Today's Feature

Mumps Outbreak Update.

Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) has released new information on the multi-state mumps outbreak which includes Missouri. According to the release, DHSS has received reports of 19 cases of mumps in Missouri. Of those 19 cases, 7 were confirmed, 10 were probable and 2 were suspect.

The outbreak is cited as beginning in Iowa, December of 2005. Additional cases followed in eight neighboring states including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. 605 suspect, probable and confirmed cases have now been reported in Iowa. The DHSS says that the majority of these cases occur in persons 18-25 years of age, many of whom have been vaccinated.

The DHSS defines mumps as "an acute viral infection characterized by a non-specific prodome including myalgia, anorexia, malaise, headache and fever, followed by onset of unilateral or bilateral tender swelling of parotid or other salivary glands."

Transmission of mumps virus occurs by direct contact with respiratory droplets, saliva or contact with contaminated fomites. The incubation period is generally 16-18 days from exposure to onset of symptoms. The principal method of prevention, according to the report, is through immunization.

Additional information on mumps and the prevention and control of mumps outbreaks, including vaccination, can be found at the found at the following website: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/mumps/mumps-outbreak.htm . General questions on mumps, as well as questions on mumps testing can be directed to local public health agencies or to DHSS at 573-751-6113. Questions on mumps vaccines may be directed to DHSS at 573-751-6124.

Stench Report:
Thursday,
4/20/06

No Stink

Unfortunately, gettin’ rid of the stuff just makes room for next year’s collection. ‘Course my favorite City sponsored event is the cleanup day. Although I have been able to resist the temptation of gatherin’ up stuff on that weekend, I do get a kick outa watchin’ the parade of cars, pickups, and vans packed full of folks, makin’ the rounds collectin’ the more attractive throwaways.

We might wanna interest some of those bus tours to come through on cleanup weekend. It’s a show worth watchin’.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Spring leads to cleaning.....who started that thing?.....yards, gardens, windows and bodies need to be cleansed. My Great Aunt Josephine’s kitchen would smell like sassafras this time of year. She would boil the roots and warm them daily for one month. Everyone got a good glassful a couple times a day. It was a real treat for the taste buds as well as the nose....smells SO good.

Cleansing the body from our high fat, meat, dairy, highly processed and chemically enhanced foods becomes a wise thing to do. Cleansing can avoid auto-intoxication which is self-poisoning. Common sign of toxicity may include headaches, fatigue, mucus problems, general aches and pains, digestive disorders or allergies.

Some traditional herbs for cleansing include: Yellowdock: an astringent herb also mild laxative promotes healthy skin by liver purification. Burdock root: improves liver function and is blood purifier. Parsley leaf is an excellent diuretic, flushes the kidneys and helps breakdown stones. Cascara Sagrada is a natural laxative which increases the natural peristaltic action of the colon.

Fasting is also an excellent way to cleanse. Consult a good book, drink organic juices and if you have medical concerns, consult your physician.

artCentral
artNotes from the Hyde House
by Sally Armstrong, Director of artCentral

To begin with a correction, please. Last week’s article noted that the opening reception for our new show would be April 29th, and in fact the show does begin that day, but the actual evening artists’ reception is the night before, April 28th, beginning at 6:00. All three artists will be present at the evening reception and all interested readers and patrons are invited to attend.

I promised last week to give some information on our artist who will be exhibiting in the upstairs Member’s Gallery, she being Cheryl Church of Carthage. Cheryl won the Best of Show award in the 2005 artCentral Member Show last year with a work entitled, "19 Birds". She may be best known currently as the art instructor at the Carthage High School since 2002. Cheryl has a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Pittsburg State University and has exhibited at Kachilla Arts Center in Cambridge Ohio and Chanute Art Gallery in Chanute Kansas. Her words, "From the days of Crayola crayons on the walls of the hall to the paint on the canvas, there have been alot of things and people that have inspired me. For the most part, my art reflects upon my thoughts and feelings and symbolism generally dealing with life. Throughout my life I have had people that have blocked me and people that have pushed me to do better. Hats off to those who have pushed!"

On Mother’s Day, May 14th, Sunday afternoon, we will be inviting all mothers to come to the gallery for a special reception which will include refreshments and door prizes. Please bring your mother after you have treated her to that special lunch after church! Enjoy the show and the afternoon together. This show will be open daily beginning April 29th from 11-5 daily, 1-5 on Sundays and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

More next week on our featured artists, mother and daughter Kim and Kat Kissel of Joplin, and see you on April 28th!