11 Nov 2014

An irregular heartbeat raises your stroke risk, so it's important to have a prevention strategy.

By Dr. Sanjay Gupta

For people with atrial fibrillation (Afib), the fear of having a stroke is very real. Afib raises a person's risk for stroke five times, according to the National Stroke Association. It's a scary statistic, especially as Afib prevalence continues to rise. Understanding the connection between Afib and stroke can help patients better manage their condition and recognize other factors that could put them at even greater risk.

"A stroke prevention strategy of some kind is required for anyone with Afib, no matter how many symptoms you have or how many risk factors you have," said J. David Burkhardt, MD, electrophysiologist at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center in Austin.

Afib occurs when the heart's upper chambers (atria), which push blood to the lower chambers (ventricles), beat irregularly. "Instead of the blood being pushed forward by the heart pumping, it's just swirling around in the heart and can clot easily," said Marcie Berger, MD, FACC, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Clots can travel and cut off blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke.

Besides an irregular heartbeat, a person with Afib "can have additional risk factors making a stroke even more likely," said Dr. Berger.

Most doctors use a tool known as the CHADS2 score to evaluate patients' stroke risk based on the following criteria:

  • Congestive heart failure. Heart failure occurs when blood isn't being pumped efficiently to the rest of the body, resulting in fluid retention and congestion. If the heart isn't pumping at full capacity, the risk of clotting increases. "Diminished heart function is a risk factor for Afib itself as well as stroke, and it's more common in older patients," said Dr. Burkhardt.
  • High blood pressure. When the force of blood against the arteries is too high, it can cause damage to the arteries over time. "It becomes a double whammy, where you have high blood pressure as well as atrial fibrillation increasing your stroke risk," said Ralph L. Sacco, MD, professor and chairman of neurology at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.
  • Age: 75 or older. The median age among people with Afib is 67 years old in men and 75 years old in women, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "In older adults, a new Afib diagnosis is usually due to age-related changes in the electrical system of the heart," said Dr. Berger. Changes in the heart and blood vessels are common with age, and reduced circulation increases the risk of blood clots forming.
  • Diabetes. People with diabetes are nearly four times more likely to have a stroke, according to the National Stroke Association. People with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to have high cholesterol, and plaque build-up in the arteries can block blood flow to the brain.
  • Stroke or transient ischemic attack. Someone who's had a stroke is many times more likely to have another than someone who's never had one. According to the American Heart Association, a person who's had one or more TIAs, or "mini-strokes," is 10 times more likely to suffer a stroke.

The American Academy of Neurology recently issued an updated guideline recommending oral anticoagulants, or blood thinners, to prevent stroke in Afib patients. Guideline lead author Antonio Culebras, MD, of SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, noted, however, that "doctors will need to consider the individual patient's situation in making a decision whether or not to use anticoagulants, and which one to use, as the risks and benefits can vary for each person."

Some stroke risk factors, such as age and family history, can't be controlled. But, "if we can address those controllable factors earlier in the disease process, hopefully we can work to reverse this growing trend," said J. Brian DeVille, MD, FACC, FHRS, medical director of electrophysiology at Baylor Health Care System in Dallas.

Many of the same lifestyle changes that help manage Afib can also reduce stroke risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and quitting smoking. The key is coming up with a prevention plan that a patient can commit to for the long run.

As Burkhardt points out, "once you're diagnosed with Afib, stroke prevention is a consideration forever."

Last Updated: 03/11/2014
11 Nov 2014

Tribute To Bing At The Old Creamery Theatre on November 15!

By Lily Allen-Duenas

A Tribute to Bing starring Bob Pasch is heading to the Old Creamery Theatre for one show only on Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 pm! A Dean Martin Tribute was originally scheduled at this time, however due to an emergency surgery he has had to cancel the show. The Old Creamery Theatre wishes him a speedy recovery. Lucky for you, we found an incredible Tribute to Bing Crosby to come to the Old Creamery Theatre!

Bob Pasch has delighted audiences for over 30 years with his good, clean humor and his remarkable likeness in sound, appearance, and mannerisms to Bing Crosby. His tribute shows are endorsed by Kathryn Crosby, Bing's widow, as well as all the major Bing Crosby fan clubs.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for students. Reservations are recommended. Call the box office for tickets and information 319-622-6262 or visit us online at www.oldcreamery.com.
11 Nov 2014

Food for Thought Offers Tasty Ways to Support Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Public Library's Main Branch at 401 19th Street, will be closed to the public starting at noon on Thursday, Nov. 13 in order to transform the library into a star-studded stage for "Lights, Camera . . . Literacy!"

