SJO Wrestling: Spartans drop quad match at LeRoy

St. Joseph-Ogden wrestlers Emmit Holt (120), Holden Brazelton (126), and Conrad Miller (170) won their matches against members from the host team at Saturday's quad meet at LeRoy High School. SJO (0-2) forfeited seven weights to fall 60-16 to the Panthers.

Brazelton won his 126-pound match via major decision over LeRoy's Colton Prosser, 16-3. Miller tallied one of two pins for the day against the Panthers' 170-wrestler Will Masters during their three-minute, three-second match.

Holt also notched a pin securing a fall at 1:36 in his match against LeRoy's Jack Benter.

Match Results


106 - Mouser, Brady (LeRoy) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
113 - Bent, Kobe (LeRoy) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
120 - Holt, Emmitt (SJO) defeated Benter, Jack (LeRoy) - Fall 1:36
126 - Brazelton, Holden (SJO) defeated Prosser, Colton (LeRoy) - Maj Dec 16-3
132 - Teveort, Wyatt (LeRoy) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
138 - Lyons, Connor (LeRoy) defeated Falls, Matt (SJO) - Fall 3:46
145 - Green, Jack (LeRoy) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
152 - Conaty, Ethan (LeRoy) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
160 - Forfeit, (SJO) defeated Forfeit (LeRoy) -
170 - Miller, Conrad (SJO) defeated Masters, Will (LeRoy) - Fall 3:03
182 - Brent, Tyson (LeRoy) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
195 - Pinkerton, Gannon (LeRoy) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
220 - Moore, Andrew (LeRoy) defeated Jones, Quincy (SJO) - Fall 0:41
285 - Sigler, Tate (LeRoy) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)

SJO's Jones, Miller win, Tigers prevail at quad meet

The Urbana wresting team picked up a team victory after defeating St. Joseph-Ogden 24-33 at a four-school meet at LeRoy on Saturday morning.

Spartans' Quincy Jones won his 220-pound match against Tigers' Armando Rodriquez and SJO senior Conrad Miller stunned Tigers' Paul Collins with a lightning-quick 22 second pin at 160 pounds.

Urbana notched a decision from Leo Dougan wrestling at 145 over SJO's Matt Falls.

There were four double-forfeits and a total of ten team forfeits at different weight classes.

Results


106 - Forfeit, (SJO) defeated Forfeit (Urbana)
113 - Sims, Cordero (Urbana HS) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
120 - Butts, Landen (SJO) defeated Forfeit (Urbana)
126 - Brazelton, Holden (SJO) defeated Forfeit (Urbana)
132 - Forfeit, (SJO) defeated Forfeit (Urbana)
138 - Forfeit, (SJOn) defeated Forfeit (Urbana)
145 - Dougan, Leo (Urbana) defeated Falls, Matt (SJO) - Decision 7-2
152 - Forfeit, (SJO) defeated Forfeit (Urbana)
160 - Miller, Conrad (SJO) defeated Collins, Paul (Urbana)- Fall 0:22
170 - Miller, Jordan (Urbana) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
182 - Acuna, Ivan (Urbana HS) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
195 - Mendez, Dominic (Urbana HS) defeated Forfeit, (SJO)
220 - Jones, Quincy (SJO) defeated Rodriguez, Armando (URBANA) - Fall 2:01
285 - Nkwadi, Mifrael (Urbana) defeated Forfeit, (SJO) - Forfeit

Guest Commentary: Pulmonary embolisms, they can sneak up on us

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


On Saturday, October 2 I had to go to the hospital emergency room. The prior Tuesday I had an unusual leg spasm from my left thigh to my groin area. I’ve had pulled muscles from sports off and on and thought it was from exercise or just sitting weird in my recliner.

By later Wednesday I noticed an occasional cough that felt strange. On Thursday I called my family doctor’s office and reported I was coughing occasionally and didn’t feel right. I was told by the receptionist, "We aren’t seeing sick people and the doctor thinks you should have a Covid test." I went for the test which came back negative.

On Friday evening my wife and I took a casual walk around the block of our neighborhood and I was breathing heavy from a simple walk. I knew there was something going on. I checked my heart rate and it was 85 beats per minute. Typically, it’s between 60 and 65 bpm when resting. Thirty minutes later I checked it again and the resting rate was 95.

I spent Friday evening checking my blood pressure and heart rate. The blood pressure was averaging about 150 over 100 which is really high for me and my heart rate was staying between 85 to 95 bpm.

