No Title 1349
Guest Opinion: Arthritis: the misunderstood epidemict
Co-op Postcard: A House full of students
July 1 is deadline day to enter a competition in the 2006 Kentucky State Fair. Thousands of categories in 29 departments offer a chance to nearly every imaginable talent. Most competitions are open to the public, but a completed entry form must be submitted by July 1. Regular entry fees are $6 per department, but livestock entry fees vary by category. You can find rules, entry forms, and guidelines for each department and cooking contest in the 2006 Kentucky State Fair Entry Catalog. Free catalogs can be viewed online at www.kystatefair.org, or you can request a free catalog by mail by writing to Kentucky State Fair Entry Department, P.O. Box 37130, Louisville, KY 40233-7130.
Guest Opinion: Arthritis: the misunderstood epidemic
by Donna Fox-Keidel
As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, Kentuckians are facing an epidemic. Arthritis has become a growing health concern for Americans in the last decade. With 1 in 3 people living with some form of the disease, more than 66 million Americans are fighting to maintain their quality of life in the face of daily chronic pain and disabling limitations.
Kentucky has the unfortunate distinction of ranking 2nd in the nation with the highest prevalence rates of arthritis in adults. More than 1.2 million Kentuckians have fallen prey to the effects of more than 126 different forms of arthritis and joint-related diseases.
Arthritis carries more misconceptions than most illnesses. The number-one falsehood is that arthritis only affects the often stereotyped grandmother or grandfather. Children get arthritis, too. More than 9,000 children in the state of Kentucky are living with some form of arthritis. Whether an infant or a teenager, they are all faced with the difficult task of numerous doctor appointments, medications with harsh side effects, and daily pain. But most heartbreaking of all, they are robbed of a normal childhood due to physical limitations.
It is crucial that we raise awareness for this extremely misunderstood illness. It is so much more than the few aches and pains most often associated with arthritis. Not only can arthritis steal an individual’s quality of life, in more severe forms it can result in the loss of one’s life.
The number-one cause of disability in the country, arthritis, is resulting in many missed days of work, an inability for one to succeed in the workplace, and eventually many individuals are forced to leave the workforce entirely.
Early diagnosis means early intervention and that equates to a better quality of life for anyone affected, regardless of age. This means an individual will be able to stay in the workforce or tend to children and grandchildren. It means being able to be productive whether it is at work, home, school, or on the playground.
The Arthritis Foundation and the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization work hand in hand as advocates for arthritis sufferers. They generate public awareness, provide Kentuckians with a support system, and educate them through programs and services to help them control their arthritis and take back their quality of life. Throughout the year, events are held to raise research dollars and support these initiatives.
For more information, please call (800) 633-5335.
Donna Fox-Keidel is Volunteer Chairperson for the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization and lives in Louisville.
The fourth annual CaveHill Bluegrass Festival is coming up June 15-17 at Science Hill just north of Somerset. A variety of bluegrass bands will perform Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight, including such names as Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show, Vince Combs, Shadow Ridge, and Cumberland Grass. June 15 is Gospel Thursday, with a bluegrass gospel contest from 1-9 p.m. and a free dinner from 5-6 p.m. In addition to the music, there will be food concessions and arts and crafts. Tickets are $10 Thursday; $12 Friday; $15 Saturday; or a 3-day pass at the gate for $35. Kids 10 and under get in free with an adult. Overnight campsites are $5. For more information and list of rules, go online to www.CaveHillBluegrassFestival.com or call (606) 423-2252 for more details.
The International Bluegrass Music Museum’s annual River of Music Party will be held June 22-25 at Yellow Creek Park and at the Bluegrass Museum in Owensboro. The Swiss Kruger Brothers and the All-Female Uncle Earl will be returning for performances at ROMP 2006. Other features this year include the Hall of Honor unveiling ceremony Thursday. Events and music run Thursday from noon until midnight, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to midnight, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Advance ticket prices are available by calling (888) 692-2656 or on the Web at www.riverofmusic.org.
Co-op Postcard: A House full of students
