Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) officials today cut the ribbon to open the health networks latest

health center. The Health Center at Bangor is located in the Bangor Plaza shopping center at 1337 Blue Valley Dr. in

Pen Argyl, Pa. The center will offer Slate Belt residents highquality health care services that include cancer care, cardiac care, ExpressCARE and laboratory services. A few years back, this facility served as a

factory outlet for Majestic Athletic, the company that makes all the uniforms for Major League Baseball players, said Ron Swinfard, MD, president and chief executive officer at LVHN. Majestic offers its very best to some of

the finest athletes in the world. So you could say that we at Lehigh Valley Health Network have quite a legacy of excellence to uphold here. Swinfard said the cancer care offered at the Health Center at Bangor will include infusion, the first time that service will be offered at an LVHN health center. In addition to the cardiac care, ExpressCARE and lab services (provided by Health Network Laboratories) the center will provide diagnostic services, screening mammography, physical therapy, home sleep studies and radiology. Swinfard said the Health Center at Bangor is the eleventh community health center LVHN operates in the greater Lehigh Valley area and Hazleton, and its one of

Pennsylvanias Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now accepting applications, according to Senate Majority Whip Pat Browne. LIHEAP, which opened on November 4th, provides grants up to $1,000 to help low-income families pay heating bills during the winter months. LIHEAP also offers crisis grants of up to $500 for families who experience heating emergencies, such as a broken furnace, fuel shortage or utility termination. Local residents can apply for LIHEAP grants online at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services

(COMPASS) website, at www.compass.state.pa. us. More information on the program is also available by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 1866-857-7095. The East Bangor United Methodist Community Church is sponsoring a bus trip to the Sight and Sound Theater in Strasburg to see MOSES on Thursday, May 1st. The trip includes the bus, show, and smorgasbord dinner. For more information, call Jackie Williams Bartosh at 570-9926820, or Chris Ott at 610-588-1429. Fun Fridays are planned for February at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Poconos, 940A Ann

Street in Stroudsburg. Attendees are invited to express themselves through Crafts with Mary Lou on February 7th at 7pm, Open Mic Night on February 14th at 7pm, Poetry Workshop with Jim E. on February 21st at 6pm (please note earlier time), and Family Board Game Night on February 28th at 7pm. Donations are accepted. See www. uupoconos.org for more information. Kindergarten Registration at Plainfield Elementary School in Pen Argyl Area School District will be held April 8th through 10th. Appointments are necessary. Appointments are available by phone between the hours of 9am and 3:15pm, begining on February 24th. Please note that calls before February 24th will not be accepted. Parents should schedule appointments by contacting the school at 610-746-4436. To be eligible for kindergarten for 2015, the child must be 5 years old on or before September 1st. Also, a copy of proof of immunization and the childs birth certificate must be presented at the time of regestration for the school to keep on file. Waggin' Tails Rescue needs volunteers and Fosters Waggin' Tails Pet Rescue urgently needs volunteers to help save more dogs. Waggin' Tails Pet Rescue is a group of volunteers based in the West End of the

Poconos, who have been rescuing and rehoming dogs for years. Waggin' Tails Rescue takes pride in finding the best homes possible for its abandoned pets. Volunteers are needed to help with adoption days, animal transport, fundraisers and more. Foster homes are also urgently needed in order to save more dogs and cats. Learn more by talking with the volunteers or by visiting www. waggintailsrescue.com. You will find the dogs that Waggin' Tails has for adoption, volunteer and foster applications and more. For additional information, email information@ waggintailsrescue.com The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2445 Minsi Drive, Bangor, announces that on February 7th (snow date February 8th) they will be holding their annual Silent Auction. Doors open at 5pm and bidding is to start around 5:30. For further information contact Marilyn Daley at 610-588-1198 Happy birthday to Heather VanDusen, who will be celebrating on February 9th. We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries and tidbits of information to: The PRESS 1 Broadway Bangor, PA 18013 thepressmail@ gmail.com Like us on Facebook!

Here is a list of the new items added to the collection of the Bangor Public Library during the week of January 23rd to January 29th: Adult Fiction: Dallas, Prayers for Sale; Kenyon, Bad Moon Rising; Makine, Once Upon the River Love; Patterson, When the Wind Blows; Perry, Highgate Rise; Roberts, Brazen Virtue; Staub, Hell to Pay. Adult Non-Fiction: Cook, Titanic Thompson: the Man Who Bet on Everything; Darling, Necessary Sins: a Memoir; Easy

Foil Recipes; Ehrenreich, The Worst Years of our Lives: Irreverent Notes from a Decade of Greed; Fox-Genovese, Marriage: the Dream that Refuses to Die; Hayhurst, The Bullpen Gospels: Major League Dreams of a Minor League Veteran. Large Print Adult Fiction: Macomber, Starry Night: A Christmas Novel. Young Adult Fiction: Lupica, Travel Team. Easy Non-Fiction: Rey, Spotty. DVD: One Hour Photo