By Saturday morning, I had to go to the emergency room knowing I was in trouble. After a CT scan and ultra sound imaging I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my left lung also known as a Pulmonary Embolism. Three doctors worked with me from 6 AM until 6 PM to save my life. They told me if I had waited one more day my story would be very different. I spent the day in the emergency room and the rest of the weekend in Intensive care forbidden to get out of bed. After a heavy dose of Heparin blood thinner and a bottle of daily medication to consume I was released from the hospital to slowly resume life.

There are reports that upward to 180,000 people in the United States die every year from Pulmonary Embolisms. This is more people than the number of people dying from breast cancer, car wrecks and HIV altogether.

Being in the emergency room wondering if I was going to live was scary to say the least. I worried about my wife and children. I knew they would have to make funeral arrangements and this made me feel bad for them.

My new theme is a recommitment to keeping the feet moving. It’s an easy thing to do. While traveling flex the feet. Stretch the legs. Put them up whenever possible. Raise the knees up and down. Look for every possible opportunity to walk. When driving now it’s a brief stop every hour for a five-minute stretch or walk. It slows the trip down, but I want to show up eventually than not at all.

I’m writing this because I want you to be aware of your body. Invest in a blood pressure cuff and a finger oxygen/heart rate monitor. Know what your typical numbers are so that you can know when your numbers aren’t right and you need to seek medical attention.

Unfortunately, I know people who are no longer in this world because of a Pulmonary Embolism. They sneak up on us. The beginning signs of pain or swelling in your leg are often ignored by most people – including me. However, things can change quickly and this is why if this happens you must go to the nearest hospital emergency room to be checked out. It could save your life. Very fortunately, it did for me. One more day of waiting and it would have been too late. Don’t ignore the warning signs.


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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.


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AHA agrees with CDC guidelines, recommends Covid-19 booster

(Amreican Heart Association) -- As the Omicron variant spreads, COVID-19 vaccination is more important than ever. The American Heart Association continues to align with expert guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – the nation’s infectious disease experts - regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots.

Recently, the CDC extended recommendations for a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines to all adults ages 18 and older, including the allowance to "mix & match" the types of COVID-19 vaccines for the booster dose. According to the CDC, the additional COVID-19 vaccine dose may be from any of the three COVID-19 vaccines authorized or approved in the U.S. – either the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. The mix & match regimen is available only for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, not for the primary vaccination series, which still requires the same, initial two doses of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

The CDC recommends a booster of either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA vaccines) for all adults at least 6 months after receiving two-doses of the same mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Adults ages 18 and older who previously received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine (an adenovirus vector vaccine) are eligible for a booster dose two months after the initial dose. They may select a second dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or a booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives for all, affirms the CDC’s guidance on COVID-19 vaccines.

The Association remains concerned about the continuing gaps in COVID-19 vaccination among people from all eligible age groups in the U.S. including people from diverse racial and ethnic groups and among pregnant women, especially in light of the Omicron variant. Therefore, it continues to urge all adults and children ages 5 and older in the U.S. to receive all COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are eligible, as recommended by the CDC and fully approved or authorized for emergency use by the FDA.

"With the Omicron variant spreading, we urge everyone 5 and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and get the booster when they are eligible. The booster shots are particularly important for adults ages 50 and older who have underlying medical conditions or any adult living in a long-term care facility," said American Heart Association volunteer President Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, M.D., Sc.M., FAHA, who is also the Eileen M. Foell Professor of Heart Research, professor of preventive medicine, medicine and pediatrics, and chair of the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

"As cited by the CDC, recently published research indicates a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose provides increased protection against COVID-19 infection, severe complications and death. Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 infection after vaccination are possible, however, serious side effects and needing hospitalization among people who are vaccinated continue to be rare and mild. The benefits of the vaccine and boosters far outweigh the very limited risk."

The Association also supports the CDC’s ongoing safety recommendations: mask wearing for all people regardless of vaccination status when indoors, frequent handwashing and social distancing. Along with COVID-19 vaccination, these safety protocols are essential to minimizing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and reducing the risk of infection, hospitalization and death.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our families and communities for a second winter and holiday season, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant against the COVID-19 virus. The COVID-19 vaccines are paramount to saving lives, protecting our families and loved ones against COVID-19 infection, severe illness and death. We urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible so that it is a winter filled with joyous memories," urged Lloyd-Jones.


Prep Sports Notebook: SJO stays undefeated


Comets give Spartans a scare

St. Joseph-Ogden pulled away in the fourth quarter against Oakwood in their second Toyota of Danville to pull out a 62-57 win on Wednesday.

