Resolution to Lose Weight
Craven
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12/20/2006 |
It is the time of year when many people consider their New Year's resolutions, and losing weight and getting healthy are often at the top of the list.
11-year-old Alexis Johnson, who weighs more than 250 pounds, is an example of the frightening increase in childhood obesity.
Alexis wants to make some life changes because she says she wants to be healthier.
Newschannel 12 will follow her progress, and hopefully help you at the same time by offering exercise and diet tips.
Alexis' trainer says the number one thing she and all of us must do is make a change in diet, because no exercise plan will work unless you are eating well. |
 
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Comforting Military Widows
Onslow
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11/22/2006 |
Troop casualties are up in recent months, and as this trend continues, chances are you could know someone in our area who has lost a loved one.
So what is the best way to show your support for the family?
Angela Castillo vaguely recalls the military chaplain and casualty officer coming to her door to deliver the news.
"I remember, but i really don't remember because it's kind of, you know what it is, but you really don't want to know what it is."
Angela lost her husband, Lance Corporal Mario Castillo, to a roadside bomb in Fallujah in June 2005.
She says the most memorable and comforting words she ever got were from a family friend.
"The one thing she told me was Angela, how proud i am of you and how good of a job you're doing and I'm sure your husband is really proud. That's what i needed to hear.
What she does not like is the cliches, especially the words "I'm sorry."
"That's just something you hear so much and it's just kind of like—you're sorry. So what?"
Vivianne Wersel hangs on to the last note her husband ever wrote her.
"You make my life complete——keep up the wonderful job you're doing with everything.
She got it just days before his death in February of last year.
After multiple deployments to Iraq, Lieutenant Colonel Rich Wersel collapsed at the gym and died at home.
"I really don't want to hear that perhaps it was gods will, or it was his turn.
I don't want to hear cliches."
What she does like to hear is "thank you."
She also likes to get cards and hugs, even from strangers.
What has helped both of these women most during these tough times are the random acts of kindness — people stopping by to bring food, mow their lawn or just sit and talk.
They both agree that if you do not know what to say, do not say anything.
Just be there and offer your support in the best way you know how.
Another big thing for both of these women is that they both really want to be a part of the couples community.
When a group of couples goes out they still want to be invited.
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Halloween Candy & Cavities
Eastern NC
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11/2/2006 |
Now that Halloween is over, pounds of candy are just waiting to be eaten.
For many parents, the thought of tooth decay is scarier than Tuesday night's goblins.
If you are not careful, your kids could trick-or-treat themselves straight to the dentist's chair.
They say bacteria grabs the sugar and gets energy from it.
Parents should not be too worried about one holiday - what matters most is the big picture.
That means having good oral hygiene - remembering to brush and floss.
One local dentist says it is not about how much your kids eat, but how often they eat it.
The problems come from how many times the sugar washes over the teeth.
Here are some tips:
-Let your kids eat their Halloween candy, but only once a day
-Make them brush right after
-Offer a well-balanced meal before your kids' nightly candy craze
Some of the candies with the least amount of sugar are Goobers, Twix, and Almond Joy.
Milky Way, O'Henry, and Junior Mints have the most sugar.
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Sanitation Scores
Eastern NC
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10/30/2006 |
The results for September's Carteret County restaurant health inspections have just come out.
Inspectors surprise each restaurant, and then grade them on a variety of factors, from where they store their food, to how frequently employees wash their hands.
One business owners say a higher score translates to more business.
Health inspectors use this grading system to keep the public protected.
If a restaurant scores less than 70, it could be forced to shut down. |
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Troop Blood Supply
Eastern NC
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10/23/2006 |
Since the war on terror began, many of us have sat back helplessly here at home wondering what we can do to help.
And your answer is blood donations, which are extremely low and the need for blood is at its peak.
Our local marines and sailors do anything they can to help their fellow troops on the front lines and that means donating blood as often as they're allowed to.
But with more bloodshed on the battlefield, the need for donations is even greater.
Anyone can come to Camp Lejeune's Naval Hospital to donate.
Blood taken there goes directly to Iraq, sometimes within a week.
And that's why the military pushes for donors when the violence escalates.