There is interested group of volunteers who want to see Slate Belt Heritage Days continue. The festival has a successful run of thirteen years and generates interest within and outside the area. Enthusiasm remains height. They are looking for a leader to coordinate the entire event. Ideally, they would like to include a representative from each municipality, individuals to any group/organization to help planning and implementing the festi-

val, to have activities going on in the various municipalities to create more regional interest. They have a basic format and list of past events, food vendors, programs, craft demonstrators, safety procedures and other details. Janet Miller, as past coordinator, is willing to provide guidance. Several organizations, including the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce and the Slate Belt Heritage Center are willing to assist. A number of the crafts people and

vendors have inquired about the festival this year. This spring the Heritage Center will roll out the Heritage Troup Map of the Slate Belt designed to draw visitors to and through the area. Weve considered asking some of the sites, which are located in all ten municipalities, to have special open house times and the 2014 Heritage Days, perhaps with special

crafts or program particular to each site. These are some of the current ideas, all ideas are welcome! We hope that you will provide guidance, recommendations for leadership roles, and attend our next meeting on February 13th, 7pm at the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce office located at 187 Blue Valley Dr., Bangor. Contacts 610-588-1000 for more details.

The Slate Belt Heritage Center will hold their monthly historic presentation on Sunday, February 9th at 2pm. Featured speaker will be Mr. Walter Cole, who will present an oral history on "The Depression". Mr. Cole is a retired history teacher who is devoting his time to collect oral histories from residents throughout the Slate Belt. He will use selected

passages from the Heritage Center's oral history collection relating real life experiences. The Heritage Center is located at 30 North 1st Street, Bangor. Contact Karen Brewer for more information at 610-5888615. Anyone who has a family member who has a story to tell about growing up in the Slate Belt and would like to be interviewed may also contact Karen.

(NAPSI)Did you know that over 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year for illnesses related to the flu, and that the virus kills about 36,000 people each year? Children are more susceptible to the flu, and once they catch the

(NAPSI)Drivers who listen closely will find that their car is actually communicating with them by using a language all its own. Sounds such as squealing, thumping, hissing and grinding are all signs that your vehicle may be trying to tell you something. Thats the word from the experts at the Car

Care Council. While many motorists are familiar with noises their vehicles make on a daily basis, any noise that is new, different or suspicious may indicate a problem. For example, a highpitched squeal that stops when pressing on the brake pedal is a sign that a vehicles brakes should be inspected. The

same goes for grinding that could be the result of worn brake pads that should be replaced. Thumping that increases and decreases with the speed of the vehicle could mean a trip to your local service center. The diagnosis may be a tire problem like a bubble in the sidewall or torn rubber that could lead to a blowout. Under The Hood As Well: Sounds under the hood can also indicate that your vehicle is in need of attention. Hissing

may be caused by a disconnected or cracked vacuum hose. A squealing noise while revving the engine could be due to a slipping drive belt. Inspection and repair will allow your vehicle to operate more safely and efficiently. Its important for car owners to listen and act accordingly when their vehicle speaks up, said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. By checking out what your vehicle is saying, you can take care of the problem now and avoid a breakdown

or more costly repairs later. The number of sounds a vehicle may make is endless, so when your car is trying to tell you something, its important to be alert, listen carefully and take action, added White. The Car Care Council is the source of information for the Be Car Care Aware consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.

influenza virus, it can spread like wildfire. To help stop the spread of the flu in the home, parents can take four simple steps: 1.) Clean: Wipe down hard surfaces, including toys, counters, toilets and sinks with a household cleaning agent, such as Lysol, to rid them of germs. 2.) Dry: Allow surfaces ample time to dry completely before disinfecting them. 3.) Disinfect: Once a toy is clean and dry, apply a disinfectant to rid the surface of bacteria and viruses. But make sure to carefully read a product's label for instructions. Bleach is only effective if diluted properly by water. 4.) Remember: Use these tactics for all shared surfaces. Learn more from the cleaning experts at Aftermath, the only national company specializing in crime scene cleanup and sanitizing serious biohazards such as MRSA and HIV. Visit www.aftermath.com/flufacts or call (877) 8724399 for more information.

Hello fellow readers, We have a few garden diggers out there despite the freezing temps! A few teenage puppies, that is; Keswick of Stillwater and Dulcie of Basking Ridge to be specific. Regal names these digger dogs have! According to the Humane Society, training not to dig is the best option. They suggest the command no dig and divert their attention to fetching or a squeaky toy. Of course keep them exercised, as a tired dog makes for a well-trained dog. There are certain breeds such as terrier, dachshund and others bred to hunt burrowing animals with digging instincts you cannot break. Some suggest setting up a doggy sand box to keep them out of the garden. Bury treats or toys and lead them to their box when the dig urge strikes, then demonstrate by digging yourself. Warning: this technique may backfire if you have outdoor cats. Ed from Basking Ridge

wrote that digging is half the problem as Dulcie, his nine month old Lab, also eats the plants that she digs up. Seems blue fescue is one of her favored plants, likely because they are an evergreen ornamental grass, hence viable even in winter. Some dogs love eating grass. That would be Miss Ellie. Despite efforts to keep her away from ornamental grass, mine become topless by fall. This brings me to the topic of poisonous plants. The ASPCA has a vast list of toxic and nontoxic plants for dogs, cats and horses, which is a good reference. Consideration when choosing plants is important if your pet is oblivious about whats harmful to eat, but in the world of animals, I would think most have the right impulses of whats not safe. They say Bitter Apple spray used to train animals not to chew does not harm plants; although I am a bit skeptical, as the ingredients include 20 percent isopropanol (essentially rubbing alcohol). I would first try it around plants and maybe spray it on a few to see how it works out. Good luck! And please send pictures demonstrating to your dog how to dig in the sand box. The chuckle itself will be worth the effort! Garden dilemmas? askmarystone.com

