Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Meet our Futures authors at Good Housekeeping Live in partnership with Dyson, a two-day event at Carlton House Terrace, London on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 October in celebration of our 100th anniversary.

To mark our centenary, last year we launched the Futures initiative with the Women’s Prize for Fiction with the aim of finding the most promising emerging female authors around. We’ve since compiled a list of 10 finalists, all of whom show tremendous promise in the world of book publishing.

On Friday 14 October at 6.15-7.30pm, you’ll have the chance to meet all 10 of the amazing writers on our shortlist, as well as the judges, including author Kate Mosse, GH books editor Joanne Finney and editor-in-chief Gaby Huddart.

Each ticket to our Meet the Futures Authors event includes two glasses of fizz as well as a special 100th anniversary GH goodie bag. Book before August 31 and tickets are only £24.00, thanks to a 20% early bird discount.

BOOK HERE

All ticket holders can also enjoy a full day relaxing in the beautiful surroundings of Carlton House Terrace, grab light refreshments in the GH Cafe, browse the GH Bookshop and have the opportunity to attend the following free workshops and experiences:

• FREE fashion talks – browse the latest looks and learn how to style them with the help of GH fashion director Oonagh Brennan.

• FREE tablescaping demonstrations from the GH Homes team.

• FREE cake and biscuit decorating demos from professional bakers.

• FREE flower-arranging workshop from the experts at Bloom & Wild.

• FREE guided taste test with the Good Housekeeping Institute team.

• FREE guided tour of the Dyson Healthy Home exhibition area, plus floor-care demonstration by experts from Dyson and the GHI.

• FREE mini treatments in The Beauty Parlour in partnership with Absolute Collagen.

• FREE talks by the fragrance and cleaning experts at Zoflora on how to create a beautiful-smelling home.

• FABULOUS live music.

• THE CHANCE TO meet and chat to the GH team about life behind the scenes of your favourite magazine.

Story continues

Book before the end of August and you can take advantage of a 20% discount on the cost of all full-price Good Housekeeping Live tickets. Tickets for this Meet the Futures Authors event are just £24.00.

BOOK HERE

Good Housekeeping Live in partnership with Dyson is a two-day event at Carlton House Terrace, London taking place on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 October in celebration of our 100-year anniversary.

We’re delighted to offer you the opportunity to join the Good Housekeeping team for a packed programme featuring some of our favourite stars, experts and authors, which encompass live talks, masterclasses and cookery demonstrations.

Other guests at our two-day event include Monica Galetti, Shirley Ballas, Fern Britton and Lucy Worsley.

FULL LINE UP

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Originally Appeared Here

September 7, 2022–10:55 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

Attorney General Chris Carr and Insurance Commissioner John King are warning consumers whose homes were damaged by the recent flooding in northwest Georgia to be on the lookout for home repair fraud and price gouging.

“With scammers ready to prey on vulnerable storm victims, we want to ensure that Georgians are aware of their protections under the law and know how to spot and avoid a scam,” said Attorney General Carr. “If your home was damaged by the recent flooding, contact your insurance provider and thoroughly research a contractor before hiring anyone to make repairs. We know the aftermath of severe weather can be difficult for those impacted, and we stand ready to assist any Georgian who thinks they may have encountered a storm-related scam.”

“Scammers strike when you are at your most vulnerable, and in the wake of this flooding, the last thing you should have to worry about is being exploited,” said Commissioner King. “Before signing or paying for anything, contact your insurance provider to check what damages may be covered by your insurance policy. Our office has made it a priority to pursue and prosecute these fraudsters, and our office is here to support all Georgians, especially those affected by insurance scams.”

Scam artists, often referred to as “storm chasers,” may ask homeowners for up-front payments for water damage restoration or home repairs and then disappear without ever doing the work. In other cases, scammers may charge exorbitant prices, charge you for unnecessary repairs or do substandard work. Sometimes scammers offer to cover the homeowner’s insurance deductible and persuade him or her to give fake reports to the insurance company, potentially implicating the homeowner in a case of insurance fraud.

Consumer Tips

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division offers the following tips to avoid home repair fraud:

• Avoid door-to-door offers for flood damage restoration or home repairs.
• Steer clear of any contractor who asks for full payment up-front, only accepts payment in cash, or who refuses to provide you with a written contract.
• Only hire contractors who are local and are qualified in mold remediation and property restoration. To find local contractors and restorers check with the Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians and the Restoration Industry Association.
• Ask contractors for references and check them out.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a good rating and if there are any complaints against the business.
• Get written bids from at least three contractors. Be skeptical if the bid is too low. Cheaper is not necessarily better.
• Always insist on a contract for work to be performed, with all guarantees, warranties and promises in writing.
• Be skeptical of any contractor that offers to pay your insurance deductible or offers other no-cost incentives, as these can be signs of fraud. You should always talk to your insurance company before committing to any repairs.