86 American troops have died this October and many more are wounded.
That's the highest number of deaths since the U.S. offensive on Fallujah in November 2004.
Many of our returning troops aren't eligible to donate, which means the blood supply may continue to dwindle.
So the responsibility falls on the community to do what we can to save lives.
To find out how you can donate, call Camp Lejeune's Blood Donation Center at (910) 450-3458.
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Senior Prescription Drug Plan
Eastern NC
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10/18/2006 |
There's a new prescription drug assistance plan for low-income seniors that will help them pay their Medicare Part D premiums.
95 year old Gladys Davis takes 11 pills a day and needs all the financial assistance she can get.
She was excited to hear what Governor Easley had to say in New Bern Wednesday.
He told seniors, "we want to go through, plug the holes so people don't fall through the cracks in North Carolina."
The Medicare Part D drug insurance program began in January.
It offers full premium assistance for people well below poverty level.
The new North Carolina RX program will help those who have slightly higher incomes.
Qualifying seniors will receive a credit of $18 a month to pay for their premium.
The program will also provide resources to help seniors navigate the complicated federal drug program.
About 50,000 seniors are expected to sign-up.
You must apply before December 31st to be eligible for NCRX benefits for 2007.
Click on the link below for more information on the program.
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http://www.ncrx.gov
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Elderly Abuse
Eastern NC
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10/16/2006 |
When you think of elder abuse, some disturbing images come to mind:
A sweet old grandma at a nursing home being ignored by the staff or maybe a grandfather home alone without anyone checking-in.
But the issue goes far beyond that.
Cora Mattocks is the Executive Director of Daybreak Adult Day Services in Kinston.
She says family members with good intentions often end up becoming abusers.
Mattocks says "because the care-giver is taking on a role that requires 24-hour-a-day supervision and they're not able to take a break, so the stress and tension of caring for a loved one puts that vulnerable senior at risk for abuse."
And it's not always physical abuse.
The most reported crimes against elders have to do with money, everything from scams to investment fraud.
Here are some common signs of abuse:
-A change in behavior. Maybe the senior is acting withdrawn or depressed.
-Unexplained bruises or broken bones
-Also, if the senior never has any money
-Or if they seem to be overly medicated.
If you suspect abuse and you know it's going on you are bound by the state of north carolina to report it.
Call your local law enforcement agency or the state's elder abuse hotline at 1-800-662-7030.
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Prepping For Avian Flu
Craven
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10/12/2006 |
County health directors from around the state are in New Bern for some important business this week.
They are preparing a response to an outbreak of Avian Flu, which kills about half the people it infects.
Local health deparments should know when to close schools and encourage businesses to come up with plans.
Food Lion has emergency plans to keep store shelves full in a flu crisis. |
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Flu Season Begins
Eastern NC
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10/6/2006 |
Each year in our country, more than 35,000 people die from flu complications.
It can start with a headache, or maybe a sore throat.
That's why flu shot clinics are popping up all over the East to stop the virus from spreading.
Getting the vaccine is your best chance at fending off the flu.
If you don't get a shot, your only option is to try and avoid contact with people who have the flu, which is usually spread through coughing or sneezing.
That can be hard to do, especially since the virus can spread even before symptoms start so you don't always know who has it.
Doctors say children younger than six, adults older than 50, pregnant women, anyone with chronic medical conditions and anyone who lives in a long-term care facility should absolutely get vaccinated.
Experts say the earlier the better when it comes to getting your shot.
Click on the link below to find flu clinics in your area.
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http://findaflushot.com
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Sedation Dentistry Dangers
Eastern NC
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9/28/2006 |
A 5-year-old Chicago girl died Wednesday, and investigators are trying to figure out if anesthesia at the dentist is to blame.
Her case has many wondering if dentists really need to use sedation for routine procedures.
It is used on patients who get stressed out at the very thought of going to the dentist.
Each state has its own regulations on the issue.
To get a permit to use general anesthesia in North Caroina, a dentist needs at least a year of advanced training, and their first several cases are done with a supervising dentist.
Dr. Jim Congleton in New Bern specializes in kids who act up in the dentist's chair, and he uses small doses of drugs to calm them down.
