Do You Need a High School Diploma?

Gloucestercitynews.net (December 30, 2019)–In the United States,

90% of the population

has a high school diploma or higher.

Do you need a high school diploma? To answer that question, let’s break down what exactly a high school diploma does for you. How it can help you and whether or not a high school diploma is truly necessary.

Starting off, we can look at tangibles that can be measured by statistics. Then, we will explore the social impacts of not having a degree.

Work Options

If you don’t have a high school diploma, you’ll have fewer options for work. Many employers require that employees have at least passed high school before they are eligible to be hired.

You can

get a GED

to make up for a lack of a high school diploma. This will open a lot of doors, but without either, you’re going to have trouble finding a job.

Construction jobs and jobs with specific apprenticeships are among the few choices. In general, you will have to elect for a more physical job.

Earning Potential

As a general rule, the higher an education you have the more you make. Those who have at least a high school diploma earn more than those who don’t.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the

average weekly earnings

of someone

without

a high school diploma is $493. If you have a diploma, then your weekly earning potential is bumped up to $678.

The more education you receive, the more you are likely to make. The less you receive, the less money you will be paid. Time and experience can turn those tables a bit in your favor.

Social Status

Many people who do not receive a high school diploma feel awkward about it. Over time it can even become something that you will feel embarrassed about.

Most of this reaction comes from how people treat those who do not have high school diplomas. They can be viewed as less intelligent or lazy even if that is not true.

In some cases, it can even affect your ability to get a spouse or significant other. Working low-level jobs that require a lot of physical exertion will keep you from meeting a lot of people.

If you work hard enough and promote high enough at your job, you can escape this stigma. It will require that you put in years gaining experience and the trust of your employer. Hard work can pay off.

Making It Harder on Yourself

Without a high school diploma, you are

making life harder on yourself

. Very few people have viable options to begin their adult lives without having a high school diploma.

You’ll have to work twice as hard as someone with a high school diploma to obtain the same things in life. Education doesn’t mean intelligence, but it does make things easier.

Having the diploma is like having proof that you are a smart, creative and interesting person. If you don’t have one, you will have to prove all of those things to everyone you work for.

Other Options to High School

The question “Do you need a high school diploma?” can be answered another way. It is possible to get a GED which will function exactly the same as a high school diploma.

The difficulty in receiving your GED is that you won’t have anyone keeping you on task. You will have to motivate yourself and work at your own pace to succeed.

Studying is also something that makes the GED more difficult. If you don’t like studying or think you will have difficulty being motivated to study, you might have difficulty getting your GED.

If you are studying for your GED and want to have a diploma, you might consider a realistic diploma. You should

find out more

about realistic diplomas if you feel that might be a good temporary solution.

Do You Need a High School Diploma?

The short answer is not necessarily. There are options such as the GED and manual labor careers that don’t require a high school diploma.

The main thing that having your diploma will do is give you options. If you don’t want to work in a career field that requires heavy manual labor or equipment operation, you will need a high school diploma.

Not everyone will judge you for not having a high school diploma. You can simply not mention it to your friends and colleagues. Eventually, someone might find out, but perhaps by then, it won’t matter.

If you don’t have a diploma, you will make less throughout your life. While you can earn your way up, you will start at a lower pay scale. This will make it more difficult for you to retire at a reasonable age.

Millions of people graduate every year with high school diplomas. Diplomas have lost some value because so many people have them. The problem is this creates a large majority pool.

The size of this population pool means that employers don’t have to lower standards. They don’t have to give a chance to someone that doesn’t have a diploma. They have plenty of people to choose from as-is.

Without a high school diploma, you could potentially still have a good life. Most of what applies to

not

having a high school diploma also applies to having a high school diploma when compared to higher degrees.

In the end, degrees aren’t the end-all of life, but they help tremendously.

You Need a Diploma

Life is difficult as everyone already knows. Challenges and difficulties will continue to confront you throughout your life. As we choose our paths in life, things can be more or less challenging.

Do you need a high school diploma? Yes. If you want to make things easier for yourself and make it further in life, you will. Having a high school diploma, or even a higher diploma, can open doors that otherwise will have to be forced open by long, hard work.

We hope you found this article helpful. If so, please take a moment to browse our site and find other great reads to inform and entertain you.

