5 area wrestlers win a title at the Unity Invitational

St. Joseph-Ogden's 106-pound wrestler Emmitt Holt after win over Oakwood's Steven Uden earlier this month. Holt, one of two seniors on this year's squad, won the Unity Invitational title on Saturday for his weight class.

Photo: PhotoNews Media

TOLONO - Eleven area wrestlers finished in the top three in their weight class at the Unity Wrestling Invitational on Saturday. The Rockets turned in a solid performance, with seven wrestlers finishing at or near the top of the podium. Meanwhile, St. Joseph-Ogden had four wrestlers who placed third or better.

Unity's title winners were Hunter Eastin at 190-pounds, Thayden Root at 175-pounds, and Abram Davidson at 157-pounds. Hudson DeHart (215 lbs), Kaden Inman (144), and Hunter Shike (132), earned silver medals for their efforts. Ryan Rink finished the day with a bronze medal in the 165-lb weight class.

Lightweights Emmitt Holt (106-pounds) and Holden Brazelton (132) won titles for the Spartans. Quincy Jones (215) and Coy Hayes battled to a third-place finish.

Unity Invitational Results

106 -
1st Place - Emmitt Holt, SJO
2nd Place - Charlie Flores, Hoopeston
3rd Place - Zane Stanley, Benton
4th Place - Braxton Tittle, Benton
5th Place - Pierce Bultmann, Rochester
6th Place - Noah Whiteside, Olympia

113 -
1st Place - Dylan Eimier, Olympia
2nd Place - Connor Carroll, Rochester
3rd Place - Cohen Sweely, Benton
4th Place - Travis McCarter, Unity
5th Place - Jackson Walsh, SJO
6th Place - Briggs Miller, Benton

120 -
1st Place - Austin Kisner, Olympia
2nd Place - Noah Pelletier, McNamara
3rd Place - Miles Carroll, Rochester
4th Place - Camden Getty, SJO
5th Place - Wyatt Strait, Prairie Central
6th Place - Brawnsen Bloodworth, Carterville

126 -
1st Place - Garrett VerHeecke, Unity Christian
2nd Place - Chase Stedman, Tremont
3rd Place - Mateo Martinez, Olympia
4th Place - Jack Zucco, Rochester
5th Place - Talan Nelson, Hoopeston
6th Place - Kaden Blades, Benton

132 -
1st Place - Holden Brazelton, SJO
2nd Place - Hunter Shike, Unity
3rd Place - Aiden Bell, Hoopeston
4th Place - John Traub, Prairie Central
5th Place - Matthew Flowers, Tremont
6th Place - Jake Kuhn, Charleston

138 -
1st Place - Mason Mark, Tremont
2nd Place - Anthony Hernandez, Benton
3rd Place - Cooper Phillips, Olympia
4th Place - Malachi Hutchinson, Urbana
5th Place - Taylor Finley, Unity
6th Place - Austin Winters, Unity

144 -
1st Place - Mason Tieffel, Benton
2nd Place - Kaden Inman, Unity
3rd Place - Micah Spinazzola, Peotone
4th Place - Drake Pfeiffer, Rochester
5th Place - Emiliano Bedello, Urbana
6th Place - Spencer Crotser, Carterville

150 -
1st Place - Bentley Wise, Olympia
2nd Place - Conor Pasch, Peotone
3rd Place - Ethan Fordham, Rochester
4th Place - Derek Wilkey, Benton
5th Place - Ethan Ziller, Prairie Central
6th Place - Caleb Berg, Unity Christian

157 -
1st Place - Abram Davidson, Unity
2nd Place - Ayden Larkin, Hoopeston
3rd Place - Coy Hayes, SJO
4th Place - Josh Heath, Unity
5th Place - Kelton Graden, Olympia
6th Place - Santino Izzi, Peotone

165 -
1st Place - Bowden Delaney, Tremont
2nd Place - Angel Zamora, Hoopeston
3rd Place - Ryan Rink, Unity
4th Place - Tiffin Kouzoukas, Benton
5th Place - Jacob Grob, Carterville
6th Place - Edwin Villagomez, Urbana

