Christmas can be pretty rough on pets. "If it's not the busiest day of the year, it is definitely one of the busiest," James Gaynor, of Animal Emergency Care Centers in Colorado Springs, told me. Much of what is emblematic of the season carries a big skull and crossbones for pets, which, unfortunately, the animals don't observe.

Most people know that chocolate (especially baker's or dark) is toxic to dogs, and that fireplaces and lighted candles are pet burn-jobs in waiting.

But many other potential hazards are lesser-known emergencies-in-the-making that could turn the festivities into a horrible race for a pet's survival. Gaynor recalls long holiday ER stints treating dozens of ingestion cases, some of which could have been fatal if not tended to fast. He remembers the retriever banished for hours to the yard — for being too rowdy around guests —. The dog sliced its tendons on metal lawn edging and required extensive surgery and rehab.

Enjoy yourself, but take extra precautions for your pets. They may not always display perfect judgment during this time of upset in their routines. Locking them in a spare room when guests are roaming about or you're distracted is sometimes the best route (even though you regard them as part of the family). And take special note of these hazards-in-waiting:

• Macadamia nuts. Rover snarfs a bowlful and within hours is completely paralyzed. Can't move an inch. Many owners, believing the dog has had a stroke, choose euthanisia. But actually the dog will recover on its own in 72 hours. So before making a hasty decision, consider whether macadamia nuts may have been consumed.

• Raisin cookies. Raisins are highly toxic to many dogs. So if yours gets a boxful, or a chunk of raisin-studded fruitcake, or any like product with raisins (or even a bowl of grapes), get to a veterinarian fast. Rapid intervention is crucial.

• Tree-stand water. It quickly becomes a breeding pool for all kinds of bacteria; it also might contain fertilizer, pesticides or other chemicals from the tree. Prevent slurping by stretching aluminum foil across the bowl (cats hate that) and then covering it with the tree skirt, taped to the trunk.

• Tinsel and ribbons. Very attractive to cats, mylar and other flexible shiny strips can, if swallowed, shred their innards or wrap around intestines. Surgery is probably necessary.

• Xylitol. The sweetener used in sugarless gums and mints can rapidly cause liver failure in dogs. So place visitors' purses, coats and luggage high enough that probing canines can't reach. Same goes for guests' medicines. Human med ingestion, in fact, is the most frequent cause of ER visits.

• Pine needles. If swallowed, they can puncture intestines.

• Lilies. They're toxic to cats. Keep them out of the house. If an arrangement arrives, pull lilies out and deliver them to a cat-free home.

• Holly and mistletoe. Both are potentially toxic and should be kept from pets. Poinsettias, despite the reputation, aren't fatal (but can cause intestinal upset).

• Booze. Don't let dogs lick eggnog, beer or spilled wine. Dogs don't metabolize booze well. They don't understand being high, and it panics them.

Thinking ahead and avoiding hazards is the best way to keep pets safe.

Take a moment to go to ASPCA.org and click on the Animal Poison Control Center link to gain familiarity with other risks. And tape the ASPCA's Poison Control hotline number — 888-426-4435 — someplace obvious so you don't waste time if you need it. Veterinarian specialists answer it 24/7, 365 days a year. You give them your credit-card number for a $60 consultation fee, and they explain how to handle a toxic ingestion (including things you should do on the way to the ER). They'll stick with your case for that fee, advising the vet who treats your animal.

The hilarious Straight No Chaser song "The 12 Days of Christmas"  is available for purchase at this site:

          http://www.sncmusic.com/    (Thanks for the info Jennie)

And another listener (Thanks Sara) tells me it's also available on iTunes. Enjoy!

BTW-The new Sheryl Crow Christmas CD is for sale at Hallmark Stores.