PETS ARE THE BEST: Eight new pups report for duty

Urban, a three-month-old black Labrador retriever, trains with Danielle Berger at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. Berger is leading the training for the U litter, composed of Urban and seven of her brothers and sisters, with assistance from interns including (left to right) Charlotte Kronick, Dominique Andrews, Trevor Vidas, and Tesa Stone. (All images: Eric Sucar/University Communications)

PHILADELPHIA PA–More sure-footed and confident by the day, the U litter puppies of the

Working Dog Center

are not yet 3 months old, yet are already a month into their training to use their agile bodies and sensitive noses to serve society.

These eight pups, all black Labrador retrievers, also fit into a special category: They are WDC legacies, the first to be born to two “

graduates

” of the Center, mom Pinto and dad Boomer.

Since their arrival at the WDC, they’ve been gradually introduced to tasks that will guide them on to careers in search and rescue, disease detection, police work, and more. With help from several interns, lead puppy trainer

Danielle Berger

makes sure the labs, each named for victims of September 11, receive a balanced mix of training, socialization, and rest.

Earlier this month,

Penn Toda

caught up with JUel, Ugo, Uli, Uman, Umar, Upton, Urban, and Uzza on a busy day of training, which, to an untrained eye, looks an awful lot like play—probably because, to the puppies, work and play are one and the same.

Though the U litter is graced with excellent pedigree—Pinto and Boomer both work in cadaver detection—they are still puppies with a lot to learn. “Play dates” with older dogs, such as Lucy, a Dutch shepherd, teach puppies like Ugo good social skills.

The puppies get a mix of one-on-one training, group “puppy play dates,” and frequent snuggles, to ensure they’re skilled and well-socialized. When they’re not at the WDC, each puppy lives with a volunteer foster family.

Cindy Otto, executive director of the WDC, works Casey, an older WDC dog, through training to improve strength, balance, and fitness. Otto drew inspiration to found the Center after caring for working dogs that responded to the 9-11 attacks. Each puppy that comes through the Center’s program is named for a 9-11 victim or working dog.

In a “runaway” drill, Drexel co-op intern Lauren Filipe hides in a crate, encouraging Urban to chase after her. The aim of the exercise is to elicit a bark from Urban, which will be her signal to her handler that she’s found the object of her search. Urban quickly obliged.

Located at Pennovation Works, across the Schuylkill River from Penn’s main campus, the WDC makes use of nearby buildings and open spaces to train the puppies and give them room to roam.

Trainers erect various obstacles and challenges for the puppies to navigate, helping them improve their agility and also conquer any fears. “The genetics are shining through in these dogs,” says Berger, encouraging Uman to cross a narrow plank.

SOURCE:

Protecting Animals, Serving Society

PETS ARE THE BEST

DAWN WATSON\’S PET TIPS

How to Use CBD oil for Better Sleep

Gloucestercitynews.net

(December 28, 2019)–It might come as a surprise but according to certain reports, more than 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. To put it the other way, a good lot of people are exhausted from personal and professional pressures of life, which often results in insomnia and other mental as well as emotional disorders.

There are many medical treatments available for getting you better sleep but most people do not recommend taking any sleep disorder medicines due to their addictive effects. This would be the moment where

top rated UK CBD oil brands

must enter your life.

Yes, currently, it’s the most natural treatment for insomnia and quite affordable as well.

If you or someone you know is suffering from sleeping problems, then CBD oil is just the thing for you! Of course, you would want to learn more about the use of

CBD oil for better sleep

and here it is!

First things first, let’s learn a bit about CBD oil

CBD oil is made from one of the 80 cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant. However, it is not the same as other compounds derived from the same plant. Unlike other compounds of this plant, CBD doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is primarily responsible for creating the ‘high’ in the brain. Yes, people get stoned due to its presence in marijuana and hashish. Since CBD doesn’t contain it, it is known to be a non-intoxicating or non-psychoactive substance.

In the United States, CBD or hemp oil has been excluded from the list of ‘controlled substance.’ This means that it’s legal to use CBD products as long as they are legal in your state. As per the 2018 Farm Bill, it has been made legal in all 50 states across America. So, unless your local laws disapprove of it, consuming CBD is absolutely all right!

So, what is CBD oil used for?

CBD oil has been in use since centuries dating back to 1200 A.D, where it was first mentioned that it can successfully treat people suffering from sleep disorders. Today, CBD oil used for the treatment of issues like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, epilepsy, inflammation, constipation, and in some cases, cancer.

There have been cases across the US where people successfully healed themselves with a daily dosage of CBD oil. So, anyone who is suffering from sleeping disorders must give it a try.

Can CBD oil impact the quality of your sleep?

