OCR Text |
Show Page 10 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume VIII Issue XI September 15, 2003 Fascinating Science Facts at Your Fingertips Thomas Edison patented about 1,100 inventions, but he didn’t invent the light bulb. Patterns in a Utah cornfield led to the development of television. Alvin and the Chipmunks have an important place in the history of recorded sound. These are just a few of the fascinating facts available to science students at the IEEE Virtual Museum, www.ieee.org/museum The site is designed for youngsters ages 10 to 18, their teachers, and the general public. The museum has been recognized for its quality and learning value by the National Science Teachers Association and the National Science Digital Library Report for Math, Engineering, and Technology. Students and others can explore a growing range of online exhibits. Each gives an in-depth look at the histories of the technologies engineers have created over the centuries and that revolutionized how people work, play, learn, and communicate. Current exhibits cover the history of electricity, how sounds are recorded and played, and the use of microwaves in radar, satellites, and global positioning systems. Others include women’s contributions to technology and Edison’s remarkable role as America’s most prolific inventor. The museum uses a variety of media to inform and teach, including text, illustra- tions, interactive displays, and audio and video clips, as well as links to other important online resources. It emphasizes the cultural and social effect of each technology, as well as the technology itself. For example, visitors to “Powering the Electrical Revolution” Women and Technology’ can learn not only how telegraph and telephone switchboards helped create employment opportunities for 19th century women, but also how these technologies worked. The electricity exhibit, “Socket to Me,” explains in plain language how a computer operates. Exhibits feature profiles about many technology pioneers. They include Alessandro Volta, the scientist who created the first battery; Countess Ada Lovelace, thought to be the first computer programmer; and Philo T. Farnsworth, who proposed an early TV system in 1922. Respected historians and technologists representing major corporations and universities develop the material for the museum. All these experts are members of the IEEE, a global association of some 375,000 engineers, scientists and allied professionals. Their technical interests benefit the public through the development of a vast range of applications, including computers, communications, medicine, and transportation. Funds Available for Farmland Protection Recently, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced the availability of up to $100 million for the Farmland and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP). Proposals will be accepted from April 7, 2003 through May 19, 2003. The goal of the FRPP is to protect prime or unique farmland/ranchland or statewide and locally important soils or historic and archaeological resources on farm and ranch land from conversion to nonagricultural uses. The program preserves valuable farmland for future generations. This goal is achieved by working cooperatively with State, Tribal, and local government entities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Proposals consist of a pending offer that is a written bid, contract, commitment, or option extended to a landowner by one or more eligible entities to acquire a conservation easement for the purpose of protecting topsoil by limiting nonagricultural uses of the land. Eligible land includes farm and • In generic terms. Generics are gaining in popularity among physicians and patients alike, due largely to generic health programs like Medco’s Generics First program. Generics contain the same active ingredient as their brand-name counterparts, making them just as safe and effective-plus they can provide as much as 60 percent in savings. 801-745-4000 EDEN STORE HOURS: MON. - SAT. 7 AM - 10 PM SUNDAY 7 AM - 9 PM Farr Ice Cream 5qt. Bucket $3.99 with coupon Limit 2 per coupon Expires 9/30/03 Nasbisco Oreo Cookies 2 for $4.00 with coupon 18 oz. All Flavors Limit 2 per coupon Expires 9/30/03 Pepsi Cola Products 4 for $10.00 with coupon 12 pack cans All Pepsi Items. Limit 4 per coupon Expires 9/30/03 Sweet Willard Peaches 1/2 Bushel $9.98 with coupon While Supplies Last Limit 1 per coupon Expires 9/30/03 The proposal must also meet the Utah criteria. Utah’s criteria for selections can be obtained at USDA Service Centers or by contacting Clarke Garn at 2871 S. Commerce Way, Ogden, Utah 84401; or by phone at 801-629-0575 ext.26 Proposals for FRPP dollars to be used in Utah must be received by close of business on May 19, 2003 at the following address: Phillip J. Nelson State Conservationist Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building 125 South State Street, Room 4402 Salt Lake City, UT 84138 Phone: (801) 524-4550 Fax: (801) 524-4403 E-mail: skip.nelson@ut.usda.gov Trimming Your Prescription Price Tag (NAPSI)-The National Institute on Health Care Management reports that Americans spent $175.2 billion on prescription drugs in 2001, with an average cost per prescription of $49.84, and according to the Medco Health Solutions 2002 Drug Trend report, prescription drug use in some categories has increased 600 percent. With millions of Americans taking one or more prescriptions, consumers may be searching for a way to cut that cost. “Cutting the cost of your prescription drugs is not difficult, and results from taking an active role in your treatment,” says Dr. Glenn Stettin, vice president of clinical products for Medco Health Solutions. Whether its families simply looking to save or seniors living on a fixed income, Stettin recommends the following tips for reducing the prescription drug price tag: 2555 WOLF CREEK DR. ranch land that has prime, unique, or other productive soil, or that contains historical or archaeological resources. These lands must also be subject to a pending offer from eligible entities for the purpose of protecting topsoil by limiting conversion of that land to nonagricultural uses. • The non-drug route. Lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms for which prescription drugs are being taken. For example, reducing caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate; avoiding tight-fitting clothing; and quitting smoking can help reduce symptoms of heartburn—a free alternative to expensive medications. • Understand the plan. If you have health coverage that includes a drug benefit, understanding how the plan works can save you money. Know what is and isn’t covered, and how your out-of-pocket costs are structured. • The condition you’re in. Some conditions, such as colds and flu, can be treated more effectively with over-the-counter medications than with more expensive prescriptions. • Getting off course. Some prescriptions may include multiple refills for a temporary condition. Having the refills does not necessarily mean you must use them. • Free-thinking. If you’re on a fixed income, diagnosed with a new condition or prescribed a new therapy, ask your doctor about samples. Many doctors like to provide patients with drug samples in order to determine if any side effects will be experienced—before the person goes to the expense of filling the prescription. • Two for one. It may be less expensive to take one 20 mg pill than two 10 mg pills for the same effect. Similarly, it may be cheaper to split a 100 mg tablet in two than to buy twice as many 50 mg tablets. GRAND OPENING Celebration Se pt e m be r 1 8 -2 0 ANYTHING YOU CAN FIT IN AN IN-STORE GROCERY BAG IS 20% OFF w/ coupon Coupon Only Valid 9/18/03 - 9/20/03 801-745-4200 540 S. Hwy. 39 Huntsville • Shop around. The cost of prescription drugs varies from pharmacy to pharmacy. If you have a drug plan, mail order pharmacies, such as Medco Health’s Home Delivery Pharmacy Service may lower your out-of-pocket costs. If you don’t have drug coverage, explore discount buying programs like Medco Health’s YOURxPlan for major savings. • Make note. Consumers should inform their doctor(s) of what their drug coverage includes, and even ask that it be noted in their medical record. This will help doctors appreciate the portion of the prescription cost that the patient will bear directly. Above all, Dr. Stettin recommends consumers become partners with their doctors in their therapy. “Communication is key,” he says. “By actively researching their conditions, the prescription drugs they take, and the alternatives available, consumers will receive better care and could cut their health care costs significantly.” For more information about the Medco Health savings plans, visit the Web site at www.medcohealth.com. Examining the alternatives is a prescription for saving money on pharmaceuticals. |