October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Each October, we observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month as an opportunity to raise awareness and educate ourselves about breast cancer. Many of us have been touched in some way by this horrible disease, which is expected to take the lives of more than 40,000 women this year according to the American Cancer Society.

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death for women after lung cancer. Although there is still no cure for breast cancer, improved detection techniques and medical treatments have caused the death rates from breast cancer to continue to fall. Health professionals recommend that all women have a mammogram each year beginning at age 40. Women with a family history of the disease or other factors that put them at higher risk should talk with their doctors, as they may require more frequent or earlier screenings.

Because the early detection of breast cancer increases the chances for a successful outcome and offers patients more options for treatment, state and medical officials have been working to ensure more women have access to necessary screenings. The Ohio Department of Health has a Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) that provides mammograms to women age 50 and above, and clinical breast exams and Pap tests to women 40 and above, as well as other diagnostic tests to uninsured women with household incomes of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level at no cost to them.

Through the BCCP, tens of thousands of women throughout Ohio have benefited from critical health screenings that could save lives. For more information about the Breast and Cervical Cancer Project, including whether you or someone you know is eligible, contact the Cincinnati Regional Office at 1-888-727-6266.

Here at the Statehouse, my colleagues and I are discussing a bill that could improve the way many cancer patients receive treatment. One of the more recent advancements in cancer treatment is the development of oral chemotherapy pills, which are currently used to treat certain types of leukemia and tumors, and may be used in the future to treat other types of cancer. Patients who take these pills are able to avoid frequent trips to a hospital or clinic to receive chemotherapy administered through a traditional IV, lowering costs for both them and the hospital.

However, due to the pills’ high cost, many patients are unable to take advantage of these pills because they are usually covered under their pharmacy benefit, rather than their medical insurance. As a result, patients who would like to use the pills instead of IV-infused chemotherapy can face expensive co-payments or large out-of-pocket expenses once they meet or exceed their prescription plan’s annual coverage limit.

To address this issue, Senator Karen Gillmor has introduced Senate Bill 133, which would ensure that oral chemotherapy pills are not treated less favorably by insurance companies than chemotherapy agents that are infused at a doctor’s office or hospital. This change will allow patients and doctors to decide on the best course of treatment for cancer rather than insurance companies and ensure cancer patients receive top-quality care without unreasonable costs or hassles.

This month, I hope you will take a moment to remember those across the country who are living with breast cancer, as well as their family, friends and the many doctors, researchers, nurses and medical professionals who work hard each day to make a difference in their lives. Additionally, protect both yourself and those you love by educating yourself about this disease and how to prevent it.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Representative Beck Announces Passage of State Income Tax Increase

Representative Beck Announces Passage of State Income Tax Increase


COLUMBUS— State Representative Peter A. Beck (R- Mason) today opposed the Ohio House of Representatives’ passage of House Bill 318, which would suspend the last installment of the income tax reductions set forth in 2005.

Under current law, state income tax rates are to be reduced by a total of 21 percent over a five-year period, according to House Bill 66 of the 126th General Assembly. Governor Strickland and House Democrats have supported a freeze of the tax reforms, which would retroactively increase the tax burden on Ohio’s families by 4.2 percent in 2009.

“This legislation is bad not only for the people of Ohio, but for small businesses as well,” Beck stated.  “We are taking more money from families when they are already tightening their belts in this tough economic time.”

In addition, House Bill 318 would reduce the salaries of state legislators by 5 percent, a proposal initially championed by Representatives Seth Morgan (R-Huber Heights) and Terry Boose (R-Norwalk) in June of this year. The salary reductions would be effective starting in 2011, as permitted by the Ohio Constitution.

House Bill 318 was initiated to fill an $851 million budget deficit caused by the failure of the video lottery terminals (VLT) provision included in July’s biennial budget. House Republicans have expressed concern that the bill imposes a higher tax burden and continues the expansion of government without providing for any cost-efficiency measures.