Studies have shown that CBD, in fact, does help in improving the quality of your sleep. It can readily shift your body from REM to NREM sleep (as mentioned by the World Health Organization). As per experts, CBD oil can contribute in preventing the breakdown of a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain which affects the mental and emotional state of the body. It allows the sleep-promoting chemical to flow freely through your body and

makes you sleepy

without getting you high.

There is still a lack of conclusive research on the matter but there are some studies support the issue. In a

2019 study

, it was concluded that patient suffering from anxiety as well as sleep disorders showed improvement after a month of 25 milligrams (mg) of the CBD.

According to another

study

, it was revealed that CBD was capable of successfully treating RBD. CBD is also known to heal day-time excessive sleeping and grogginess.

How does CBD oil help in improving your sleep?

There are many direct and indirect ways that contribute in helping you sleep better after you consume CBD oil in your system. Here’s how it happens.

CBD helps in reduction of anxiety

: This means that CBD helps in regulation of cortisol, the stress hormone. It balances the serotonin level as well. When a person feels less-stressed, he or she sleeps better. According to a number of

studies

, CBD can successfully treat anxiety-related disorders and thus, improves the quality of sleep.

2. Relaxed muscles: As per certain

studies

, CBD treats movement disorders as well. It reduces muscle tremors which are often the result of anxiety disorder and keeps the person awake during the night. It helps in the treatment of insomnia as well.

3.Decreases restlessness: People who suffer from sleeping disorders have a habit of being restless all through the night and sometimes during the day as well. Those who suffer from REM sleep disorder which gives rise to nightmares and restlessness have shown positive signs of improvement in their sleeping patterns.

4.Relief from PTSD and trauma: Sleep disturbances and REM cycles often affect the mental health of patients. Sleeping problems might also be the result of post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD and trauma. A daily dosage of CBD oil reduces anxiety and depression related to PTSD and thus improves the quality of sleep.

5.Chronic pain: Those who suffer from chronic pain in joints or muscles always have a hard time sleeping. Since CBD oil has successfully proven to heal body pains. When pain is reduced from the body, it indirectly helps people sleep better during the night.

How to use CBD oil for sleep

Everyone has a different body type. Thus, there are a variety of CBD products, such as gummies, creams, sprays, vapes, and capsules that help one person in a far better way than the other. However, CBD oil has proven to have a great effect on most people dealing with sleeping disorders. A spoonful of CBD oil put under your tongue slowly releases its effect on your body slowly, thus, helping you sleep for a longer time than usual. The best time to consume CBD oil is an hour or so before bed time.

How much CBD should one use for the treatment of sleeping disorder

Since CBD is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) right now, this means that there is no guideline for a definite dosage of CBD oil. On the basis of studies, a higher dosage of CBD oil has proven far more healing than smaller ones. An optimal dosage of CBD oil anyway depends on height, gender, weight, and other deciding factors.

It is important to consult your doctor or a medical professional about the dosage of the oil. It is recommended to have a talk with your regular doctor, if possible since he or she knows all about your medical history and can decide the most suitable dosage for you.

Closing thoughts about cbd & sleep

When compared to other sleeping aids, CBD products are considered to be safer and more effective than the traditional medicines. It is natural and quite an affordable way to say goodbye to your sleeping disorders however slowly. However, there is still a lot of research needed to completely accept the therapeutic effects of CBD oil.

Nonetheless, people who are suffering from disturbing sleeping patterns can surely rely on this safe, effective, and non-addictive form of medication.

images courtesy of unsplash.com and pinterest.com

University of Washington: SAD lights push back depression during dark days

SAD is a subset of depression that can be marked by feeling blue and tired, craving carbs, and having less interest in socializing.

Getty Images

About ten percent of those who live in the Northwest suffer from SAD, according to UW Medicine experts.

For Robert, * it was getting just too hard to get out of bed in the morning during the winter months.

Finally, his partner, who lives near Skagway, Alaska, suggested using a seasonal affective disorder light, otherwise known as a SAD light, to deal with his sleepiness and mild depression.

“This worked far better than expected. I would even call it life changing,” said Robert, a Seattle resident and software engineer, who, like others living in the Northwest, endures many dark months in a place where sunlight barely limps pass the eight-hour mark in December.

Most of us struggle to get out of bed, but for Robert, the task was particularly hard, especially when the sun wasn’t rising until well after he was on his way to work.

“I had extreme trouble waking up in the morning,” he said. “Drinking coffee would boost my energy for an hour or so, but I could not sustain my energy throughout the workday.”

Then, on the recommendation of his doctor and his roommate, he bought a SAD light. The struggle to get out of bed and the need for coffee stopped.