In addition, the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner offers the following tips for Georgians whose homes were affected by a flood:

• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Floodwaters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories and storage buildings. Spoiled food, flooded cosmetics and medicines are health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out.
• Soaked carpeting and padding should be pulled up and discarded.
• Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
• The use of large fans can speed the drying process and curtail the development of mold.
• Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Most of these drownings occur during flash floods. Six inches of rapidly moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must go through an area where water is standing, use a pole or stick to make sure that the ground is solid under the surface.
• Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around road barriers – the road or bridge may be washed out.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is also a major killer in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your utility company or local emergency manager.
• If the water level got so high that appliances were soaked, turn off your electricity until they can dry out. Some appliances, such as television sets, can shock you even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.
• Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you are sure that the gas has been turned off and the area has been aired out.
• Carbon monoxide exhaust kills. Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machine outdoors. The same goes for camping stoves. Fumes from charcoal are especially deadly – if you must cook with charcoal, use it only outdoors.
• Watch for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn items over and scare away small animals.
• Are you covered for flood damage? Policies for mobile or manufactured homes may include coverage for flood damage, unlike standard home policies. Owners of traditional site-built homes can purchase federal flood coverage in addition to a standard homeowner’s policy. However, their community must participate in the federal National Flood Insurance Program. A community cannot be covered unless it has joined the program.
• Flood damage to automobiles is covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto policy.

The State of Emergency for Severe Flooding protects consumers in Chattooga and Floyd counties from price gouging. This emergency declaration is currently in effect until 11:59 PM on Oct. 4, 2022. This is in addition to the State of Emergency for Supply Chain Disruptions that currently expires on Oct. 12, 2022.

While the State of Emergency remains in effect, businesses may not charge more for products and services identified by the Governor than they charged before the declaration of the State of Emergency, unless the increased prices accurately reflect an increase in the cost of new stock or the cost to transport it, plus the retailer’s average markup percentage applied during the 10 days immediately prior to the declaration of the State of Emergency. Under the price gouging statutes, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division receives and evaluates reports related to a rise in the cost of goods and services after the declaration is made. Violators of Georgia’s price gouging statutes may be fined up to $5,000 per violation.

Important Contacts

If you think you may have been the victim of home repair fraud, file a complaint online with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or call 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123 (toll-free in Georgia).

Consumers can also report suspected price gouging to the Consumer Protection Division by visiting our website or calling 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123.

If you believe a contractor has committed insurance fraud, file a report with the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner at oci.georgia.gov/report-suspected-fraud or call 404-656-2070 or 1-800-656-2298.

Consumers who have trouble making contact with or receiving a timely response from their insurance company or who have questions about their insurance policy can also call 1-800-656-2298 or visit oci.georgia.gov. 

For additional tips on how to prepare for and protect yourself from a flood, visit https://gema.georgia.gov/floods-and-flash-floods.  

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Originally Appeared Here

Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker recently partnered with Microban 24 and Bounty.

This dynamic duo, known for their beautiful relationship and successful careers, partnered with Microban 24 and Bounty to help add an extra layer of protection to their busy lives. While maintaining their careers and raising their family, traveling, and spending time with each other, these items have helped simplify their daily cleaning routine. Microban 24 provides 24-hour protection against 99.9% of household bacteria. This long-lasting product is perfect for high-traffic areas within the home and helps disinfect surfaces that are consistently touched. Microban 24 and Bounty allow consumers to spray, wipe and walk away, limiting the number of products needed to keep homes germ-free. Each of their sprays comes in various scents and multiple versions for different areas within the home. Microban 24 also comes in travel sizes to maintain that level of protection even while traveling.

The Knockturnal spoke with both Kodjoe and Parker about this partnership and what they enjoy about these products. They also discussed their upcoming projects and how they have balanced their busy lives and relationship for 22 years.

The Knockturnal: Tell me about this partnership with Microban 24 and Bounty

Boris Kodjoe: it was a no brainer.

Nicole Ari Parker: It was a no brainer.

Boris Kodjoe: We have such busy lives, we travel a lot. We have two teenagers, two dogs at the house. So having a simple cleaning routine, a daily simple cleaning routine is everything for us.

