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Show January 15 03.qxd 12/7/2021 Volume VII Issue VII 3:30 PM Page 11 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 11 January 15, 2003 One Voice on the Family By Janet K. Cazier . I was reminded once again that we are members of a world family. Vicki, KiKi, Matthew, and Madelyn helped remind me of this. They are a family from Panama. They own a condo it our valley. While at the post office mailing a package to my daughter Kristy, who happens to be living in Panama, I happened to be “eavesdropping”—no, that isn’t how we figured that we had a Panama connection, but it did make for great conversation. Vicki, the mother of this family, told me that I got nosy with her, so she figured she could get nosy with me. What’s the difference between being interested and nosy anyway? I figure my nosiness is just interest, as all nosy people figure. But back to the story. Vicki was telling her husband about how embarrassed she was that their children were fighting in front of their grandma, and I just wanted to reassure her that it was normal behavior, and that grandmas had kids once, so they know that kids do fight once in awhile. I don’t know that it eased her concerns, but hopefully it did. Anyway, she happened to notice that my package was going to Panama. She asked, “Who do you know in Panama?” I told her that my daughter was living there. Before we left the post office, we had exchanged telephone numbers. That’s how the friendship started. Even though this family left three days later to return to Panama, we had time to get to know each other. We had dinner together, gave them goodies to deliver to Kristy, learned more about Panama and, best of all, we learned more about them and their lives. People are so fascinating. Kiki has lived in Panama since he was two, and Vicki for the last 15 years or so. They live a different life style than I do, but we have more in common than not. We plan to keep in touch by email. What a blessing people are in my life. Some may say what a coincidence, but I think it was meant to be, and that it wasn’t a coincidence at all. What are the chances that we would be at the post office at that exact time, and that we would strike up a conversation? I believe that some things are just meant to be, and opportunities are put before us each day. It is up to us whether we take advantage of them or not. I plan to keep my eyes and ears open, to be aware of more opportunities. So, fair warning, you’d better be careful . . . I may be eavesdropping! Go Take A Walk! Join the Wild Bird Center on a Nature/Bird Walk Saturday mornings. Our nature/bird walks provide an opportunity to get out and see nature up close and personal with a local expert. This is a great activity for the family, and a superb way to introduce children to nature. The cost of the nature/bird walk is enthusiasm. We take care of the rest. Meet at the Wild Bird Center, 1860 North 1000 West, Layton (Across from Barnes Nobel) at 7:45 a.m. We leave at 8:00 a.m. Children of all ages are welcome. The number after each walk location listed below corresponds to the locations, as listed on the Great Salt Lake Birding Trails Map which every Nature lover should own (available at the Wild Bird Center). January 18 Beus Pond January 25 Antelope Island #21 February 1 Bald Eagle Day at Farmington Bay #19 February 8 Riverdale Parkway February 15 East Kaysville Foothills For questions, call the Wild Bird Center at (801) 525-8400. Are y o u concerned about the education yo ur child ren are getting, or not getting? 30 Years Experience Moral Atmosphere LDS based - scriptures are used in all aspects of teaching. Patriotic - Gain appreciation and respect for America and its founding fathers. No Home Work - students maintain their love for learning and reach their full academic potential. Core classes are 4 hours a day 3 days a week. Electives taught as you need or want. Daily - Prayer Devotional and Pledge of Allegiance Enrollment is Limited - Call for additional information or plan to attend an open house in your neighborhood CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY AT WOLF CREEK RESORT Enjoy a four course dinner in one of the most romantic settings in the Valley. $60 per person Two seatings: 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Complimentary rose for the ladies. Reservations Required Wolf Creek Clubhouse 3900 N. Wolf Creek Drive Eden, UT (801)745-3737 ext. 3 Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Menace (NAPSI)-As Americans tighten up their houses, and use more appliances during the colder months, historically a rash of carbon monoxide (CO) incidents occur. Unfortunately most homeowners are oblivious to the life-threatening dangers posed by carbon monoxide. In fact, the National Carbon Monoxide Study by Kidde, a leading home safety products manufacturer, found that nearly onequarter of families with small children are unaware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide (August, 2002). This news is particularly disturbing since small children are one of the highest-risk groups for mental and physical damage due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO), known as “The Silent Killer,” is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. In addition, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reports that 20,000 health-related injuries and 40,000 emergency visits take place each year due to carbon monoxide poising. Shockingly, while 94 percent of homes have at least one smoke alarm, only 26 percent of homes have a carbon monoxide alarm, according to industry sources. Carbon monoxide is insidious because it is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, and can strike at any time. A carbon monoxide alarm is the first line of defense a family has to protect itself from this deadly gas. “Carbon monoxide can kill you in the middle of the night with no warning,” said Thomas Greiner, associate professor, agricultural and biosystems engineering, Iowa State University. “Every home needs a working carbon monoxide alarm.” How CO Strikes Any appliance that burns a fossil fuel (gas oven, kerosene space heater, woodburning fireplace) emits carbon monoxide, as a natural by-product of combustion. f the appliance malfunctions, however, a furnace develops a cracked heat exchanger or chimneys and flues become blocked, toxic amounts of CO can quickly invade the living space. hile it is good practice to have all appliances checked prior to each heating season, an inspection doesn’t guarantee against the presence of carbon monoxide. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to be aware of possible sources of contamination. Steve Gladstone, vice president of the American Society of Home Inspectors warns that carbon monoxide leaks are not an “if,” but “when,” because home appli- ances, heating and chimney flue systems are not designed to last forever. “At some point, a malfunction is likely,” Gladstone said. The “Great Imitator” Carbon monoxide poisoning is also known as the “Great Imitator,” because its symptoms are similar to the flu. Fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, tightness in the chest and diarrhea are typical complaints. As mentioned previously, some groups of individuals are at a higher risk for CO poisoning than others, such as pregnant women, unborn children, young children, and the elderly. When polled, 25 percent of adults (both men and women) didn’t know that CO symptoms mimic the flu, and 20 percent of women weren’t aware there is an increased chance of birth defects if a fetus is exposed to carbon monoxide. The mental and physical damage caused by carbon monoxide poisoning varies based upon the level of exposure, and length of time in the poisoned environment. Take Action Today According to industry estimates, approximately 74 million households remain unprotected from carbon monoxide exposure. ue to the invisible nature of this airborne poison, safety experts agree that the consumer’s first line of defense is to install carbon monoxide alarms on each level of the home. New technology, developed by Kidde, provides a peak level memory feature that will record the highest level of CO the alarm has been exposed to after it activates. his information is especially important to first responders who may arrive on the scene only to find that the building has been ventilated and they are then unable to quickly determine the seriousness of the exposure. The Kidde Nighthawkª Digital Display alarm is designed to show a readout of carbon monoxide levels in partsper-million, with a reading that is updated every 15 seconds. The unit is available at home improvement centers, mass merchants, and hardware retailers for about $45. For more information about Kidde Safety products, call toll-free 1-800-8806788, or visit www.kiddeus.com. |