Ty Pence led SJO's scoring effort with 34 points and 5-for-7 free throw shooting. Senior Evan Ingram also notched another double-digit performance adding another 16 to help the team improve to a 3-0 record.

Oakwood's Josh Young finished the game with a team-high 23 points and Dalton Hobick buried 19 for the Comets.

Box Score

Final: St. Joseph-Ogden 62 - Oakwood 57

St. Joseph-Ogden --
Taylor 4-0-4, Smith 4-0-4, Trimble 3-1-4, Pence 29-5-34, Ingram 11-5-16.

Oakwood --
Treos 5-0-5, Ruch 2-0-2, Powell 6-2-8, Young 20-3-23, Hobick 16-3-19.



Let the holiday festivities begin! Winter Wassail this Saturday in St. Joseph

St. Joseph - St. Joseph Church of Christ will host their second Winter Wassail on Saturday. Sherman Street in St. Joseph is transformed into a Christmas wonderland where visitors and guests can enjoy fresh wassail - a drink made from hot mulled cider and spices, caroling, storytelling in more.

Wassiling is an ancient English Yuletide drinking ritual and tradition from Great Britain. It has its roots in a pagan custom where merrymakers would visit orchards to sing to the trees and spirits to ensure a bountiful yield during the next harvest. Revelers would visit local orchards and fruit trees to sing and make a hullabaloo (loud noises often by banging pots and pans). After their celebration, they would be rewarded with some form of warm, spiced alcoholic beverage from a communal wassail bowl or cup by the property owner.

Saturday's wassail will also include a holiday lighting display, a Christmas tree competition, Santa, and of course, plenty of wassail.

Admission to the outdoor event is limited to one hour for each guest and advance reservations are required. There will be no indoor activities so organizers recommend dressing appropriately.

For more information, contact the SJCOC via email at https://sjcocil.ticketleap.com/sjcoc-winter-wassail/contact/ or by phone at (217) 469-2207.


Prep Sports Notebook: Pence scores 29 for SJO, Kimball drops 25 in Rockets' opener


Kimball doesn't miss a beat, scoring 25

Tolono -- After just two practices, Unity quarterback Blake Kimball hit his stride making the transition from the gridiron to the hardcourt on Tuesday. The senior led the Rockets to a 61-53 win over visiting Bismarck-Henning with 25 points after last Friday's state title football game against Byron.

Kimball is in perfect form starting his first foray back to the gym converting five treys and shooting 6-for-7 from the free throw line.

Unity also got double-digit scoring from another state football finalist. Linebacker Austin Langendorf, now at forward on hardwood, finished with 15 points. After missing the second of two attempts from the free throw line in the first quarter, he piled on 14 more in the last three quarters in the contest.

Starter Henry Thomas rounded out the Rockets' top three scorers with 10 points.

Unity hits the road Saturday to take on Teutopolis and plays another away contest on Monday at Arcola. Varsity games times are scheduled for 2:30pm and 7pm, respectively.

Box Score

Unity --
Kimball 19-6-25, Cowan 2-0-2, Thomas 10-0-10, Price 3-0-6, Langendorf 13-2-15, Maxwell 0-6-6.

Bismarck-Henning --
Meidel 24-5-29, Ingram 3-0-3, Rice 6-0-6, Tidwell 2-1-3, Sacket 9-0-9, Dodd 0-1-1, Hill 2-0-2.


Four Spartans notch double-figures

St. Joseph -- Ty Pence scored a game-high 29 points in the St. Joseph-Ogden varsity basketball team home debut Tuesday night at the Toyota of Danville Classic. The junior scored 17 of his total output in the first quarter for the Spartans.

Evan Ingram, Brock Trimble and Logan Smith also finished with 10 or more points in SJO's 78-55 win over Cissna Park on their home court.

Using just two quarters, Ingram contributed 14 points. Trimble, a sophomore, drained three shots outside the arc in the first half and added a field goal in the third quarter for 11 points. Smith, who is also a sophomore, added 10 points to the cause.

"It feels great," said Ingram on getting the W in front of a home crowd. "Our offense is really explosive. Good things are ahead."

The 2-0 Spartans are back in action tonight at 8pm to face Oakwood in Day 2 of pool play.

Box Score

St. Joseph-Ogden --
Brazelton 2-0-2, Carter 6-0-6, Taylor 2-2-4, Smith 9-1-10, Landrus 0-2-2, Trimble 11-0-11, Pence 27-2-29, Ingram 13-1-14.