The Food for Thought fundraiser is an annual event hosted by the Rock Island Public Library Foundation, as a means of both raising awareness of the Foundation and of raising funds for special projects and improvements at all three libraries in Rock Island. Lights, Camera . . . Literacy!" offers guests a walk down the red carpet with food from guest chefs, complimentary beverages, musical entertainment by the Edgar Crockett Duo and Lee Blackmon, just for fun magic, palm and tarot card readings by donation, and bidding on a variety of silent auction items. The event is from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

Guests get the Main Library to themselves for a night of socializing and dining around food stations on the first and second floors. The selections include dishes from:

  • Eudell Watts, III, of  Eudell's Specialty Foods - Thai Lettuce Wrap
  • Martha Cleveland of  Blue Cat Brew Pub - Cakes and other desserts
  • Annette Zapolis, of  Cool Beanz Coffee House-  Olives, flatbreads, cookie bars, brownies, coffee and more.
  • Kitchen Express, a program of the Thurgood Marshall Learning Center -  Hoisin Steak Rolls, Caramel Brownie Bites, and a Spicy Red Pepper Jelly/Lemon Goat Cheese Cracker
  • Chef Craig Joos, HyVee of Rock Island- Hot pasta dish
  • Chef Jose Zepeda of  QC Coffee & Pancake House - Chef Jose's #1 Seller, Homemade Corned Beef Hash. Special Recipe Hand-Made Sausage Links, Biscuits & Gravy and a Rock Island Favorite, Orange Grand Marnier Pancakes.
  • Main Street Catering (Rock Island Holiday Inn) - Mini desserts

Also on the menu are complimentary soda, water , coffee, wine tastings from wine retailer Thad Miller, and beer tastings from Dan Cleaveland, the brew master for Blue Cat Brew Pub. Food and complimentary beverages are included in admission. Just for fun tarot card and palm readings will be available on a donation basis by Lady Cassandra, advisor to the stars, with walk-around magic provided by the "Great Matthew."

A wide variety of silent auction items will also be available for bidding. Packages include auctions for a window cleaning service for up to 25 windows, a truckload of firewood to keep cozy all winter, an outdoor fire pit donated by Crawford Company, restaurant baskets, and handmade arts and crafts. Literary-themed baskets include a Christmas book and quilt from Joy Murphy, a book and DVD set of "The Roosevelts," "My Little Pony" graphic novels, and an Eric Carle The Very Hungry Caterpillar poster, board book, and hand-sewn felt caterpillar "food."

Guests who RSVP in advance receive preferred admission of $35 per person. To RSVP, please call 309-732-7326 or email riplfoundation@gmail.com by 5:00 pm on Nov. 11. Walk-in admission without an advance RSVP is available at $40 per person. Admission is payable by cash, check or credit at the door.

While the Main Library will be closed after noon on Nov. 13, both the Rock Island 30/31 and Southwest Branches will be open for patrons with library needs, as will the library's online branch services at www.rockislandlibrary.org. For more information, visit the library website or call 309-732-READ.

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11 Nov 2014

Job Training Services Available for Older Veterans

By Susan Jackson
Muskogee, Okla. - This year's commemoration of Veteran's Day is a reminder that many U.S. veterans are still unemployed. Experience Works is providing the tools older veterans need to succeed.

"It's about making sure older workers have the skills and confidence to compete in today's workforce. Retirement just isn't an option for the people we serve." says Experience Works CEO Sarah Biggers.

Experience Works used the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) to put Vietnam veteran Harvey Borchardt on a path to a new career. He started with a paid community service assignment as an archivist and grant writer at the USS Batfish Submarine and Military Museum.

Then, acting on a job lead from Experience Works' staff, he was hired as a veteran customer representative for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Muskogee, Okla.

'Enrolling in the program opened doors to opportunities that I never knew existed," says the 67-year-old Borchardt. Still working in this position, he has not only topped minimum wage, but is earning more than the median income for the area.

