WHAT’ S NEWS IN SOUTH FAYETTE
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL COMING TO SOUTH FAYETTE SENIOR CENTER
The Friends of the Bridgeville Public Library’ s annual Christmas Tree Festival will be held at the South Fayette Senior Center on Dec. 3 and 4, from 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. This twoday event gives an individual, family, group or business the opportunity to enter a unique and creative
Friends
OF
LIBRARY
THE BRIDGEVILLE tree for display during the festival. It is a beautiful display of trees of all sizes, each with its own theme. Proceeds benefit the Bridgeville Public Library.
Spectators get to vote on their favorite tree. On Sunday afternoon, first-place winners in each category are announced and awarded a prize. Activities include a Chinese auction, bake sale, musical performance, a visit from Santa and a Children’ s Corner featuring crafting activities. Admission to the festival is $ 2 per person. Children under the age of six are free. For more info, go to friendsofbpl. org.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST CARBON MONOXIDE
The Allegheny County Health Department( ACHD) reminds residents of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning as another heating season begins.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that is the by-product of incomplete combustion of a fuel. Hundreds of people die each year nationwide from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, but most deaths could be prevented through greater awareness and education.
Common sources of carbon monoxide are a malfunctioning or incorrectly vented furnace, hot water heater, space heater, fireplace, cooking stove or other type of fuelburning equipment. Misusing a charcoal grill or a cooking stove to warm a house or leaving a car, van or truck running in an
THE SCHEUERMANN’ S DISEASE FUND RAISES NEARLY $ 16,000
The Scheuermann’ s Disease Fund, the first and only charity in the world created to help those afflicted with Scheuermann’ s Disease, held a fundraiser on Oct. 2 at the Alpine Club raising nearly $ 16,000 to fund research and early detection screenings for the disease.
Scheuermann’ s Disease is a skeletal disease often noted by an accentuated curvature or kyphosis. It is believed to be caused by abnormal bone growth in the vertebrae, potentially by an interruption of blood flow. This happens most often during a growth spurt in adolescence and causes the vertebrae to change from a healthy rectangular shape to a triangular wedge shape.
If left untreated, people with more severe cases of Scheuermann’ s Disease have experienced significant and life-altering spinal deformities as they age. These include spinal stenosis, bone spurs, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. In severe cases, the deformities can lead to spinal cord compression as well as breathing and lung ailments.
The annual event is the charity’ s largest and most important fundraiser of the year, and regularly features activities for all ages, including a photo booth, shaved ice truck, caricature artist, face painting, silent auction with premium sports memorabilia, and a Chinese auction with baskets and gift certificates from Pittsburgh-area restaurants.
attached or integral garage are other possible carbon monoxide sources.
“ Carbon monoxide poisoning is known as the‘ silent killer’ because it can gradually cause a person to become unconscious and eventually die. That is why it is important to have carbon monoxide detectors, which can provide early warning of a problem,” said ACHD Director Dr. Karen Hacker.“ Also, furnaces and fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected before each heating season.” The health department strongly encourages the use of carbon monoxide detectors. They are extremely helpful and can be purchased at most stores that carry home supplies. They can be lifesavers. Even so, detectors are no
substitute for regular furnace maintenance, as like any device, it could malfunction or the batteries die.
Carbon monoxide poisoning may include any of the following symptoms: headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, loss of hearing, blurry vision, vomiting, disorientation, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Carbon monoxide poisoning often mimics common illnesses such as the flu and food poisoning. However, anyone who believes they are experiencing these symptoms due to carbon monoxide poisoning should leave the premises and immediately call 911.
Everyone is at risk, but individuals with health problems such as heart or lung diseases, the elderly, infants, children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. n
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