(NAPSI)The next time you take a trip, remember to take your digital luggagea secure place for essential travel documents such as travel itineraries, work documents and any of your favorite music, movies or videos. Find Everything: You can have instant access to everything you have stored without ever having to worry about

capacity. Just click and drag those plane tickets, hotel confirmations, immunization records or car rental agreements into your Infinite Drive, where its all encrypted and safe. When youre at the ticketing counter, pull them up instantly on your phone or tablet. Save Everything: If you lose a device on the road or even over the side of a boat, that doesnt mean you have

to lose stored files. Bitcasa automatically backs up all photos and videos as you take them. Theyre accessible from any device you own or by using your password at mybitcasa.com. Stay Entertained On The Go: Long flight or drive? Save as favorite movies, music or videos you want to watch on the plane and theyll be available offline.

Share the Fun as it Happens : with Send To Friend links, friends and family can enjoy your pictures and videos as you take them-no costly international data fees if youre traveling abroad and no need to download anything because everything can be streamed in full HD using a simple Web link. You can learn more facts by visiting www.bitcasa.com.

(NAPSI)The quality of the air in your home should always be a priority, but during the colder months its particularly important to monitor it. The Problem: One of the most common airquality problems in an indoor environment is particles in the air, such as allergens, viruses, bacteria and other contaminants. You have longer exposure to these particles when youre inside for a long time in the winter, and just because you cant see these pollutants, it doesnt mean theyre not there. These lightweight particles can stay suspended in midair unless properly removed, and smaller particles can sometimes cause the most adverse health effects. The human bodys immune system is able to deal with a certain level of contaminants. However, once allergens or other airborne pollutants reach a threshold, negative health effects and allergic reactions can occur. When the temperature drops, people tend to spend more time indoors, which means more time sharing air in

a confined area, said Kent Kuffner, indoor air quality product manager, Carrier. In addition, the air is notoriously harsh and dry in the winter months, so evaluate your home to ensure that the air quality inside is optimized no matter how severe the weather gets outside. What Can Be Done? Fortunately, by reducing the contaminant levels of airborne particles through proper indoor air-quality technologies, these problems may be alleviated. Here are some hints on how: Air purifiers clean harmful microscopic airborne pathogens from the conditioned air and some even capture and kill them to prevent them from re-entering the home. Another common issue during the winter

is dry air. Installing a humidifier can help maintain proper humidity during heating season and help you avoid itchy, cracked skin, dry nasal passages and static electricity. It may even reduce the drying that can damage wood furniture and flooring. An added benefit to properly humidified air is that it feels warmer than drier air, Kuffner said. When the humidity is right, you can actually lower your thermostat during heating season and stay more comfortable while saving on utility costs. Air infiltration is also a big concern. Todays homes are built for better energy efficiency, with tighter construction and less air infiltration. While thats great for maintaining temperatures, it means

air can become stagnant and stale in your home, especially when you and your family are spending more time indoors. You need fresh air in your home and thats where a ventilator helps. It works with your heating and cooling system to allow clean, fresh outdoor air into your home without jeopardizing your comfort. Who Can Do It: When evaluating your homes indoor air quality, its important to discuss it with a certified heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) contractor. All these helpful solutions can tie right into your home comfort control, making it easy to monitor and regulate indoor temperature, humidity and air quality. You can find further facts and tips online at www.carrier.com.

Contest entry is free. Photos of all animals are accepted in color or black and white, but will be only be printed in color as space permits. Categories will be Best Overall, Funniest and Most Original. A winner from each category will receive prizes from our sponsors. The deadline for entries is March 27th. Photos will be printed through April 2nd. The winners will be announced in the April 2nd edition. To enter the contest, submit your photo with your name, address and phone number to: The PRESS, 1 Broadway, Bangor, PA 18013 or you can email your photo to thepresspetsPA@gmail.com. Photos will not be returned. One photo per pet is permitted.