While Robert’s experience might be dramatic, it is not surprising, said

Dr. Nina Maisterra

, of the UW Medicine Belltown Clinic, who has recommended SAD lights to her patients who struggle with depression or lack of energy during the winter.

About ten percent of people living in the Northwest suffer from SAD, according to UW Medicine’s

Dr. David Avery

, a professor emeritus at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Avery has studied diminished daylight and its effect on people for the last three decades. For his patients, Avery suggests working at controlling their wake and sleep times, and keeping active socially but avoiding what resembles “jet lag” during the weekends, such as staying up late and sleeping in.

SAD is generally classified as a subset of depression, It can be marked by feeling blue and tired, craving carbohydrates and feeling less interest in socializing. Research has linked SAD to changes in circadian rhythms and serotonin levels, Maisterra said.

Treatments may include cognitive behavioral therapy that’s focused specifically on SAD; medications known as serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, which work by increasing the levels of a nerve-cell signal in the brain; and light boxes. These are used either as dawn simulators or as a daily exposure that mimics being outdoors in the sun.

“It’s effective for some people. It’s just like many treatments, sometimes you have to use a combination of therapies,” Maisterra said.

Robert started using his SAD light in August. He sets the timer to go on 30 minutes before he actually wishes to rise in the morning. He reads in bed, the timer goes off, the light turns off, and it’s time to get up.

His co-workers are beginning to ask about using the light, now that winter is coming in.

“I tell them to test it out,” he said. “It’s easy to buy online and doesn’t really require any lifestyle changes to use.”

*Robert asked that only his first name be used for this article.

Combating the effects of gloomy weather

How to Choose High Quality CBD Oil

Gloucestercitynews.net (December 28, 2019)–CBD industry is expected to grow by $ 1 billion in 2020. It is one of the top players in the health and wellness industry as well. This is no wonder because people across America have realized the therapeutic effects of CBD products.

Even though the research on the health benefits of CBD is fancy, there are numerous cases of common people who have successfully improved their lives with daily dosage of CBD oil. Intrigued to try CBD oil to heal your mind and body? Well, go ahead but keep in mind to choose the

best quality of CBD oil

for consumption.

Now, the question is how to choose high-quality CBD oil? There are a few things you can do to be assured that the CBD oil or any other product for that matter, is of great quality and worth trying.

Before anything else, you should know these things about CBD

CBD or Cannabidiol is derived from the cannabis plant, yes, the parent plant of marijuana. Before you question the legality of it, you should know that CBD, unlike its siblings, is non-psychoactive in nature. This means that it doesn’t comprise or encircles only traces of THC, which is basically the high-inducing compound.

You should know that CBD is also excluded from the list of ‘controlled substances’ in America. Under the 2018 Farm Bill (passed in December last year), CBD is now legal across all 50 states. However, you must learn about local laws of your state as well.

Why is CBD oil a hit among people?

CBD oil is an amazing supplement and considered to be a great alternative form of medication for people suffering from illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, skin problems, indigestion, even cancer.

Here’s a list of diseases that CBD oil is known to treat naturally-

Stress

Depression

Anxiety

Sleep disorders

Epilepsy

Bipolar disorder

Cancer (in some cases)

Inflammation

Skin problems

Indigestion

Hair fall

Migraines

Heart disease

Blood pressure

Parkinson’s disease

Restlessness

Fatigue

Irritability

There are no conclusive studies on humans about the positive benefits on CBD oil on people’s health. However, there are countless anecdotes across the country about people who have healed and still are healing with the help of CBD oil and other products.

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary information about CBD oil, it’s time to learn about the product that suits you.

Things to keep in mind before buying CBD oil

There are plenty of CBD oil available in the market at affordable prices. However, everybody responds differently to different products. Thus, it is important to do thorough research on the products before you pick the

best CBD oil

for you.

So, are there any signs of quality CBD oil that you can use to determine whether it’s reliable or not? Whether you are a rookie or an expert in buying CBD oil, here are the following points that you must keep in mind to get the best quality of CBD oil-

1. Do your research: The first thing to do before buying a CBD oil is to do a thorough research. Do not incline toward the companies that sell CBD oil at a low price. Understand all the terms related with CBD oil, such as full-spectrum, pure oil, interaction with Endocannabinoid system, THC, etc. Once you learn about the necessary information on the same, go ahead and buy the product.

2. Packaging: Once you are through with the research part, head over to the label of the CBD product you are thinking to buy. Learn the terminology of what is written on the label both at the time of order and delivery. Also, make sure that the material is made of dark ember glass which is impenetrable. A good packaging helps the product to last for long and guarantees a good quality.