SCSEP is funded through the U.S. Department of Labor and targets low-income people age 55 and older who have difficulty finding jobs. Participants earn minimum wage while updating their skills in community service assignments at local public and nonprofit organizations. Other benefits include access to computer and customized training, jobs clubs, and job search assistance.

Borchardt, like so many others, dropped out of the workforce to care for aging parents. A few years later, it was a different economy and he struggled to find work. In the interim, he hoped to increase his employability by earning a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees from Northeastern State University. That still didn't help. After sending out more than 200 resumes with no responses, he reached out to Experience Works for help.

Experience Works is a national nonprofit operating in 30 states and Puerto Rico. For more information, or to find out if services are available in your community call toll free 866-EXP-WRKS or visit www.experienceworks.org.

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11 Nov 2014

What do you, a waterkeeper and a novelist have in common?

By Joan Mauch
DAVENPORT ? More than you might imagine ? that is if the condition of your drinking water is a concern. Local novelist Joan Mauch first heard the term "waterkeeper" when she read about it in the newspaper. "The term puzzled me as I had never heard it before," she said. The article featured Art Norris, the Quad-Cities' waterkeeper. "We had our very own waterkeeper? And what exactly was he doing with our water? To me sounded a bit odd."
Upon digging, Mauch learned the term, "waterkeeper" refers to an organization affiliated with the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international organization that unites almost 200 independent nonprofits funded by donations and grants.
According to Marc Yaggi, director of global programs for the New York-based Waterkeeper Alliance, waterkeepers wear a lot of hats including that of scientist, investigator and community advocate. "The ultimate goal is to ensure their community's right to clean water is upheld," Yagi said.
Waterkeeper Norris said the organization's purpose was to be the eyes and ears of the Mississippi River. His duties include looking for water pollution issues, specifically those that impact the Mississippi from Clinton to Muscatine or any part of the Rock River and finding ways to address the problems.
Mauch contacted Mr. Norris and to her dismay learned that our regulatory authority isn't protecting our drinking water. "He said that in many cases they actually aid in covering up the polluter. It's all about money."
According to Norris, we need waterkeepers to oversee what regulators are allowing. "Illinois has four of the most polluted rivers in the nation. Iowa has 624 lakes, rivers and streams unfit for human use. To me it's about leaving a better place for our children. They won't have much of a chance if we don't change this," he said.
Thinking there could be a novel in there somewhere, Ms. Mauch asked if being a waterkeeper was dangerous.
Mr. Norris said he's been attacked and threatened many times. "They killed my dog. Scared my wife to death. I have three daughters and a son. The polluter and friends sent me a Father's Day card. I understood this was threat. It's a heavy price to pay. It's not for everyone. Maybe your book will bring things to light."
Joan Mauch's latest novel, "The Waterkeeper's Daughter" ($3.99 e-book, $16.95 paperback, Whiskey Creek Press and Start Publishing), is a mystery about revenge, murder and reconciliation. A man wants to get even for the havoc wreaked on his family and their farm caused by the spraying of pesticides. All his life, Harold Johnson has suffered for what that crop duster did; now it's his turn to grieve. First he'll target the guy's son, Lake Okeechobee's waterkeeper, Craig Whitaker, then he'll go after his pretty daughter, Annie. And he'll make it perfectly clear what he's doing ? and why. CT Whitaker will learn the meaning of the word, "regret" ? but by then, it will be too late. "The Waterkeeper's Daughter" will appeal to those who enjoy a good mystery along with a brief look at the sorry state of our nation's waterways.
"It fires me up because I have been on missions where you wonder if you will make it back," Mr. Norris said. "We risk our lives to save our rivers, It's sad it has to be this way. That's why we need a following to be effective." If you would like to volunteer or donate to the QC Waterkeeper's movement, visit the Quad Cities Waterkeeper's website at: http://www.quadcitieswaterkeeperuppermississippi.org/links_resources.html
On Nov. 25, "The Waterkeeper's Daughter" will be released as an e-book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Whiskey Creek Press' website: whiskeycreekpress.com. The paperback may be ordered on the author's website at joanmauch.com or through the publisher. Ms. Mauch's earlier novels include : "Halifax" (2013) and "The Mangled Spoon" (2014) also published by Whiskey Creek Press. Visit her website at www.joanmauch.com, her Facebook author page at facebook.com/joanmauch.author or follow her on Twitter.
Mark your calendar! Book signings are scheduled for Nov. 22 at South Park Mall from 1-4; The Book Rack in Davenport from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 6, 4764 Elmore Ave Drive; and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Moline Book Rack, 3937 41st Ave.
Waterkeeper Art Norris and Joan will give a joint presentation at Read Local, a program sponsored by the Bettendorf Library on Feb. 11, 2015 from 7-9:00 p.m. He will discuss the Waterkeepers' movement, its role in protecting the Mississippi River and how to get involved. Joan will talk about writing "The Waterkeeper's Daughter" and read a chapter from it.
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11 Nov 2014

