Blunt Applauds Troop Increase.

Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) applauds the increase of 39,000 troops in the war on terror. The Department of Defense Authorization bill, which passed the House, authorized increases of 30,000 active Army personnel and 9,000 active Marine Corps personnel over the next three years.

Blunt has long advocated for an increase in active duty military personnel: "The global war on terrorism has added new dimensions and missions. The commitment of U.S. military resources worldwide to eliminate terrorist threats and actively defend the homeland has placed an enormous strain on the manpower available to both the active and reserve forces."

Added Blunt: "This increase in troops will ensure our forces are not overextended, and provide our National Guard and Reservists with the assurance that our nation will only call on their skills during times of crisis or particular need—not as part of our permanent forces."

In meetings Blunt advised Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld that prolonged use of national guardsmen and reservists will discourage future participation.

A farmer I used ta work for while I was in high school always told me that if ya see turtles on the road it means it’s gonna rain. Said they could sense the comin’ weather and headed for higher ground. I never was convinced completely, but I always try to remember when I see the creatures ploddin’ on the roadways.

I always look in the rearview mirror when I pass over turtles with the car. Some pull their head in and just wait, other just keep wigglin’ along like nothin’ happened. I can’t imagine what a turtle must be thinkin’ when vehicle whizzes over ‘em. Maybe they figure it was one a those quick thunder storms movin’ through, or a giant crash of thunder. You’d think the hot pavement would stick to their little feet as long as they take ta get on the other side. Maybe they’re just hopin’ for rain.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune- Brooks Hospital

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 80 years old and have lumbar spinal stenosis. The pain runs down my leg. What are my chances for a successful back operation? — S.J.

ANSWER: Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, the hollow passageway in the backbones. It runs from the base of the skull to the lower back (the lumbar region). A narrowed canal can compress the spinal cord and the nerves that emerge from it. The resulting irritation creates back pain and, often, pain that runs down the leg. It can also lead to leg weakness and unsteadiness in walking.

Calcium spurs, arthritis changes, thickened backbone ligaments and protruding disks are some of the conditions that narrow the spinal canal.

Have you tried physical therapy? Some find that it works wonders for them. The application of hot packs or cold packs is another way to relieve pain.

Try two easy exercises. Simply lie on the floor with knees bent so the kneecaps are pointed to the ceiling. If you slip your hand between your lower back and the floor, you’ll find the place where much trouble lies. Flatten the curve so the lower back touches the floor. You do so by tightening the abdominal muscles and buttocks. Hold that position for 5 seconds. Relax and repeat as many times as you comfortably can.