3. THC content: According to Federal Law in the United States, the concentration of THC in CBD products shouldn’t go beyond 0.3%. If it is over the limit, then it is absolutely illegal to sell or purchase the same. It is imperative to check the THC content of the CBD oil before buying it, or it might cause more harm than benefit.

4. Make sure that it is third-party lab tested: You might have heard about the phrase ‘third-party lab tested’ but what does it really mean? Well, for starters, it is crucial to know this before buying CBD oil. The quality and dosage of CBD oil is yet not regulated by FDA and the government. The product is tested for purity and quality in private labs. The report worked out by these labs includes content like date of publication, synchronicity with the product label, certificate of analysis, and accreditation. So, make sure that product is tested by a reputable lab party, such as, Think20 Labs.

5. Be assured that CBD oil is additive-free: When it comes to buying CBD oil, fewer additives, the better it is. CBD oil shouldn’t comprise of anything apart from its main ingredients, such as essential oils and cannabinoids. The more natural it is, the more effective it will be for your problem.

6. The knowledge of hemp-growing standards: If you do not find any indication of growing standards in the product, don’t trust its quality. If you are not able to verify the hemp-growing standards, in most cases, it means that the hemp has come into contact with toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers. This will directly affect the quality of the CBD oil.

7. Place of manufacture: Make sure that the product is grown and manufactured in a place where selling and buying of CBD is legal. It is also important to understand that the company you are buying the product from sources its material from the states where the Farm Bill 2018 is applied and accepted. Also, make sure that the company you are buying CBD oil from is quite transparent in terms of money-back guarantee and return policy.

8. Learn how CBD oil is extracted: If you think that learning about the extraction process of the CBD oil isn’t important to know about the quality of the product, listen to this. There are various methods of extracting CBD oil that determine the quality of the end product. The best way to extract CBD is via CO2 at a given temperature and pressure. CO2 is a natural solvent, thus, the end product is generally of high quality and pure in nature. In fact, extraction process also helps in changing the genetic structure of the entire product.

Closing thoughts

At the end of the day, it is important to know why you want to buy CBD oil in the first place. So, the type and quality of the CBD oil also depend on the problem you want to buy it for. For instance, for skin problems, like acne, it is recommended to buy topical ointments of the extremely high quality. In order to treat body pains, it is recommended to

buy full-spectrum CBD oil

. Nevertheless, the quality, potency, and transparency are the top things one must keep in mind before buying CBD oil.

images courtesy of unsplash.com and pinterest.com

\’Nipple By Number\’ Device Helps Plastic Surgeons Perform 3D Nipple Tattoos

Newswise —

December 26, 2019 –

Three-dimensional tattoos offer a new alternative for creating a natural-looking nipple after breast reconstruction.

For most women, accessing this option means finding a tattoo artist with the skill to create these detailed tattoos. Now a new device called Nipple By Number® enables plastic surgeons to perform realistic-looking 3D

nipple tattoos as an in-office procedure, reports a paper in the January issue of

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

the official medical journal of the

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

(ASPS).

\”Nipple by Number® is a simple stencil device that allows consistent, realistic 3D tattooing of the nipple-areola complex [NAC] to complete breast reconstruction,\” comments lead author Solomon Azouz, MD, of Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale. \”It allows plastic surgeons to perform this sought-after procedure in a safe, reliable, and more- affordable manner, without the need for special training or experience.\”

For most patients, mastectomy results in loss of the NAC – the nipple and surrounding tissue.

Breast reconstruction

has important benefits after mastectomy, but the surgical options for NAC reconstruction are limited.

In recent years, 3D breast tattoos have emerged as a new approach to creating a natural-appearing nipple and areola. Developed by skilled tattoo artists, these techniques use subtle effects of light and shadow to create realistic-looking 3D NAC tattoos.

But 3D nipple tattoos may be difficult to access for most patients. Relatively few artists can perform these sophisticated tattoos. Patients and surgeons may have concerns about verifying the artist\’s skill, or about visiting a tattoo parlor to have the procedure performed. In a survey, Dr. Azouz and colleagues found that less than one-fourth of plastic surgery offices can perform 3D nipple tattoos, or even refer patients to a qualified tattoo artist. National average out-of-pocket costs range from $640 for unilateral to $956 for bilateral breast tattoos.

The Nipple By Number device was developed to provide plastic surgeons with a way of performing 3D nipple tattoos as an office procedure. Itself created by 3D printing, the simple device consists of removeable stencil layers with customizable holes to provide a guide for well-controlled and precise tattooing.