Iowa's October WFI Is Nation's Seventh Best

By Rick Martin

October Summary

  • Iowa's WFI ranked 7th best in the nation, which was off from September's ranking of 5th.
  • Iowa's job market, based on online openings, is healthy.
  • In absolute numbers, the greatest numbers of online job openings were in Management, followed by Sales and next Customer Services positions.
  • As a percent of employment, the largest numbers of online openings were in Finance, Engineering, and then Information Technology positions.

Iowa WFI. AIM's August Work Force Index (WFI) dipped to a very strong 85.6 from September's 87.7. The WFI is a statistically based measurement tool produced by AIM, a nonprofit organization in Des Moines, Iowa. The Index is a ratio of unique online job postings and the number of unemployed in Iowa (not seasonally adjusted). The Index ranges between 0 and 100. A WFI below 50.0 indicates short-term job contraction while an Index above 50.0 indicates job expansion. At 85.6, Iowa's WFI is in a range indicating a very healthy level of job openings.

On-Line Openings. In October, online job postings listed the largest number of open positions in absolute numbers in 1) Management, followed by 2) Sales, and 3) Customer Services positions. As a share of employment, the largest numbers of job openings in descending order were in: 1) Finance, 2) Engineering, and 3) Information Technology. These rankings were unchanged from September.

To view Video Summary, Click Here!

About the AIM WorkForce Index AIM and the Creighton University College of Business produce the AIM WorkForce Index each month to track the relationship between the WFI and Creighton's Mid-America Business Expectation Index and the changes in the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. This comparative analysis not only measures the relative strength of the Greater Omaha labor market, but also shows how it compares to regional business expectations and actual national economic performance. This type of information is of value to both the employer and the job applicant as they develop plans and strategies for participation in the local and regional labor market. For more information on the WFI, please visit www.aimforbrilliance.org/wfi.html, http://business.creighton.edu/economicoutlook, or dol.nebraska.gov.

About AIM AIM is a not-for-profit community organization that promotes technology to empower people, enhance organizations, and create brilliant communities. AIM's signature services include Careerlink - the region's leading career development website, Infotec - the Midwest's premier business and IT conference, and Hatchfund - a crowd funding source for artists. For more information about our services - training, youth programs, research and more - visit www.aimforbrilliance.org.

11 Nov 2014

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON RIVERSIDE THEATRE TRANSPORTS AUDIENCES TO VICTORIAN ENGLAND WITH THE CLASSIC DICKENS STORY

By Christina A. Patramanis

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, PERFORMED AS A SOLO SHOW, NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 14.

November 7, 2014 - Iowa City, Iowa - This holiday season actor Tim Budd will perform Paul Morella's solo adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", November 28 to December 14 at Riverside Theatre.   Ron Clark will direct. Audiences will get to experience the unforgettable characters and vivid imagery of this ghost story through Dickens' own words in the style that was originally intended. The experience will be made complete with live music by fiddler Tara McGovern (of The Beggarmen).

A CHRISTMAS CAROL runs Thursday-Sunday, November 28 - December 14, 2014.  Tickets: Adults, $28-30; Riverdog Pass Holders, $25; Youth, $18; Student Rush, $20.   Details at riversidetheatre.org, or by phone at 319-338-7672.   Riverside Theatre is located at 213 N. Gilbert Street, Iowa City, Iowa.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is the fourth show of Riverside's 34th season of professional theatre.

ABOUT THE RIVERSIDE SHOW

Tim Budd, who performed the solo show "The Santaland Diaries" at Riverside Theatre in 2012, takes on the role of Dickens and the voices of his characters from Scrooge to Tiny Tim.

