

By Randy Stalsberg

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) released the following statement today after the President signed S. 1461 into law. Loebsack joined with Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) to introduce the House version of the legislation, which prevents Medicare's enforcement of unreasonable and inflexible direct supervision rules for outpatient therapy services at Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and other small, rural hospitals. This legislation was introduced this summer, passed the House and Senate this fall and was signed into law on December 18th.

"I am pleased that the President has signed this important legislation into law to ensure all Iowans have access to high-quality health care no matter where they live," said Congressman Loebsack. "Critical Access Hospitals play an important role in rural communities by providing access to primary, emergency, and acute care services. I have visited multiple CAHs across my District that have struggled to meet the direct supervision requirement, and by becoming law, this legislation will provide them with certainty that they deserve."

Item to Note:

·       There are 1,332 CAHs across the country, 82 in Iowa.

Examples of direct supervision rules for outpatient therapy services: 

·       Application of cast to a finger

·       Blood transfusions

·       Application of a splint to a finger

·       Demonstration and/or evaluation of a patient utilizing a nebulizer or metered dose inhaler

·       Alcohol and/or substance abuse (other than tobacco) structured assessment and brief intervention (such as advising of health risks and counseling for 15-30 mins)

·       Pulmonary rehabilitation, including exercise of one hour per session - up to two sessions per day

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21 Dec 2015

"Warm Hands from Kind Hearts" Rotary Project Distributes Winter Apparel

By Linda Martin

Members of the Moline Rotary Club donated 523 mittens, gloves, scarves and hats this week to help keep children in the Moline School District warm during the coming winter months.  These items will be donated to ten Moline-Coal Valley Elementary Schools and for use by students who do not have warm weather attire or who have forgotten theirs at home.

"Moline Rotarians continue to give back to the community through programs such as Warm Hands from Kind Hearts," says Tom Bracke, President of Moline Rotary. "I appreciate the generosity of Moline Rotarians to help make sure younger students in Moline and Coal Valley public schools can stay warm this winter".

2015 marks the 6th Annual "Warm Hands from Kind Hearts" initiative within Moline Rotary.  The Moline Rotary Community Needs Committee continuously identifies additional opportunities to impact the citizens within the city of Moline and the Rock Island County area. "Moline Rotary and our 120 members celebrated our 100th anniversary of service to the community in 2014 and we are continuing our caring support into the next centruy," said Bracke. The club also supports numerous service projects in the Quad Cities and through Rotary International."

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

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21 Dec 2015

Gov. Branstad signs executive order to address cybersecurity

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced in their Monday morning press conference that Gov. Branstad has signed Executive Order Eighty-Seven that will combat cybersecurity threats in Iowa.  Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds were joined by the Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Mark Schouten and the State of Iowa's Chief Security Information Officer Jeff Franklin.

"As co-chair of the Council of Governors, I know how important cybersecurity is to our state's posture.  With this in mind, I am issuing Executive Order Eighty-Seven which will direct our state agencies to draft a State of Iowa cybersecurity strategy and update Iowa's emergency response plan to better deal with the physical consequences of a cyberattack against the state's critical infrastructure," said Gov. Branstad.

Lt. Gov. Reynolds added, "The State of Iowa has already been working to improve its cybersecurity for quite some time.  However, we know that cyber threats are constant and growing and we must be diligent in doing what we can to protect our state.  Today's executive order will solidify the foundation and work that is being conducted to protect the state against these threats."

In December of 2014, Governor Branstad formed a State cyber working group to expand on the work that was being done at the national level.  That group, comprised of state agencies and key federal and private partners, looked at ways to prevent, detect, respond to and recover from cyber threats in Iowa.  State of Iowa agencies involved in the group were the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Iowa National Guard, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Iowa Communications Network.  In addition, the FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, private industry and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center participated in the group.  The results from this group's work are the foundation for this executive order.

Executive Order Eighty-Seven can be read in its entirety here.