\”The device allows a more facile and efficient approach by allowing those not skilled in the freehand artistic techniques of light and shadow to create a 3D recreation of the NAC,\” Dr. Azouz and coauthors write. The stencil includes openings to guide placement of highlights and shadows to create the illusion of a projecting nipple, and even the tiny Montgomery glands surrounding the nipple. In patients whose reconstruction includes a raised nipple, the device can also be used to create \”4D\” tattoos.

Women have the natural appearance of their nipple restored based on preoperative photographs, or choose from a catalog of NAC designs. The authors note that the Nipple By Number device not only provides a guide for performing tattoos, but may also shorten the learning curve for surgeons or other professionals to gain the technical and artistic skills needed to provide high-quality results with 3D nipple tattooing.

Dr. Azouz and colleagues hope their tool will help make the option of 3D nipple tattooing more widely available to women who have undergone breast reconstruction. The authors conclude: \”The Nipple By Number device will decrease the number of patients who are left to independently find a safe and skilled tattoo artist to complete their breast reconstruction and aid more plastic and reconstructive surgery practices in providing this important service.\”

Click here to read \”A Nipple-Areola Stencil for Three-Dimensional Tattooing: Nipple by Number\”

DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006398

# # #

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

is published in the Lippincott portfolio by

Wolters Kluwer

About

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

For more than 70 years,

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

(

http://www.prsjournal.com/

) has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons,

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.

About ASPS

The

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2018 annual revenues of €4.3 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 18,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students with advanced clinical decision support, learning and research and clinical intelligence. For more information about our solutions, visit

http://healthclarity.wolterskluwer.com

and follow us on

and Twitter

@WKHealth

DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation hosts First Day Hikes across Delaware

DOVER (Dec. 27, 2019) – New Year’s Day is a great time to kick the 2020s off on the right foot with one of 18 First Day Hikes hosted by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation. First Day Hikes is a national movement sponsored by America’s State Parks to encourage the celebration of fitness in the nation’s great outdoors.

There’s no need to register for any of the hikes listed below; just show up prepared to walk! Items hikers may want to bring along include comfortable hiking/walking shoes, a camera, a bottle of water, appropriate layers for the weather, a hat, sunglasses, a backpack, and snacks. Some hikes may require water-resistant shoes, or have age or pet restrictions. Not all hikes are suitable for strollers.

Check out one of the following hikes to celebrate the New Year at a Delaware State Park.

10 a.m. – Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington – 2 to 3 miles – Easy/Moderate

Meet at Blue Ball Barn. Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome.

10 a.m. – Fort Dupont State Park, Delaware City – 1.1 miles – Easy

Meet at the parking lot closest to the river, at the end of Wilmington Avenue/Old Battery Lane.

10 a.m. – Trap Pond State Park, Laurel – 2 miles – Easy

Meet at Baldcypress Nature Center.

11 a.m. – Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes – 1.5 miles – Moderate

Park in the Point Comfort Station Parking lot and walk north to the Point parking lot. Minimum age: 7 years old with an adult.

12:30 p.m. – Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington – 1/4 mile – Easy

Meet at the gift shop.

12:30 p.m. – Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area, Lewes – 1.7 miles – Easy

Meet at Fort Miles Parking Lot. Minimum age: 7 years old with an adult

1 p.m. – Bellevue State Park, Wilmington – 1.5 to 3 miles – Easy

Meet at Bellevue Arts Center. This hike is for all ages and is stroller friendly.

1 p.m.

–

First State Heritage Park, Dover – 1/4 mile – Easy

Meet at the John Bell House.

1 p.m. – Holts Landing State Park, Bethany Beach – 1.7 miles – Easy

Meet at Holts Landing Picnic Pavilion

1 p.m. – Killens Pond State Park, Felton – 1 to 3 miles – Varying Difficulty

Meet at the Nature Center.

1 p.m. – Lums Pond State Park, Bear– 2.5 miles – Easy/Moderate

Meet at Area 1 Pavilion/. Pets are permitted but must be on a 6-foot leash.

1 p.m. – Auburn Valley State Park, Yorklyn – 1.1 miles – Moderate

Meet at 1516 Snuff Mill Road Trail lot.

1 p.m. – Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington – 2-2.5 miles – Moderate

Meet at the Nature Center.

1 p.m. – White Clay Creek State Park, Newark – 1 to 2.5 miles – Multiple Difficulties

1.3 miles – Moderate – Millstone Pond Trail. Meet at Carpenter Recreation Area.

