BATON ROUGE, LA (01/02/2013)(readMedia)-- The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to announce that Patrick Igou, of Rock Island, Ill., was recently initiated into Phi Kappa Phi - the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Igou is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Kansas State University.

Igou is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Since its founding, more than 1 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist David Baldacci and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. The Society has awarded approximately $15 million since the inception of its awards program in 1932. Today, $1 million is awarded each biennium to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad scholarships, member and chapter awards and grants for local and national literacy initiatives.

For more information on Phi Kappa Phi, please call 1-800-804-9880 or visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

By: Dr. Eudene Harry

So you overindulged during the holidays and gained a few pounds or, even more distressing, you've added even more weight to the weight you were trying to shed all year.

Regain the upper hand by following a simple P.L.A.N. for weight-loss success:

P:  Preparation. Whether you are the CEO of your home or CEO of a Fortune 500 company, you know that the odds of success increase with preparation.  One of the biggest missteps is to depend on "will power."  If you are stressed after a long day at work, you didn't sleep well the night before and you missed your afternoon snack, what will you choose when you get home: the chocolate chip cookies or preparing a sensible dinner?  If, on the other hand, there are no cookies available and you have already prepared dinner, then what do you chose?  That's the difference between will power and preparation.

Step 1: Go through the pantry and fridge and dispose of tempting leftovers.  You will not help starvation in Africa or any other country by overindulging.  Restock with your favorite fruits, vegetables and raw nuts, all of which make easy snacks.  Divide the nuts into appropriate single-serving sizes. Remember: preparation, not will power.

Step 2:  Take one a day a week to prepare for the week ahead.  If you already know what you are going to have for breakfast, you're less apt to skip this meal, which sets you up to overindulge the rest of the day.  If you know that you'll be eating out this week, take  time to look at the menu items and nutrition facts for the restaurant online. You can also use the time to plan appropriate substitutions.  With this strategy you accomplish two things: making better choices and appearing spontaneous and decisive to your dining partners.

L: Identify your limits. This is the key to success for many weight management programs.  It may be presented as daily points, calorie count or prepackaged foods, but the take-home message is the same: Know your limits.

A simple rule of thumb is to eat your vegetables first, perhaps with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil or crushed nuts to ensure absorption of all the nutrients vegetables offer, then consume your protein source (a portion the size of your palm), and finally, the carbohydrate.  Keep carbs whole grain, high fiber and limit to a half-cup.  Eating this way has several advantages. It slows down the absorption of sugar and thereby prevents insulin spikes and reactive hunger; it helps you to feel fuller more quickly; and it maximizes absorption of nutrients.

Other things to consider are limiting sodium to less than 2,000 mg a day; limit alcohol to one to two drinks a week; and put all sauces and dressing on the side so you control the amount used - no more than 1 tablespoon. Avoid fried foods, trans fats and foods whose primary ingredient is sugar.

A: Increase activity level. You want to increase activity not because it will help you to lose weight but because it will improve your energy, moods and muscle tone.  All are important ingredients in any weight-loss program.  The first rule of thumb is to pick an activity that you like - or one you don't hate.  Next, shoot for consistency before quantity.  Starting out with an hour a day may feel overwhelming and exhausting, and can also cause an injury, which would derail all your good intentions.  If 10 minutes four times a week allows you to be consistent, then start there and build up.  Rome was not built in a day.

N: Finally, cut the negative talk. Remember when your grandmother said you could attract more flies with honey? I think this is what she meant. Beating up on yourself gives you the excuse you need to continue the habits that have kept you in the same place.  We have just left a season where, hopefully, we have been reminded of the importance of being kind to others. Why not extend that kindness to yourself? Instead of constantly looking for proof of why you are going to fail, look for evidence of success:  "I exercised 10 minutes a day for four days last week and already I am feeling a bit better. Wow, imagine when I can do it for 15 minutes."

I often hear patients say, "It's been a month and I have only lost three or four pounds."  This is not defeat; this is success! In 12 months that will be 36 pounds. Another thing I hear frequently is, "It has been two weeks. I feel better but I haven't lost any weight so why bother."  Try - "It's only been two weeks and already I am starting to feel better. Imagine what I can accomplish in three, six, or 12 months. Remember Einstein's rule: You can't solve a problem from the same mind frame in which it was created.

About Eudene Harry, M.D.

Dr. Eudene Harry completed her medical degree and residency training at Thomas Jefferson University. She has been practicing medicine nearly 20 years, including 10 as an emergency physical for Level II trauma centers. She is the medical director for the integrative and holistic Oasis Wellness and Rejuvenation Center, and is founder of Oasis for Optimal Health, a private practice focused on integrative, holistic wellness and empowering and educating the patient.

CHICAGO - January 2, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Congress' bipartisan action to avoid the fiscal cliff and the urgent need for pension reform in Illinois before Jan. 9:

"I salute President Barack Obama for his leadership and the members of Congress who took decisive and bipartisan action yesterday to avert the nation's fiscal cliff.

"It was encouraging for Illinois and the country to see members from both sides of the aisle step up and find common ground to prevent a devastating fiscal disaster. The historic vote they took will help maintain unemployment benefits for two million people across the country and 89,000 in Illinois, to ensure our economic recovery continues during this critical time.

"Illinois lawmakers must take heed and act quickly in this Jan. 2 - 8 session to address our state's own fiscal cliff.

"Every day that urgently needed action on pension reform is delayed, the problem gets worse. Our unfunded pension liability has reached $96 billion and without pension reform, it grows by $17 million every single day.