In an effort to provide sustainable changes to fill the budget deficit, House Republicans proposed amendments to House Bill 318 on the House floor that would streamline government agencies and consolidate spending;  minimize waste, fraud and abuse in the Medicaid system; remove the provision that calls for a tax increase; allow local school boards to decide whether or not to accept unfunded state mandates; create a committee to maximize hospital employment and sustainability; prevent taxpayers from being retroactively penalized by a state income tax increase; and reduce bonuses for House committee vice-chairs and ranking members. These suggestions were rejected by House Democrats.

“We should be looking at cutting spending and consolidating government, not asking the taxpayers to bear the burden of these tax increases,” Beck said.

House Bill 318 passed from the House by a 55-44 vote.  The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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Jalapeno Cheddar Bread


Ingredients:
  • 8 cups all purpose flour
  • 5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup minced jalapeno peppers (1 small can)
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups water (110-120 degrees F)
  • 3 packages (.25 oz) active dry yeast
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
  1. In a large bowl,combine 7 cups of flour, cheese, jalapenos, 7 tablespoons sugar and salt. Mix all ingredients well.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine water, yeast and remaining sugar. Stir until all yeast is dissolved and let sit for about 10 minutes.
  3. Add olive oil to the liquid mixture, stirring constantly. Add half of liquid mixture to the flour and mix with hands to moisten flour os much as possible. Add remaining liquid to dough and mix until flour is thoroughly mixed into the liquid.
  4. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic (approximately 15 minutes). Use remaining 1 cup of flour as needed to keep dough from sticking.
  5. Pour a little olive oil into the bottom of a large bowl and add dough. Invert dough and cover with a dry dishcloth and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size (approximately 1 hour).
  6. Punch dough down. Divide into 3 equal portions, form each into a ball, then stretch dough and tuck edges under so create a smooth surface. Pop any noticeable air bubbles then form into loaves. Place in a sprayed 9X5 loaf pan, cover again with a towel and allow to rise until almost doubled again (45-60 minutes).
  7. Bake at 325 degrees F for about an hour. Halfway through, rotate pans to ensure even baking. Crust will be a rich, golden brown (see photo above) when done. Remove from pan as soon as bread will easily lift out and allow to cool an hour before slicing.

 Article/Recipe Submitted By: 
~*~ Wishing You Love, Luck & Chocolates~*~
Aimee
Shake Your Bon Bons


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Stuffed Peppers Recipe




STUFFED PEPPERS

Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 20 minutes. While rice is cooking, brown ground beef in a skillet and drain. Cut off the tops from the peppers and discard tops, seeds and membranes. Arrange peppers in baking dish, tops facing up. Mix beef, rice, 1 can tomoato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices (except Italian seasoning) in a large bowl.  Spoon equal amounts into each pepper. Mix remaining tomato sauce and Italian seasoning together and pour over peppers. Bake 1 hour, basting peppers after each 15 minutes.
Makes 6 servings


 Article/Recipe Submitted By: 

~*~ Wishing You Love, Luck & Chocolates~*~
Aimee
Shake Your Bon Bons


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Sloan optimistic as D4D activities start....

A 17-year-old from the Buckeye State is among 29 drivers vying this weekend for 10 Drive for Diversity racing seats available for 2010.
Sloan Henderson, an 11th grader from Franklin, Ohio, will participate in the five-day Drive for Diversity Combine presented by Sunoco which opened Friday in Mooresville, N.C. During the five days of Combine events, drivers toured sites in the Charlottes area, attend Saturday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and race Legends Cars at Concord (N.C.) Speedway. The group moves to Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va., for on-track evaluations Monday and Tuesday.