2 miles – Moderate/Difficult – Arc Corner Monument Loop. Meet at Nature Center.

2 miles – Moderate – PennDel/Pomeroy Trail. Meet at Nature Center

2.5 miles – Moderate/Difficult – Twin Valley Trail. Meet at Carpenter Recreation Area.

3:30 p.m. – Auburn Valley State Park – Easy – 1 mile

Meet at the Paper Mill Parking Lot on Benge Road.

For more information about the Delaware State Parks First Day Hikes and to see maps of the park trails beforehand, go to

https://destateparks.com/firstday

or call 302-739-9220.

Veterinarians Offer Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in Winter

As parts of the U.S. gear up for a powerful post-Christmas

winter

storm–packed with strong winds, heavy snow, and freezing rain—veterinarians at

BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

are offering a few tips to help keep pets safe.

\”Many people think that dogs and cats’ fur make them more resistant to cold weather, but that is not necessarily true. Cold tolerance can vary based on a pets’ size, coat, body fat percentage, activity level, age and overall health,” remarked Harry Weatherson, BVetMed, MRCVS, ER Service Head and emergency veterinarian at

BluePearl in New York City

. “While huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates are more tolerant of cold weather, all dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. As a general rule, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.”

While prolonged exposure to cold air, rain, sleet and snow can cause paws to become chapped and irritate your pet’s skin, there are other common winter-related issues pet owners should look out for.

Protect your pet from weather-related health dangers by remembering these eight winter safety tips.

Be mindful of your pet’s tolerance to cold.

Consider shortening walks, especially if your dog is sick, small, short-haired, very young or old. Pets who fall into these categories tend to feel cold faster, and seniors, who may be arthritic, are more prone to falls. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or hormonal imbalances are also more susceptible to developing issues from cold weather due to the inability to regulate body temperature as effectively. If you are unsure of pet’s temperature limits, consult your veterinarian.

Check the paws.

During a winter walk, salt, ice, antifreeze, and coolants can irritate pets’ footpads and/or accumulate between toes. If chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off paws, this can cause GI upset or a potentially more

harmful effect

. After walks, check your dog’s paws for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked or bleeding paw pads. When possible, avoid salt and ice and immediately wash paws with warm water when you are back inside.

Keep an eye out for frostbite.

Sensitive tissues like ears, nose, and paw pads are susceptible to frostbite, so regularly check these areas for signs of cold weather related injuries or damage.

ID, leash, and chip.

It is easy for pets to become lost in winter because snow masks familiar scents that can help them return home. Leash your pet during winter walks—especially during a snow storm—and make sure their ID tags are up-to-date. Consider microchipping to ensure a safe return home if your pet becomes lost.

Honk for sleeping animals.

In cold conditions, animals (especially cats) like to seek shelter and warmth under cars. Honk, open the car hood or loudly slap it to wake up any animal sleeping there. Lastly, visually check beneath the car to ensure that it is clear of all animals.

Never leave your pet in an unattended car.

Car temperatures can drop quickly in colder months. Animals kept in cold cars can develop hypothermia or even freeze to death. Be sure to never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle and always keep the car at a comfortable temperature—both extreme cold and extreme heat can negatively impact your pet’s health.

Consider adjusting diets.

With walks cut short and less time spent outdoors in general, indoor pets can experience unhealthy weight gain. Ask your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations and supplement the lost time outdoors with indoor playtime. Hide-and-seek with treats is one good way to keep your dog active indoors.

Be prepared.

Like humans, your pet will need food and water if power goes out during a cold front or winter storm. Be sure to keep an ample supply of water, food, and medication (plan for five days), and store emergency numbers and addresses in a safe, easily accessible place. Keep copies of these emergency numbers in both your home and car for good measure.

The best way to monitor your pets’ comfort level in the cold is to watch their behavior. If you notice that your pet is shivering/shaking/trembling, whining, acting lethargic or anxious, searching out warmth or shelter, or holding up one or more paws, that is a sign that it is time to head inside.

Chambersburg-to-NYC Drug Trafficking Ring Busted: 12 Suspects Arrested

December 20, 2019

| Topic:

Opioids

Press Release

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Josh Shapiro today said agents from his Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police departments arrested 12 people and stopped a major Pennsylvania trafficker of the opioid Oxycodone. The ringleader of the group, David Bruce Darby of Chambersburg, is facing multiple charges, including drug delivery resulting in death.

The Attorney General said Darby smuggled Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, from New York City and distributed the drug to people in Franklin and Cumberland counties.