175 -
1st Place - Thayden Root, Unity
2nd Place - Cole Bauer, Olympia
3rd Place - Laith Abunijmeh, Peotone
4th Place - Peyton Robinson, Benton
5th Place - Jack Rathbun, Prairie Central
6th Place - Ian Eatock, Tremont

190 -
1st Place - Hunter Eastin, Unity
2nd Place - Darian Holloway, Olympia
3rd Place - Blaine Williams, Tremont
4th Place - Conner Broughton, Rochester
5th Place - Marcellx Boling, Charleston
6th Place - Dominic Mendez, Urbana

215 -
1st Place - Jared Lauwerens, Rochester
2nd Place - Hudson DeHart, Unity
3rd Place - Quincy Jones, SJO
4th Place - Jacob Balsimo, Tremont
5th Place - Nathan Galant, Benton
6th Place - Elias Rodriguez, Charleston

285 -
1st Place - Zechariah Miller, Carterville
2nd Place - Drake Spears, Benton
3rd Place - Stormy Hughes, Charleston
4th Place - Tucker Deck, Hoopeston
5th Place - Brayden Riblet, Olympia
6th Place - Yeshua O`Brien, Charleston

Want to achieve your goals? Write them down

Photo provided

StatePoint - If you have a big idea, goal or dream about helping others, writing down your vision can help. Studies show you’re 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.

Take it from Marcy Bursac. After reviewing thousands of handwritten entries, Pilot Pen selected her as the newest winner of the G2 Overachievers Grant, which rewards an exceptional individual who goes beyond their everyday job and responsibilities to make a difference in the lives of others.

A technical analyst at a cybersecurity firm by day, Bursac is also an author, podcaster, wife and mother. She has used her technological expertise to develop an app for “The Forgotten Adoption Option,” her book and platform that helps facilitate adoptions for children in foster care. As an adoptive parent herself, she made it her mission to make it easier for other families to adopt children from foster care, helping to place as many as possible in loving homes.

“Some types of adoption are cost-prohibitive for many families and can take years,” says Bursac. “The reality is that there are thousands of children who need a forever family today, and foster care adoption is an option that can make this dream more financially affordable for more families.”

Marcy has already helped more than 12,000 families through the foster care adoption process. She plans to use the grant money to fund her continued efforts to unite children in foster care with their forever families.

Inspired? Write down your own goals and aspirations and include all the little details required to bring them to life. Be sure to reach for a high-quality writing instrument like G2, the longest lasting gel ink pen. To learn more about the G2 Overachievers Grant competition or to enter or nominate someone you know, visit G2Overachievers.com.

“We know firsthand that we are so much more likely to achieve our goals when we put pen to paper,” says Ariann Langsam, vice president of marketing for Pilot Pen. “That’s why we pride ourselves on both providing the tools that people can use to make a difference in the lives of others, and recognizing and amplifying the work of individuals who are making those efforts.”

Photo-of-the-Day | Hallowell starts varsity wresting career

St. Joseph-Ogden's Khaden Hallowell looks for a shot in on Danville's Kamarion Miles during the 215-pound match at the St. Joseph-Ogden Quad Meet on December 2. Hallowell, a freshman making his high school debut, went the distance, losing on 5-0 decision after three periods. The loss didn't stop the Spartans from winning the dual, 52-26.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

More match photos . . .

Order a photo from this gallery

Prep Sports Notebook | Area weekend wrap-up

Hoopeston Area falls to St. Anne

HOOPESTON - Kendrick Sigerill scored 22 points against St. Anne, but it wasn't enough for the Cornjerkers to slip past visiting St. Anne on Saturday. The Cardinals used a third quarter 17-10 burst to surge ahead of Hoopeston in a 68-60 finish.

Three other Conjerkers finished with double figures in the stat book. Owen Root tallied 14 points, Wyatt Eisenman had 11 points, and Mason Rush chipped in 10 more in the non-conference match-up.

Hoopeston Area (10-4) looks to rebound from the loss on the road in their final game of the year tonight at Iroquois West.

