When we think of giving at Christmas time, we often think of material goods, rather than services. Professionals who give of their time and talents offer the type of gifts that cannot be wrapped, but are just as meaningful as presents tied up with bows.

For 14 years, Dr. Dennis Jones has provided free dental care for people in the area who lack dental insurance. His partners this tooth-saving venture, Dr. Peter Jones and Dr. Walter Randall, haven’t been at it quite as long, but they are more than willing to help. Since dentists can’t work alone, the rest of their office staff to make this happen.

This year’s free dental day will be Friday, December 7. It starts at 8 am and lasts until noon. People start to get in line an hour before the dental clinic starts and patients are seen on a first come, first served basis. Some years they have had as many as 80 patients.

If you feel as though your teeth are in good order, you can help by donating canned food. It will go to Manna House to help round out someone’s holiday meal.

The dentists’ office is at 48677 Victoria Lane at the Community Medical Center, behind Urgent Care. If you would like to know more about free dental day, contact the office at 559-683-4544.

Tryptophan….Are You Feeling Tired Yet?

Have you ever eaten a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and all the fixings? Are you tired afterwards? Tiredness can be related to preparing for the holiday festivities, eating a big meal or most commonly believed, Tryptophan.

Although high levels of Tryptophan are naturally found in Turkey, it is comparable to other meats as well. One widely-held urban myth is that a heavy consumption of turkey will result in drowsiness. Tryptophan can also be found in other foods that we eat daily such as; cheddar cheese, rice, potatoes, chicken, beef, milk, chocolate, and yogurt to name a few.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. The human body cannot manufacture essential amino acids. Our bodies can only receive Tryptophan from food. Tryptophan helps our body produce Niacin. Niacin in turn helps our body produce Serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that acts as a calming agent in our brain. Serotonin helps us to sleep better, feel calm and at peace. One can deduce that by eating turkey, you would sleep easier and feel calmer because of the Serotonin produced in the brain. That may or may not be altogether true.

Your Thanksgiving sedation may have more to do with what is consumed along with the turkey, and in particular carbohydrates, rather than the turkey itself. Carbohydrates trigger insulin and insulin triggers amino acids, but not Tryptophan, into our bloodstream. These amino acids also produce the feast-induced drowsiness that we all have experienced so many times before.

So while you are enjoying your Thanksgiving dinner this year, prepare for, and enjoy a nice long nap afterwards!

Winter, Your Car, and You

Driving in the winter means snow, sleet, and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.

Weather

At any temperature—20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero or 90 degrees Fahrenheit above—weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems.It is important to listen to forecasts on radio, TV, cable weather channel, or forecasts in the daily papers.

Your Car

Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:

Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.

Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.

Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.

 Inspecting the distributor.

Checking the battery.

Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.

Checking antifreeze leve and the freeze line. Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner’s manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Necessary Equipment

An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. Following the tuneup, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, your trunk should carry:

A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack

A shovel

Jumper cables

Tow and tire chains

A bag of salt or cat litter

Tool kit

Essential Supplies

Be prepared with a “survival kit” that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:                 

Working flashlight and extra batteries                 

Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth                 

Compass                  

First aid kit                 

 Exterior windshield cleaner                 

Ice scraper and snow brush                 

Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container                 

Scissors and string/cord                 

Non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm, such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap, and blankets.

If You Become Stranded

Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.                  

To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.                 

If you are sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.                  

To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.                

Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.

Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Take a deep breath in…now let it out. Didn’t that feel good?

Breathing is a basic function of human life. It is what keeps us going. Unfortunately, all too often the air we breathe is not at optimal quality. So although it feels good to breathe deeply, it is possible that each breath we take could be admitting contaminants into our systems.

We are all too aware of the environmental toxins that alter air quality outside, but have you thought about how these same toxins and other factors can affect the air quality inside as well. As the weather gets cooler we spend more and more time inside. That’s more and more time breathing in air that may be less than healthy for us.

Advanced Living Solutions can help you breathe a little easier. They offer a variety of products make your indoor living environment cleaner and safer. They have air purifiers to filter air, water treatment systems to filter your water, and bedding to protect you from dust mites.

Once your inside air is cleaner, you’ll also want to ask about their wellness and skin care products to purify your body and mind.

