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Weekend Doctor: Preventing the spread of infection

Posted by Staff on December 27, 2022 - 11:00am

By Nathaniel Ratnasamy, MD
Infectious Disease & Travel Medicine

Winter season can be a season of joy with the gathering of families and friends for the holidays, but it can also become the season of spreading respiratory infections. While most of the time, respiratory infections are mild nuisances for healthy people, influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) can lead to consequences that are more serious for those with chronic illnesses. COVID-19 has been linked to about 200-400 deaths a day in the past several months. Blanchard Valley Hospital has seen hospitalizations go from single digits to the teens in the past few weeks. Hospitalization for influenza has also increased. Influenza in a typical year is associated with 25,000 to 50,000 deaths.

Section: 
Health Services
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Icon favorite photos: January-April 2022

Posted by Paula Scott on December 27, 2022 - 8:32am

Here are four photos from early 2022. They aren't the most important stories of the year, they're simply some of our favorites.

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SCHS New Year's Caroling invitation

Posted by Paula Scott on December 27, 2022 - 7:52am

New Year's caroling with the Swiss Community Historical Society returns to the Bluffton-Pandora area, after a three-year break. You are invited to join in the singing at Mennonite Memorial Home, Maple Crest and Willow Ridge.

Carolers will sing the traditional German carols composed by schoolteacher David Rothen nearly 200 years ago. Singing will be in both German and English, and music will be provided.

You are encouraged to join the group whether or not  you know the songs; they are easy to learn. Please note that masks are required in all of the buildings to be visited.

Singers will rehearse briefly in the lobby of Mennonite Memorial Home at 410 W. Elm Street in Bluffton, at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, December 31, 2022. Singers are asked to arrive early to allow for the required COVID screening for entering the building.

Next, the group will go to Maple Crest and Willow Ridge on Augsburger Road west of Bluffton for further caroling.

This event is sponsored by the Swiss Community Historical Society of Bluffton and Pandora, www.swisshistorical.com

Section: 
Events
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Joanne Niswander treasure trove of book reviews

Posted by Paula Scott on December 27, 2022 - 7:36am

Bluffton writer Joanne Niswander (1929-2022) was also a voracious reader as indicated by her mini book reviews for the Bluffton Public Library. The library shared monthly “Joanne Reads” installments from January 2021-October 2022.

The sampling below from October 2022 hints at the range of Niswander’s reading and a glimpse into her perspective as a reader.

All books are available through https://ohio.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/blu/

“REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES” BY SHELBY VAN PELT
This first novel might have been just another story about love and loss, with a spare list of ordinary characters with the usual quirkiness that carries a plot along. But, instead, plan to be charmed by the most unusual of - shall we say - heroes? Marcellus, an aging giant Pacific octopus tops the chart as this book's most surprising (and astute) character who will wrap you in his tentacles and make the ensuing story a delight. It's a great read.

“LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY” BY BONNIE GARMUS
Chemistry was never my favorite subject, but this novel had me smiling all the way through. Because, even though the story line is all about chemistry and chemists, it's a humorous and imaginative (but still believable) tale taking place 60-some years ago when women in science were almost unheard-of and certainly had no future for recognition of their talents. Congratulations to our author who has created delightfully original characters who make the story sing.

Section: 
Bluffton Public Library
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Putnam Co. library tech programs

Posted by Staff on December 27, 2022 - 7:31am

The Putnam County District Library is offering free technology help to individuals who need assistance with a smartphone, tablet, iPad etc. Call and set up a 30-minute session with the technology trainers. They are available at these and other locations:

Columbus Grove - Mondays 1:30-5:30 & Thursdays 2:00-5:00  419-659-2355

Pandora - Wednesdays 12:30-4:30  419-384-3232

This service is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the State Library of Ohio. 

Section: 
Regional news
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AEP-PJM asks customers to reduce non-essential power use

Posted by Paula Scott on December 24, 2022 - 9:07am

Request issued by AEP Ohio at 9:00 a.m., December 24 with the note that customers should use electricity needed for personal safety and to protect against property damage.

"Extremely cold temperatures across the region have created extraordinary demands on the power system. PJM Interconnection, the electricity grid operator for 65 million people in 13 states and the District of Columbia, has requested the public in its region to conserve electricity.

Section: 
Regional news
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