February 5, 2014

The PRESS

Page 7

Tips on Staying Healthy by Avoiding Refined Sugars

(NAPSI)How sweet it isnt: One of the least healthful parts of the American diet, nutritionists say, is refined sugar, and avoiding it is nearly impossiblebut there are steps you can take. The Problem: Refined sugar, in a variety of forms, is all over the food supply. Thats why its important to block most of that sugar from getting into your body. Some Solutions: Here are three ways; 1. Avoid Sugar Surges. Hundreds of studies document the importance of protecting against blood glucose surges. What many people dont know is that a huge source of blood sugar emanates from dietary starch such as bread, pasta, potatoes and rice. Even wholegrain bread and brown rice can induce undesirable glucose spikes. Every gram of starch you eat could represent one gram of free glucose in your blood, according to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Fortunately, in a breakthrough development, scientists have shown that an enzyme called transglucosidase converts starches into prebiotic fiber within the digestive tract. Consuming this enzyme with starchy meals helps avoid the flood of glucose into the bloodstream that results from eating carbohydrates. Transglucosidase can reduce the level of rapidly digested starch in a carbohydrate food item by 31 percent. This helps maintain healthy blood glucose, cholesterol and insulin levels for those whose levels are already in the normal range, reports the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. Consider this: Most anti-diabetic drugs are made to drive down blood sugar levels. They have no effect on insulin. Some even increase insulin levels in an attempt to reduce blood sugar. Transglucosidase, however, works in part by lowering insulin levels as blood sugar normalizes. 2. Inhibit Enzymes. Researchers also found that extracts from grape seeds and teas (both white and green) successfully dampened a sugary meals effect on blood sugar levels. Explains Michael A. Smith, M.D., senior health scientist with Life Extension in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and host of Healthy Talk on www.RadioMD.com, the extracts keep sugar from being available for absorption, so theres less risk of blood sugar spikes after eating. This is very important because experts agree that a dramatic rise in blood sugar leads to a parallel rise in insulin. The end result is insulin resistance and possibly type 2 diabetes, adds Dr. Smith. Supplementing with grape seed or tea extracts minimizes the rise in blood sugar by blocking the intestinal enzymes responsible for digesting complex sugars. Researchers calculated the concentrations required to inhibit most of the activity of the digestive enzymes amylase and glucosidase. They found that grape seed extract strongly inhibited both of the enzymes while tea extracts showed strong inhibition of the glucosidase enzyme. The scientists concluded Because these plant extracts are well tolerated, relatively inexpensive and readily available, they have the potential to be used in many applications for glycemic (sugar) control. 3. Understand Sugar Absorption. Blood sugar spikes are dangerous. Every time sugar rises in your blood, insulin follows suit because its necessary to transport the sugar to the cells to be used for energy. The problem is, the insulin receptors inside the cell are very sensitive to insulin and if it

Local Senior Centers

Slate Belt Senior Center American Bangor Road, Box 3268A, RD 3, Bangor 8:30am to 4pm 610-588-1224 Lower Mt. Bethel Twp. Sr. Center Rt. 611, Martins Creek 9:30am to 1:30pm 610-252-2225 Nazareth Senior Center Oliver C. Border House 15 South Wood St., Nazareth 8am to 2pm 610-759-8255 Easton Area Senior Center 42 Centre Square, Easton 7:30am to 3:30pm 610-252-5858

constantly spikes, they become desensitized. Doctors call this insulin resistance and say it leads to diabetes. Chronically elevated insulin levels can also put you at increased risk for cancer, obesity, heart

attacks and strokes. Learn More: For further facts about transglucosidase and other ways to slow your sugar absorption, visit www.LifeExtension.co m/gpt or call toll-free at 1-866-631-8923.

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By Dr. Alejandro Chafuen While the church and Christian moralists have always spoken about the rich and the poor, and condemned those who put wealth, or anything else, above eternal life, it was only in the 20th Century when church authorities began to make frequent empirical statements about the number of rich and poor. Pope Francis is the latest example. He writes in the latest apostolic exhortation that while the earnings of a minority are growing exponentially, so too is the gap separating the majority from the prosperity enjoyed by those happy few. During the 20th Century, inequalities of wealth became a favorite topic of intellectuals of different persuasions. Vladimir I. Lenin developed his theories of imperialism touching upon the topic of nations continuously getting rich while others grew

poor. His views on how the rich capitalist nations exploit others still influence the world today. Corrado Gini, who in 1927 wrote The Scientific Basis of Fascism, developed a method to measure inequality, called the Gini coefficient. The gap between the rich and the poor, as measured by this index, led to numerous studies that soon began to influence moralists of all bents, including those in the Catholic Church. During the second half of the 20th Century, economist Prebisch developed a theory of center-periphery similar to Lenins. It stated that as the cards were dealt, the rich countries at the center were bound to get richer and exploit the poor countries at the periphery. In 1968, the Episcopal Conference of Latin American Catholic Bishops met in Medellin, Colombia. Some of the Medellin document

echoed Lenin and Prebisch: The countries which produce raw materials especially if they are dependent upon one major export always remain poor, while the industrialized countries enrich themselves. Pope Paul VI, in his encyclical Populorum Progressio (1967), used similar language and analysis. He wrote that the economic system left to itself widens the gap between rich and poor nations: Rich people enjoy rapid growth whereas the poor develop slowly. The imbalance is on the increase. In Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict XVI repeated what John Paul II has already observed: The demarcation line between rich and poor countries is no longer as clear as it was at the time of Populorum Progressio. Benedict mentioned corruption as exacerbating the problem. But he did not mention that it is precisely those countries

with more economic freedom that show lower levels of corruption, and higher levels of economic and human development. The rich can, and at times have, gotten richer at the expense of the poor. This happens when they capture the government and reduce opportunities for the poor. When Paul VI and other religious authorities speak about an economic system left to itself, they actually mean what they say. This is a system where businessmen make the rules for their own advantage rather than working within a framework of rule of law. That is why John Paul II sided with his predecessors in Centesimus Annus (42) when he criticized the type of capitalism in which freedom in the economic sector is not circumscribed within a strong juridical framework, which places it at the service of human

