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July 30, 2010

Senator John Pippy E-News

Prevent Heat-Related Illness 

Staying cool in the midst of a summer heat wave is critical for certain segments of Pennsylvania’s population, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  For those over 65, infants and young children, and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems or chronic conditions escaping the very hot temperatures and high humidity can prevent serious illness or death.   

Heat exhaustion can occur after sun exposure or inadequate replenishment of fluids after spending time outside.  Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.  If you experience these symptoms, immediately cool off, rest and drink water.  However, if left untreated, heat exhaustion may advance to heat stroke.   

Heat stroke, which can be fatal, occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature due to overheating and, in turn, loses the ability to sweat.  Symptoms include a body temperature above 103° F; red, hot, and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, call for emergency medical assistance and try to cool the person off in a shady place.   

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention.  Visit the CDC website on combating extreme heat and recognizing and responding promptly to the warning signs of trouble.   

2010 Pennsylvania Farm Market Guide Available Online 

A guide to area farm markets and other local agricultural products and events is now available online.

The 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Market Guide lists area farm markets and providers of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, jams and jellies, as well as agriculture adventure farms and pick-your-own-fruit opportunities. 

There are 67 farm markets listed for Allegheny and Washington counties, and the guide provides the location, days and hours of operation, and product availability. 

The Guide can be downloaded here from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s website, www.agriculture.state.pa.us.  

-- Tree Alert --
Emerald Ash Borer Found In Three New Counties 

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is announcing the discovery of Emerald Ash Borer beetles in Centre, Fulton, and Somerset counties; the invasive tree-killing pest is now found in 15 Pennsylvania counties.   

In response to a serious threat to the Commonwealth’s nearly $25 billion nation-leading hardwoods industry, a brochure, “What is the Emerald Ash Borer?” is now available to the general public to prevent the spread of the EAB.   

Also, a critical alert is included in the simple, two-sided brochure: “Do Not Move Firewood!” The transporting of firewood to new areas is complicit in the spread of the EAB and other pests.  Recommendations to campers and others utilizing firewood include:

• Use LOCAL firewood 
• Do not bring firewood into PA.  This is banned under order of quarantine.
• If you have already transported firewood, do not take it home; do not leave it - BURN IT! 

For a list of related publications, scroll to the bottom of the PA Department of Agriculture’s Emerald Ash Borer Survey Program webpage and choose a publication. Click on “Download” to view the individual publication.

PennDOT Launches “Live Free Ride Alive” Campaign Aimed at Reducing Motorcycle-Related Injuries & Deaths 

Did you know there were 3,736 motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania during 2009 that resulted in 204 deaths and 3,677 injuries?  

Compounding the problem is the fact that 1 in 5 motorcycle wrecks results in head or neck injuries, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.  These statistics are behind PennDOT’s latest motorcycle safety campaign, Live Free Ride Alive, aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle-related deaths and injuries.    

Bikers are about 35 times more likely to die in a crash than people traveling in cars when evaluated on a per vehicle mile traveled basis.  Furthermore, the fatality rate for riders and their passengers is 5.5 times higher than for passenger cars.   

While most crashes occur at speeds less than 30 miles per hour, speeding riders were more severely injured than riders who were not speeding.  These and other facts combined with Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program are intended to teach riders of all skill levels the basic fundamentals needed in order to safely operate a motorcycle.  The course is free for any state resident licensed to operate a motorcycle.