SJO girls win shootout game

ST. JOSEPH - Addisyn Martinie buried five three-pointers to finish with a team-high 21 points in St. Joseph-Ogden's 49-39 win over Arthur-Lovington-Atwood Hammond at the Country Financial Shootout on Saturday.

Martinie sunk the first bucket from behind the arc, and SJO never relinquished the lead, at one point by as may as 15 points, the entire game.

The Spartans utilized three other scorers besides Martinie in the victory. Senior Addison Seggebruch finished with 13 points, Addison Frick contributed 11 points, and Katie Ericksen rounded out the squad's scoring effort with four points.

URBANA - Coming off a huge 83-71 win over Sacred Heart Griffin last Tuesday, the Urbana boys' basketball team dropped a conference barnburner on the road to Normal West 53-49 in overtime.

Seniors Isaiah Robinson and Nate Moore led the Wildcats (3-6) with 15 and 16 points, respectively.

The Tigers dropped to 1-6 after the loss.

7-0 Rockets are all-systems-go

Pleasant Plains - The Unity basketball team continues to fly high above the competition this season, picking up their seventh win cruising past Pleasant Plains 56-33.

Unity out-rebounded the Cardinals 27-24 and logged 12 steals, remaining undefeated. The Rockets are on the road with six more games to play before the new year.

Rockets misfire at Mt. Zion

MT. ZION - Raegen Stringer scored Unity's only field goal in the second quarter during their road game with the Lady Braves on Saturday. The hiccup allowed Mt. Zion to prevail, 41-28.

Stringer then went on to score 11 points in the second half, finishing with 15 points. Addison Ray chipped in six points, Reagan Little hit two buckets in the first quarter for four points, and Lauren Haas coverted three free throws to round out the Rockets' scoring effort.

Little led the team's rebounding effort with seven boards.

Tigers win two on Saturday

Carbondale - The Urbana basketball team started a two-game win streak on Saturday at the Carbondale Showcase. Despite a 29-point spree by Commanche freshman Donald Collier, the Tigers won their opener over Cahokia, 78-68.

Later, Urbana knocked off Carbondale, 68-66. Terriers' Decarl Payne led his team's scoring effort with 31 points against the Tigers (3-5).

The Urbana boys basketball team plays their next game on January 5 when they host Bloomington High School in a Big 12 match-up.

Area high school coaches

We need your help covering your team this season to help keep fans, college recruiters, and area readers informed.

If you are coaching at Unity, Uni-High, Urbana High School, or St. Joseph-Ogden, please send us your game or meet results for our Prep Sports Notebook and weekly stats leaders for our All-Area team selection after the season. The best way to send us box scores and other info is via email to sports@oursentinel.com or editor@oursentinel.com.

Do you have a player on the verge of breaking a school record, signing an LOI, or have a story idea? Don't hesitate to email us.

Some really cool hosting hacks for your holiday party

Photo: Shopify Photos/Burst

Family Features - Entertaining friends and loved ones during the holidays offers an opportunity to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and make lasting memories. The key is getting ahead of hosting duties so you can be present with family and friends.

Make this season's holiday hosting effortless and enjoyable with these tips:

1. Stick with a simple menu

There's no need to create an elaborate menu with complex dishes that take hours to prepare. Instead, build your menu around easy crowd-pleasers. Save the experimenting with new recipes and ingredients for another time when you're less likely to feel the pressure. Be sure to consider your guests' likes and dislikes and be conscious of potential dietary restrictions.

2. Serve beverages with festive flair

A beverage station is a fun and unexpected way to infuse some extra holiday cheer into your event. Offer cozy options like hot chocolate and coffee, along with an array of seasonal mix-ins and flavors. Convenient and tasty options to have on-hand for the holidays are Starbucks creamers, featuring flavors inspired by cafe beverages like Caramel Macchiato, White Chocolate Mocha and Cinnamon Dolce Latte, all which are now available in limited-time red holiday packaging online and at your local grocery store.

Give your guests some festive drink inspiration to start with, such as this delicious holiday-themed recipe for Iced Gingerbread Caramel Coffee that is sure to become a favorite. For added fun, provide an array of toppings such as marshmallows, peppermint sticks and chocolate candies wrapped in colorful holiday wrappers.