freedom in its totality and sees it as a particular aspect of that freedom, the core of which is ethical and religious. Nevertheless, he endorsed a capitalist system that recognizes the fundamental and positive role of business, the market, private property and the resulting responsibility for the means of production, as well as free human creativity in the economic sector, even though it would perhaps be more appropriate to speak of a business economy, market economy or simply free economy. Hernando de Soto, from the Institute for Liberty and Democracy, showed how an overregulated economy creates such high costs of entrance to the market for the poor, that it ends up excluding them. In addition, and to explain why so many poor cannot improve their lot, I have argued that we need to look into the

unequal distribution of economic freedom. The unequal distribution of economic freedom leads to a system where the rich get richer because they are the only ones who can afford the costs of legality. The poor get stuck with little access to legality and poor essential services. In most indices that measure rule of law, only a minority of countries qualify as having a strong and just juridical framework. In those countries, the population, as well as moralists, see how the rich who are close to the government continue to enrich themselves even in periods where most of the population is suffering. Unjust inequalities exist, yet saying that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer can still be misleading and dangerous. When speaking about inequality, Gini and Prebisch in the past, and Krugmann, Stiglitz, in the present, use macroeconomics. By its nature, macroeconomics is explained in terms of aggregates, groups and averages. The human person is lost in these aggregates and categories. The Pope and his advisors should be aware of this and should focus more on upward mobility, opportunity, personal responsibility, and family relationships. These factors, rather than redistribution, hold the key to full personal and societal development. *The views & opinions of this article do not express the views of the PRESS*

Senator Majority Whip Senator Pat Browne, co-chair of the Early Childhood Education Caucus, joined Governor Corbett at a press conference yesterday (January 30) at which the Governor announced a $10 million increase in funding for the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program in the 2014-15 budget proposal that will be unveiled next week. This is great news for the 1,670 additional Pennsylvania pre-school children who will be provided access to high-quality early learning services, Senator Browne said. This is a step that the Early Childhood Education Caucus strongly supports and has been advocating for. We have sent letters to the Governor urging increased state support for these vital programs and it is gratifying that we will soon see a substantial new infusion of state money. The bi-partisan, bicameral Early Childhood Education Caucus the largest legislative caucus in Pennsylvania with over 127 members was created in 2010 to support high-quality early childhood care and education programs in

Pennsylvania that promote health and educational development for our at-risk children. The additional $10 million would bring total increased investment in Pre-K Counts since 2011 to $13.6 million or a 16.3 percent increase. Pre-K Counts provides research-based, highquality prekindergarten opportunities to at-risk children across the commonwealth by leveraging existing early education services in school districts, Keystone STARS childcare programs, Head Start and licensed nursery schools. Many scientific and well-recognized studies show that investments in early childhood education programs, especially for at-risk children, earn seven to 16 dollars for every dollar invested. These programs help more of our children perform at grade level, graduate from high school, succeed in college and earn more as adults, Senator Browne said. Those are the kinds of results that make a difference

not only for those children, but also for our schools in the short-term and our society in the long-run. These worthy investments will continue to pay huge dividends to Pennsylvania communities and our states overall economic wellbeing, while lessening the burden on taxpayers. The Pre-K Counts program is designed for children who are between age 3 and the entry age for kindergarten; are at risk of school failure due to considerations such as English language learning or special needs; and are living in families earning up to 300 percent of the federal income poverty level, such as a family of two, earning $46,530. This funding increase proposed for Pre-K Counts will help to supplement a $51.7 million Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant awarded to Pennsylvania in December 2013. Prior funding in the last three years increased investments to Pre-K Counts, Head Start and early intervention programs by $46.5 million, serving an additional 11,000 children.

(NAPSI)The next time youre thinking of buying a used car, remember, what you dont see can hurt you. Were talking about air bags. Be sure theyre present and working properly. As many as 250,000 counterfeit air bags may have been used to replace deployed ones, according to the federal government. But thats not all. Air bag fraud also can involve: Stuffing things in the air bag compartment (newspaper, packing peanuts) Air bags found in junkyards Stolen air bags No air bags at all. What To Do Start by simply turning the ignition. If the

air bag indicator doesnt come on at all or stays on, there may be a problem. Also, check Carfax for reported accidents and air bag deployments, and get a mechanics inspection. For further facts and reports, visit www.carfax.com