Read more from the NASCAR article....click here to read whole story!!
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Fall Fruit Soup


 


1 cup cranberries
1 medium pear,cored and cut into bite size pieces
1 medium cooking apple, cored and cut into bite size pieces
3 plums,halved, pitted and cut into thin slices
3 cups cranberry apple juice
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 3 inch long pieces of cinnamon stick

In a large saucepan,combine cranberries,pear, apple and plum.Stir in juice,brown sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Bring to a rolling boil and reduce heat. Simmer for 5 minutes-until fruit is tender. Discard cinnamon sticks and serve







Public domain image, photo credit Keith Weller
 Article/Recipe Submitted By: 
~*~ Wishing You Love, Luck & Chocolates~*~
Aimee
Shake Your Bon Bons
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Protecting Our State Sovereignty


The Ohio state seal.



“Just as the separation and independence of the coordinate branches of the Federal Government serve to prevent the accumulation of excessive power in any one branch, a healthy balance of power between the States and the Federal Government will reduce the risk of tyranny and abuse from either front.”
-President James Madison

Since its founding, our country has been a partnership between the states and the federal government. Fearing a strong centralized government similar to the one they had just freed themselves from, our founding fathers sought to divide power between the citizens, the states and the federal government. As a result, the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution, a group of amendments guaranteeing the rights of individual citizens and states alike.

However, there has been growing dissatisfaction in some areas of the country recently over the federal government overstepping its Constitutional authority. We have all heard and read about the “Tea Parties” that have been held here in Ohio and elsewhere in our country decrying the actions of the Federal government in regards to taxes and other issues impacting our families.

Many state lawmakers and residents feel that the federal government has grown too large in recent years and needs to be reminded of the sovereignty of the states. Roughly two dozen states are considering or have passed resolutions refusing to participate in the Real ID Act, which mandates state drivers licenses and ID cards conform to federal standards. Other areas in which some think the government has overstepped its authority include the bailouts of the banking and automotive industry as well as the takeover of some car makers and banks.

In response to these concerns, legislation has been introduced in many states seeking to reaffirm the sovereignty of the states and urging the federal government to respect the 10th amendment, which reads: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

Earlier this year, similar legislation was introduced in the Ohio Senate by my colleagues Senators Tim Grendell (R- Chesterland) and Keith Faber (R- Celina). Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 would claim sovereignty over certain powers pursuant to the 10th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, notify Congress to limit and end certain mandates, and insist that federal legislation contravening the 10th Amendment be prohibited or repealed.

Similar resolutions have been introduced in other states, including New Hampshire, Arizona, Michigan and Missouri. However, an important distinction between Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 and versions under discussion in some states is that Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 does not threaten secession; it only seeks to reaffirm Ohio’s sovereignty at a time when the federal government is rapidly expanding.  Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 was recently approved by the Ohio Senate and will now be taken under consideration by the Ohio House of Representatives.

There are many challenges facing our state and our nation, and as we seek solutions we should remember that government governs best from the people. Although individual states and the federal government should continue to work together, it should be in collaboration and not simply an expansion of federal powers into areas that traditionally have been reserved to the states. Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 serves as a remainder to the government to adhere to those principles established by our founding fathers.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Football at the Library