3. Plan for entertainment

When a well-acquainted group gathers, the party has a way of taking on a life of its own. In case of a slow start, or if you're entertaining different groups of friends who don't know each other well, it's a good idea to prepare some options to get guests mingling and engaged. A playlist of holiday music creates a festive atmosphere and planning a few interactive games ahead of time can help break the ice.

4. Pace your preparations

Make a conscious effort to spread your party prep over the days and weeks leading up to your event. Saving all the cooking and cleaning until the day of the party only leaves hosts exhausted before guests even arrive. Instead, make a list of everything you need to accomplish around the house and tackle a few chores each night. Do your shopping a few days ahead so ingredients are still fresh but you aren't left scrambling. Prepare any dishes that can be refrigerated or frozen ahead of time.

5. Anticipate guests' needs

The secret to great hosting isn't really a secret at all; it's simply making sure your guests feel welcome and comfortable. Providing a secure spot for coats and handbags, offering a drink when they arrive and making sure they can find essentials like the restroom may seem obvious, but they're easily overlooked basics. If you worry you'll be too busy in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the meal, recruit a friend or family member to act in your place.

Find more inspiration and other holiday-worthy recipes at athome.starbucks.com.

Iced Gingerbread Caramel Coffee

Prep time: 3 minutes
Yield: 16 ounces

Drink:
1 cup ice
4 tablespoons Starbucks Gingerbread Naturally Flavored Ground Coffee for double strength
6 ounces water
1 ounce Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Flavored Creamer

Toppings: whipped cream
homemade or store-bought caramel sauce
1 pinch nutmeg

Place ice in 16-ounce glass.

Brew gingerbread coffee with water and pour into glass.

Add caramel creamer. Stir.

Top with whipped cream, drizzle of caramel sauce and nutmeg.

Major leaps made in Alzheimer's research, three FDA approved treatments slows mental decline

Illustration: StatePoint

StatePoint Media - 2023 was a landmark year for Alzheimer’s disease research, including advancements in treatment, risk factors and diagnosis. Here are five significant discoveries made this year:

There are three new approved treatments for Alzheimer’s, with a fourth on the way

In July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval for Leqembi for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s and mild Alzheimer’s dementia. This treatment slows cognitive decline and can help people with early Alzheimer’s maintain their independence.

In June 2021, the FDA granted accelerated approval to Aduhelm for the same purpose. At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in July 2023, Lilly reported positive results for a third similar treatment: donanemab. The company expects FDA action in early 2024.

In May, the FDA approved the first treatment for agitation in people with Alzheimer’s — brexpiprazole.

Hearing aids could slow cognitive decline for at-risk older adults

In the largest clinical trial to investigate whether a hearing loss treatment can reduce risk of cognitive decline, researchers found that older adults with hearing loss cut their cognitive decline in half by using hearing aids for three years.

The intervention included hearing aids, a hearing “toolkit,” and ongoing instruction and counseling. Though the positive results were in a subgroup of the total study population, they are encouraging and merit further investigation.

Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are coming soon.

Blood tests show promise for improving how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed. Advancements reported for the first time at AAIC 2023 demonstrate the simplicity and value to doctors of blood-based markers for Alzheimer’s.

Blood tests are already being implemented in Alzheimer’s drug trials. And they are incorporated into proposed new diagnostic criteria for the disease. Blood tests — once verified and approved by the FDA — would offer a noninvasive and cost-effective option for identifying the disease.

First-ever U.S. county-level Alzheimer’s prevalence estimates

The first-ever county-level estimates of the prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia — in all 3,142 U.S. counties — were reported at AAIC 2023. For counties with a population of more than 10,000 people age 65 and older, the highest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates are in:

• Miami-Dade County, Fla. (16.6%)

• Baltimore City, Md. (16.6%)

• Bronx County, N.Y. (16.6%)

• Prince George’s County, Md. (16.1%)

• Hinds County, Miss. (15.5%)

Certain characteristics of these counties may explain the higher prevalence, including older age and a higher percentage of Black and Hispanic residents, which are communities disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these statistics can help officials determine the burden on the health care system, and pinpoint areas for culturally-sensitive caregiver training.

