Living Well...Saturday, January 12th, 2013...Page 2 (763) 263-3602 FAX (763) 263-8458 29 South Lake Street, Box 276, Big Lake, MN 55309 The West Sherburne Tribune serves as the Official Newspaper for The City of Big Lake; the Townships of Big Lake and Orrock; the School District of Big Lake. The Tribune is published every Saturday & delivered within the communities of Big Lake, Elk River & Monticello by ECM Distribution, 4095 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433. Telephone: 241-8146. Submitted Material: There will be a $30 charge for all engagement, wedding & birth announcements pictures. $10 charge for announcement only. COLOR ADS: The Tribune is not responsible for any misprints in color or registration problems beyond our control-once pages are sent to press. Gary W. Meyer Editor & Publisher Sue Emberland Advertising Sales Susan Nagorski Advertising Sales Mary Mayer Graphic Designer Ken Francis Staff Writer Jennifer Edwards Staff Writer Chris Meyer Accounting Gail Evans Office Manager OUR STAFF: Website: www.westsherburnetribune.com e-mail:westrib@sherbtel.net Ie-4e I|s! 16830 198th Ave. N.W. | Big Lake, MN 55309 www.BigLakeClinic.com 0z|| |5JI 25J-J00 Keep your health at the top of your list Laurie Pung, DNP Lola Sutherland, MD Nabeel Ailabouni, DO Luke Herdina, PA-C Our health care team: hcw c|cr!ren|r mc4|rz| rcrer4| 8rhc4e|c znnez| wc||ncss crzm 0c! z f|e she! 8|]n ep fer My0hzr! Call (763) 263-7300 Dill Family Dental Dr. Reed Dill & Dr. Roger Gerloff Teeth exams Teeth cleanings Tooth fillings Dental x-rays Affordable in-house sedation Tooth extractions Root canals Gum treatments Total dental examinations & services 171 Lake Street North, Big Lake, MN 55309 763-263-3262 Serving the Big Lake Community since 1977 & Wellness Center Dr. Dorothy Saunders Auto Work, Sports Accident Specialists (Most insurances Accepted) 763-295-0303 MONTICELLO, MN HEALTH & STRESS TEST COMPLIMENTARY COMPUTERIZED ($150 VALUE) COVERPHOTOS: (Upper Left) Patrons working out at Anytime Fitness in Big Lake. (Upper Right) The rock climbing wall at the Monticello Community Center. Find This Guide Online at WestSherburneTribune.com Thousands of Readers from All Over the World Living Well...Saturday, January 12th, 2013...Page 3
Jennifer Edwards Staff Writer Obesity is taking a toll on the health of Americans of all ages. More and more often, diseases previously associated with aging are showing up in younger people. Among them, one of the chief concerns is the onset of Type II Diabetes, which can have serious consequences from blindness to amputation if it is left unchecked. Pre-diabetes is a condition which occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diag- nosed as diabetes. There are 79 million people in the United States who have pre-diabetes. Many of the people getting diagnosed with this condition now are young people who tend to live a fast-food lifestyle. Preventing, or at least delaying, pre-dia- betes from progressing to diabetes can take place with the help of simple lifestyle changes, says Jennifer Femrite, diabetes educator at New River Medical Center. Learning how to exercise and move the body, eat better and manage stress pays off when people see the results of their efforts, feel better and empower themselves to pre- vent a potentially life-threatening condi- tion, she says. Taking steps to prevent Type II diabetes include encouraging children to eat low-fat foods which are rich in nutrients, like whole grain cereals, fruit, vegetables, dairy products and lean protein like chicken or fish. (Sounds like school lunch). Limiting sugary foods and beverages like pop, fruit juice and iced tea can help. Read labels on prepared foods and sauces. Avoid anything that says it contains corn syrup, which can be found in an amazing variety of items one would not suspect to contain sugar. In fact just about anything that ends in ose likely is a sugar. This includes fructose, lactose and sucrose and should be avoided. Staying active, spending less time in front of the television, computer or playing video games and moving around helps pre- vent obesity and the onset of pre-diabetes. Activities can be as simple as mowing the lawn, bowling or walking the dog. The important thing is to get moving and keep moving on a regular basis. Years ago, people naturally spent more time outside and participating in strenuous activity. Diabetes wasnt something people worried about much when day-to-day sur- vival was far more labor-intensive. Parents used to send their children out- side to play but these days there are more fears and more children only play organ- ized sports if they play games at all. If parents think their child may be over- weight and at risk for pre-diabetes should begin by taking them to the doctor or a reg- istered dietician to determine what their fitness goals should be and how to get there. It is very important for children to get enough calories and nutrients while they are growing and developing. Motivating children to stay on a stricter diet and exercise plan can be a challenge when convenience foods are so handy and so prevalent and they dont feel sick, but the benefits are worth the struggle. NRMC offers diabetes