Nicole Ari Parker: And I didn’t know how to quite put down that extra layer of protection without turning the whole house upside down every single day. So I started being just very focused on surfaces, high traffic areas in the house. And right when Bounty and Microban 24 called with this great combination where I was like, yes, yes, and yes. So you know, I spray, I wipe, I spray again, I just love the whole process and everybody’s safe. There’s this particular area in our house where we have the sunglasses, the car keys, the basketball shoes, the water bottles, the coffee mugs right at the front. Feels like there’s a lot going on here because the outside means the inside. There’s a whole lot of continent, a lot of traffic coming in. So  Microban 24 and Bounty was right on time.

The Knockturnal: I love this video that Boris posted on his Instagram and you both said spray, wipe walk away. 

Boris Kodjoe: That was actually real like we were in a hotel room. 

Nicole Ari Parker: Yeah it was like the sixth hotel we had been in this summer. 

Boris Kodjoe: She took like 29 flights between May 17 and August 21. So we’ve been all over the place. So that was a real moment because it took me a while to get it. And she you know, she taught she taught me

Nicole Ari Parker: I brought the product with me.

The Knockturnal: I was just about to mention that. So you traveled with the products?

Nicole Ari Parker: Yes, but that was before they had the travel size. So we had the big bottle, and the big roll of bounty. And now they have travel size. So we’re all over it.

Boris Kodjoe: It’s great! Also cuts through the clutter of all these products, you know, because you never know what to use.

 Nicole Ari Parker: And it’s not quite like a kitchen product where it has a soapy quality . It is really like a bacterial layer of protection from bacteria. So you can use it everywhere. You know, in other areas of the house, the coffee table, the doorknobs, the end tables.

The Knocktournal: One thing I’ve come to realize is all the different things that people touch. You don’t realize how many bacterias get stuck to everyday items and objects like our phones, remotes, door knobs, etc. 

Boris Kodjoe: You’re absolutely right. If we were walking around with a blue light, it would be very different. We’d be freaking out everyday.

The Knockturnal: What upcoming projects are you both currently working on? 

 Nicole Ari Parker: I like to celebrate Mr. Kodjoe here on his sixth season of Station 19!

Boris Kodjoe: And I like to celebrate the Nikki Kodjoe for the second season And Just Like That!

Nicole Ari Parker: Yeah and we can take both products because I’m going back to New York to shoot. I can take the Microban 24 and Bounty on the subway, dressing room,and  all over my apartment. It’s going to be great!

The Knockturnal: Yes! First, congratulations to both of you! I’ve loved seeing you guys in all your different projects over the years. How do you guys find a balance for everything in your busy lives? 

 Boris Kodjoe: She said it earlier she said it well, that we have morning routines. We get up, we do our breath work, meditation and go down to the gym.

Nicole Ari Parker: And it’s evolved. We’ve known each other for 22 years. We’ve been married for 17. And like trying to do yoga together, I mean this is new. This is the new phase. Like of course we’ve always tried to communicate, make time for each other, dinner is really important in our family. We talk, we process together. The world is crazy sometimes, we have to check in with our kids. So in terms of us as a couple, we’ve tried different things and right now we’re trying to just breathe. You know, just breathe and be present and it’s working. I don’t think we’ve had an argument in like..

 Boris Kodjoe: Seven minutes!

Nicole Ari Parker: No, I mean, like a real and like, impatient anxiety ridden communication breakdown argument. We haven’t had that in a while since we started doing it. We also take walks! Because we have the two dogs, and some we have a dog walker when we’re traveling. But we try to like go outside and like, walk. Just some really simple stuff that’s like, free. You know, and we forget breathing is free. And it’s a game changer. Walking is free.

The Knockturnal: How do you guys feel when you hear other people reference you guys when discussing, couple goals?

Boris Kodjoe: It’s a lot of pressure.

Nicole Ari Parker: It’s awful. It’s terrible. Because we are so real regular. Trail and era, been together forever, not perfect. The goals part is not the preet part.  I would love to talk about the messy part and that we are you know, we moved through it that we’ve stayed together that we fought and won. You know, that’s the goals part. If I was ever gonna accept that as a title for us.

Boris Kodjoe: Yeah. Getting to know each other better every day. getting deeper, more intimate. Forgiveness. Learning each other. Learning how to apologize. Not taking things out of context. Embracing the for worse, as much as you embracing the for better. Which nobody does. When you say your vows, Everybody focuses on the for better and nobody focuses on the for worse and the for worse will come I tell you, it’s guaranteed it’ll come.

Nicole Ari Parker: It’s a little bit of all the things.

Boris Kodjoe: Yeah, that’s very important. Embrace all the things people want to embrace all the  lights and the beauty and the and the positivity and the strengths. And and they were talking about the weakness and the insecurities and all this stuff that comes with being a person and having gone through things. And I think that’s the key to longevity, to take those moments, and to go through them and move through them and heal through them and grow through them. And as a result, getting deeper and better and, and really embracing that opportunity to spending that life together. Like she’s my person.

