JEFFERSON CITY — In a special ceremony last Saturday, the governor signed Senate Bill 55, which changes Missouri Southern State College to Missouri Southern State University-Joplin. Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, the bill’s sponsor, and other members of the Southwest Missouri legislative delegation were on hand for the event held outside Webster Hall.

"For many years Missouri Southern has done the quality of work that a university does, it just lacked the name," said Nodler. "This name change gives them the recognition they have deserved for so long."

Southern has had an international mission since 1995, and this bill reemphasizes it as a statewide institution with an international or global mission.

"This name change will enhance our visibility and credibility not just in Missouri, but throughout the world," said Dr. Julio León, president of Missouri Southern. "In many parts of the world the college designation indicates high school level. The term more accurately describes our institution. As we continue to enhance our international mission, this name change will be a valuable tool in our efforts to recruit students."

Missouri Southern will be required to discontinue all associate degree programs by July 1, 2008. Southern has already established a cooperative agreement with Crowder College in Neosho in an effort to begin this process, and Crowder is expected to assume many of the associate degrees now offered at Southern.

"We are very excited about this name change," León said. "It’s going to be good for the college, for Joplin and for the entire Southwest Missouri region."

One a the disadvantages of livin’ in a community where storm water is directed out quickly is the lack of tadpole trainin’. Not train’ the tadpole, they know ever’thing they need to. I’m referrin’ to the trainin’ of kids to the nature of tadpoles. Mainly the fact that they somehow turn from the fish lookin’ critter to a frog.

Amazin’ stuff, especially to kids gathered around a mud hole on a summer afternoon. Nothin’ like a catchin’ a tadpole with the bare hands and takin’ a close look at those little beady eyes fore ya turn it back to the natural habitat. Then actually watchin’ over a short period of time the legs startin’ to appear and eventually a full fledged frog croakin’ (vocally) on the bank. ‘Course I always was a curious little mudder.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune- Brooks Hospital

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

Some Facts About Breast Cancer

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: How can a woman lower her risk of coming down with breast cancer? I cannot tell you how the thought of it frightens me. My husband says I have gone overboard with this, but I can’t conquer my fear, no matter how hard I try. — P.O.

ANSWER: Heart disease, not breast cancer, is the No. 1 killer of women. Early detection of breast cancer and early treatment usually assure a woman of having a normal life span. I can give you some tips that might lower the risk of breast cancer.

What significance diet plays in breast cancer prevention is up in the air. Some studies suggest that the following foods are protective: sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, carrots, peaches, cantaloupes, leafy green vegetables such as romaine lettuce and spinach, apricots and winter squash. Not all studies, however, support the protective effect of these foods.

Omega-3 fatty acids are touted as shields against breast cancer. These acids are found in fish, particularly mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies and tuna.

Alcohol, on the other hand, increases breast cancer risk. One drink a day only slightly raises the risk. Heavy use greatly ups it. A drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor. Women do not need to forgo a glass of wine at dinner if they’d like to have one.