The U.S. House of Representativespassed the Conference Report to H.R. 2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (FARRM Act). The legislation includes $16.6 billion in net savings and provides long term stability for our nation's agriculture industry. "In addition to giving Pennsylvania's farmers the certainty they need, the FARRM Act repeals outdated direct payments, strengthens crop insurance to reduce the need for federal disaster aid, consolidates 23 duplicative and overlapping programs down to 13, and offers new farmers and small

businesses access to critical capital and training," Marino said. "It also implements an insurance program that is critical for dairy farmers in my district that will help them cope with high grain prices and market instability.". "Additionally, I am very pleased that language was included in the Conference Report to federally criminalize attending or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture," Marino said. In both the 112th and 113th Congresses, Marino introduced the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, legislation to amend the Animal Welfare Act to make it a crime for a

person to knowingly attend - or cause a minor to attend - an animal fighting venture. This language will prevent organizers of illegal animal fights from being able to avoid prosecution by merely claiming to be attendants, not organizers. The FARRM Act also included reforms to the federal food stamp program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. "Although we were unable to separate the federal food stamp program from the underlying legislation, the conference report takes us in the right direction. This legislation includes the

first reforms made to SNAP since 1996," Marino added. The FARRM Act p r o h i b i t s governmentsponsored recruitment activities for SNAP, eliminates state bonuses for increased SNAP enrollees, and establishes a pilot program to engage able-bodied adults without dependents in mandatory work training programs in order to receive SNAP benefits. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $5,000,000 per fiscal year for the U.S Department of Agriculture to prevent trafficking violations within SNAP.

DEP emergency responders reacted immediately when notified yesterday afternoon of a crude oil spill at the Monroe Energy refinery in Trainer, Delaware County. DEP emergency responders joined the U.S. Coast Guard and other members of an incident management team to assess the release of about 1,000 gallons of oil into the Delaware River. Monroe Energy promptly reported the

spill, which occurred when a pipe ruptured as crews were off-loading crude oil, and took the necessary actions to minimize environmental impacts. While any spill into our waterways is unacceptable, reporting protocols were followed and we were able to respond quickly and effectively - the frigid weather and quick containment response have helped to minimize the impacts of this incident, DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. DEP staff is on the scene and will continue to monitor and assist with the cleanup until it has been completed, and we will review the cause of this incident to determine whether additional action is warranted.

Across 1. Intestines' terminal section (pl.) 6. Comprehensible 15. Erasable programmable read-only memory (acronym) 16. Rash-causing shrub (2 wds) 17. Like saltwater taffy 18. Vehement accusation 19. "If only ___ listened ..." (contraction) 20. Generous bestowal of gifts 22. Blue 23. Give off, as light 25. Equal 26. Bad day for Caesar 28. Comeback 30. Black 32. Sidekick 33. "I had no ___!" 34. Auto parts giant 38. Parachute straps 40. Causing fear 42. "... or ___!" 43. "My bad!" 45. White, oblong, ecclesiastical vestment 46. Big name in computers 48. Foil (2 wds) 49. Bummed out 51. Bow 53. Stallion, once 54. "Comprende?" 55. Skin art (pl.) 58. ___ Clemente 59. Collective body of bishops 61. A-list 63. Lowest 64. Mechanical routines 65. Those who live in a place 66. Bottomless pit

Down 1. Lavishly elegant 2. Fleeting 3. Those to whom money is owed 4. Haul 5. ___ nitrate 6. Cathedral topper 7. Bowed ceremoniously 8. Channel bottoms 9. A Swiss army knife has lots of them 10. Alarm bell 11. Amazon, e.g. 12. Idaho's capital 13. They go with the flow 14. Barely managed, with "out" 21. Appropriate 24. Vintage auto rear seating compartment 27. Forceful 29. "The Catcher in the ___" 31. Move forward by rowing 33. Quarantine 35. Fattiness 36. Embezzles 37. Skillful performance 39. Absorb, with "up" 41. Ring bearer, maybe 44. Most cheeky 47. Small bell-shaped bomb 48. Even if, briefly 49. Switzerland's capital 50. City on the Aire 52. Charges 54. Cowboy boot attachment 56. #1 spot 57. "Buona ___" (Italian greeting) 60. "Fantasy Island" prop 62. Court ploy

(NAPSI)While at any given time nearly 80 million Americans are thought to have been exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV), you can protect yourself. It's the most common sexually acquired infection in the United States. Most people who are sexually active have been exposed to it. While HPV does not cause symptoms, the good news is that the virus usually clears on its own within two years of exposure. If the virus persists, however, certain types of HPV can lead to serious health condi-

tions, including cervical cancer. Screening Is Key: "No woman wants to hear the words 'you have cervical cancer' from her physician," said Ann T. Moriarty, M.D., FCAP, cytopathologist and adviser and immediate past chair of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Cytopathology Resource Committee. "Fortunately, excellent screening tests, such as the Pap test and the high-risk HPV test, have made cervical cancer one of the most preventable cancers. In fact, since

the introduction of Pap screening programs in the U.S., the number of cervical cancer cases has decreased by 70 percent," added Dr. Moriarty. Pathologists are physicians who confirm cervical cancer by examining cells under a microscope. Sometimes called the "doctor's doctor," pathologists work closely with the other physicians on the patient care team to provide an accurate diagnosis and to determine if further testing is needed if cervical cancer is detected. They also help guide

treatment. Making Sense of it All: With the HPV vaccine and the use of HPV testing, cervical cancer screening guidelines have changed. Here's what women need to know: Women who are sexually active should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 may have a Pap test and an HPV test (called a cotest) every five years if the test results are normal. Alternatively,

these women may have a Pap test (without an HPV test) every three years. Women over age 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results need not be screened for cervical cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with cervical precancer should continue to be monitored and screened. The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered to children before they are sexually active (912 years). It protects both girls and boys. Parents should speak with their child's pediatrician to find out

what is right for their daughter or son. To ensure accurate test results, ask your physician if your screening test will be performed by an accredited laboratory. The CAP accredits more than 7,500 laboratories worldwide, employing standards that exceed U.S. government regulations. "Regular cervical cancer screening can save a woman's life," said Dr. Moriarty. "It's important for women to speak with their physicians about the timing and tests that are right for them."

