Stevens Point Journal from Stevens Point, Wisconsin • Page 17

Steuetts Point Journal IS 17 Thursday, April 28, 1994 (((MnM State Patrol sergeant retires after 31 years safely Worm up summer fun but 'don't overdo it': emergency I Sergeant Douglas G. Cox, 2530 Russet Drive, Plover, Wisconsin State Patrol, retires today after 31 years with the Department of Transportation. Cox began his career with the State Patrol in November 1962 in Stevens Point when he entered the State Patrol Academy. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Wisconsin Dells as a trooper. After eight years, he was promoted to inspector and moved to Waukesha where he and his wife raised their three girls.

When the position of sergeant came open in this area, Cox and his Susan, moved back to the Stevens Point area. He has worked out of the Wausau State Patrol Headquarters, District IV, for the past 10 years. He plans to spend his free time fishing and relaxing at his cottage. ncscnt on tits' Sorgoant Douglas Cox Area Enjoy outdoors, By KEN LUCHTERHAND of the Journal When the summer's sun heats up the pavement, sidewalks and air, outdoors-related injuries are common problems seen in hospital emergency department. "The most common summertime injuries reported include insect bites, heat emergencies, alcohol-related accidents," said Randal Woj-ciehoski, emergency department physician at St.

Michael's Hospital. Bee stings are the most common type of insect bite, even though it is not actually a bite. Some people are highly allergic to stings while others have only mild reactions. "Every person responds differently to bee stings. Some have acute allergic reactions," Wojcie-hoski said.

"Some people's bodies react with severe swelling or with acute respiratory difficulty. In those cases, immediate treatment should be sought." Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), when called to respond to a victim with an allergic reaction, will administer epinephrine before transporting the person to the hospital. Upon arrival at the emergency medical facility, antihistamines will be given to calm the reaction, along with possible injections of additional epinephrine and steroids, if necessary, to lessen the reaction. For non-life threatening reactions to bee stings, such as minor local inflamations, an ice pack may be applied to affected area. Elevation of the affected limb will help, aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers may be taken and the antihistamine, dipinhydramine, may no further complications usually are experienced following treatment.

The upper Midwest has experienced a high incidence of Lyme disease. It has the greatest growth in numbers of incidents, and is second only to AIDS in rate of increase. "Despite these alarming statistics, the incidence of full-blown Lyme disease is relatively rare," Wojciehoski said. "During the last few years, there has been a great deal of Lyme disease paranoia." The most important aspect for treating Lyme disease, along with treating other diseases in the patient-doctor relationship, is a full disclosure of family and personal medical histories, he said. When temperatures soar into upper digits, heat-related injuries become more common.

"Emergency room technicians are confronted with patients bearing one of three types of heat-related illnesses: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke," Wojciehoski said. Heat cramps are severe muscle spasms caused by an electrolyte inbalance. Electolytes are body salts, comprised of sodium and potassium, which are lost through perspiration. Painful involuntary muscle cramps of the abdomen and extremities occur, with core body temperature remaining relatively normal. Treatment for cramps involves restoring body salts through mineral-replenishing sports drinks.

For extreme cases, intravenious solutions may be given. Heat exhaustion is characterized by confusion, fatigue, a feeling of weakness, nausea or vomiting. Retreat weekend set for codependents St. Anthony Retreat Center, Marathon, is offering a retreat weekend for code-pendents on May 13 through 15. The weekend begins with the 7 p.m.

meal on Friday and closes with the noon meal on Sunday. The theme of the weekend will be "Spirituality and Relationships." Topics will cover areas like loving and codependency in relationships, how to strengthen the adult relating to the child within, spirituality and boundaries in relationships, healing relationships thru unconditional love, and returning to relationships back home. For further information and reservations contact: St. Anthony Retreat Center, 300 East Fourth Street, Marathon, 54448-9602, phone 443-2236. Scholarships offered for youth conference Scholarships are available for the Wisconsin Indian Youth Conference, July 31 through Aug.

5, at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The one-week conference is limited to 40 students, ages 13 to 17. In its fifth year, the event is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and has been approved as a pre-college program. The schedule includes academic and traditional teaching components, plus recreational activities. Scholarships, which will cover all costs of attending the conference, will be determined by DPI staff.