Chronic constipation is associated with poor cognitive function

Approximately 16% of the world’s population struggles with constipation. This year, researchers reported that less frequent bowel movements were associated with significantly worse cognitive function.

People in the study with bowel movements every three days or more had worse memory and thinking equal to three years of cognitive aging. These results stress the importance of clinicians discussing gut health with their older patients.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia research, plus available care and support — and to join the cause or make a donation — visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

While there is still much to learn about Alzheimer’s, 2023 was a year of discovery, giving researchers and families impacted by the disease hope for the year ahead.

• • • •

Living nightmare; moving scams are the worst

Photo: StatePoint

During initial contact with the landlord or a rental company, ask questions about the leasing process. Before signing that new lease, you should read it thoroughly. If something seems off, clarify it beforehand or walkaway from the rental.

StatePoint Media - In difficult economic times, fraudulent housing schemes become more prevalent, impacting homeowners and renters alike. To help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud, Freddie Mac is sharing the following insights and tips about the most common tactics and scams.

Predatory Lending

Previous financial disasters have led to more robust consumer protection laws. Nevertheless, you should remain vigilant about predatory lending. Look for warning signs, such as pressure tactics, incomplete, confusing or contradictory loan terms, and high rates and fees, including penalties for paying your loan off early. Additionally, lenders should not suggest you take out more credit than you need or suggest a monthly loan payment that does not cover the interest due on your loan. It’s important to work with someone you trust. If you’re hesitant to move forward with a lender, consult a HUD-certified housing counselor or lawyer to gain a better understanding of the loan terms.

Foreclosure Rescue Fraud

Fraudsters often target those in distress. During times of financial hardship, be especially aware of foreclosure rescue fraud, where someone falsely promises to be able to save your home from foreclosure. Common elements of this scheme include the fraudster requiring you to sign over the title to your home, asking you to sign unfamiliar documents or share personal information, and charging you rent to stay in your home. They may also offer to pay your delinquent mortgage by purchasing your home with the promise that you can repurchase it when your financial situation improves. If you’re struggling with mortgage payments, don’t deal with unknown entities. Directly contact your loan servicer, a HUD-certified housing counselor or a Housing Finance Agency for legitimate options to help avoid foreclosure.

Fraudulent Leases and Units

Millions of Americans have lost money due to fraudulent rental listings. You can avoid becoming a victim of this scam by always seeing a unit in person or over video conference before renting it, and by never paying a security deposit until you have signed a lease. Be sure to read your lease thoroughly before you sign it, asking questions about any concerning details early in the process. When rental unit hunting, be wary of red flags such as prices that are too good to be true, listings riddled with grammatical errors and property managers asking for personal information before you’ve seen a unit.

Moving Fraud

Typically, moving fraud occurs when scammers who act like legitimate movers provide a low estimate and, once you move, demand a higher price and withhold your belongings until you pay. To avoid this scam, research the company to ensure it is legitimate, insured and has good reviews. You should also know that reputable moving companies never require advance payments or use high-pressure sales tactics.

Report Scams Immediately

If you believe you’ve been a victim of a scam, take the following actions:

• If a criminal has your identification information, call your creditors to cancel your credit cards. Review your transactions to make sure you recognize them. You can also request that creditors receive your written consent before changing your mailing address or sending a replacement credit card. Your creditors may advise additional precautions.

• Contact the credit bureaus to freeze your credit reports so that there’s no activity on your reports unless you approve it.

• Report the scam to one or more of the following entities: the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, HUD’s Office of the Inspector General Hotline, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

To access Freddie Mac’s collection of fraud prevention resources, visit myhome.freddiemac.com.

Whether you’re a prospective homebuyer or seasoned renter, a scam could potentially impact you. Familiarizing yourself with common tactics can help you identify a scam before it’s too late.

• • • •

Have you been boosted? Here's why the CDC recommends it

by Arthur Allen
Kaiser Health News

The virus sometimes causes severe illness even in those without underlying conditions, causing more deaths in children than other vaccine-preventable diseases...