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21 Dec 2015

Create a Financial Calendar for the New Year

By Steve Burke
By Nathaniel Sillin

When was the last time you made a financial resolution on New Year's Eve? If you can't remember, you're in good company.

The Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America's annual New Year's resolutions survey (https://www.allianzlife.com/about/news-and-events for 2014 reported that 49 percent of respondents said that health and wellness were their first priorities for the coming year, up from 43 percent in 2013. Only 30 percent ranked financial stability as their top goal for the year.

In 2016, maybe it's time to push financial fitness to the top of your list by creating an annual financial calendar that helps you save, spend and invest a little smarter. Here are some suggestions to build your calendar:

Set three important money goals for the year. Three money goals may not sound like a lot, but if you've never thought about money goals before, establishing these targets can make a major difference in your financial life. Set goals that address key money concerns or serve as a springboard for a solid financial future. Choose what makes sense for you, but here are three basic goals to start with:

  • Create or reset your budget. If you've never made a budget before, spend a month or two tracking everything you spend. Review your findings closely and see whether you're spending less than you earn. If not, determine if you can cut spending to direct more funds to meet key goals. If you already have a budget, consider reevaluating your finances to see where you could cut costs.
  • Build an emergency fund. An emergency fund (http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/emergencyfund) contains between three to six months of living expenses you can draw upon only in a real financial emergency such as unemployment, illness or a major unplanned expense.
  • Save for something special. Make one of your three goals a fun goal - a vacation, a new bike, a wardrobe upgrade - something that feels like a reward.

Here are calendar items that might help you reach those goals.

Make sure you note staggered receipt dates for each of your three free credit reports (https://www.annualcreditreport.com) from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax so you can keep a steady eye on your credit and spot irregularities if they happen.

Prevent severe money surprises by marking key repair or replacement dates on home, appliance and other personal expenses that might be coming up in the future. Use the time you have now to schedule inspections and estimates for each so you'll be able to start setting aside funds in advance.

Retirement readiness is another key calendar item. At least once a year, consider reviewing your holdings in retirement or investment accounts to make sure they're still performing as you've planned or if not, whether you need to restructure the investments in your portfolio.

Put the open enrollment dates for employer- or self-employment benefits on your calendar and then mark a date several weeks before to allow you to start thinking through necessary changes. The way you choose employer or self-employment benefits is a key part of your financial planning and should intersect with other independent money decisions you're making for yourself and your family.

Insurance renewal dates are important to mark as well. If you're not comparison-shopping for the auto, homeowners or health insurance coverage you buy on your own, there's a good possibility you're losing out on money, service or coverage.

Set two dates each year to review your overall finances. You might consider dates in June and November to see how you're doing with budget, savings, spending, investment and tax issues. The June date is for corrective actions; the November date is to determine the last-minute spending, savings or tax moves you want to make before December 31 and to set financial goals for the New Year. If you work with a qualified financial or tax expert, consider involving him or her in the conversation.

Bottom line: If you use a calendar or datebook to keep on schedule, add important money dates and activities so you can meet your lifetime financial goals.

21 Dec 2015

Judson University Graduates 135 Students Who Are Urged to Define Themselves Based on God's Word

By Mary Dulabaum

(ELGIN, IL - December 21, 2015) Judson University celebrated as 135 undergraduate and graduate students graduated during the 74th commencement held at two ceremony times on Saturday, Dec. 12. Graduates from the School of Business and Professional Studies (Masters and Adult Undergraduate) received their degrees during the 10 a.m. exercise. Graduates from the School of Art, Design and Architecture, the School of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education, and the School of Business and Professional Studies (Traditional Undergraduate) received their degrees during the 2 p.m. exercise.

Among those receiving their degrees were Zachary O'Connell from Davenport with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications: Graphic Design.

The dynamic keynote speaker for both ceremonies was Bishop Dr. Michael J. Love, senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Community Church International in Crystal Lake, Ill.