Cissna Park --
Huse 3-0-3, Savoree 8-2-10, Neukomm 5-2-7, Verkler 15-3-18,Spitz 14-1-15, Bohlmann 2-0-2.


Unity girls rebound

Cissna Park -- After taking one on the chin on Monday evening, the Unity girls basketball team quickly rebounded back to their winning ways beating Cissna Park 44-22 on the road. The Rockets' defensive effort limited the Lady Timberwolves to just seven first-half points.

Forward Taylor Henry led all scorers with 17 points. The senior also tallied five rebounds and three steals in the non-conference victory.

Junior Lauren Miller also had five boards. In addition to her nine points, she was credited with four assists and a pair of steals.

Meanwhile, Erika Steinman finished with eight points behind 4-for-4 free throw shooting.

The Rockets continue their three-game road campaign with their next stop at Villa Grove tomorrow night. Varsity tipoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.

Box Score

Unity --
Ray 2-1-3, Miller 8-1-9, Steinman 4-4-8, Stringer 4-0-4, Reed 2-1-3, Henry 12-5-17.

Cissna Park --
A. Seggebruck 2-1-3, Knake 6-0-6, Morrical 4-4-8, Maul 0-1-1, Karas 4-0-4.


Other area sports scores

Oakwood defeated Schlarman 50-41 at the Toyota of Danville Classic.

Arcola-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond won big over LaSalette in their first appearance at the annual St. Joseph-Ogden early season tournament, 63-34.



Living with HIV: Many face CVD health risks and access to proper care


American Heart Association


Research shows that people living with HIV have a significantly high risk for cardiovascular disease – as much as 2 times higher for heart attack and heart failure and 14% higher for sudden cardiac death than people without HIV. So, while many people living with HIV/AIDS are experiencing full, quality lives as AIDS has transitioned from a progressive, fatal disease to what is now a mostly manageable, chronic condition more than three decades after the first World AIDS Day was recognized on Dec. 1, 1988, challenges persist. Not only from increased other health issues, but also navigating a health care system that can still be discriminatory, as outlined in several scientific statements published by the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to building longer, healthier lives for all.

Characteristics, Prevention, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in People Living With HIV: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association – In this scientific statement released in June 2019, the Association reported that living with HIV is associated with higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, sudden cardiac deaths and other diseases, compared with people without HIV. The statement writing group’s chair, Matthew J. Feinstein, M.D., M.Sc., said this may be because of interactions between traditional risk factors, such as unhealthy diet, lifestyle and tobacco use, and HIV-specific risk factors, such as a compromised immune system and inflammation characteristic of chronic HIV.

"Lifestyle and clinical factors play major roles in the increased risk for heart disease among people with HIV," said Feinstein, an assistant professor of Medicine-Cardiology at Northwestern University in Chicago who specializes in cardiovascular risk in infectious and inflammatory conditions. "In people with HIV, cigarette smoking is quite common. This dovetails with a number of factors – ranging from chronic inflammatory and metabolic effects of HIV and its therapies to psychosocial stressors related to stigma and substance use disorders – to lead to increased risk for cardiovascular diseases among people with HIV."

The American Heart Association recommends people living with HIV talk to their doctor and assess their cardiovascular disease risk using a tool such as the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Atherosclerotic Disease Risk Calculator, which estimates a person’s ten-year risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular condition. The Association cautions that the risk calculator is a starting point as people living with HIV may have a higher risk than indicated by the calculator. Other factors to consider in risk assessment include family history of heart disease and HIV-specific factors, such as whether or not a patient started antiretroviral therapy soon after diagnosis.

To help improve the health of people living with HIV, the Association emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle that includes not smoking, adequate physical activity, eliminating or reducing the amount of alcohol consumed and a healthy diet in keeping with the guidance in Life’s Simple 7 – the seven risk factors that people can improve through lifestyle changes to help achieve ideal cardiovascular health.

Assessing and Addressing Cardiovascular Health in LGBTQ Adults: A Scientific Statement of the American Heart Association – This scientific statement published in Oct. 2020, highlights the additional challenges LGBTQ people, a population especially vulnerable to living with HIV/AIDS, face in the form of discrimination in the health care setting.

The writing group noted trust toward health care professionals is still lacking among many members of the LGBTQ community – more than half (56%) of LGBTQ adults and 70% of those who are transgender or gender non-conforming report experiencing some form of discrimination, including the use of harsh or abusive language, from a health care professional.