To learn more, contact Claudia Cummings by phone at 209-966-6684 or 866-569-4446 and through e-mail at als@sti.net.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects more than 5 million Americans. Although the medical community has made progress in learning more about what causes the disease, there still is no cure.

Not only does Alzheimer’s affect those who are diagnosed with the disease, it also affects their friends and loved ones. If you know someone who cares for someone with Alzheimer’s, do what you can to offer concrete support. Sometimes we think that the person knows we’re there for them or we say, “If you need anything, let me know.” For someone already overwhelmed with caring for an Alzheimer’s patient, this may seem vague.
You can:
Send a card.

Ask if they need something from the grocery store or offer to help with other errands.

Take over an extra meatloaf or pot roast.

Offer to go for a walk with them

And if you are a caregiver for someone with the disease, make specific requests when friends offer to help. Your friends may be willing, but unsure of how they can really be of assistance.

There are also groups that want to provide some relief, so if you are a caregiver or know someone who is, look for these resources.

The Oakhurst Lutheran Church has an Alzheimer Caregivers’ Support Group for people who are helping person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia that meets every second and fourth Tuesday from 10-11:30 am. The group is meeting today, but if you cannot make this meeting, plan to attend future meeting.
For more information call Valley Caregivers at 800-541-8614 or call Carol at 559-683-4045.

The good news is that this smoking ban could spur home sales over the next 14 months, as people try to reclaim their privacy and autonomy. But for others, especially those who cannot move, buy or sell a home easily, it could be a hardship and a financial nightmare. They may not be able to get the right price on their condo, or they may have to by a detached home, typically more expensive than a condo. They have to absorb moving costs and other relocation costs, which could be a financial hardship at this time.

It will be interesting to see if other communities around California and the country follow suit, enacting and enforcing stricter smoking bans. We’d like to know what you think about the smoking ban. Is it good or bad? Fair? Needed? Is government over-stepping? What will the economic impact be, on shops and restaurants? How will this impact your family and your lifestyle?

A number of cities around the country have instituted smoking ban in bars and restaurants. Most restaurants in Washington DC, for instance, have experience a 10% to 50% drop in customer volume and receipts. It varies by establishment, season, and day of the week and time of day. in nice weather, the smokers can still manage. Understandably, smoking customers may now drink and dine elsewhere. Or they may not linger as long over a meal or dessert as they used to. Either way, many establishments are feeling the pinch in their pocketbooks.

Please feel free to share your comments here on how you think the smoking ban could affect you if it were adopted in Madera County.

Madera County’s position on smoking in public spaces and places can be found here.

The county sponsors “Smoke Free Work Place” training and outreach, and efforts to keep youth from smoking.

On October 9, 2007, Belmont, CA adopted the strictest smoking ban in the country. The regulations ban smoking on streets, and in public and private spaces, including your home, if you reside in an apartment or condo complex. The new law takes affect in 30 days, governing public spaces and establishments. The housing ban will take effect in 14 months, which gives people the chance to relocate to a private home, or an apartment outside the city limits.

The only place you can smoke is the privacy of your own home or vehicle. Smoking is now banned from streets, restaurants, stores, malls, public buildings, public transportation, office buildings, apartment buildings, and the like. Smokers can choose to smoke elsewhere, usually in a designated outside area. The bill’s language also allows some smoking leniency in apartment buildings, as long as smoke or smell does not permeate other apartments, and the neighbors do not complain.

This ruling has sparked heated debate. This ‘smoking gun’ is indeed a love – hate debate surrounding government regulations encroaching on personal freedom, under the guise of public health and safety. Some think that the government has gone to far. Others welcome it, especially non-smokers, who need such sanctions in order to exercise their freedom to not be harmed by second hand smoke.

To view real comments from diverse people, visit this website. Please feel free to share your comments here. Stay tuned for a discussion of other implications of the new smoking ban.

Madera County’s position on smoking in public spaces and places can be found here.

The county sponsors “Smoke Free Work Place” training and outreach, and efforts to keep youth from smoking.

Women don’t need an excuse to love or eat chocolate. But you can celebrate chocolate to your heart’s content at the Chocolate Festival on October 13 and 14.
This chocolate festival is so special that it turns the Yosemite Falls into chocolate. To keep the tradition alive, the site of this year’s yummy annual festival is in Oakhurst, near Yosemite National Park. The festival is billed to be bigger and better than ever. You can indulge your chocolate fantasies and witness other Chocoscientists indulging theirs. You can literally swim in chocolate or enjoy a chocolate tug of war.