On rare occasions, he opts for general anesthesia, but says he would rather have a more active child as a patient, than one who is asleep.
If Dr. Congleton does decide to use general anesthesia, his patients have to go to a hospital or surgical center--it is never done at his office.
The state Board of Dental Examiners tracks bad drug reactions.
In the past five years, four patients in North Carolina have either suffered permanent brain damage, or needed hospitalization because of dental anesthesia.
None of those cases involved children.
Dentists have differing views about a parent's role in all of this.
Some will not allow the parent to stay in the room because they say it distracts them and the child.
Others will only use sedation if the parent is there.
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Child Deaths in North Carolina
Eastern NC
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9/25/2006 |
Several advocacy groups have released startling numbers about child death rates in North Carolina.
Officials say the number of children killed in the state last year is up 40%.
Our area has seen several cases recently: someone shot and killed a 5-year-old girl in her Duplin County home, and then reportedly escaped to Mexico.
Gun-related deaths of children were up from 39 in 2004 to 61 last year.
The child abuse numbers are up, too--31 kids died at the hands of their parents in 2004.
That number went up to 37 in 2005.
2-year-old Damien Aguilar died in Jacksonville this past April after his father said he fell in the bathtub, but the autopsy told a different story.
Now the father is charged with murder.
About 90% of kids killed by child abuse are younger than four.
And those numbers do not even tell the whole story because some deaths labeled as "accidents" may actually be due to child abuse.
Many new parents, especially young ones, feel isolated and stressed, and in some cases turn violent.
If you know a new parent, offer to help them out by baby-sitting or cooking them dinner. |
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Predatory Lenders
Eastern NC
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9/21/2006 |
North Carolina is starting to crack down on payday lenders.
They lend money at very high interest rates, which can leave families in major debt.
They are also notorious for targeting military members, so it has been a serious problem in eastern North Carolina.
The state has shut down these businesses more than once, but they always seem to find a way to get back in the game.
Research proves the counties with the greatest number of payday lenders are in military communities.
Three of the top four counties are Wayne, Cumberland and craven--home to Seymour Johnson and Pope Air Force Bases, Fort Bragg, and Cherry Point.
Sen. Elizabeth Dole has taken the issue to the Senate Banking Committee in Washington, D.C.
She says we need national standards that ensure that servicemembers are protected.
She points out payday lenders can also prevent troops from getting security clearances.
Over the past five years, revoked or denied clearances from money problems have increased 1,600%.
A way to stay out of trouble is by paying attention to the interest rate a lender is offering you.
North Carolina has capped rates at 36%, but you should look for something much lower than that. |
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Prepping For Pandemic Flu
Eastern NC
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9/14/2006 |
The Pandemic Flu may seem like something that will never touch our lives, but local health officials are already taking big steps to prepare for it.
The Craven County Health Department is preparing for the possibility of an outbreak by teaching people how to stay healthy, and keep the number of people affected by the flu down.
They say in the case of an outbreak, about 20% of the population might get the flu, with another 20% of the population missing work to take care them.
Health officials want doctors to prepare their patients by asking them questions like, "What will you do when you are overwhelmed with workload and understaffed?"
As for protecting your family, if you are sick, cough or sneeze into your sleeve instead of your hands.
Most importantly, stay home
"Pandemic Flu" means worldwide flu.
It spreads quickly because there is no vaccine and we have no immunity to the virus.
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Flying With Small Kids
Eastern NC
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9/8/2006 |
If you have ever taken a plane trip with kids, carrying those car seats around gets tiring.
Trying to secure them on the airplane seat is nearly impossible.
Now parents have another option, called the AM-Safe Aviation Cares Device.
The FAA just approved it for use on planes, and it works like a car seat, but it is much lighter.
It is meant to keep toddlers safe when there is turbulence in the skies.
The Cares Devide weighs only about a pound and fits into a six-inch pouch.
It works with pretty much any airline seat, except exit rows.
It is designed for kids who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds.
The device only works on airplaines, so if you are going to need a car seat at your destination, you will have to make those arrangements.
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http://www.kidsflysafe.com
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Obesity Crisis
Eastern NC
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8/30/2006 |
Experts say awareness is vital to tackling the growing problem of obesity.