Everyone over the age of 6 months should get the latest covid-19 booster, a federal expert panel recommended Tuesday after hearing an estimate that universal vaccination could prevent 100,000 more hospitalizations each year than if only the elderly were vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 13-1 for the motion after months of debate about whether to limit its recommendation to high-risk groups. A day earlier, the FDA approved the new booster, stating it was safe and effective at protecting against the covid variants currently circulating in the U.S.

After the last booster was released, in 2022, only 17% of the U.S. population got it — compared with the roughly half of the nation who got the first booster after it became available in fall 2021. Broader uptake was hurt by pandemic weariness and evidence the shots don’t always prevent covid infections. But those who did get the shot were far less likely to get very sick or die, according to data presented at Tuesday’s meeting.

The virus sometimes causes severe illness even in those without underlying conditions, causing more deaths in children than other vaccine-preventable diseases, as chickenpox did before vaccines against those pathogens were universally recommended.

The number of hospitalized patients with covid has ticked up modestly in recent weeks, CDC data shows, and infectious disease experts anticipate a surge in the late fall and winter.

The shots are made by Moderna and by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech, which have decided to charge up to $130 a shot. They have launched national marketing campaigns to encourage vaccination. The advisory committee deferred a decision on a third booster, produced by Novavax, because the FDA hasn’t yet approved it. Here’s what to know:

Who should get the covid booster?

The CDC advises that everyone over 6 months old should, for the broader benefit of all. Those at highest risk of serious disease include babies and toddlers, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions including obesity. The risks are lower — though not zero — for everyone else. The vaccines, we’ve learned, tend to prevent infection in most people for only a few months. But they do a good job of preventing hospitalization and death, and by at least diminishing infections they may slow spread of the disease to the vulnerable, whose immune systems may be too weak to generate a good response to the vaccine.

Pablo Sánchez, a pediatrics professor at The Ohio State University who was the lone dissenter on the CDC panel, said he was worried the boosters hadn’t been tested enough, especially in kids. The vaccine strain in the new boosters was approved only in June, so nearly all the tests were done in mice or monkeys. However, nearly identical vaccines have been given safely to billions of people worldwide.

When should you get it?

The vaccine makers say they’ll begin rolling out the vaccine this week. If you’re in a high-risk group and haven’t been vaccinated or been sick with covid in the past two months, you could get it right away, says John Moore, an immunology expert at Weill Cornell Medical College. If you plan to travel this holiday season, as he does, Moore said, it would make sense to push your shot to late October or early November, to maximize the period in which protection induced by the vaccine is still high.

Who will pay for it?

When the ACIP recommends a vaccine for children, the government is legally obligated to guarantee kids free coverage, and the same holds for commercial insurance coverage of adult vaccines. For the 25 to 30 million uninsured adults, the federal government created the Bridge Access Program. It will pay for rural and community health centers, as well as Walgreens, CVS, and some independent pharmacies, to provide covid shots for free. Manufacturers have agreed to donate some of the doses, CDC officials said.

Will this new booster work against the current variants of covid?

It should. More than 90% of currently circulating strains are closely related to the variant selected for the booster earlier this year, and studies showed the vaccines produced ample antibodies against most of them. The shots also appeared to produce a good immune response against a divergent strain that initially worried people, called BA.2.86. That strain represents fewer than 1% of cases currently. Moore calls it a “nothingburger.”

Why are some doctors not gung-ho about the booster?

Experience with the covid vaccines has shown that their protection against hospitalization and death lasts longer than their protection against illness, which wanes relatively quickly, and this has created widespread skepticism. Most people in the U.S. have been ill with covid and most have been vaccinated at least once, which together are generally enough to prevent grave illness, if not infection — in most people. Many doctors think the focus should be on vaccinating those truly at risk.

With new covid boosters, plus flu and RSV vaccines, how many shots should I expect to get this fall?

People tend to get sick in the late fall because they’re inside more and may be traveling and gathering in large family groups. This fall, for the first time, there’s a vaccine — for older adults — against respiratory syncytial virus. Kathryn Edwards, a 75-year-old Vanderbilt University pediatrician, plans to get all three shots but “probably won’t get them all together,” she said. Covid “can have a punch” and some of the RSV vaccines and the flu shot that’s recommended for people 65 and older also can cause sore arms and, sometimes, fever or other symptoms. A hint emerged from data earlier this year that people who got flu and covid shots together might be at slightly higher risk of stroke. That linkage seems to have faded after further study, but it still might be safer not to get them together.