education classes on a regular basis, which are free to the community. The classes are designed to encourage individuals or families to take charge of their health. The next class is Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. Contact Casey Ocken at (763) 271-2304 for more information, or online at casey.ocken@newrivermedical.com I Can Prevent Diabetes! is a 16-week class for people who have already been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. It is a com- munity- based lifestyle change program which offers education support and encouragement to participants. This class costs $160 and meets weekly Wed. from Feb. 6 to May 22. Preventing diabetes Living Well...Saturday, January 12th, 2013...Page 4 BIG LAKE & RENTAL 763-263-2019 LAKE SHOPPING CENTER P r o t e c t Y o u r
F a m ily . AND KEEP THEM COMFORTABLE. Radon Detectors Air Filters Air Cleaners Humidifiers Air Purifiers Water Filters Water Softeners Submitted Article January is Radon Action Month according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Health agencies throughout the United States have joined forces to promote awareness of the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. The American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control, and National Cancer Institute all agree that radon is a National health problem and encourage radon testing during the January awareness drive. Radon is a naturally- occurring, invisible and odorless radioactive gas. One in 15 American homes contains high levels of radon. Millions of Americans are unknowingly exposed to this dangerous gas. In fact, a recent study by Harvard University ranks radon as Americas leading in-home hazard. By taking simple steps to test your home for radon and fix if neces- sary, this health hazard can be avoided. Radon gas is not isolated to certain geographical areas or home types. Radon problems have been detectred in homes in every county of the U.S. It caused more American fatalities last year than carbon monoxide, fires and handguns combined! If a home hasnt been tested for radon in the past two years, EPA and the Surgeon General urge you to take action. Contact your state radon office for information on locating qualified test kits or qualified radon testers. The federal commitment made by EPA, the General Services Administration, and the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interiors and Veterans Affairs will focus efforts on radon reduction and mitigation in homes, especially those of low-income families, many of whom do not have the resources to make the simple fixes necessary to protect their homes and loved ones. Learn more about the Federal Radon Action Plan at www.RadonPlan.org. Last year, the federal consortium met with key leaders in the public health, environmental and private sectors to launch the federal radon action plan that includes both immediate and long- term steps to reduce radon exposure. Learn more about national radon action month at: www.RadonMonth.org. January is designated National Radon Action Month Living Well...January 12th, 2013...Page 5 By Ken Francis Staff Writer Staying in shape is on the minds of a lot of people these days. Working out is one of the most popular New Years resolutions. But winter in Minnesota isnt the easiest time to go on an early morning jog. And bicycling through ice and snow is out of the question. But there are plenty of good health clubs and fitness centers in the area that offer just about any type of activity to get in shape. And its more convenient than ever. Todays fitness centers have longer hours, personal trainers to help clients make the best use of their time, specialized classes and even daycare areas for the kids. People are looking for that convenience factor, says Dawn Larson, area manager at Anytime Fitness in Big Lake. People are in here all hours of the night. Todays lifestyle isnt nine-to-five anymore. Anytime Fitness is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Members have a key card to gain entry, where they can use any of the equip- ment. The center has lots of cardio and strength-training equipment, an open area for group training, a large area of free- weights and a classroom equipped for vir- tual training, for those whose schedules keep them from attending the regular fit- ness classes. They can work out under the direc- tion of an instruc- tor on video. Its fitness on request, says Larson. People can pick from 60 different classes. A screen drops down and the pro- jector comes on. Its just like a live class. Its becoming very popular. Anytime Fitness members can also work out at any of 2,000 locations nationwide once theyre a member for 30 days. Kitty Baltos, director of the Monticello Community Center, says the center is a lot more than just a fitness center. Along with a full range of cardio equipment, exercise equipment and free-weights, the center has an indoor walk/jog track, a rock climbing wall and a multi-functional swimming pool. The center has fitness instructors to help members reach their fitness goals, and a variety of instructional fitness classes for people of all ages: Zumba, Killer Core, Fit Continued on page 6 Staying fit is easier than