Live music by fiddler Tara McGovern adds an extra richness to the experience. Tara McGovern has been performing across the Midwest with the traditional Irish band The Beggarmen since 2004 and holds a degree in music therapy.

Lighting design for A Christmas Carol is by Jessica Fialko, with period costume design by Osean Perez.  Violet Virnig is the scenic coordinator.

A HISTORY OF THE STORY ON THE PAGE AND ON THE STAGE

Originally Dickens published "A Christmas Carol" as a novella in 1843, during Victorian era Britain in a time that Christmas tradition nostalgia was strong and new customs, such as Christmas trees and holiday greeting cards, were being introduced.

The story centers around a bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge and his change into a warm, generous man after being visited by the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Marley, and three spirits: the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

The story is so popular that it has never been out of print, and has been adapted to film, stage, opera and other media.  The book was adapted to the stage almost immediately, with 3 productions opening in 1844.  Dickens decided that the best way to reach audiences with the story was through public readings and he prepared an abbreviated version of the tale for that purpose.  His very first public reading of any story was of "A Christmas Carol" in 1853.  The public readings were incredibly successful and he performed the story 127 times, until the year of his death in 1870.  "A Christmas Carol" was also his final performance.

Contemporary actor Paul Morella, in a desire to take "A Christmas Carol" back to its public performance roots, adapted the story to a one-person show using Dickens' own language. Morella himself performs the show at Olney Theatre Center in Maryland.

TIM BUDD BIOGRAPHY

Tim Budd most recently performed the role of Buddy in Kimberly Akimbo.  Last season he played Iago in RTP's Othello and acted in Riverside's Gilbert Street productions of Walking the Wire:  Merge, Good People, and Birth Witches, as well as directing Coming of Age in Chore Boots.  Other recent work includes acting in Hancher's production of Working Group Theatre's new play Out of Bounds. An Iowa native, Tim finished his studies towards an MFA in acting at the University of Iowa and works full-time at Prairie Lights Books.

 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

 

Fri 11/28, 7:30pm

Sat 11/29, 7:30pm

Sun 11/30, 2:00pm

 

Thurs 12/4, 7:30pm

Fri 12/5, 7:30pm

Sat 12/6, 7:30pm

Sun 12/7, 2:00pm

 

Thurs 12/11, 7:30pm

Fri 12/12, 7:30pm

Sat 12/13, 7:30pm

Sun 12/14, 2:00pm


RELATED EVENTS 

Thursday Theatre Talk: November 20, 5:30pm at Riverside Theatre with host Miriam Gilbert and special guest Professor Garrett Stewart.  The theatre talk is free & open to the public. 

Post-performance Talkbacks:  Sunday, November 30 & Friday, December 5.  Stay after the show on these dates to discuss the play with the actors.

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11 Nov 2014

Countryside Community Theatre announces its 2015 Season "Something Old, Something New"

By Rick Martin

Countryside Community Theatre is excited to announce that it will be returning to its home theater, North Scott High School in Eldridge, for the 2015 season.  Christina Myatt, board president, said, "We thought a lot about the future of CCT.  North Scott has been our home for 30 years.  We want to celebrate that history and that partnership.  We delayed announcing a season as we wanted to make sure that construction and improvements being made to the physical building would not impede our presentation or our patrons' enjoyment of this our 32nd season."

Countryside will also return to a two show season hoping to utilize more of the talent seen each year at auditions.  "We have really seen our numbers grow in the past years as we have presented area premieres of Les Miserables and Shrek.   We see a niche for ourselves in presenting larger than life, family-friendly entertainment that features a multi-generational cast of local talent, " Myatt said.

To that end, CCT will present "Something Old, Something New" for 2015- a classic piece of musical theatre that has stood the test of time and an area premiere of a more recent work.  The season will begin with Jesus Christ Superstar in June and conclude with Big Fish in July.  Directors will be announced closer to the end of the month.

Jesus Christ Superstar, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is a retelling of the Christ's final days on earth. Propelled by a stirring score, by turns that are driving and majestic, satirical and tender, it illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart.