Nicole Ari Parker: I want to know him when I’m old.

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Originally Appeared Here

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

Symptoms
People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing and can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

Symptoms usually begin within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If flu-like symptoms are present, a rash will usually develop 1-4 days later. Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

People may experience all or only a few symptoms and could have flu-like symptoms before the rash. Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms, but others only experience a rash. Images of rash photos are available on the CDC website.

Prevention
Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk. Following the recommended prevention steps and getting vaccinated if the risk for exposure to monkeypox is suspected can help protect people and communities.

The CDC recommends the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
  • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
  • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands often and keep surfaces clean.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
  • Routinely clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and items, such as counters or light switches, using a disinfectant cleaning solution.

Vaccines
Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of monkeypox. Because it’s not known how effective vaccines will be in the current outbreak, people who are vaccinated are encouraged to continue to protect themselves from infection by avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact, including intimate contact, with someone who has monkeypox.

In the U.S., two vaccines (JYNNEOS and ACAM2000) may be used to prevent monkeypox. JYNNEOS was developed to protect against both monkeypox and smallpox. ACAM2000 was developed to protect against smallpox. Both vaccines are expected to provide a good level of protection against monkeypox.

The Monongalia County Health Department, and other local health departments, can advise on vaccine availability and level of risk.

Treatment
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. Because the viruses that cause monkeypox and smallpox are closely related, drugs and vaccines developed to treat and protect against smallpox may be effective for monkeypox. However, the type of treatment for a person with monkeypox will depend on how sick someone gets or whether they’re likely to get severely ill. Most people with monkeypox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment.

The CDC recommends the following treatment:

• Follow known safety measures such as washing hands often, bandaging or covering the rash, masking while around others, and resting and eating healthy.
• Manage symptoms with over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
• Do not touch or scratch the rash. Use topical and oral antihistamines for itchy sensations that come with the rash. People with a rash may benefit from a tub soak with Epsom salt, vinegar or baking soda.

Contact your healthcare provider if itching and pain symptoms become severe and unmanageable at home.

Resources
Information and resources are widely available online. Individuals are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider if they believe they have been exposed, for a vaccine or for treatment.

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Originally Appeared Here

Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker recently partnered with Microban 24 and Bounty.

This dynamic duo, known for their beautiful relationship and successful careers, partnered with Microban 24 and Bounty to help add an extra layer of protection to their busy lives. While maintaining their careers and raising their family, traveling, and spending time with each other, these items have helped simplify their daily cleaning routine. Microbran 24 provides 24-hour protection against 99.9% of household bacteria. This long-lasting product is perfect for high-traffic areas within the home and helps disinfect surfaces that are consistently touched. Microbran 24 and Bounty allow consumers to spray, wipe and walk away, limiting the number of products needed to keep homes germ-free. Each of their sprays comes in various scents and multiple versions for different areas within the home. Microbran 24 also comes in travel sizes to maintain that level of protection even while traveling.

The Knockturnal spoke with both Kodjoe and Parker about this partnership and what they enjoy about these products. They also discussed their upcoming projects and how they have balanced their busy lives and relationship for 22 years.

The Knockturnal: Tell me about this partnership with Microban 24 and Bounty

Boris Kodjoe: it was a no brainer.

Nicole Ari Parker: It was a no brainer.

Boris Kodjoe: We have such busy lives, we travel a lot. We have two teenagers, two dogs at the house. So having a simple cleaning routine, a daily simple cleaning routine is everything for us.

Nicole Ari Parker: And I didn’t know how to quite put down that extra layer of protection without turning the whole house upside down every single day. So I started being just very focused on surfaces, high traffic areas in the house. And right when Bounty and Microban 24 called with this great combination where I was like, yes, yes, and yes. So you know, I spray, I wipe, I spray again, I just love the whole process and everybody’s safe. There’s this particular area in our house where we have the sunglasses, the car keys, the basketball shoes, the water bottles, the coffee mugs right at the front. Feels like there’s a lot going on here because the outside means the inside. There’s a whole lot of continent, a lot of traffic coming in. So  Microban 24 and Bounty was right on time.

The Knockturnal: I love this video that Boris posted on his Instagram and you both said spray, wipe walk away. 

Boris Kodjoe: That was actually real like we were in a hotel room. 

Nicole Ari Parker: Yeah it was like the sixth hotel we had been in this summer. 

Boris Kodjoe: She took like 29 flights between May 17 and August 21. So we’ve been all over the place. So that was a real moment because it took me a while to get it. And she you know, she taught she taught me

Nicole Ari Parker: I brought the product with me.