ever ANYTIME FITNESS in Big Lake is open 24/7 and has every type of cardio and body strengthening equipment needed for a full-body workout. Living Well...Saturday, January 12th, 2013...Page 6 Barker Family CHIROPRACTIC Bennett Barker DC www.barkerfamilychiropractic.com 530 Walnut Street, Monticello MN 55362 Phone: 763-314-0707 Instrumental Adjusting No Twisting, Turning or Cracking Cardio Kickboxing, Yoga, Circuit Strength and R.I.P.P.E.D. - a total body workout. The center also has specialized classes, swimming lessons and a play area for kids. People can sign up for individual classes and have the option to pay a daily fee to use the fitness center without becoming a member. The center is ideal for every member of the family because of all the different activities. We have everything other health clubs have, says Baltos, but more for the kids. Fitness Evolution in Monticello also has a Kids Club, so people can do their work- out while someone is babysitting their kids. Its convenient to have everything they need in one spot, which is important because most people dont have a lot of time, says Janel Swanson, who owns the center with her husband, Todd. Fitness Evolution has a wide range of cardio and body strengthening equipment and free weights. Members also have the option of using the swimming pool, tanning beds and singing up for a number of fitness classes. The center also has racquetball courts and a basketball court. We pretty much have anything they THE POOL at the Monticello Community Center is fun for kids and adults. THE ROCK CLIMBING wall is one of the more popular activities at the Monticello Community Center. NEW PATIENT SPECIAL OFFER Complete Adult or Child Check Up $ 69 00 (Reg. $230) NEW PATIENTS ONLY Includes: Comprehensive Exam Cleaning (Routine) Oral Cancer Screening 4 Bite Wing X-Rays OR 2147 Northdale Blvd. NW COON RAPIDS 763-767-4888 195 Jefferson Blvd. BIG LAKE 763-263-2222 7532 Brooklyn Blvd. BROOKLYN PARK 763-560-1555 www.wecaredentalus.com FREE (Reg. $105) 1 limited Exam 1 X-Ray Emergency or Problem Focused. Must present coupon at time of service. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Expires 5-31-13 need, says Swanson. The more variety people have in their fitness routine, the bet- ter because theyll stick to it longer. The center has fitness trainers who can work with beginners through advanced athletes and show them how to get the most out of their workout. Swanson says whenever she gives some- one a tour, she makes it a point to show that the center is for everyone, not just body- builders. A lot of people are intimidated. Theyre afraid that what theyve seen on TV is whats going to be whats in a health club. Its not, she says. People think fitness clubs are just for people to look good. But thats just a side effect of health and fit- ness. In fact, many members of fitness clubs are senior citizens who are taking advan- tage of Medicares Silver Sneakers pro- gram. Larson says there are 1,100 seniors in the Big Lake and Becker area who are eli- gible for the program, which offers a 100% free membership. There are also reimbursements from health insurance plans that cover most of the cost for club memberships for those who work out regularly. So most people cant make excuses that it cost too much anymore, says Larson. Fit Continued from page 5_______________ 500 Park Street E. Annandale, MN For more info call Dustin: (320) 274-1470 or email: Dustin.Henkelman@ahcsmn.org Providing adults with a great way to get into shape & start living a healthier lifestyle, including: Cardio Exercise Equipment Strength Training/ Balance Equipment Therapeutic Swimming Pool and Spa Sidewalk Bistro with Coffee and Tea GROUP CLASSES: Balance Classes, Yoga, Pilates, Water Aerobics, & Arthritis Foundation Aqua Classes available. www.ahcsmn.org HOURS: 5am - 10pm, 7 Days a Week Fully Staffed 8am - 4:30pm Mon. - Fri. Dedicated to all aspects of wellness Living Well...Saturday, January 12th, 2013...Page 7 CLINIC HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 763-295-2921 URGENT CARE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m., Fri: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 763-271-3896 1001 Hart Blvd. #100, Monticello, MN 55362 WWW.MONTICELLOCLINIC.COM SERVICES Urgent Care Diabetes Education/Mgmt. Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant OB/GYN Pediatrics Acupuncture Allergy & Asthma Care Chiropractic Ear Nose Throat General Surgery Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner Orthopedics Physical Medicine/Rehab Physician Assistant Podiatry Urology Monticello Clinic Now Offering NEW WEIGH OF LIFE Physician Supervised Medical Weight Loss Clinic For scheduling please call: 763-271-3800 SPECIALTY SERVICES: Taking Care of Our Community Living Well...Saturday, January 12th, 2013...Page 8 Submitted Article Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of Americans, affecting one in three people, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). And, the problem may be getting worse, as a new study from the AHA predicts that those who have heart disease are expected to increase to more than 40 percent of Americans by 2030. This prediction doesnt have to be