The theme of the conference is "A Holistic Approach Toward Achieving Balance," including the cycle of life, traditional customs, educational skills, understanding sovereignty and building confidence. Application packets are due by June 15. For further information, contact Sharon Cloud, UW-SP Native American Center, Stevens Point 54481, 346-3576. Infant immunization week recognized Portage County Community Human Services Department will be recognizing this week as National Infant Immunization Week. This week is held every year to emphasize to parents and health -care providers the importance of immunizing on schedule and of keeping up-to-date immunization records.

Infant immunizations protect children against nine diseases which can cause serious illness, permanent damage, or death. Recent changes in the immunization schedule will make completing the series easier. The schedule has been consolidated, more combined vaccines implemented, and some immunizations moved to an earlier age. Now children can com riorjs of Gronni; Business and Professional Women At a meeting of the recent board of directors of Business and Professional WomenWisconsin in Madison, Treasurer Debra Boehmer represented the Stevens Point Business and Professional Women. Two educational workshops were offered at the meeting.

Pamela Brown, director of programproduct development for Manpower International, presented a workshop on training and retraining. Karen Morgan, director of the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, presented a workshop on "Careers for Changing Times." Hazel Koskenlinna, president of Teleconference set for Multiple Sclerosis issues An audio teleconference titled "Taking Control: Options to Maximize Your Health" will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 7, at Mid-State Technical College. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter and Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) will co-host the event. The teleconference is open to people who have MS and their families, health professionals and others interested in MS.

There is no fee, however, registration is required. The teleconference will consist of a video presentation and a live audio ques-tion-and-answer period that links 18 sites in Wisconsin and more than 300 sites nationwide through a speaker phone. This two-way system offers participants the opportunity to engage in live interaction dialogue with the conference presenters. George Kraft and Marci Catanzaro will be discussing options for managing multiple sclerosis. The focus is on physical health, including exercise and nutrition, and emotional health.

The program will focus on both formal and alternative medicine therapies. Specific topics will include physical therapy, stress reduction, self-defense and tai chi as a form of exercise. For more information about the audio teleconference or multiple sclerosis, call the Wisconsin Chapter office at (800) 242-3358. care physician Again, in this case, body temperature remains normal, he said. It is caused by excessive sweating without replenishment or because of decreased water intake.

Treatment calls for replacing water orally or intraveniously. To prevent heat exhaustion, it is important to drink fluids to replace water lost through perspiration. Heat stroke is a more serious matter. Caused by a dysfunction of the heat-regulating mechanism, it can alter mental status ranging from confusion to coma. Extremely high body temperature is a characteristic of heat stroke, Wojciehoski said.

It is caused by a malfunction in the hypothalamus, a portion of the brain, or of the perspiration glands. Immediate action must be taken to cool down the core body temperature as soon as possible. People with a history of heat stroke should take steps to avoid situations such as remaining in strong sunlight for extended periods and overdoing physical exertion. Alcohol plays a large part in summertime medical emergencies, not all through motor vehicle accidents. "The majority of recreational accidents in summer are alcohol-related," Wojciehoski said.

"It is important to use alcohol in moderation when socializing and not drink when activities require physical endurance and agility." People often are hurt performing otherwise safe activities, such as biking, swimming, volleyball, boating and tennis, because their judgment becomes distorted, he said. "Summer is fun," he said. "Just don't overdo it" BPWStevens Point, represented the organization at the spring meeting of BPWDistrict in Marshfield, held in conjunction with a career choices workshop for high school girls and their parents. Kelly Schultz, newscaster with Channel 9 television in Wausau, gave the opening address at the workshop, titled "Women in Charge." Parents and BPW members participated in a discussion on decision-making and ways to communicate presented by Judy Goldsmith, dean of the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac Center; Carol McCart, dean of the UW-Marsh-field Center; and Marcy Decker, psychologist. The fall meeting of BPWDistrict 5 will be hosted by BPWStevens Point.

PORTAGE COUNTY Wisconsin Right to Life meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Charles White Public Library. For more information, contact Right to life, 341-9444. New members welcome. GOLDEN SANDS Senior Citizens Club of Plover meets at 1 pjn.