Just reading the festival poster is a real treat in itself. It sheds insights into why we love chocolate so much. You will surely recognize yourself in witticisms such as,

“Man cannot live by chocolate alone - but woman can!”
“Life is uncertain - eat dessert first!”

These are better than Forrest Gump’s “life is like a box of chocolates…”

If you hunger for information on how to indulge your chocolate fantasy at the festival of Madera…. Visit festival pdf for delicious chocolate facts and myths.

Here’s to those wild, wonderful wacky women. If you haven’t guessed it already, the event is put on by Wild Wonderful Women & Friends, who sponsors all kinds of events to benefit the community. Visit their website for more on their good works to help young women in the county. Please inquire about festival sponsorships and the Chocolate Festival Queen. Call Beverly Scott at 559-760-7600 for more information.

The 20th annual Smokey Bear Run steps off in scenic Bass Lake, California this Saturday, September 22. Fun for the whole family, the event features a 10K run that is part of the Valley Runner of the Year Series, a 2-mile fun run/walk and 1/2-mile and 1/4-mile kids’ races. The race has been designed for all ages and fitness levels and provisions have been made for wheelchair racers. Proceeds benefit local charities.

Races begin and end at Recreation Point off Road 222 in Bass Lake, California. Racers should check-in at Recreation Point before 7:45 a.m. on Saturday. You can register online or at the event from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Entry fees are as follows:

• Adult: $17 pre-register, $20 race day
• Kids: $7 pre-register, $10 race day

The first races begin promptly at 8 a.m. For a map to the event and race details, visit the race website.

This year proceeds will support the Harry H. Baker Boys and Girl’s Club, Madera County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Explorers Post 104. Come enjoy the great fall weather in beautiful Bass Lake this weekend, get fit and support our community. See you at the race! 

The Sierra Hiking Seniors will be hiking to Ostrander Lake on Monday, September 17. Meet at the trailhead across from the Payless Shoes located at 40032 Highway 49 in Oakhurst, California. Seniors can choose from a 12-mile hike to the lake or an easier 6-mile hike. The 12-mile hike has a 1,700-foot elevation gain.

The 12-mile group will start out from the trailhead at 7 a.m. The 6-mile group will meet at the trailhead at 8 a.m. to carpool to their starting point. For additional information, contact hike leader Bob at 559-877-4948.

With the Sierras on our front doorstep, hiking is a favorite pastime of Madera County, California residents. Hikers should practice safety and be prepared for quickly changing mountain weather. If you’re planning a hike into the mountains, practice these safety tips:

• Share your plans. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member before you start out on your hike, particularly if you are hiking a challenging trail or plan to stay overnight. If you don’t return on time, your friend can notify the authorities.
• Be prepared. Even if you only plan to take a short day trip of a few miles, always carry basic safety supplies. When you hike, make sure you pack the following: sufficient water or purifiers, rain gear, flashlight, matches, a “space blanket” (something lightweight to keep you warm and dry through the night), a compass and a map.
• Beware of cell phones. You can take one, just don’t rely on it. With relay stations few and far between, cell phones often don’t work in the mountains. If you do carry a cell phone, make sure you take the phone number for the local sheriff’s office. Dialing 911 will put you in touch with a regional center that may not be familiar with local area rescue agencies and procedures.
• Drink water. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Bring water from home or purify it. Never drink untreated fresh water from streams or lakes. Giardia is a serious problem everywhere in the mountains. Spread by wild animal feces, the nasty intestinal parasite is ingested by drinking tainted water and can cause years of suffering in humans. Boil fresh water vigorously for 5 minutes before drinking to kill the parasite.
• Avoid pests. Learn to identify and avoid pests, including: poison oak, ticks and snakes.
• Don’t tresspass. Stay off private posted land.
• Good advice. Follow the old camping motto: Take only memories, leave only footprints. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect our wilderness areas.

Yosemite National Park offers wonderful hiking trails for hikers of all skill levels from strolling duffers to serious back-country trekkers. For more information on hiking in Yosemite, click here. Happy hiking!