reali- ty. One of the major risk factors for heart disease is high cholesterol, which may be lowered by eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising. Heart disease runs in my family so I understand first-hand the role that genetics play in cholesterol and overall health. But maintaining a heart healthy diet and choosing foods that may actively help lower cholesterol are the simplest, most effective things people can do for heart health, says Dr. Travis Stork, ER physi- cian and co-host of the TV show The Doctors. To help educate people on easy ways to reduce cholesterol, Dr. Stork has teamed up with Cheerios to share helpful tips. Food Choices Are Key Because heart health risks can be modi- fied by diet, eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and choles- terol is important. And, the soluble fiber in oats, known as beta glucan, has been shown to help lower cholesterol. Beta glucan is found in famil- iar foods such as Cheerios cereal and oat- meal, and helps rid the body of some LDL or bad cholesterol. It acts like a sponge in the digestive tract to soak up choles- terol, helping to naturally remove it from the body. To garner benefits from beta glucan, it is recommended that you eat three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, which has one gram per serving. Eaten as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, this may reduce the risk of heart disease. Other foods that may actively help lower heart disease risk include certain fish, such as salmon and tuna, that are high in a good fat. And foods containing at least 0.65 grams per serving of plant sterol esters, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 1.3 grams, also may reduce the risk of heart disease when eaten as part of a heart-healthy diet. When doctors tell patients they have high cholesterol, they often receive information about the things they cannot or should not eat, says Susan J. Crockett, PhD, RD, FADA and leader of the General Mills Bell Institute. We think its important to empower people with the simple things they can do that may help lower their cho- lesterol. With this in mind, the company is donating $200,000 to WomenHeart, the nations only patient cen- tered organization dedi- cated to educating women about living a heart healthy life (www.womenheart.org). A few simple lifestyle changes, such as becom- ing more active and mak- ing smarter food choices, may help improve your heart health. Ways to help lower cholesterol for heart health 2012 CLINIC SOFIA OBGYN, PA nurturing a community of condent, healthy women Clinic Soa EDINA 6545 France Avenue South Edina, MN 55435 Clinic Soa MAPLE GROVE 15679 Grove Circle North Maple Grove, MN 55369 Donna Block MD, MBA Suja Roberts MD Jewelia Wagner MD Jennifer Knapp WHCNP Lonna Seger WHCNP Clinic Soa MONTICELLO 1107 Hart Boulevard Monticello, MN 55362 Clinic Soa has consistently been recognized in several magazine publications, including the 2012 and 2011 Mpls/St. Paul Magazine Top Doctors and the 2013 and 2012 Minnesota Monthly Best Doctor for Women issues, and was recently voted Best OB/GYN in the annual Readers Choice awards in several Sun Current newspapers. P// 952.922.7600 clinicsoa.com facebook.com/clinicsoa Living Well...Saturday, January 12th, 2013...Page 9
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According to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control, less than 33 percent of U.S. adults are eating enough fruit, and less than 27 percent are getting their recommended daily vegetable serv- ings. The average American diet con- tains many "empty" calories that can lead to obesity and even malnourishment due to lack of crucial nutrients, like fiber and calcium, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food is the fuel our bodies need to keep them functioning properly. But even if your eating habits aren't perfect, there are many small changes and short- cuts that can make a big nutritional impact. Get Good Bacteria Yogurt with live and active cultures can help with digestive tract problems, such as stomach upset, constipation and diar- rhea. However, downing two to three cups of yogurt a day can be difficult, if not redundant. Instead, many are choosing to take one to two probiotic supplements a day. In order to be effective, a probiotic should contain billions of live microflora and "good" bacteria. The Powerful Little Red Fruit Sixty percent of women experience uri- nary tract infections (UTIs), usually caused by the invasion of E. coli bacte- ria. While experts often recommend drinking cranberry juice, you'd need to drink about eight glasses a day to get the benefit from the cranberry. Since cran- berry juice can be very tart and is often loaded with sugar and calories, drinking so much of it can be difficult. Fortunately, you can now get all the benefits of eight glasses of cranberry juice and more in a new natural supple- ment, now available at stores without a prescription. One tablespoon of Cystex Liquid Cranberry Complex with Proantinox packs the healthful benefits of eight glasses of cranberry juice with- out the bitter taste, sugar and calories. More than just cranberry concentrate, the clinically-proven formula is