The Knockturnal: I was just about to mention that. So you traveled with the products?

Nicole Ari Parker: Yes, but that was before they had the travel size. So we had the big bottle, and the big roll of bounty. And now they have travel size. So we’re all over it.

Boris Kodjoe: It’s great! Also cuts through the clutter of all these products, you know, because you never know what to use.

 Nicole Ari Parker: And it’s not quite like a kitchen product where it has a soapy quality . It is really like a bacterial layer of protection from bacteria. So you can use it everywhere. You know, in other areas of the house, the coffee table, the doorknobs, the end tables.

The Knocktournal: One thing I’ve come to realize is all the different things that people touch. You don’t realize how many bacterias get stuck to everyday items and objects like our phones, remotes, door knobs, etc. 

Boris Kodjoe: You’re absolutely right. If we were walking around with a blue light, it would be very different. We’d be freaking out everyday.

The Knockturnal: What upcoming projects are you both currently working on? 

 Nicole Ari Parker: I like to celebrate Mr. Kodjoe here on his sixth season of Station 19!

Boris Kodjoe: And I like to celebrate the Nikki Kodjoe for the second season And Just Like That!

Nicole Ari Parker: Yeah and we can take both products because I’m going back to New York to shoot. I can take the Microban 24 and Bounty on the subway, dressing room,and  all over my apartment. It’s going to be great!

The Knockturnal: Yes! First, congratulations to both of you! I’ve loved seeing you guys in all your different projects over the years. How do you guys find a balance for everything in your busy lives? 

 Boris Kodjoe: She said it earlier she said it well, that we have morning routines. We get up, we do our breath work, meditation and go down to the gym.

Nicole Ari Parker: And it’s evolved. We’ve known each other for 22 years. We’ve been married for 17. And like trying to do yoga together, I mean this is new. This is the new phase. Like of course we’ve always tried to communicate, make time for each other, dinner is really important in our family. We talk, we process together. The world is crazy sometimes, we have to check in with our kids. So in terms of us as a couple, we’ve tried different things and right now we’re trying to just breathe. You know, just breathe and be present and it’s working. I don’t think we’ve had an argument in like..

 Boris Kodjoe: Seven minutes!

Nicole Ari Parker: No, I mean, like a real and like, impatient anxiety ridden communication breakdown argument. We haven’t had that in a while since we started doing it. We also take walks! Because we have the two dogs, and some we have a dog walker when we’re traveling. But we try to like go outside and like, walk. Just some really simple stuff that’s like, free. You know, and we forget breathing is free. And it’s a game changer. Walking is free.

The Knockturnal: How do you guys feel when you hear other people reference you guys when discussing, couple goals?

Boris Kodjoe: It’s a lot of pressure.

Nicole Ari Parker: It’s awful. It’s terrible. Because we are so real regular. Trail and era, been together forever, not perfect. The goals part is not the preet part.  I would love to talk about the messy part and that we are you know, we moved through it that we’ve stayed together that we fought and won. You know, that’s the goals part. If I was ever gonna accept that as a title for us.

Boris Kodjoe: Yeah. Getting to know each other better every day. getting deeper, more intimate. Forgiveness. Learning each other. Learning how to apologize. Not taking things out of context. Embracing the for worse, as much as you embracing the for better. Which nobody does. When you say your vows, Everybody focuses on the for better and nobody focuses on the for worse and the for worse will come I tell you, it’s guaranteed it’ll come.

Nicole Ari Parker: It’s a little bit of all the things.

Boris Kodjoe: Yeah, that’s very important. Embrace all the things people want to embrace all the  lights and the beauty and the and the positivity and the strengths. And and they were talking about the weakness and the insecurities and all this stuff that comes with being a person and having gone through things. And I think that’s the key to longevity, to take those moments, and to go through them and move through them and heal through them and grow through them. And as a result, getting deeper and better and, and really embracing that opportunity to spending that life together. Like she’s my person.

Nicole Ari Parker: I want to know him when I’m old.

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Originally Appeared Here

Normal operations expected by Sept. 21, elevated lead levels found in Imlay City

 

TRI-CITY AREA — Two weeks from now, on September 21, the Great Lake Water Authority (GLWA) believes their 120-inch water transmission line will have returned to normal operations.

That news came from the authority on Tuesday morning. Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, crews were able to install the final sections of new pipe at the site of the August 13 break in St. Clair County. Also, since then, the Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant began producing water to start refilling the water main. GLWA officials say 81 million gallons of water is needed to fill the 26 mile-long main as it travels from the treatment plant west to GLWA’s pumping station in Imlay Township.