In August 2019, a delivery of the narcotic by Darby to Kayla Bertone, 28, of Chambersburg, lead to Bertone’s death.

“This defendant and his drug trafficking ring are responsible for the death of a young woman and the spread of an opioid epidemic we are fighting every day to stop,” AG Shapiro said following the round up of the 12 drug dealers, including Darby’s girlfriend Sarah Turesky. “The victim who overdosed had more than twice the intravenous therapeutic level of fentanyl in her blood. What’s more, this New York-to-Chambersburg pipeline flushed 6,000 pills and cocaine into the Franklin County area. Today, we have removed this cancer from south central Pennsylvania.”

Shapiro said local, state and federal law enforcement in Franklin County and New York have

arrested and charged the following individuals

David Bruce Darby

, 41, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity; corrupt organizations; criminal conspiracy; drug delivery resulting in death; criminal use of a communications facility; and persons not to possess a firearm.

Sarah Catherine Turesky

, 34, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity; corrupt organizations; violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; criminal use of a communication facility.

Delisha Keyon Redden

, 39, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; corrupt organizations; drug delivery resulting in death (gave the pills to Darby); criminal conspiracy; and criminal use of a communication facility.

Cedric Stephens

, 48, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity; corrupt organizations.

Natasha Gomez

, 38, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity; corrupt organizations.

Jonathan Butler

, 41, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity; corrupt organizations.

Karen Marie Sloane

, 49, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity; corrupt organizations.

Alycia Logsdon,

30, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; corrupt organizations; criminal conspiracy; and criminal use of a communication facility.

Stacey Spoonhour

, 39, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; corrupt organizations; criminal conspiracy; and criminal use of a communication facility.

David Hemphill

, 57, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; corrupt organizations; criminal conspiracy; and criminal use of a communication facility.

Michael Campoli

, 54, corrupt organizations; criminal conspiracy; and criminal use of a communication facility.

Malik Bonds

, 39, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; corrupt organizations; criminal conspiracy; and criminal use of a communication facility.

Aside from the Office of Attorney General, the U.S. Marshals Service, Franklin County District Attorney, Franklin County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, Chambersburg Police Department, Washington Township Police Department, Waynesboro Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Shippensburg Police Department assisted in the investigation and today’s arrests. Senior Deputy Attorney General Robert Smulktis will prosecute.

All charges discussed are accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

What to Know Going into an Oil Field Job

Gloucestercitynews.net (December 27, 2019)–By this point, many people have heard of the great prospects that lie in the oil industry, and working out on an oil field can be an attractive prospect for some, especially those with a predisposition for physical work. But it’s not a smooth experience all the way, and there are various potential problems that you’ll need to prepare for if you want to maximize your chances of success. This is not among the easier industries to be in, and you should definitely anticipate a rough uphill battle in the beginning, especially if you’re coming from another line of work.

It’s Tough

There’s no soft way to say this – working in the oil industry is simply very challenging. You should be prepared for long days of hard manual work with little in the way of breaks, and on some days, it might be particularly bad depending on the current state of the setup. It’s a very physically demanding job, so don’t expect that you’ll be able to perform it well with a soft body that’s been sitting in a desk chair all day long. That’s not to say that you can’t work on that, but it’s going to take quite a bit of effort to bring yourself up to a good enough state.

It’s Dangerous

Even if you’re already in a top physical condition, working in an oil field is going to be challenging and will hold many risks for your health, some of which you can’t really anticipate. You should be prepared for the problems that you can, though, and know a good

oil field accident attorney

who can assist you in case you run into a bad situation. Keep in mind that resolving these problems can sometimes take quite a long time, especially if it’s a more serious issue. This can leave you in a difficult financial situation, and you will want to plan ahead for this as well.

Isolation Can Creep Up on You

This does not apply to every job in this sector, but it’s definitely something you will want to keep in mind as a possibility. Depending on where you work, you might find yourself in a

somewhat isolated environment

without any contact other than your coworkers for days on end. While it’s not as bad as being out on an oil rig, it can still be a pretty big challenge for those who are used to more variety in their social interactions, and you should get ready for a difficult starting period.

The good news is that most of those things can be accounted for in advance and dealt with effectively if you put some planning and thought into it. It’s not going to be a smooth ride – we can tell you that right now. And, even if you’re very prepared, problems are still going to come up. But in the end, this is one of the best ways to earn a lot of money for physical work right now, and it’s definitely something you should look into if you’re looking for a new career.

images courtesy of unsplash.com