Winter Crisis Intervention.

The Economic Security Corporation has received $290,727 for the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) for the upcoming winter season in Barton, Jasper, Newton, and McDonald Counties. ECIP is a utility assistance program for low-income families based on household income eligibility. Priority will be given to the households who have no service for their primary heating source.

This program operates during the months of November through May, or until funds are expended. The basic requirements for program eligibility include meeting 125% of federal poverty guidelines and having a shut-off notice on primary heat source. Any income eligible resident of Jasper, Newton, Barton or McDonald county who has been disconnected from their primary heat source will be served first come first served. Elderly, 65 and over, do not have to have a shut-off notice but must provide proof of age.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the Joplin ESC office Monday through Friday at 781-0352, or the Carthage Outreach office on Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Thursday 8 to noon. 358-3521.

From what the forecasters are predictin’, this is supposed ta be onea the coolest weeks of the season so far. Lows near freezin’ all week with highs in the low fifties. If you’re really’ wantin’ to put some faith in the forcast, the ten day looks like by a week from Wednesday, we’ll be back into highs of the low 60’s, but by then it’s supposed ta be rainin’ again. Time get those leaves piled up.

‘Course with the rakin’ of leaves comes the annual division over whether to bag or burn. I still see a few who have a third alternative, rake all the leaves into the street. Seems like a good plan ‘cept the street sweeper can’t handle the load if ever’one does that, plus, if a rain comes all the leaves float into the storm water system and plug it up. Whatever ya do with your leaves, try to do it in the privace of your own yard.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune- Brooks Hospital

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

FEET TURN BEET RED IN BED

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have a strange thing that happens to my feet while in bed. They become hot and turn beet red. I do keep my bedroom quite cold, and I have to use blankets even on the warmest nights. This is something that started last winter and still continues. What is going on? — A.K.

ANSWER: Erythromelalgia (ee-RITH-row-mel-AL-gee-uh) fits your description.

It’s a condition where the feet become hot and turn red when they become warm. Typically, people experience the changes when they are in bed with their feet under blankets.

Have you tried sleeping with your feet uncovered? Do so. That might be the only treatment needed.

Taking an aspirin 30 minutes before going to bed and soaking the feet in cool water 15 minutes before going to bed can sometimes control this not-uncommon reaction.

You should mention this to your doctor. In a few instances, erythromelalgia comes about because another disease process is taking place. One of those diseases is polycythemia, the disorder that arises when the bone marrow makes too many blood cells.