Having the facts could save you from chronic health problems, like heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
A study by the non-profit group, Trust For America's Health ranked states by levels of adult obesity.
While the southern states top the list, North Carolina is closer to the middle in the 17th spot.
Health officials say lack of awareness is partly to blame for the rising number of obese people.
Another reason could be cultural.
Doctor's say southern cooking is a leading culprit.
In addition, experts note the number of people working on farms has decreased, but eating habits have stayed the same.
Economic factors play a part in the problem as well.
Sometimes healthier foods cost more.
Cathie Wall gives a prime example with fast food chains offering lower calorie options.
Pitt County is already taking action against obesity.
Schools, businesses and health professionals are working a 5 year plan to reduce obesity.
It's called Eat Smart, Move More.
Click on the link below for more information.
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http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com
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Slow Down Campaign
Eastern NC
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8/29/2006 |
Speeders beware this holiday week.
The Highway Patrol and other agencies in Carteret County are cracking down on speeders.
Troopers say high speed is a factor in 12% of crashes in the county, and the time you save by speeding is minimal.
The Slow Down Campaign will last through Labor Day.
The Highway Patrol will also target U.S. 64 and U.S. 264.
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Back-to-School Safety
Eastern NC
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8/23/2006 |
Most area kids head back to the classroom Friday, and that means kids at the bus stop, kids riding their bikes, and kids getting dropped off by their parents.
A few reminders can help keep everyone safe.
Make sure your kids ride their bikes to school and make sure they wear a helmet.
Also, whether your kids are riding their bikes or walking, they should always wear reflective clothes.
Even light colored clothing is hard for drivers to see on foggy mornings.
If your kids ride the bus, tell them to wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it is safe to board.
Never walk behind or close to the side of a bus, and no acting up at the bus stop--kids could easily get pushed into the street on accident.
For the parents who drive their kids to school, here is a sad statistic:
more than 100 children die each year by getting backed over in their own driveway.
The best way to avoid that is to adjust your mirrors, check your blind spots, and roll down your windows.
That way you can hear what is going on outside your car.
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Tips For Predicting Layoffs
Eastern NC
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8/21/2006 |
Labor Day is a celebration of the American worker, but many employment experts say it also kicks off the time of year when workers are most likely to get laid off.
This year's soaring energy prices combined with higher interest rates could make things even more volatile.
The best thing to do is be prepared, and that means looking for clues.
When Ford announced major layoffs, the company gave its workers plenty of notice.
But even if your's doesn't, you can look for warning signs:
-Expense reductions
-Hiring freezes
-Management resignations
Lets say it's too late, and you've already been laid off--now what?
First, try to negotiate a good severance package.
Those are usually based on how long you've worked for the company, but it never hurts to try for more, including help finding another job.
Next, collect your 401K money and pension benefit plan, and keep your health insurance.
This is especially important if you have a pre-existing condition.
Federal law says you can keep your health care coverage for up to a year and a half, but it is expensive.
After that, minimize your expenses and put those credit cards away.
It's also a good idea to leave on good terms, and get a letter of recommendation--even one that says you were laid off, and not fired because of poor performance.
Recent studies show the average worker takes between three and four months to rebound from a layoff. |
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Protection From Lead
Eastern NC
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8/14/2006 |
Protecting yourself from lead is the focus of tonight's Families First report.
Last week we told you about lead-based paint on children's toys.
Now we want to tell you about other potential areas of concern you should know about.
If you live in an older home, one built before 1978, you could be exposed to lead.
There are ways to eliminate the risk, but you need to follow proper procedures to keep yourself safe.
When Cheyenne Surber bought his house in New Bern, he knew there was lead-based paint on the walls, the renovation work of scraping the baseboards and re-laying floors, didn't concern him, but the safety of his family did.
Lead exposure is more dangerous for small children, especially kids under the age of two.
The most common threat of lead exposure is chipping lead-based paint. removing the paint isn't dangerous, as long as you keep the work area clean.
Another area for worry is the soil around your house, which can be contaminated by old paint and years of car exhaust from the days of leaded gasoline.
To reduce lead exposure for your kids, experts suggest letting them play in a sandbox, instead of the dirt.