During his address, Bishop Love told the new graduates that it is expected that they might be grappling with the weight of three questions today: Who am I? Why am I here, and where am I going?

Yet, he urged them to define their "who-ness" based on God's word and not by external sources.

After reading 2 Cor. 5:17, he advised this excited group to: "Walk in your kingdom identity, and your character will get developed and you will discover how your talents and abilities are being shaped."

If they follow this path, Bishop Love assured them that in the final analysis, they would move from negative "I am" statements that question worthiness or capability to more confident ones that are "reshaped based on who God says you are."

Bishop Love drew from personal experience in ministry. In 1978, he accepted the call to ministry, and in the subsequent years was instrumental in growing Trinity from a home-based Bible study to what is now a 50,000-square-foot campus on more than four acres. It also includes numerous ministry partners locally and abroad.

"When you walk in your purpose, your passion gets inspired and your vision gets increased," said Bishop Love, who holds a bachelor's degree from Randolph-Macon College and a Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology from Emmaus Bible Institute & Seminary.  "Get in touch with who God says you are," he concluded. "Walk with Him, and He will make room for your giftedness."

Several graduates were honored with awards for service and campus leadership.

In the morning exercise, Communications Management and Management and Leadership graduate Angela Lundin of Rockford, Ill., was recognized with the Student Service Award-Adult Professional Studies Undergraduate, which recognizes the graduating adult student who has best exemplified sincerity and dedication to Christ, excellence in academic achievement and promotion of the goals and mission of Judson University. Lundin maintained an exceptional GPA during her three years at Judson; demonstrated leadership skills with cohorts; and she serves as a site leader for the annual community service event, Rockford Sharefest, which has included beautification efforts in downtown Rockford as well as renovations at more than a dozen Rockford Public School buildings.

Master of Business Administration graduate Bernie L. Richardson Jr. of Melrose Park, Ill., received the W. R. Meadows Inc. Award, which is presented to the Master of Business Administration student deemed by the School of Business and Professional Studies dean and faculty to have demonstrated the values that have been foundational to W.R. Meadows success: quality, service, integrity and family. In the MBA program, Bernie learned to more fully integrate his work and faith life, and in the process, became more fully committed to develop his ability to be a man of great faith and service to others.

During the afternoon commencement, Master of Education in Literacy graduate Calvin Braker of West Dundee, Ill., received the Road to Damascus Award, which recognizes a student with the most dramatic transformation in the way he or she embodies literacy education. Braker, it was said, was one who brought significant passion and intentionality to classroom practice.

Psychology graduate Maryjane Reilly of Joliet, Ill., was awarded the Student Service Award-Traditional Undergraduate for her generous spirit, character and leadership. Reilly is no stranger to the Judson campus or its activities, as she has served as a resident assistant in Ohio Hall, led a women's small group, served as manager for the women's volleyball team, a class mentor for GEN 101 and a manager for the Judson Improv team. She is a member of the psychology honor society, Psi Chi; has gone on a post-term mission trip to Peru; and works with her local church as a leader for junior and senior high students.

Marketing, Management and Communication Studies graduate Ethan Adams of Springfield, Ill., received the university's highest recognition for scholarship, the President's Scholar Award. This award honors the graduating senior in the traditional program who has demonstrated distinguished academic achievement in the context of a Christian liberal arts program and adhered consistently to Judson ideals. Adams, who is graduating one semester early with a triple major, has been on the Dean's list every semester, graduated summa cum laude from The Honors Program, completed two internships, a practicum, studied at Oxford University for a semester, and helped to establish a Shark Tank competition on campus and won the entrepreneurial competition as a contestant this past November.

Judson University is a fully accredited, private Christian university of the liberal arts, sciences and professions. Judson offers degrees in more than 65 different majors/minors for traditional, graduate, and adult students. Judson University ranks consistently among the Top Tier of Regional Colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report and was recognized recently as a "Christian College of Distinction" for the 2015-2016 academic year. With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, Judson shapes lives that shape the world.

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