Legislation which would prevent government agencies from accessing usage data generated by smart meter technology recently drew my support. House Bill 906, which passed unanimously, may now be taken up by the state Senate. Smart meter technology may offer greater efficiency, allow each of us to keep a closer eye on our electric use and be a more informed consumer as a result. What I do take issue with is who beyond the companies distributing electricity has the

ability to monitor that use. Smart meters were first introduced in conjunction with Act 129 of 2008, which required electric distribution companies to develop energy efficiency and conservation plans. House Bill 906 adds government agencies to the list of third parties needing permission from the consumer before being able to view their individual data. Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to my Mt. Bethel office at 570-897-0401 or my Nazareth office at 610746-5090.

Delaware-Lehigh Valley Amateur Radio Club Meeting: February 6th, 7:30pm at Bethlehem Township Community Center, 2900 Farmersville Rd., Bethlehem. FMI: www.DLARC.org Pancake Breakfast: February 8th, 8am-11am at Bangor Area Middle School, 5 Pts. Richmond Rd., Bangor. FMI and tickets, call Sue at 610588-3041. Rescue Fire Co #1 Auxiliary will be holding a 25 Cent Bingo, at the social hall on 1st Street in Bangor. Saturday, February 8th from 2pm to 6pm. Doors open at 1:30pm. Children welcome with an adult. Refreshments will be available for purchase. For details, email merrybear 941993@yahoo.com or on Facebook at Rescue Fire Company Auxiliary. St. Peters Annual

Oldies Dance: February 8th, 6pm to 11pm at the Blue Valley Farm Show Auditorium, Bangor. FMI and tickets, call Jacquelyn at 610-5882101. St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish is sponsoring a trip to the casino on Thursday, February 13th. This trip will be taking the place of the monthly trip to Atlantic city. FMI, call Mary Lou DeRea-Lohman at 610863-4846 or 610-8444630. Seussical the Musical: February 27th and 28th, and March 1st at Bangor Area High School, 5 Pts. Richmond Rd., Bangor. For more information and tickets, call 610599-7011. Blood Drive: March 9th, 11am-4pm. Hope UCC, 2nd and Cherry St., Wind Gap. Craft & Home Based Vendor Show: April 5th, 9am-3pm. Trinity Lutheran Church, 404 Broadway, Bangor. Free

admission and parking. Raffle, door prizes, snacks and lunch available. For more information call 610-588-9211, 610-588-9268, or 610588-9262. Free Chicken Parm Dinner at East Bangor United Methodist Community Church on February 2nd, 4pm to 6pm. For more information call 610-5884453 or visit ebumc.org. Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church is holding a Silent Auction, Friday February 7th. Snowdate: February 8th. 2445 Lake Minsi Drive , Bangor. Doors open at 5:30, bidding begins to close around 7:15pm. Food will be available for purchase. Crystal, floral arrangements, gift certificates, gift baskets, and so much more. FMI: 570-897-6601 Spaghetti Supper and Bake Sale: Saturday, February 8, 4pm-7pm, Trinity United Church of Christ, 632 South Delaware Drive, Mount Bethel. Call 610-5881989 FMI.

Comfort for Christie Benefit: Saturday, February 8th, 2pm8pm. Little Creek BarB-Cue, 1004 Washington Blvd., Bangor. Half Chicken dinner with two sides. Call 610-5883831 to place your take out orders. All proceeds benefit Comfort for Christie. Visit www.youcaring.com/co mfortforchristie FMI. Valentine Photos For Pets And People. Saturday, February 8 from 10am-2pm, Route 209 in Brodheadsville on Visit the website www.waggin tailsrescue.com or email information@waggintai lsrescue.com FMI. The East Bangor United Methodist Community Church welcomes Jennifer Lively, Sunday, February 9th, at the 9:15am worship service. She will also lead the adult Sunday School class. Bangor Public Library, is hosting a Get Writing! Get Published! event: Tuesday, February 18,

6:30pm. Join them for a free talk designed for people who love to write. Presented by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. Sign up at the Library Circulation Desk or by email at bngrpl@epix.net. Be sure to include your name & contact information in the body of the email.