For more information on lead exposure or poisoning, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323.
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Teen Kitchen Safety
Eastern NC
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8/9/2006 |
Once school starts, many teenagers are left to fend for themselves in the kitchen, but a new study shows a lot of them do not know basic food safety.
More than a quarter of them think it is okay to defrost food on the counter.
You never want to defrost food on the counter, because there are a lot of health risks involved.
What you want to do is take your food, take it from the freezer, place it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in its plastic bag that it came in, allow it to defrost overnight.
When it comes to plastics, read the label.
From food storage to reheating, different plastic containers serve different purposes in the kitchen.
For example, butter tubs are designed for cold food storage, but not for reheating.
There is some good news: 78% of those surveyed knew to use air-tight plastic containers to store food.
Reading labels is probably the best thing your teen can do to prevent problems in the kitchen.
You might also want to buy set of plastic containers that can be used in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.
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http://www.plasticsinfo.org/s_plasticsinfo/index.asp
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Fluctuating Interest Rates
Eastern NC
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8/7/2006 |
Federal reserve policy makers will meet Tuesday to discuss raising interest rates.
If they go up, it will mark the 19th consecutive rate hike.
Interest rates can make a significant impact on your monthly mortgage payment.
Depending on your situation, adjustable rate and interest only loans could lead you to mortgage payments you cannot afford.
The best way to avoid problems with your loan is to stay informed.
Know the exact term and how often it can go up and what are the maximums it can go up.
As interest rates rise, the best course of action for those with variable rate loans is to refinance the loan to a fixed rate.
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High-Tech School Gadgets
Eastern NC
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7/31/2006 |
The tax-free holiday is this weekend, and it is time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping.
This year, it is all about the high-tech gadgets.
A tech expert says the one thing parents need to keep in mind no matter what computer they pick, is they want to make sure that it is tough on the inside as well as the outside.
That means they really want to get some really strong virus protection.
For example, Symantec’s Norton Internet Security 2006 is really essential protection against viruses, hackers, privacy threats, spyware, and easy-to-use spam detection as well.
After a tough day of classes, students will be looking for some high-tech relaxation.
The tech expert says one fun luxury item out there is something from Homedics.
It is their ICush, and it is the first portable cushion that syncs the sound of the music with the massage.
You plug in your Ipod or your mp3 player right into it, or you can even plug in a video game box, and then you can feel every turn and crash and explosion of the game right in the massage.
Younger kids are also becoming tech savvy, and these days, learning can be fun.
A cool new product is the Telestory from Jakks Pacific, and it is interactive books that connect directly into a standard television.
Retailers are predicting a major boost in back-to-school spending this year.
Most of that increase will come from the electronics category.
North Carolina's tax free weekend runs from August 4th through 6th.
It applies to clothes and school supplies under $100, sports equipment under $50, computers under $3,500, and computer equipment under $250. |
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Children in Hot Cars
Eastern NC
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7/25/2006 |
American children die every year from heatstroke after being left in hot cars.
Since 1998, 293 children have died due to hyperthermia in cars.
That is an annual average of 36 children per year.
Research shows 39% of car heatstroke deaths happen when a child is accidentally left in the car by a caregiver.
27% happen when a child is playing in the car.
20% happen when a child is intentionally left in the car.
To help parents understand the dangers, Chevrolet partnered with Safe Kids to build a display that shows temperature differences most of us are not aware of.
They put a temperature sensor inside a car and measured the temperature in and outside the car.
On a comfortable day, it showed that is was 114 degrees inside.
Safe Kids recommends locking your car, even in your own driveway, to prevent your child or other children from climbing in.
If you see a child in a locked car, call 911 right away.
So far this year, at least 13 children have died from hyperthermia after overheating inside a car. |
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Pet Parasites
Eastern NC
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7/18/2006 |
Most pet owners do not take their dog or cat to the vet unless it is sick, but your furry friend may have internal parasites without showing any symptoms.
Those parasites could also get to you and your family.
A few guidelines can help keep everyone healthy:
-Keep vet visits regular.
-Start puppies and kittens on a de-worming program as early as two to three weeks of age.