"Lawmakers now have the opportunity to act to prevent skyrocketing pension costs from squeezing out core services like education, public safety and healthcare.

"I continue to work every day with lawmakers and legislative leaders, and urge them to send me a bill that stabilizes our pension systems before Jan. 9.

"Illinois cannot move forward without pension reform."

 

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Explorers!

Are you ready to experiment, examine and experience? Then Putnam Explorers is for you! One Sunday afternoon each month, we'll gather together and embark on a fascinating science adventure. These sessions are packed with hands-on fun that is sure to excite and engage the emerging scientist!

Spring Season:
January 6: Build it Bash!

February 3: Blast Off!

March 3: The Universe Within!

April 7: Eggstravaganza

Purchase each season package of four classes for $35. Individual class sessions may be purchased for $10. Putnam members pay $7/class session or
$25/season package.

Call 563.324.1933, ext. 266 to register today or visit www.putnam.org for a registration form!


Brownies & Juniors:

Brainstorm

January 11, 6-9 p.m.
How do you build a machine to throw a marshmallow across the room? How can you protect an egg from a two-story fall? Work out your brain muscles at our annual Brainstorm event. Scouts will participate in science experiments, inventions, and creations all night long!

Register for Girl Scout events at girlscoutstoday.org/calendar,
or contact Jen Ong at 563-324-1054 ext. 206 or ong@putnam.org
for more information.

 

USDA.gov logo

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement on the Food, Farm and Jobs Bill:

"I am pleased that Congress passed needed middle class tax relief and continued unemployment insurance protection for 2 million unemployed Americans. However, while I am relieved that the agreement reached prevents a spike in the price of dairy and other commodities, I am disappointed Congress has been unable to pass a multi-year reauthorization of the Food, Farm and Jobs bill to give rural America the long-term certainty they need and deserve. I will continue to work with Congress to encourage passage of a reauthorized bill that includes a strong and defensible safety net for producers, expanded rural economic opportunity in the new bio-based economy, significant support for conserving our natural resources, increased commitment to important research, and support for safe and nutritious food for all Americans. I look forward to continuing the effort to get this critical work done."

Friday, January 4, 2013

Special Committee of the Whole - 3:00 pm
Conference Room 605, 6th Floor, Administrative Center

1. Roll Call: Earnhardt, Hancock, Minard, Sunderbruch, Cusack

2. Legislature Forum for State Legislators and Scott County Government.

3. Other items of interest.

* UPDATE - Jan. 2, 2013 *

Please note - An additional candidate submitted paperwork to run for the Black Hawk College Board of Trustees by the Dec. 26, 2012, deadline.

Here is the revised and final list of candidates:

  • Tim Black, Galva (six-year term)
  • Sammie Borst, Kewanee (six-year term)
  • Kylee Fox, Rock Island (two-year term)
  • John McCooley, Rock Island (two-year term)
  • Doug Strand, East Moline (six-year term)

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that his new office will be located in downtown Davenport.  The office will be open beginning January 3rd and occupy the same location where previous Members of Congress have had their offices.

"Hearing firsthand from Iowans is my number one priority. This location for my office in Davenport will allow folks to easily drop by to voice their opinion or seek assistance from my office.  I'm excited the office is now open and to be making a new home in Davenport for the people of the Second District," said Loebsack.

The address of the office:   209 W. 4th St., #104, Davenport, IA 52801

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Your goal this new year? Climb!

Des Moines, IA (December 3, 2012) - Resolve to embrace a new you this new year.  Give yourself a tangible fitness and weight loss goal: climb one, two or three buildings in downtown Des Moines when you sign up for the American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb on Sunday April 7, 2013.

"Thousands of Iowans will resolve to lose weight and get in shape this New Year," said Micki Sandquist, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Iowa.  "Signing up and training for the Fight for Air Climb is a strong motivator to get to the gym and a fun way to diversify your workout. It's also a great way to remind ourselves of what most of us take for granted - our ability to breathe easily."

The Fight for Air Climb is a unique event held at three buildings in downtown Des Moines: EMC Insurance Companies, Hub Tower and the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. This event is a great way to challenge yourself - whether your goal is to reach the top or to be the first to cross the finish line - you will walk away with a newfound respect for your lungs!

Participants can climb at their own pace, as an individual or team.  There is a special division for law enforcement and firefighters.

"If you've resolved to make fitness a bigger part of your life in the New Year, I recommend you take the first step today by signing up for the Fight for Air Climb," said Sandquist. "Simply by taking the stairs every day, studies show that it is a very efficient way of burning maximum calories, and is great for those of us with limited time to exercise."

Early bird registration, available until January 31 is $15; after that date it is $25.  A minimum $100 fundraising is required.  Participants can register at www.FightForAirClimb.org.

About the American Lung Association:

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.LungIA.org

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We are pleased to announce that at this morning's Organizational Meeting of the Scott County Board of Supervisor's Larry Minard was selected as the Chair of the Board.  Mr. Minard has served continuously on the Scott County Board of Supervisors since first being elected in 2000. He was Chair of the Board in 2005 and 2006.   In addition, Supervisor Jim Hancock was re-appointed as the Vice Chair.  Jim was elected to the Scott County Board of Supervisors in 1990-94, and re-elected in 1996 to present.  Supervisors William Cusack, Carol Earnhardt and Tom Sunderbruch continue to serve on the Board.

For contact information for the Board of Supervisors, please visit our website at www.scottcountyiowa.com

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