bolstered by other ingredients that support bladder health and help prevent recurring UTIs, and is lactose-, sugar- and gluten-free. Kid-Friendly Fiber According to new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, a four- year-old child should consume 25 grams of fiber daily, while an 11-year-old boy needs at least 31 grams. However, par- ents often struggle to get kids to eat their vegetables and other high-fiber foods. Clever substitutions can help do the trick. Children now have fiber supple- ments tailored to their small physiques and finicky taste buds. For example, Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies are a deli- cious, dentist-approved daily fiber sup- Most aren't getting proper nutrition plement designed to help kids, ages 2-11, boost their fiber intake when they aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables. Three gummies per day add 6 grams of fiber to a child's daily diet, the equivalent of 21 spears of asparagus. Something Fishy If you don't like fish but want the benefit of omega-3 acids, which are believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and boost immune health, consider daily omega-3 supplements. For kids, a healthy alterna- tive is flaxseed, which can be sprinkled into cereal, oatmeal or yogurt. Each person's health and nutritional needs are different, so consult a health- care professional before adding supple- ments to your family's diet. HOW SWEET IT IS Bouquet www.biglakefloral.com A r o m a T h e r a p y ! 26065 Main Street, Zimmerman WWW.NELSCHIRO.COM We design plans especially for HSA & Flex Spending Accounts. Serving families in the Zimmerman area since 2000! Treating patients of all ages with the latest technology available! New Year Special: Consultation, Exam & 2 Nerve Scans for $20 Call for an appointment: 763-856-2600 Nelson Chiropractic Expires Feb. 15, 2013 Living Well...Saturday, January 12th, 2013...Page 10 Submitted Article Carbon monoxide (CO) incidents increase by more than 10 percent during the winter months and is often called the silent killer. CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas and when inhaled, it enters the blood stream preventing proper absorption of oxygen, which can lead to illness and even death. According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, municipal fire departments across the country respond to more than 60,000 CO incidents each year. Typically, CO is created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil or methane dont burn com- pletely, said Tim Boettcher, master serv- ice technician for CenterPoint Energys Home Service Plus. Home heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel inade- quately can be sources of carbon monox- ide. According to the Minnesota Poison Control Center, there are thousands of deaths each year as a result of carbon monoxide, making it the leading cause of death due to poisoning, said Perry Ebner, Minneapolis Fire Marshall. Additionally, our response to non-fire related CO inci- dents increase by 10 percent during the winter, so the time for prevention is now. CenterPoint Energy together with the Minneapolis Fire Department reminds the public of important safety tips about how to recognize the symptoms of and avoid CO exposure: Physical symptoms of CO exposure can resemble the flu causing headaches, nau- sea, fatigue, confusion and dizziness that disappear when a person breathes fresh air. Unusually high indoor humidity with per- sistent heavy condensation on walls and windows and soot or water collecting near a burner or vent Stuffy or stale indoor air. If you suspect CO exposure, leave the area immediately taking your pets with you and tell others to do the same. Once you are safely away from the area, call 911 to report the suspected CO incident. Treatment for CO exposure is fresh air or oxygen. Severe exposure requires med- ical attention. Do not return to your home or building until the source of the problem is discovered and corrected. To prevent CO build up: Purchase a CO detection device with an audible alarm and digital display and install it no more than 10 feet from each sleeping quarter, as required by law. Fuel- burning appliances, equipment and com- bustible engines all produce CO that can reach dangerous levels if improperly oper- ated or maintained. Have fuel-burning equipment regularly checked by a qualified technician (most manufacturers recommend annual check- ups). Never operate an automobile, lawn mower or any combustion engine, barbe- cue grill or similar equipment in an enclosed area such as your home, garage, tent, fish house, trailer or place of busi- ness, even with the door open. Any pollu- tants in the air from the garage, such as a car engine running, can travel into the structure and CO can accumulate. Never leave a fire smoldering in a fire- place. Check frequently for visible signs of problems, such as high indoor humidity and soot or water collecting near a burner or vent. Equipment that uses natural gas should produce a clear blue flame. A yellow or orange flame may indicate a qualified technician should check for a potential problem with the equipment. When natural CO Continued on page 11 CenterPoint Energy and Minneapolis Fire team up to keep your family safe Carbon monoxide exposure incidents increase 10 percent during winter 763.271.2200 www.newrivermedical.com 1107 Hart Boulevard Monticello, MN55362 New River Physician Clinic New River Physician Clinic delivers top-quality Internal Medicine and Family Medicine care close to home in a comforting and healing environment. Experience expert clinical care that is tailored to your individual needs. For an appointment, call 763.271.2200 Matthias Jordan, MD Internal Medicine Rabia Khan, MD (MBBS) Internal Medicine Ezzat Moussa, MD Family Medicine Maryam Rajablou, MD Internal Medicine Ann Marie Burgeson, CNP Family Medicine Troy Ivey, DO General Surgery Living Well...Saturday, January 12th, 2013...Page 11