-Give dogs heartworm preventatives regularly and correctly.
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http://www.petsandparasites.org
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Avoiding Lightning Damage
Eastern NC
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7/13/2006 |
Lots of families like to enjoy being outside this time of year, but even the nicest day can turn dangerous.
We have already seen lots of lightning this season, and you can take steps to prevent lightning damage.
Progress Energy demonstrated what a power surge from lightning can do to a light bulb.
Surge protectors can save your electronics from lightning strikes.
Some surge protectors even have inputs for cable and phone lines for added protection.
Progress Energy also offers customers a surge protector for the entire house to go over the meter outside, and it costs $6 a month. |
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Technology & Summer Travel
Eastern NC
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7/10/2006 |
If you are one of the millions of Americans hitting the road for a summer getaway, you don’t have to dread that long car ride.
With a little planning, this season’s road trip can be a vacation within your vacation.
The latest updates in portable technology are helping families stay connected to their every day lives while on the road.
New GPS devices mean you don't have to rely on the radio for traffic reports.
The newly released Roadmate 3000T has the ability to look at traffic happening, and then you can hit a button and it will redirect you on a different route.
There are also several new systems to help you manage your favorite tunes, but make sure you buy one you're comfortable using, or you may not use it at all.
Thanks to wireless internet, you can avoid diet distractions.
Just log on from your hotel, or even your car, to check the fat, calories, or points in anything.
Of course the main thing on vacationers' minds this summer is gas prices.
Checking for loose gas caps, worn spark plugs, and under-inflated tires can add miles to every gallon.
Technology can help with air travel too.
Portable DVD players and IPods can make those long flights more bearable. |
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Child Well-Being Study
Eastern NC
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7/6/2006 |
A recent study by a child advocacy group shows when it comes to our children's well-being, North Carolina has a lot of work to do.
Our state ranked 41st in the nation--down from 40th last year.
There are several reasons North Carolina is falling in the ranks.
The main reason is child poverty.
More than 22% of North Carolina kids grow up poor.
The median income in our state in 15% below the national average, which is about $51,000.
But there are other things that figure into the ranking.
We have more low birth-weight babies, and a higher infant mortality rate than the national average.
Other areas where the Tar Heel state scored low include teen pregnancy and the number of high school drop-outs.
The new is not all bad, though--our schools scored high for preparing 4th and 8th graders for basic math assessment tests.
The study was done by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
It is based on 10 key indicators of child well being, including family income, health, and education.
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Summer Jobs to Keep Kids Safe
Craven
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6/29/2006 |
A rash of gang-related attacks during Spring Break caught the attention of New Bern police.
Now local businesses have joined the fight to stop gangs.
They have offered up 25 summer jobs to keep teens out of trouble.
Wednesday, teens learned interview skills, application writing, and job dressing at a job orientation seminar.
BSH, Bojangles, and the City of New Bern agreed to hire many of the students.
The jobs range from fast food work, to office work, to janitorial work.
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Cracking Down On Noisy Cars
Onslow
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6/26/2006 |
Jacksonville police want to make sure you are not blasting your stereo too loud on Western Boulevard.
Monday they kicked off Operation No Fly Zone.
Police have received a number of complaints about booming stereos from business owners and drivers.
They will specifically target the area between Bryn Marr Road and Huff Drive.
Police say a car stereo is too loud if other drivers can hear it in their car. |
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Lead Test Levels
Craven
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6/21/2006 |
The Craven County Health Department tested 49 young children at the Duffyfield Head Start.
The Health Department found lead paint chipping off some parts of the building.
With children gone for the summer the head start made arrangements to eliminate the problem.
Young children face the greatest risk of lead poisoning.
Test results have come back on all but five children tested.
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Gang Awareness Workshop
Eastern NC
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6/19/2006 |
Even before these latest numbers came out... lenoir county knew there was a problem.
Commissioners recently voted in favor of a curfew.
And tuesday night... kinston community leaders are hosting a gang awareness workshop.
The seminar will take an in-depth look at the rise of gangs and gang violence in the community.
It will also focus on drugs and other crime statistics.
There *are programs available to help at-risk kids... but many families don't know about them... or choose not to get involved.
