City Rejects Donation from Lujene Clark.

Former City Council member Lujene Clark has offered to donate a sauna for the use of Fire Department personnel. The issue has been discussed informally for the last several months.

The Council Public Safety Committee failed to approve the donation during the last regular committee meeting.

According to the minutes of the meeting, "Chief Thompson reported that Mrs. Clark had relocated to Georgia but still has a sauna that she is very passionate about and would like to donate to the Fire Department. The sauna’s purpose is to be used as a detoxification tool for the personnel if they have been in contact with any hazardous materials during a haz-mat incident or a fire incident.

"After a short discussion, and Chief Thompson expressing that his biggest issue with the sauna is the public’s perception, Mr. Leibbrand made a motion to recommend accepting the sauna donation to be used to help firefighters de-toxify if exposed to any haz-mat situation, there was no second, motion failed."

Jasper County Jail Count

184August 29, 2011

Total Including Placed out of County

Noticed a lot of convertibles with tops down the last few days. There was a time that I thought the idea of havin’ an air-conditioner in a convertible was really silly. I have, of course, since reconsidered that position.

I haven’t personally owned a convertible for a number of years, and I have ta assume that there have been improvements to the mechanics and function of the "rag top." The back window used ta always be a sensitive contraption. They zipped in place and got scratched easily as I remember. I do notice that there hasn’t been any easy solution to puttin’ on the "boot." Most of the vehicles I’ve seen run with that protective and aesthetic coverin’ not in place.

Havin’ a few days of favorable weather to run with the top down is fun, but thinkin’ back, it sure was work.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Weekly Column

To Your Good Health

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

Laxatives Have Gotten an Unfair Reputation

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For the past two years, my husband has been trying to deal with constipation. We have tried everything -- lots of fruits and vegetables, prunes and fiber. He takes a spoonful of mineral oil daily. He is active and plays golf twice a week and walks 2 miles on the other mornings. A lifelong fear of becoming dependent on laxatives prevents him from taking any. We are at a loss about what to do. Any suggestions you make are appreciated. -- J.H.

ANSWER: A lack of fluids, too little fiber and inactivity are the major causes of constipation. Laxatives used to be thought of as dangerous remedies, to be used sparingly if at all. People do not develop a "laxative habit," and their colons are not harmed by them. Your husband has done all he can without any results.

It is much unhealthier for him to strain to eliminate than it is to take a laxative. He can use whichever one he wants. MiraLAX is a reliable one. Mineral oil is not great idea. If the oil goes down the wrong way and enters the lungs, it can cause big trouble. Once the laxative has restored normal movements, your husband ought to stay on his high-fiber diet. Fiber doesn’t always end constipation, but it does keep one regular.

Establishing a morning routine often works. Feeding a baby calls for a diaper change shortly thereafter. The brain sends a signal to the infant’s colon to empty. The same reflex works in adults, but we have dulled it deliberately. It can be restored by drinking a caffeinated beverage for breakfast and then taking a walk after eating.

Have your husband try this homemade remedy: Mix 2 cups of bran (obtained at a health-food store) with 2 cups of applesauce and 1 cup of prune juice, sweetened or unsweetened. Refrigerate the mix. Your husband can take up to three tablespoons twice a day. He should start with a smaller dose.