"LGBTQ individuals often skip primary care and preventative visits because there is a great fear of being treated differently,” said the chair of the writing group for this statement, Billy A. Caceres, Ph.D., R.N., FAHA, an assistant professor at the Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City. “Being treated differently often means receiving inadequate or inferior care because of sexual orientation or gender identity."

Although much progress has been made over the past decade in understanding HIV-associated cardiovascular disease, considerable gaps exist, and more research is needed to address the growing physical and sociological challenges.


First quarter run seals SJO's first tournament win

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
St. Joseph-Ogden's Hayden Brazelton goes up for an offensive rebound with Cissna Park's Tyler Newkomm during their first pool play contest at the Toyota of Danville Classic on Tuesday. Taking advantage of a 13-point first-quarter run and burying 10 three-pointers during the game, the Spartan (2-0) offensive firepower yielded a 78-53 win. Next up, SJO faces Oakwood at 8pm on Tuesday, December 1.

Troop 1956 offering holiday Candy Cane Hunts

It is an Easter Egg hunt except with candy canes. That's how American Heritage Girls Troop 1956 plans to raise funds for the new organization.

"The mission of American Heritage Girls is to build young women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. Girls in this program have the opportunity to participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences," says Jessica Stuber organizing the hunt for the new local AHG chapter that started last October.

"We have never done this fundraiser before," Stuber said. "This is our very first fundraiser."

Starting December 12 through the December 18, parents, family members, or spouses can pick a time for the troop to hide candy canes around their yard for a small fee. Candy cane hunts are perfect for keeping little ones excited and adults occupied during the holiday season.

Stuber said the Candy Cane Hunt idea came from one her daughter was treated to one last year.

"My youngest daughter was surprised with a candy cane hunt by a friend who had come across a fundraiser very similar to ours by another organization," she recounted. "While planning for a troop Christmas party, I was reminded of the candy cane hunt and thought it might be a great way for our troop to generate funds."

Stuber hopes through fliers like the one shown, and word of mouth the troop will be plenty busy setting up hunts from Tuscola to Sidney and homes in between. They will even set them up in Champaign and Urbana.

"As of right now, we only have one family signed up to surprise their little one with a candy cane hunt. We just got the word out to our troop and have begun passing out fliers," she said. "We're hopeful that more families would like to participate as the word gets out."

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help the troop pay for field trips, camping trips, and future service projects. One of their financial goals is to be able to offer scholarships to families who would like to join but may be experiencing financial hardship.

To arrange a surprise holiday candy cane hunt for someone, contact Jessic Stuber at (217) 377-4868 or email her at jstuber00@gmail.com.



Prep Sports Notebook: Urbana boys and girls drop games, SJO picks up win


Edwards leads Tigers in non-conference loss

Zineria Edwards scored seven second-half points to lead Urbana's scoring effort in the road game at the Arthur "Buz" Sievers Center at Monticello on Monday. Gabrielle Mboyo-Meta added another five points in the last half of the game in the 57-17 loss.


SJO's Jones scores 14

Junior guard Peyton Jones hit a pair of treys in the second on her way to a game-high 14 points in St. Joseph-Ogden's 55-42 win over visiting Tuscola.

Alyssa Hamilton came off the bench for an 11-point finish in the non-conference contest. The senior shot 4-for-4 from the charity stripe. Ella Armstrong and Payton Jacob each chipped in seven points apiece.


Unity suffers first loss of the season

A second-quarter drought dug a hole too deep for the Rockets to climb back in their 38-20 loss in the Rocket Center to Clinton (4-1).

The Unity (4-1) offensive effort was limited to three players. Taylor Henry led the team with 12 points and sophomore Reagen Stringer finished with six points. Katey Moore's first-quarter field goal rounded out the Rockets' effort.

Clinton was led by Mallory Cyrulik's 23 point performance. The senior was sent to the free-throw line 22 times and converted on 17 attempts.


SJO basketball tournament starts tonight

Boys hoops action starts tonight at the annual The Toyota of Danville Classic at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Six of the eight teams in the tournament begin pool play for the 2021 title starting this evening.

This evening's lineup includes:

5:00 PM: Danville Schlarman vs. Oakwood
6:30 PM: LaSalette vs. Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond
8:00 PM: Cissna Park vs. SJO

The tournament ends on Saturday with the championship game starting at 8pm.


Other area sports scores:

Arcola 64 - Uni-High 54

Southeast 75 - Urbana 70




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