Tuesday's workshop will look at ways to improve those programs and increase participation.
Many of the programs that *have been working are faith-based.
Several church leaders will be at the meeting to share why they believe what they're doing is working.
This is your chance to learn and to ask questions.
The key to change is community involvement.
Organizers are hoping to kick off a new era with a big turnout tuesday night.
It starts at 7.
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Is Coffee Making You Fat?
Eastern NC
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6/14/2006 |
Depending on what kind of coffee you buy each day, you could be drinking more calories than you eat.
Plain, black coffee has no fat and no calories, and it is perfect for anyone trying to watch their weight.
Most of us, however, add at least cream and sugar.
Fancy drinks, such as lattes, mochas, and cappucinos, can really pack on the calories.
Two tablespoons of flavored syrup adds 80 calories, and one tablespoon of cream adds 50 calories and six grams of fat.
A tablespoon of half-and-half has 20 calories and two grams of fat.
This makes your average cup of coffee with cream and sugar about 100 or 150 calories, but check out what is in the other coffee drinks:
-Cafe mocha with whole milk and whipped cream: 340 calories and 20 grams of fat
-Some of those frozen, blended coffees: 500 calories!!
If you want to know exactly how many calories and how much fat is in your favorite drink, just ask your barista, who will usually have that kind of information on hand.
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Cell Phone Tracking
Eastern NC
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6/13/2006 |
A new service hit the cell phone market this week that will help parents keep their kids closer to home.
It is from Verizon Wireless, and it is called "Chaperone."
Parents can set up a certain area they want their kids to stay in, and if their kid ventures out of the area, the parent will get a text message letting them know.
The area can be as small as your neighborhood, or as big as you want it to be.
"Chaperone" also lets parents see exactly where their kids are by logging onto a map on their cell phone or their computer.
The service only works with the "Migo" phone, a four-button phone designed especially for kids.
The location-viewing service costs $10 a month.
The boundary-setting feature will cost you another $10.
Other cell phone companies, including Sprint/Nextel, have launched similar service in recent months.
Walt Disney plans to offer its own tracking service when the company starts selling cell phones this summer. |
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Swimming Safety
Eastern NC
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6/7/2006 |
in tonight's families first report... water safety.
the warm temperatures only mean one thing for kids... pool time!
but being around the water isn't all fun and games.
besa tafilaj shows us how the y-m-c-a is helping kids stay safe.
these kids are doing more than just splishin' and a splashin' in the pool.
they're learning some important lessons about safety.
"um yeah... i learned a lot of things. i learned to never ever lean to get someone and pull 'em in 'cause then you'll probably fall in."
hudson learned that lesson right here... at one the swim safety stations set up in the y-m-c-a pool.
the kids take turns throwing a life preserver out to one of their classmates and pulling them into safety.
they also practice with a stick... in case there isn't a life preserver around.
"you should keep your balance... hold the stick and never lean forward."
this is another safety station... where the kids learn to put a life jacket on properly.
"keep floating!"
coaches help them learn to relax in the water... so they don't panic if they find themselves in a scary situation.
the most important thing these kids are learning is this:
"to be safe, swim supervised... make sure there's an adult around. don't overextend your abilities."
and parents need to:
"supervise their children. if they don't know how to swim and the parent knows they don't know how to swim... get them some swim lessons."
those swim lessons were free for fourth graders at the y-m-c-a... during school hours.
but the "y" offers lessons year-round.
since drowning is the number 2 cause of death for toddlers... it's never too early to start.
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Thousands Visit Aquarium
Carteret
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6/5/2006 |
It has been more than two weeks since the aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
re-opened to the public.
By all indications, it will meet the attendance Lieutenant Governor Beverly Perdue predicted for its first year--700,000 visitors.
More than 50,000 people have already lined up to experience the aquarium's newest offerings.
About 2,500 people pass through the doors each day on average.
All three North Carolina aquariums attract more than a million visitors a year.
In the coming months, visitors can expect the exhibits and variety of sea life to grow.
The aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Children's Hope Chest
Eastern NC
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5/31/2006 |
Foreign adoption is becoming more popular, and parents who do it say it is the best decision they ever made.