“GLWA expects the filling, flushing and disinfecting process to take some time,” officials stated Tuesday, specifically 15 days.

The authority said they are working with state environment officials to implement a flushing and disinfection plan for the main.

Now that the new water main has been installed, GLWA said it will take approximately two weeks to fill, flush and disinfect the system that serves Imlay City and Almont.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we work through this very difficult situation. I also want to thank out member partner communities, our partners in the Emergency Management community and all our water utility workers both in GLWA and the municipalities who are on the ground operating their systems during this emergency,” Suzanne Coffey, Chief Executive Officer of GLWA, said last week.

A boil water advisory for Imlay City, Almont and other communities was issued on August 13, the day the main break was discovered. That advisory was lifted one week later on August 20. Late on Tuesday, August 30, the Lapeer County Health Department reported that elevated levels of lead had been found in some Imlay City homes and, in response, bottled water and water filters were made available to residents on Wednesday and Thursday at the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds. The filters were provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

City Manager Craig Horton said that demand for the filters was strong on Wednesday and a smaller but steady line of residents attended Thursday’s distribution event. Residents could request either a faucet or pitcher filter.

Marilyn Szost, the Lapeer County Health Department’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, said state personnel were also making home deliveries of water and filters and offering filter installation for those residents in need of assistance.

According to Police Chief Brett Selby the city’s most recent tests revealed low levels of lead in the water of 14 of the 22 homes that were tested.

Following the discovery of low levels of lead, the health department advised that all residents—especially those with children and pregnant persons—should use filtered or bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and making infant formula. Lead has been found to be harmful in both children and adults.

“Tap water can continue to be used for handwashing, bathing and showering and laundry by all households,” the health department stated.

Meanwhile, the city continues to test for lead content in the city’s water supply and residents can contact the city offices to request in-home testing, Selby said.

Imlay City residents who weren’t able to attend last week’s distribution events may contact the city offices at 810-724-2135 to request a filter or inquire about bottled water.

On behalf of the city of Imlay City, Selby thanked the Eastern Michigan State Fair, it’s board and director Ian Kempf for allowing use of their facilities for multiple water and filter distribution events.

Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.

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At the end of a long hard day, a yoga lesson is exactly what you need to destress and reconnect with your body. After a session of challenging poses, the instructor invites you to assume child’s pose and focus on your breathing. As you do, a thought occurs to you: What exactly are you breathing in? And touching? Is the yoga mat you’re currently sweating on dirty or germ-ridden?

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It’s an understandable concern. The internet is rife with articles about the microbes lurking on your yoga mat. Those articles usually include links to pricey yoga mat sprays or recipes for homemade, natural cleansers. Some websites even recommend cleaning your mat after every use. But do you really need to do that?

Only if you’re sharing your mat with other people, says yoga instructor and retired pediatrician Johanna Goldfarb, MD.

“If you’re using your own mat, you really shouldn’t worry about contamination,” she says. “I’m more likely to clean it because it’s dirty than because I’m worried about infection.”

How to clean your yoga mat

When a mat is dirty — following an outdoor session, for example — giving it a simple cleaning is a good idea. For this, soap and water are enough. To clean:

1. Put a few drops of dish soap in warm water.
2. Using a rag, gently scrub your mat.
3. Rinse your mat and let it air dry.

How often to clean your mat

So, how often should you be giving your mat a soap-and-water cleansing? Probably not as often as you think. A personal mat only needs to be cleaned when it’s visibly dirty, Dr. Goldfarb advises.

But what about germs — do you ever need to disinfect your mat?

You only need to if you’re using a shared mat.

Cleaning vs. disinfecting your mat

The distinction between cleaning and disinfecting something is important — and often misunderstood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Cleaning uses a soap or detergent to remove germs, dirt and other impurities. Washing away the germs doesn’t kill them, but it does reduce your risk of infection.
• Disinfectant uses chemicals to kill certain germs. It won’t necessarily clean the surface it’s used on — which is bad news for those of us who’ve been “cleaning” our homes with disinfecting wipes for years.

Disinfecting shared yoga mats

According to Dr. Goldfarb, unless you have a skin infection, cleaning your personal yoga mat with soap and water will get rid of any microbes you might encounter in your own home. Shared yoga mats — especially at a gym — are a different story.

If you’ve been to a gym, you’ve seen the towels and spray bottles scattered throughout the space. They’re there for a reason.

“Disinfection is something we do in a gym setting because we don’t know what could be there,” Dr. Goldfarb explains. Viruses like herpes simplex and bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus can survive on surfaces. For that reason, it’s wise to use a chemical disinfectant on a shared yoga mat.