Below is information about our guest on Real Stars on December 7, 2008. 

www.endmeth.info

Welcome

Welcome to Partners for Methamphetamine Prevention (PMP)! We are a community coalition comprised of members from the Pottawattamie County/Greater Metro area. PMP is committed to providing education about methamphetamine and increasing awareness that meth shatters lives and destroys communities. We are very excited that you are interested in learning more about PMP.

Mission

The mission of Partners for Meth Prevention is to unite and empower communities to take action against meth.

Vision

The vision of Partners for Meth Prevention is a healthy, meth-free community.

We Believe

• Prevention is more cost effective than intervention, treatment, and incarceration
• Addiction is a treatable disease
• Meth addicts can and do recover
• Communities are capable of making positive social change
• Entire communities are affected by meth
• Effective community collaboration will create a healthy meth-free environment

History

PMP was formed in 2004 by joining two separate coalitions who were working on ways to prevent meth use/abuse. We were initially comprised of representatives from eight not-for-profit organizations from Pottawattamie County/Council Bluffs. Today, Partners for Meth Prevention has bridged the river and our membership includes 33 organizations/agencies in both Iowa and Nebraska.

Partners For Methamphetamine Prevention

PMP is a successful, stand alone coalition that works collaboratively with many other agencies in Pottawattamie County and the Greater Metro Area. For the three years, we have had May proclaimed as Methamphetamine Prevention Month in both Iowa and Nebraska, as well as hosted an annual event to kick off the month of May. We have also begun an exciting new program with the Council Bluffs Police Department entitled Meth360. It is an exciting collaboration between law enforcement, prevention, and treatment professionals who give presentations in the community to empower community members to take action against meth.

Our Hope

Our hope is that people will come to understand addiction is a treatable disease that can be managed with proper treatment and recovery plans and that addicts are not horrible people; they are people like you and I who made a choice to use a drug and now have a disease—addiction. We also want people to know that meth addicts can and do recover and there is hope for people struggling with meth addiction! We are very proud of our partners and all we are doing to help individuals and families who are affected by meth. However, we know there is still much more to do. With your help we can make our vision for a healthy, meth-free community become a reality.

For more information on how you can become a part of Partners for Meth Prevention, please call 712-396-7016 or 877-9-NoMeth or go to http://www.endmeth.info/

Meth360 is a unique community education program that unites law enforcement, prevention, and treatment professional together to educate the community about meth. These community presentations are co-delivered by these three groups of professionals to parent groups, schools, workplace, healthcare, civic and other organizations. The audience learns about all aspects of meth from experts with diverse perspectives on the issue—a true “360-degree” view. The program’s title comes from the fact that meth, more than any other drug, has an impact beyond the user. It affects families, children, the environment, and entire communities. And it comes at you from all directions.

The Meth360 presentation is divided into six topic areas; Meth Facts; How Meth Affects Users; Impact on Communities; Families and Prevention; Intervention and Treatment and Communities and Prevention. Supplemented with video features, including public service messages and real-life testimony from former meth users, the presentation has been customized by the presenters to reflect local issues and needs. All audience members receive a meth information kit and list of local and national meth information resources.

Response to the Meth360 program has been extremely positive. When surveyed, audience members, community coordinators, and presenters all agree that the Meth360 program is a powerful tool that enhances a community’s ability to raise awareness of the dangers associated with meth use and help people take action in their communities against meth.

Partners for Meth Prevention, in coordination with the Council Bluffs Police Department, have been presenting the program in and around Pottawattamie County. The program has been changed to reflect the actual data from Pottawattamie County and has been receiving great reviews. Without the support of the Council Bluffs Police Department, this program would not be operational in Pottawattamie County.

Meth360 is in various stages of implementation around the Metro area. For more information about Meth360 or to schedule a presentation in your area, please contact:

Lorelle Mueting

Iowa Project Manager Meth Treatment Services

the angela hershey bounceback f u n d r a i s e r

 

the angela hershey bounceback fundraiser 

SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 8, 2008 FROM 9 am – 12 pm

what?