But what about the millions of orphans around the world who are not adopted?
An organization called Children's Hope Chest is fighting to help them.
It's a group that works with churches and businesses to sponsor orphanages.
Their mission is to see that children have the best opportunities possible.
For more information, click on the link below:
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http://www.hopechest.org
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Grilling Dangers
Eastern NC
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5/29/2006 |
Backyard barbeques are a mainstay of the summer season, and a lot of people are pulling their's out of storage for the first time this holiday weekend.
There are some things you need to know to keep you and your family safe, before striking a match.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports gas grills lead to more than 500 fires a year.
Be sure to check all your equipment for leaks and clogs before using it.
You also need to be aware of where you use your grill--keep it away from cars and any combustible materials.
Always be sure to use a grilling mit and utensils long enough to accomodate the grill you are using.
Grilling is often a family affair, so keep the kids at a safe distance.
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Hidden Beach Danger
Eastern NC
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5/24/2006 |
Many people will head to the coast this holiday weekend, but there are a number of things you might encounter that could spoil you fun.
28 species of shark make their home off the North Carolina coast.
Although they are one of the ocean's most feared residents, they should probably be the least of your worries.
Stingrays and horseshoe crabs are other dangerous sea creatures that you are more likely to come into contact with. .
The second thing to watch out for are sunburns, which can lead to skin cancer.
You can protect yourself by slathering on sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading into the sun, and wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Another danger at the beach comes from the sea itself in the form of rip currents.
They are powerful, channeled currents of water pulling away from shore.
There is an easy way to save yourself if you are caught in one: swim parallel to the beach, for about 50 feet.
Also, do not forget to stay hydrated--signs of dehydration include headache, dizziness, and dry mouth.
If you do develop dehydration, you can replenish your body with an electrolyte balanced fluid such as a sports drink.
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Dirty Little Secrets: Bacteria
Eastern NC
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5/22/2006 |
In the latest edition of "Dirty Little Secrets," Newschannel 12's Besa Tafilaj found a bacteriologist to help explain what kinds of bacteria are dangerous.
In February, Besa swabbed 12 things a parent might touch on a daily basis.
The worst bacteria offenders were a child's car seat, the bottom of a woman's purse, a steering wheel, a bathroom door handle, and a magazine at the doctor's office.
A lab in Morrisville looked closer at the tests, and discovered that everything was safe except the bacteria from the playground.
That bacteria could be dangerous if it enters a wound or comes into contact with a child with a weak immune system.
The bacteriologist said the best way to protect your child from the dangerous bacteria is to wash injuries right away and then keep a bandage on them.
Once it scabs over, the child should be safe.
You can see more about the scientific names and amounts of bacteria below:
Car Seat: nothing detected
Steering Wheel: Yeast present
Bottom of Purse: 1000 CFUs/swab of Pantoea Species
Playground Equipment: 17,800 CFUs/swab of Arthrobacter Species and 100 CFUs/swab of Bacillus Species
Magazine at Doctor's Office: 100 CFUs/swab of Actinomyces Species, 100 CFUs/swab of Panteoa Species, and 400 CFUs/swab of Staphylococcus Species
Bathroom Door Handle: nothing detected
***CFU = Colony Forming Unit***
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Dirty Little Secrets at Work
Eastern NC
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5/18/2006 |
Germs are all around us, but just how many germs do we come into contact with on a regular day at work?
Newschannel 12's Besa Tafilaj decided to find out, and she did not have to search very far.
She and an expert from Envirochem in Wilmington tested various things around the Newschannel 12 office, figuring it was a pretty typical workplace.
They spent the day swabbing different surfaces in the building, starting at the receptionist's desk.
They tested her mouse, her phone, her keyboard, and then moved into the employee break room to check out the microwave, water faucet, paper towel dispenser, and lunch table.
In the bathroom, they tested the stall door and the handle on the men's toilet.
Then they went into the control room to test the phone and the headset worn by the producers.
After that, they checked out the assignment editor's desk, and a reporter's cell phone.
They sent all the samples to the lab to see which has the highest bacteria count.
Three of the dirtiest places were in the break room: the paper towel dispenser, the lunch table, and the microwave. < |
