Trick or Treat.

Downtown merchants will be participating in the annual Halloween ‘Round the Square Friday, October 31st from 3:30 to 5:30. Merchants will hand out candy to the kids. The event offers a safe and fun Halloween for kids and their families.

There will also be a costume contest in two different age groups, newborn to 6 years, and 7 to 14 years, held on the courthouse lawn at 5 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category. This years event is sponsored by the Carthage Press.

Seniors Overdue for Pneumonia Shot.

A group of Missouri health care professionals today warned that too many Missouri seniors are not up to date on their pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot, and reminded them that Medicare Part B and Medicare HMOs cover this important vaccination.

Nearly 6 out of every 10 Missouri seniors are in need of the pneumonia shot, according to the Medicare claims data of non-HMO Mediacre beneficiaries aged 65 and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pneumococcal disease kills more people every year than all other vaccine preventable diseases combined. In 2001, almost 1,600 Missourians died from the disease. The CDC estimates that as many as 4,000 Americans die from the pneumonia each year.

"Despite the fact that the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine is clinically effective, cost effective and a Medicare Part B benefit, it remains underutilized," said Gregg Laiben, MD., and Medical Director for MissouriPRO, the federally designated Medicare quality improvement organization (QIO) for Missouri. "Opportunities to vaccinate Medicare patients are too often missed, and many beneficiaries are not aware that they need a pneumonia shot."

"Pneumonia is a very serious disease, especially for senior citizens," said Dr. Laiben. "The best way to reduce (a person’s) chances of developing pneumonia is to get a pneumococcal vaccination. The shot is safe, affordable and effective."

Unlike the flu shot, Dr. Laiben says that seniors 65 and older need only one pneumococcal vaccination in their lifetime, though a booster shot may be required for those who received their shot before the age of 65. He recommended that Medicare beneficiaries get the pneumonia shot when they get their influenza vaccination this year.

New Exhibits Open at artCentral.

By Lee Sours, artCentral

On Friday, October 24, two new exhibits will open at artCentral. An opening reception will be held from 6-8pm. It is free and the public is invited to attend.

The architectural show will feature various artists’ renderings of structures around this area. Of course our courthouse is a popular structure but there are others with significant historic or artistic features. We have work by Joplin artist, Debbie Reed and Kansas City artist, Janet Carpenter. Several other artists will be showing here for the first time.

The pottery, sculpture, and ceramic tile murals of Jim Reed will also be on display. This Kansas artist has his own gallery and does wonderful organic drawings, paintings and carvings on clay surfaces. His work is esteemed by other artists and a tour of artisans is planned to see this exhibit. He was selected as an artist in residence in Kansas. This show is not to be missed!

Another new exhibit is at Shellie’s restaurant just west of the square, near the post office. It features the beautiful watercolors of Marilyn York of Olathe, KS. She has shown work at artCentral in the past and we are glad to have her work on display again.

HOURS: T – F 11 - 5

Sunday 12 -5 Closed Mon. and Sat. 1110 E 13th 358-4404 ozarkartistscolony.com

If I’m not mistaken, daylight savings is goin’ off this weekend. I’m never ready.

Not only do ya feel like ya lost an hour sleep, ya have ta rake the leaves in the dark.

The best thing about the change is that it signals the comin’ of Halloween. One of the best times for kids and adults to just have fun.

As you see by the front page, the Square will again be the sight of hundreds of kids and their parents dressed up on parade next Friday night.

Friday is the best night for Halloween of course. Leaves the weekend to get all the candy eaten and still time to get over the sugar coma.

As always, if ya happen to be drivin’, watch out for the critters.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Natural Nutrition

By Mari An Willis

Sinus problems are a typical complaint this time of year. It is annoying to have that constant drip, but healthier in the long run. some traditional herbs used to treat sinus problems are as follows:

• echinacea, 1/2 - 1 tsp. of tincture three to four times per day for a week to ten days at a time to stimulate the immune system. Be sure to break for a few days after the treatment so your body will not adapt to the herb.

• garlic, one or two raw cloves or two to three times a day. yes, this may seem like a lot, but it is not considering the new flus and frequency of exposure to illness. A stronger dosage may be necessary if symptoms are present.

• cayenne, 1/4 tsp. of tincture two to three times daily; for its compound capsaicin, which helps decongest nasal passages. One easy way to get the formula down and wake you up in the morning is to stir some of the powder in with a glass of cold water, some lemon juice, and a little maple syrup or honey.

• goldenseal, 1/2 tsp. of tincture or two capsules twice daily to boost immunity and fight bacterial infection.

One may choose essential oils to help clear the sinuses and soothe mucous membranes. Steam inhalation or apply to pressure points.

Sources: Natural Health Handbook and Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss

* This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. References available by request.