the largest, filling 31,000 square feet of the 50,000 square-foot building. He said the services available now are Phase 1 of the anticipated growth that will occur in the future. Were committed to bringing the very best in health care to our friends and neighbors here in the Slate Belt and surrounding communities, Swinfard said. In addition to the wide array of health care services available at the health center, 35 black and white photographs that capture the history of the Slate Belt adorn the walls. The photos are courtesy of the Slate Belt Heritage Center. The purpose of the Heritage Center is to preserve the culture, ethnicity and industrial past of this region, said Marc Blau, vice president of the Heritage Center. We take great pride in having that history displayed at Lehigh Valley Health Networks new Health Center at Bangor as it becomes the latest part of our history moving forward. The community can get a preview of the Health Center at Bangor before

it officially opens to the public. LVHN will hold an open house on Saturday, Feb. 1 from noon to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served and attendees can take part in several familyfriendly activities and perhaps win a prize. First-hand demonstrations of services offered at the center also will be available, including education about selfbreast exam techniques; video examples of cardiac tests; body composition scans, and glucose and blood pressure screenings. In the event of bad weather, the open house will be rescheduled for Sunday, Feb. 2, from

noon to 3 p.m. For details during inclement weather, visit LV H N . o r g / B a n g o r. Patients will be seen at the center beginning Monday, Feb. 3. Appointments are now available by calling 610-402-CARE. Lehigh Valley Health Network includes four hospital facilities - two in Allentown, one in Bethlehem and one in Hazleton, Pa.; eleven health centers caring for communities in five counties; primary and specialty care physician practices; pharmacy, imaging, home health services and lab services; and preferred provider services

through Valley Preferred. Specialty care includes: trauma care at the regions busiest, most-experienced trauma center treating adults and children, burn care at the regional Burn Center, kidney and pancreas transplants; perinatal/neonatal, cardiac, cancer care, and neurology and complex neurosurgery capabilities including national certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Childrens Hospital at Lehigh Valley Hospital, the only childrens hospital in the region, provides care in 28 specialties and general pediatrics. Lehigh Valley Health Network has been recognized by US News & World Report for 18 consecutive years as one of Americas Best Hospitals and is a national Magnet hospital for excellence in nursing. Lehigh Valley Health Networks Cancer Center is one of only 21 sites nationwide that partners with the national Cancer Institutes Community Cancer Centers Program. Additional information is available at lvhn.org and by following us on facebook.com/LVHealt hNetwork and twitter.com/LVHN_Me diaTeam.

(NAPSI)The flu is nothing to sneeze at: Between the extreme body aches, chills and high temperatures, the flu threatens your well-being. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with it each year, hospitalizing more than 200,000but there are ways to keep yourself and your family out of such statistics this season. How the Cold and Flu Are Spread: The cold and flu are spread mainly by the germs released when someone already infected coughs, sneezes or speaks. A single sneeze can send 100,000 germs into the air, allowing virus droplets to land in the mouths or noses of people up to six feet away. The cold or flu might also be contracted by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching the mouth or nose. A person may be able to pass the cold or flu to someone else before he or she begins to notice symptoms, which typically appear one to four days after the virus enters the body. That means people can spread the virus a day before they know they have it and up to seven days after symptoms start.

Flu symptoms often include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. The Pharmacists Prevention Advice To avoid falling victim to the cold and flu, follow these tips from author and syndicated columnist Suzy Cohen, RPh, known as Americas Pharmacist: Prepare your body in advance. Get your annual flu vaccination. Supplements such as vitamins C and D and probiotics may help boost your immune system before an infection sets in. Keep clean. Viruses can also live on surfaces for two to eight hours or longer outside the body, so frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. Control stress. Stress weakens the immune system. To prevent additional immune suppression, an ample amount of rest is also needed. What To Do if the Cold or Flu Still Gets You Arming people with a new approach to cold and flu relief specifically designed to target points of virus entrythe throat and nosecan provide protection when those

around them are not feeling well. In addition, it can help anyone whos already feeling the onset of symptoms, says Cohen. Many individuals get relief from a nonprescription, homeopathic spray such as FluNada, designed to inhibit replication of cold and flu viruses by coating the nasal and throat pathways. It was developed by a physician and a pharmacist looking to close the gap between vaccines for influenza prevention and anti-viral medication for treatment. The zinc-free formula contains a blend of safe and natural h o m e o p a t h i c ingredientsincluding elderberry, mint, eucalyptus and gaultheriawhich are endorsed by the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia and recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. How To Use It: FluNada may be used by adults and children over the age of 4 at the first sign of symptoms. Simply spray it three times to the throat and once in each nostril, four times daily for up to five days. To learn more, visit www.FluNada.com for further information, including a list of nearby retailers who offer the product

When Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue received the call from the Washington Township Police Department on October 18th, 2013 to assist with an animal cruelty case involving eight horses, they knew the need for care would be great and expensive. Thanks to an emergency grant from the The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Last Chance Ranch housed the eight horses from October 18, through to the court date of the horses owners on December 23rd. The $4,000 grant allowed Last Chance Ranch to provide all eight horses with the care they so desper-

ately needed, including veterinary care, lab work, farrier and dental care, feed and water. Whenever we get a call like this, we know that well be able to handle the actual care of the animals, said Chris Baringer, animal care operations manager and humane investigations officer for Last Chance Ranch. Its the cost thats always the challenge. So were very appreciative of the generous and quick response from the ASPCA in this situation. These horses were in bad shape and needed help quickly. During the December 23rd court session, the horses owners were

charged with cruelty. The owners themselves did determine it was in the best interest of the animals that their ownership be relinquished to Last Chance Ranch. As of January 25th, these horses are now available to find new homes. If anyone is interesting in adopting one of these horses, please contact us. Theyre great animals and would do really well in good homes, added Baringer. For more information about adopting any of the horses available at Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue, please call 215-538-2510 or visit www.lastchance ranch.org.