Tuesday at the Plover Municipal Center for pinochle and smear. Anyone interested call 344-7290 or 824-5690. AA CLOSED big book meeting is at 8 p.m. Friday at St. Bronislava Church basement For help or information call 346-1035.

AL-ANON meeting in Plover is be at 8 p.m. Friday at St. Bronislava Church basement For families and friends of problem drinkers. For help or information call 346-1035. OPEN AA meetings are held at 8 pm.

Saturdays at the Peace Lutheran Campus Center, 200 Vincent St, Randal Woiclohoskl be used to lessen alergic reactions, Wojciehoski said. Lyme disease is another of summer's dangers, especially for those whose activities take them near brush, shrubs and woodlands. The disease is carried by the deer tick which attaches to the skin. One indicator of Lyme disease is a "target lesion," a reddened circle on the skin around the area of the bite, with a normal-colored center. The reddened area may spread outward from the site of the bite.

Other indicators of Lyme disease include fatigue, lethargy, heart conduction and neurological abnormalities. Arthritis, which is pain and swelling in the joints, also is a common symptom. Because of increased research and diagnosis, treatment has become relatively simple. Antibiotics work well against the disease and day through Friday at the YMCA. Anyone interested can call the YMCA.

TAKE OFF Pounds Sensibly meets at 5 p.m. Monday at Stevens Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Anyone welcome. For information, contact Ralph Woyak at 344-3219 or Betty Wiza at 3444971. TAKE OFF Pounds Sensibly meets at 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday at the Junction City Village Hall. All welcome. For more information, call 457-2581. TAKE OFF Pounds Sensibly meets at 9 a.m. Thursdays at the Plover Municipal Center.

Men and women welcome. For more information, call 341-4351. TAKE OFF Pounds Sensibly meets at the Plover Municipal Center at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Men and women welcome.

For more information call 341-4304 or 344-5691. Visitors welcome. INNER IMAGE Weight Support Group meets Thursdays at Faith Lutheran Church, Rosholt Weigh in is at 6:30 p.m. and meeting follows at 7 p.m. New members are welcome.

For information call 677-4074. served an internship at the State Public Defenders Office. Werner operated her own business in Medford for eight years before returning to schooL Chris Ottman of Almond recently was awarded a fifth place in the livestock productionbeef division of the National Post-Secondary Agriculture Students competitions in Idaho Falls, Idaho. His agri-business class at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Fenni-more, took the National Chapter presentation award for the second year in a row. Volunteers needed The mission of the Portage County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is to provide opportunities for individuals of retirement age to find meaningful involvement in the community through volunteer service.

Volunteer opportunities currently available include but are hot limited to the following: Assist callers by connecting them to taped health messages at local hospital; job requires sitting for majority of the shift; typing helpful but not necessary. Spend time with infants in local group home for pregnant and parenting teens on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings on school days. Become a Friend of Recycling and provide tours of the new Portage County Materials Recovery Facility; other recycling volunteer opportunities also available. Be a parenting mentor to a young family at risk or a friend to a child from a single-parent home through local programs; intensive training and ongoing follow-up provided. Assist local agency with telephone reception and other clerical tasks Friday mornings or afternoons.

Assist in the care of injured and orphaned wildlife or provide telephone reception at local wildlife rehabilitation center, four hours per week, mornings or evenings. Assist local arts agency with ticket orders and data entry; attention to detail and computer experience necessary; any weekday. Help large agency provide welcoming atmosphere by caring for indoor plants once a week for several hours. Training is provided as needed. For more information on these and other volunteer opportunities for people age 55 and older, contact the Retired Senior Volunteer Program at the Department On Aging, 346-1401.

Oucnts plete their first series by age 12 months. To further improve immunization rates in our community, public health officials are encouraging all health care practitioners to routinely check the immunization status of children they see. To help in the process, parents need to keep up-to-date immunization records and carry those with them. In Portage County immunizations are available from private physicians or the Human Services Department clinics: Ruth Gilfry Building, Mondays 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesdays 3 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to 11 a.m.; Amherst Jensen Center, second Tuesday of each month, 9 to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m.; Almond Methodist Church 9 to noon and 1 to 2:30 p.m. the first Wednesdays of January, March, May, July, September and November.