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CenterPoint Energy offers safety tips for the heating season Natural gas meters, snow & ice; What you need to know to keep your family safe 763-271-2800 1001 Hart Boulevard, Suite 50, Monticello, MN 55362 The Monticello Cancer Center provides renowned cancer care close to home including medical oncology and radiation therapy services. Featuring experienced cancer experts and state-of-the-art technology, the Monticello Cancer Center delivers comprehensive care in a relaxing, healing environment. The Monticello Cancer Center provides renowned cancer care close to home including medical oncology and radiation therapy services. Featuring experienced cancer experts and state-of-the-art technology, the Monticello Cancer Center delivers comprehensive care in a relaxing, healing environment. gas equipment is properly operated and maintained, it usually will not produce CO. Provide adequate combustion air for all your appliances. Be certain fuel-burning equipment prop- erly vents to the outdoors. Keep vents, fresh air intakes and chim- neys clear of debris or other obstructions and check for vent pipes that have gaps, leaks, spaces or are rusted through. Never attempt to heat a room with a nat- ural gas range, oven or clothes dryer For more information about natural gas safety, visit www.centerpointenergy.com/besafe or call 612-372-4727 or 1-800-245-2377. CO Continued from page 10_______________ Submitted Article Snow or ice formations on or near the natural gas meter can cause potentially dangerous conditions. Accumulation of snow and ice can affect proper operation or ventilation of the regulator, which could cause over-pressurization. Natural gas regulators are designed to maintain a constant pressure, ensure safe delivery of natural gas and vent natural gas safely to the atmosphere. If blocked, pressure may build up creating a dangerous situation and cause appliances to fail. CenterPoint Energy would like to remind the public of important winter natural gas safety tips: Keep the meter area and a path to the meter clear of snow and debris. Do not use a snow blower or shovel near the meter or attempt to remove ice from the meter yourself. You can use a broom to keep the snow cleared around and on top of the meter and piping. If there is ice on the meter, or one or more of the following conditions exist, call 612-321-5200 or 1-800-296-9815: Snow or ice formations are visible above the meter Meter is located below a downspout Overhang or eave does not fully extend over the meter Meter is located below a roof valley without a gutter Meter is located below an exterior water spout If you suspect you have a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately on foot and tell others to do the same. Do not drive into or near a gas leak or vapor cloud. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), or anything that could cause a spark. Once safely away from the area, call the CenterPoint Energy emergency gas leak hot line at 1-800-296-9815 and 911 to report the location and description of the leak and CenterPoint Energy will send a trained service technician immediately. For more natural gas safety tips, visit our website at CenterPointEnergy. com/besafe. Living Well...Saturday, January 12th, 2013...Page 12 When was the last time you took your child to the doctor when they felt good? Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sherbctc -Sherburne County Child and Teen Check Up Program. Well-child check-ups are recommended at the following ages: 2-4 weeks, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 months, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 years and every other year thereafter. Regular visits for shots and check ups, when your child is healthy, will diminish the number of irregular visits needed when sick. It will also give you a chance to ask the questions you forgot to ask when your child was sick. A well-child check-up should include: information about good physical & mental health, a complete physical exam, checks on development and growth, hearing check, vision check, lab tests as needed and shots as needed. For questions regarding well-child check-ups, help finding a doctor or dentist, help arranging transportation or an interpreter, Call Sherburne County Health & Human Services! Ask to talk to a Child &Teen Check-up staff person. 763-765-4000 1-800-433-5239 The Kids Klinic can help. Call the above number.