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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