Pfizer and Moderna are both testing combination vaccines, with the first flu-covid shot to be available as early as next year.

Has this booster version been used elsewhere in the world?

Nope, although Pfizer’s shot has been approved in the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, and Moderna has won approval in Japan and Canada. Rollouts will start in the U.S. and other countries this week.

Unlike in earlier periods of the pandemic, mandates for the booster are unlikely. But “it’s important for people to have access to the vaccine if they want it,” said panel member Beth Bell, a professor of public health at the University of Washington.

“Having said that, it’s clear the risk is not equal, and the messaging needs to clarify that a lot of older people and people with underlying conditions are dying, and they really need to get a booster,” she said.

ACIP member Sarah Long, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, voted for a universal recommendation but said she worried it was not enough. “I think we’ll recommend it and nobody will get it,” she said. “The people who need it most won’t get it.”

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

The things new moms should know about the 4th trimester

Photo provided

BRANDPOINT - Did you know that the first 12 weeks after giving birth are known as the fourth trimester? While you may have just given birth, your body will continue to change just like it did during your three trimesters of pregnancy.

The fourth trimester can have many surprises for first-time mothers. They might experience many physical, mental and emotional changes as their bodies heal and adjust to motherhood. While they may expect certain changes like stretch marks, hair loss and weight fluctuations, many other postpartum adjustments aren't discussed as much.

First Response™ wants to bring awareness to the changes mothers should expect during the fourth trimester. By learning about these changes and how to manage them, women can embrace and accept them with self-compassion and feel empowered to ask for support during their postpartum journey.

1. Postpartum bleeding

If you're a first-time or soon-to-be first-time mom, you may not know you'll experience bleeding after birth. While it may seem scary, this is a very normal part of the postpartum healing process.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this vaginal discharge is known as lochia and contains a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. It's similar to menstrual blood and can last several weeks, though the heaviness of the discharge should subside over time.

During the first six weeks after giving birth, use sanitary maxi pads (not tampons) to deal with the bleeding. For the first week, expect to go through several pads throughout the day. Most importantly, remember to take it easy and give your body time to heal.

2. Breast engorgement

During the fourth trimester, you may experience breast engorgement until your milk supply regulates. Your breasts may feel swollen, tight and tender, and you may even leak breast milk until symptoms subside, usually within a few days as you begin to regularly breastfeed. Use a cold compress to relieve swelling and pain. If you choose to breastfeed, you can wear a well-fitting bra to provide support and reduce soreness, according to La Leche League International.

If you don't plan to breastfeed, it can take up to several weeks for breast engorgement to subside. During this time, do not pump so your body gets the signal that it doesn't need to produce milk. A cold compress, supportive bra and over-the-counter pain meds can help you manage pain and discomfort until you stop producing milk.

3. Poor sleep

Babies don't have the same sleep schedules as adults. According to the Sleep Foundation, while newborns sleep up to 18 hours a day, they don't sleep in one solid block of time like adults do. Until your baby begins to sleep through the night, you will likely be up several times a night to attend to your baby.

To combat sleep deprivation during the fourth trimester, nap during the day when your baby sleeps. If a partner or family member is helping you, trade off middle-of-the-night feedings. Also, ask friends and family for help with house chores or child care so you can get some well-deserved rest.

4. Postpartum depression

You may have heard of the baby blues when mothers feel overwhelmed, irritable and stressed the first couple of weeks after giving birth. This is your body's natural response to the drop in hormone levels postpartum. However, some women may feel these symptoms more intensely and for long periods, indicating a more serious form of depression.

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in seven women can develop postpartum depression (PPD) within the first six weeks of giving birth. Some symptoms of PPD include:

Depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure
Insomnia
Loss of energy or fatigue
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Because of the societal expectations of motherhood, it can be difficult for women to admit they need help. That's why it's incredibly important for new mothers to have a support system of friends, family and other mothers to help them overcome the stigma of PPD and get the care they need.