In other words, you should treat yoga mats like you would any gym equipment. Disinfecting the mat before you use it will help protect you from infection. Disinfecting the mat when you’re done with it will help protect other gym-goers from anything you’re carrying. And it’s best to use the disinfectant spray the gym provides, so as not to risk damaging the equipment.

Disinfecting your personal yoga mat

No doubt, some of you are reading this article and thinking, “I’m still going to disinfect my yoga mat.” It’s an understandable impulse, especially right now. Most of us got more serious about disinfecting surfaces when COVID-19 arrived on the scene. For some, it’s become a habit.

Unfortunately, studies show that we haven’t been as cautious in our use of hazardous chemicals as we should be. Calls to Poison Control Centers skyrocketed all over the country in 2020. One CDC study shows that up to one-third of us have used chemicals unsafely while trying to protect ourselves and our families from the virus.

If you’re dead set on using a disinfectant on your yoga mat, Dr. Goldfarb urges to “make sure you know what you’re using.” Many cleaners aren’t safe, and — depending on the material your yoga mat is made of — some disinfectants could destroy it. In that case, your efforts to eliminate microbes are likely more dangerous than the microbes themselves. When in doubt, stick with ol’ reliable soap and water.

Use common sense

Are there microbes on your yoga mat? Yes. Are there also microbes on you, and everything else you interact with on a daily basis? Also yes and yes. That’s not a bad thing. So, if you’re wondering whether or not to clean or disinfect your yoga mat, remember that common sense is a powerful weapon in the war against infection.

Dr. Goldfarb reminds us: “The most important way to prevent getting infected from gym equipment of any kind — yoga mats included — is to wash your hands after you leave the gym. Don’t touch your eyes or face. If you have to sneeze, sneeze into your arm so that your germs don’t get on the equipment. Remember to clean the equipment immediately with the towels and solution the gym provides.”

If you’re taking yoga classes indoors right now, you should also be wearing a mask. It’s unlikely you’ll contract viruses like COVID-19 or influenza from your yoga mat. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of your fellow practitioners — most respiratory infections are transmitted person-to-person.

Rest assured — the benefits of practicing yoga far outweigh any risk posed by the microbes on your gear. So, unroll your mat and get flowing!

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The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the first death of a person diagnosed with monkeypox in Texas. The patient was an adult resident of Harris County who was severely immunocompromised. The case is under investigation to determine what role monkeypox played in the death.

“Monkeypox is a serious disease, particularly for those with weakened immune systems,” says Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “We continue to urge people to seek treatment if they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms consistent with the disease.”

People should contact their health care provider if they have fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a new, unexplained rash. People who are diagnosed with monkeypox should stay home and avoid close contact with others until the rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.

For most people, infection with monkeypox is painful but not life threatening.

Monkeypox is a preventable disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person. There are things everyone should do to help prevent the spread of monkeypox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with someone with a new, unexplained rash.

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact in large crowds where people are wearing minimal clothing, such as nightclubs, festivals, raves, saunas, and bathhouses.

• Do not share cups, utensils, bedding or towels with someone who is sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

 

People who have been exposed to a known case of monkeypox are eligible to be vaccinated against the disease. Some people at high risk of infection may also be eligible for vaccination. Health care providers with patients at high risk of severe illness should work with their local health department to facilitate administration of the JYNNEOS vaccine and treatment with the antiviral medication TPOXX.

DSHS is posting the latest information, guidance for the public, health care providers and others, and updating case counts here.

As the colder months approach and larger indoor gatherings will become more frequent, it’s important for facility managers and frontline cleaning crews to follow best practices for disinfecting the Monkeypox virus and keeping facilities safe. For resources on optimizing these practices, click here. 

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There’s a lot of excitement as students and staff head back to school for a fresh start in 2022-2023, but the specter of virus — COVID-19 and now, monkeypox — hangs in the air like an ominous cloud. 

“I’ve been seeing and hearing a lot of chatter that shows our community is concerned about monkeypox and the highly transmittable COVID variant,” says Kate King, the school nurse at World Language Middle School in Columbus, Ohio. “After going through COVID, actually, as we’re still dealing with COVID, anything else that comes just naturally adds to the fear.” 

But King and school nurses across the country are putting their school communities’ minds at ease by assuring them that nurses are keeping a close eye on both viruses by following guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

“In addition to following what the CDC says, school nurses also monitor the cases all the time and work with community health partners to stay up to date on developments with any infectious diseases,” she says. 

CDC: Monkeypox Risk is Low

In the meantime, it’s important to become educated on what the CDC says about monkeypox: the risk of monkeypox to children and adolescents is low. 