The fee is $5.75 per dose but no one will be turned away due to inability to pay. For questions about immunizations, call 345-5350. Health fair to offer screenings, education The seventh annual Women's Health Fair provides free screenings to women who otherwise might be unable to have these tests for a variety of reasons financial problems, minimal insurance or lack of insurance coverage. This year's fair will be held 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday at Marshfield Clinic. The Women's Health Fair is a cooperative effort of local health organizations and volunteers working to bring preventive services to women throughout the area. Volunteer female health practitioners will conduct screenings for cervical cancer; oral, breast and skin cancer; glaucoma; cholesterol; and high blood pressure. Appointments for all screenings are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Educational materials on nutrition, osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes and community resources will also be available.

For more information, call Marshfield Clinic (800) 782-8581, ext. 9-3765. Substance abuse center to hold open house MARSHFIELD The L. E. Phillips-Iibertas Center Marshfield Outpatient Program will have a public open house at its new office from 11 a.m.

to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 3. The new office is located at 210 West 29th Street Marshfield. Guests will have an opportunity to view the new office, enjoy refreshments and receive free program materials. The Marshfield Outpatient Program is an extension of the L.

E. Phillips-Iibertas Center, St Joseph's Hospital, Chippewa Falls, and offers intensive outpatient treatment to people who have problems related to the disease of alcoholism and drug abuse. The Marshfield Outpatient Program develops treatment plans using individual evaluation, education sessions, group therapy, social interaction and family participation. For more information about the upcoming public open house or treatment offered at the L. E.

Phillips-Libertas Center Marshfield Outpatient Program, call their office at 384-3223. Host families sought for German visitors The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is seeking 16 area families to host one or more students from the Technical University of Magdeburg, Germany, for three weeks this summer. It will be the third time in three years that visitors from Magdeburg and its university have been here as part of a "sister university" program with UW-SP. Lynn Eckholm, coordinator of the project, said last summer's visitors "overwhelmingly rated the host family experience as a highlight of their visit" The hosts are paid $65 per week to provide lodging and two meals per day to their guests from July 30 through Aug. 20.

To sign up, families may contact Eckholm in care of the office of international programs at 346-2717. A FAMILY Health Clinic is slated from 3 to 5 pm. on Monday and Tuesday, and 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Gilfry Center; from 9 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 p.m.

to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Almond Methodist Chuch, Almond, sponsored by the community health nurses of Portage County Community Human Services Department. Immunizations, blood pressure screening and health counseling will be available. For more information, or to make an appointment, call 345-5350. RELAXATION AND Awareness group meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays at the Ruth Gilfry Human Resources Center beginning April 21. The group will provide ways for lieving stress will meet for eight weeks. Child care available. Call 345-5350 for more information. BLQOD-PRESSURE screenings available from 9 to 11:30 ajn.

Monday through Friday at the Stevens Point Fire Department's Station No. 1, 1701 Franklin St No appointment necessary; free and open to the public. ARTHRITIS WATER Exercise class takes place from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Mon mmm mm Karen Werner of Stevens Point, a senior political science student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, was recognized at the recent "Images of War, Peace and Global Cooperation" conference, where she read her work "Genocidal Rape and War: The Case of Bosnia-Hercegovina," and received $50. Her paper was chosen one of the top three submitted at the UW-Eau Claire conference.

Following her graduation from UW-SP next month, Werner, a former Medford resident, plans to attend the University of Denver Law School. A member of the senior honor society, she has tutored writing students and SPASH GYMNASTICS holds a pancake breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Stevens Point Area Senior High School cafeteria. Tickets are $3.50 for adults, $2 for children under age 10.

Tickets available at the door. ARNOTT LIONESS Club holds a membership drive at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Amott Recreational Center. New members welcome. Call 592-5034 or 592-5064 for more information.

SCHUMANN-HEINK Chapter No. 30, Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary, plan their regular monthly meetings at p.m. Monday at the American Legion Club. The auxiliary Department Commander Rosalie Knapp of Wausau will install officers for the 1994-95 year. ALS SUPPORT Group meets at 2 p.m.

Sunday at Chippewa Valley Bible Church, Chippewa Falls. For more information, call 723-1694..