If you're experiencing PPD, reach out for help and contact your doctor. While PPD is serious, it is treatable.

Get connected

These are just four ways your life may change after giving birth. While these changes may sound overwhelming, you can manage them with a little help and understanding. That's why First Response has launched the Pregnancy Hub by First Response.

This online community aims to connect, inspire and provide resources to those navigating trying to conceive (TTC), pregnancy and motherhood. By joining, you'll have free access to resources and advice, the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with other members, share personal experiences, and more. To learn more and get connected, visit FirstResponsePregnancyHub.SocialMediaLink.com.

**The content provided on this health blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.**

Ten ways to thank a caregiver this holiday season

Photo Provided

BRANDPOINT - Chances are you know a caregiver. It could be the teacher at your child's school, balancing classroom duties and caring for an aging parent after the bell rings. Maybe it's your coworker who also takes care of a chronically ill spouse at home. Or your friend who makes time to catch up despite their busy schedule assisting their disabled sibling with everyday tasks.

With caregivers playing such a vital role for loved ones - a spouse, child, parents or even a friend - it is important that caregivers be supported too. Becoming a fulltime caregiver is usually not a role anyone is prepared to take on and can often come with challenges and emotional hardships. However, creating connection and building support networks can provide a safety net for caregivers and give them somewhere to turn when navigating new or difficult situations.

Supportive communities and resources are important for caregivers in every season. An easy first step in showing up for the caregivers in your own life is to express gratitude and establish yourself as a means of support and understanding.

Need help getting started? Consider these 10 ways to say thanks to a caregiver in your life:

1. Write a thank you note.

Whether short and sweet or long and detailed, a simple letter expressing gratitude and recognizing everything caregivers do is an easy way to say thanks and create connection.

Photo: Adrian/Pixabay

2. Send them a personal gift.

Gift cards and other small tokens of gratitude are a great way to express thanks and provide caregivers with something for themselves, encouraging self-care and prioritizing caregiver well-being.

3. The gift of time, so they can do self-care.

Another way to encourage self-care is by stepping in for a caregiver for a few hours, allowing them some free time to take care of themselves and do what they enjoy.

4. Make regular visits.

Caregiving can often be an isolating role, as many of the people receiving care may have limited mobility or spend most of their time at home. In this, it's important to physically show up for the caregiver in your life and spend quality time with them.

5. Gift them a journal or planner.

An important role of caregivers is to keep track of appointments, medication schedules and more. Gifting a journal or planner to help them stay organized can be an easy way to support their everyday life.

6. Express your gratitude with food.

Not only does cooking a meal for a caregiver help alleviate some of their workload, but it also is an effective way to connect with those around you and spark meaningful conversations.

7. Exercise together.

Many studies suggest that exercising with a caregiver and the person receiving care can improve both mental and physical health, making it an easy way to show thanks and prioritize well-being.

8. Plan a movie night.

Express thanks by arranging a movie night, setting aside time to connect and bond over a favorite movie of theirs.

9. Have a portrait taken.

A powerful way to create connection and meaningful memories is by having a portrait taken of caregiver and care recipient, gifting an image that will always remind them of the vital role they play.

10. Create a team of support.

One of the best ways to support the caregiver in your life and express consistent gratitude for all they do, is by surrounding them with a network of resources and creating a Caregiver Support Team.

Whether it's by saying thanks, helping to establish a caregiver support network or simply spending quality time, showing up for the caregivers in your life can have an immense impact on their well-being, and in turn, can improve the quality of care they provide.

For additional resources and to learn more about how you can ensure the caregiver in your life feels supported at every turn, connect with Careforth.

Fieldcrest tops Richland County at Country Financial Shootout

ST. JOSEPH - Fieldcrest's Kaitlyn White dribbles past Richland County's Rylee Bloomer during the first quarter of their Country Financial Shootout game. White, who scored 23 points to lead the Lady Knights past the Tigers, was named the Country Financial Player-of-the-Game. Fieldcrest prevailed 50-43 at the eight-team shootout on Saturday.

Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Photo Gallery