Written by:  Christy Trent

 I don’t know when it happened or how it happened but I fell in love with professional football; the Bengal’s in particular. Truthfully, I hate watching basketball, baseball is ho-hum and I don’t know how you can even call boxing a sport, but football gets my blood pumping. During football season Sundays are awaited in high anticipation, and I have even begun wearing a football shirt to watch the game. What happened to me?
       There are different aspects of the game which fascinate me. At times it seems like a testosterone filled ballet with running backs leaping and pirouetting over and around humongous obstacles. Then other times I marvel at the sheer brute force watching 300 pound men turn unannounced cartwheels, land on their heads and get up to do it again.
       I also wonder at how quickly the game can turn on one snap of the ball, just like the Bengal’s have proven the last few weeks their bad snaps abounding. Everything can be going one way for the first half of the game but then something happens in the locker room at half time and the other team comes out swinging. It’s exciting and riveting and worthy of nail biting at times, especially this year as a Bengal’s fan!
       Many great football players have been immortalized down through history along with numerous gut wrenching games. The book, NFL’s Greatest; Pro Football’s Best Players, Teams, and Games, colorfully illustrates some of the finest teams and players. Chosen by members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee this book lists 100 players and 25 teams deserving the term, Greatest.
       Having only become a football fan within the last five years, many of the names are new to me, but veteran lovers of the game will be familiar with these players.
       Jim Brown, Fullback for the Cleveland Browns. Brown’s record average of 5.2 yards per carry still stands and he is still considered the NFL’s most accomplished runner ever.
       Dick Butkus, Linebacker for the Chicago Bears was feared on the field for his brute strength. One Packers running back said, “I pray that I get up every time Butkis hits me!”
      Anthony Munoz, Tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals was huge at 6’6 and 278 pounds. He earned 11 Pro Bowl bids and received the NFL Man of the Year award for his off field activities.
      A few of the 25 greatest teams are:
      1968 New York Jets. During the Super Bowl game Joe Namath became a folk legend by “guaranteeing” a win. He led the Jets to win over the favored Colts, 16-7.
      1975 Pittsburgh Steelers. For the Super Bowl game of 1975 Terry Bradshaw posted his best passer rating and Lynn Swann juggled a 53 yard catch still considered one of the greatest ever.
      If you are already a football lover or like me are just beginning to understand and love the game, stop by your local library and check out this and other books on football.

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Tattoos at the Library





Written by:  Christy Trent:  At 40 something I was finally brave enough to do it. I got my first tattoo this year. After watching countless episodes of tattoo drama shows and reading books about the history I realized that everyone seems to have a story behind their skin art; a memorial for a loved one, representation for a difficult time in their life, or perhaps names and dates of special events. Always marching to the beat of a different drummer, I didn’t have a clear idea or design in my head, although I knew I wanted one. As I looked through hundreds of tattoos at the parlor, an idea began to form in my mind. Wanting something colorful and dainty I viewed delicate bird designs. Two designs stood out, bluebirds and hummingbirds. Both have a symbolism in American culture.
    The Swallow, also known as a bluebird, got its legendary status with sailors. Since sailing was so dangerous men would get a swallow tattooed on their chest after completing a thousand miles at sea. The swallow symbolizes honor, faith, love, hope, and courage.
    The hummingbird represents love, joy, beauty, and because a hummingbird hovers over a flower sipping the nectar he reminds us to savor each moment and appreciate the things we love.
    Since I really haven’t done anything courageous enough to deserve a swallow, I decided on a hummingbird with tail feathers forming a heart. The symbolism for me is appreciating the things I love.
    Then the next step was actually sitting for the tattoo. Wow, it hurt, but thankfully since I chose something small the pain didn’t last for long.
    The book, Permanence: Tattoo portraits, by Hip Fulbeck, is a beautifully illustrated book featuring celebrities and civilians, their tattoos and the reasons for getting them. Some, like me, don’t have a life changing experience reason for their tattoos, but most in the book do.
     One young man with Japanese American roots tattooed serial numbers on his arm to remind him of his parents interment in American camps during WW2.
     An older woman tattooed a huge pink ribbon circling her neck and down her chest after battling breast cancer.
    “Never forget,” is tattooed on a marine who lost comrades in the Iraq war.
     A triangular symbol of the trinity is tattooed on one young woman’s foot to remind her that no matter what she goes through God is always there.
       Tattoos no longer seem to have the same negative stigma attached to them they had years ago. It seems these days everyone has one. If you are thinking about a tattoo or just want to read about them, head over to your local library for a book.
    Next tattoo I get, (did I say next? Yikes!) it will have deep meaning behind it. Maybe a turning point in my life or an insight that has finally broken through to me, or perhaps a special date. But then again, I really would like a pretty, colorful flower tattooed on the very top of my foot just for the sheer beauty of it…
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