According to the CDC, monkeypox can infect anyone who has been exposed through direct skin-to-skin contact or who uses contaminated objects, fabrics, or surfaces. 

Parents have asked about students wrestling or playing contact sports, group activities in the gym or on the playground, or even sharing a seat on the bus and being jostled into their neighbor after a bump in the road. Transmission in any of these scenarios is unlikely, according to the CDC. 

But what monkeypox does remind us of, King says, is the need to regularly clean (with soap and water) and carefully, when necessary, disinfect mats and other gym equipment as well as any high-touch areas in the school to help prevent the spread of all transmissible viruses.  

When parents or school staff ask King if she is worried about monkeypox as schools reopen, her answer is no. Is she keeping her eyes out for new information and developments? Yes, all the time. 

“And I encourage anyone with questions or concerns about monkeypox to contact me or their school nurse,” she says. 

For more information on Monkeypox, visit these CDC resources:  

Schools, Early Care and Education Programs, and Other Settings Serving Children or Adolescents | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC 

What You Need to Know about Monkeypox if You are a Teen or Young Adult | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC 

New Year, New COVID Threats? 

Summer fun and travel were back in full swing this year, but many came home from vacation with an unwanted souvenir – the BA.5 variant of COVID-19. Most reported mild symptoms, but widespread cases of COVID this summer served as a reminder that the virus is definitely still here. 

In King’s district in Columbus, the district follows CDC guidelines and the city health department’s mask recommendations based on a tiered system of case numbers that are color-coded green, yellow, and red. 

See CDC’s latest guidelines on COVID-19 

“We are in red currently, and the recommendation is to mask indoors,” she says. “We now recommend to school community members and staff to wear N95 or KN95 respirators to protect themselves, but we don’t stigmatize anyone for their decision to mask or not.” 

Immunizations Offer Best Protection 

King, like school nurses everywhere, continues to promote health and safety precautions like handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and good ventilation throughout the school building. 

But the most important message that school nurses as well as local and state health officials want to get out is that everyone should get vaccinated. 

“As school nurses, we know that full immunization is the best protection,” King says.  

Linda Mendonca is the president of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) and she says, “around the country, nurses are prepared to handle COVID-19 with the mitigation and testing strategies they have used for the past two and a half years.” 

“It all goes back to common sense infection control in the nurse’s office,” she says. “But we also emphasize that vaccines and boosters for all who are eligible is the best mitigation strategy we have. The more protection we have, the better.” 

That’s why many schools around the country are hosting vaccine clinics so parents and caregivers don’t have to take off work to get students vaccinated or boosted – it can happen right there on school grounds. 

“It’s easy for parents and is often more comfortable for kids than the doctor’s office,” she says. 

And though Mendonca says nurses stand ready to handle what the future may hold for COVID-19 or even monkeypox, the hope is that they can use what they’ve learned and then get back to the regular work of school nursing. 

“So much was pushed aside during the pandemic,” Mendonca says. “Regular screenings, care coordination, and health education.” 

But Mendonca’s biggest hope is that all schools will be fully staffed with at least one nurse. School nurses, like other educators, are in short supply. Many left the profession or retired, burned out after working long days and weekends during the pandemic. 

In many districts, there is no budget to hire more nurses or policy makers decide to use money for other purposes. Unfortunately, the problem with school nurse availability is often one of policy and not just availability. 

The NASN will release a report on the school nursing workforce later this year, but spoiler alert: Mendonca says staffing is “not where we want to be.” 

Take Action: 

Advocate that American Rescue Plan funding be used for more school nurses! 

 

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TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX)-The health district in the Magic Valley issued a warning for Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir as tests confirmed a harmful algal bloom. The South Central Public Health District announced Tuesday afternoon issued a public health advisory for the reservoir after tests by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality confirmed unhealthy levels of cyanotoxin, Microcystin in the water. The toxins are caused by what is called harmful algal blooms or HABs. Exposure to the toxic blooms can cause serious illness in people and pets. “It’s important that you keep family and pets away from the water where there is an active harmful algal bloom,” said Josh Jensen, SCPHD environmental health division director in a prepared statement. “The toxins in a HAB reservoir can irritate your skin, eyes, and ears and cause neurological and gastrointestinal problems if they get inside your body.” The HABs usually shrink as the temperature drops in the fall.

The health district provided the following tips concerning HABs:

• Avoid exposure to water in reservoirs under a HAB health advisory. Make sure children, pets, and livestock are not exposed to the water.

• Do not drink water with a HAB advisory. Boiling and disinfecting DO NOT remove toxins from water.

• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae

• If fishing in HAB water, remove all fat, skin, and organs before cooking. Toxins are more likely to collect in those tissues. Wash hands after handling

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