"For a 2,000-year-old story set to 30-year-old music, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR still has a fresh, timeless appeal. Andrew Lloyd Webber's music is haunting, snappy and touching... Tim Rice's lyrics are too good to miss a word." ? Sue Merrell, Grand Rapids Press, January 01, 2003

Big Fish is a new Broadway musical featuring music and lyrics by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party) and a new book by esteemed screenwriter John August (Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest... and then some! Edward's incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him - most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales.
Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, Big Fish is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre - for an experience that's richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself.

"4 stars! A GORGEOUS, CHARMING, DREAM MUSICAL! RAVISHING and ENCHANTING, with ONE KNOCKOUT DANCE NUMBER AFTER ANOTHER..." - Bloomberg News

"A HEARTFELT, POWERFUL AND MOVINGLY SCORED NEW AMERICAN MUSICAL full of QUALITY WRITING by JOHN AUGUST." - Chicago Tribune

Auditions for both shows will be held January 10 and 11 at North Scott HS in Eldridge.  Information on audition specifics will be released in early December via the company's website and Facebook page.

For more information or to volunteer to assist with either production, contact CCT at cctonstage@hotmail.com or call 563-285-6228.

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11 Nov 2014

Clinton, Iowa, to Participate in The American Medicine Chest Challenge

By Angela Conover
Clinton, IA - Clinton and the Clinton County Sherriff's Office, will be coordinating the American Medicine Chest Challenge in Clinton, Camanche and DeWitt.
The event will take place on November 8, 2014 in communities across the country. This initiative will challenge residents to take the Five-Step American Medicine Chest Challenge:
· Take inventory of your prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
· Secure your medicine chest.
· Dispose of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine in your home or at an American Medicine Chest
Challenge Disposal site.
· Take your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed.
· Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
To help combat this growing threat to our nation's children, we are hosting the American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC) on November 8, 2014. Residents can find a local collection site on www.americanmedicinechestchallenge.com or dispose of their medicine at home, following the guidelines on the site.
The most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows prescription medicines to be the most abused drugs by Americans, other than marijuana and found that 70% of people who abuse prescription pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives. A recent study on drug use by teens by the Partnership for a Drug Free America (PDFA) found that one in 9 children are abusing prescription pain relievers to get high.
"This Challenge will raise awareness about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs and reduce the availability of potent drugs that lead kids down a path to addiction,'' explained American Medicine Chest Challenge Chief Executive Officer Angelo M. Valente.
"With the American Medicine Chest Challenge we are calling on residents to see their medicine cabinets through new eyes -- as an access point for potential misuse and abuse of over-the-counter and prescription medicine by young people," explained Valente.
The American Medicine Chest Challenge has gained the national support of PhRMA, The Partnership at DrugFree.Org, the Generic Pharmaceutical Association and the American College of Emergency Physicians.
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11 Nov 2014

WIU-QC/WQPT AMERICORPS EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY PROJECT ANNOUNCES SUCCESS

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL - Western Illinois University-Quad Cities and WQPT's AmeriCorps program has completed its first year of service.

The original class of 12 AmeriCorps members served the Illinois Quad City area and set out to improve literacy skills in the classrooms they serve by 15 percent. After completing a pre-test and post-test based on Illinois Early Learning Standards, the results show improvement in literacy skills of the students served by 49 percent.

The AmeriCorps program has also undergone changes for the 2014-2015 class. The program is now able to serve both Illinois and Iowa and has been expanded to 24 members. Currently there are 20 members enrolled.

Fifteen of the members are new to the program, and five are returning for a second year of service. Members are serving at all three Skip-a-Long locations (Moline, Rock Island and Davenport, IA), Casa de los Ninos in Moline, Grant Wood Elementary and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, both in Bettendorf, IA, Blackhawk Family Literacy Program in Moline, Hillcrest Elementary School in East Moline and the WIU Infant and Preschool Center in Macomb.

This is also the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps and the Western/WQPT members celebrated in Springfield, IL, marching through the city and taking the oath of service on the steps of the Old State Capital.

Other projects included making 250 blank books for children to write and illustrate their own stories at the newly opened Newcome Early Learning Center in Davenport, IA, and helping at the National Bullying Prevention Month CommUNITY Party in Bettendorf, IA, promoting kindness and helping the children make Elmo puppets.

Anyone interested in applying to AmeriCorps can email Scott at s-brouette@wiu.edu.

WQPT is a media service of WIU.

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