This event is a fundraiser! It is to raise money for medical bills as well as assistance in day-to-day living for a local Bellevue resident. It has taken doctors over two years to diagnose Angela's problem and as a result the medical bills are overwhelming.  She recently underwent surgery and is currently not working.  Angela is a widow of almost 12-years, and is raising her son completely on her own.  Because her husband committed suicide there was no life insurance.  The medical bills as well as a tax lien (as a result of her deceased husband's business) have made day-to-day living and keeping her head above water almost impossible. Angela's family has helped as much as they can however; both parents have had strokes and are on a limited income.  She is respected and loved and known to help those in need whenever possible.  Angela remains positive through this hard time and the Bellevue and Omaha communities have opened their hearts with several wonderful and valuable donations for this fundraiser.  Your participation will allow Angela to get back on her feet and put her on the path of providing a better quality of life for her son. 

This event has NO alcohol or smoking, so bring the entire family. Fantasy's (Bellevue NE) will be contributing coffee and Krispy Kreme (Bellevue NE) will be providing donuts.  There will be juice, water and music as well.  There is no need to RSVP so just show up and please spread the word!  We look forward to seeing you there,

Silent Auction Details
Items donated will be up for auction via Silent Auction rules. As a quick rundown, a silent auction is an auction where bids are written on a sheet of paper. At 11:45 am the highest listed bidder wins the prize.

Raffle Details

There will be a few items that will be raffled.  As a quick rundown, raffle tickets will be held and raffle tickets will be randomly selected every 15-minutes from the time the fundraiser begins.  To win the prize you must be present at the time the tickets are randomly selected.

where?

Angela's church the Bellevue Christian Center will be providing the space for the Angela Hershey Bounceback Auction Fundraiser. If you are unfamiliar with the area, the address is as follows:

1400 Harvell Drive, Bellevue NE  68005

extra & contact

If you'd like to promote this event, please feel free to make copies of this flyer.

If you would like to donate, please contact Esta Broyles at esta2112@gmail.com or 402.660.6323.

Please make checks payable to Angela L. Hershey fundraiser.

The author of the 40 books in the Magic Tree House series is in town for a book signing.  Mary Pope Osborne is at the Mid America Center  at 2 pm on Saturday.  Below is info on the Magic Tree House Show coming to the MAC...

Bestselling Children’s Book Series Comes to Life on Stage

Magic Tree House: The Musical Comes takes the stage at the Mid-America Center

(Council Bluffs, IA) – Mary Pope Osborne’s beloved Magic Tree House books have sold more than 60 million copies worldwide and are recognized as one of the most popular (and best selling!) children’s series of all time. Now audiences can enjoy Magic Tree House: The Musical live on stage at the MAC at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 16.

Working closely with Mary Pope Osborne to preserve the imagination-stimulating power of the Magic Tree House books, the creators of Magic Tree House: The Musical have developed an enchanting blend of song, story, and stagecraft that will keep audiences of all ages on the edge of their seats. The show features more than two

dozen life-sized (and dragon-sized!) puppets by Mary Brehmer, a three-time Daytime Emmy nominee for her Muppet work. The sets by Broadway designer Alexander Dodge, with lighting by Matthew Richards, create a spectacular, ever- changing environment that will dazzle children and adults alike. And Daytime Emmy winner Sarah Iams has designed wonderfully imaginative costumes to outfit the entire kingdom of Camelot, including a spectacular magician’s cloak for Merlin and whimsical dance costumes for an entire troupe of Irish step dancers.

Featuring over a dozen original songs, Magic Tree House: The Musical takes Jack and Annie, the series’ popular brother/sister team, on their most thrilling adventure yet. To restore joy and magic to King Arthur’s kingdom, they must travel to Camelot’s dreaded Otherworld and return with water from the mythical Cauldron of Memory and Imagination. If they fail, Camelot will be lost and forgotten forever — and the Magic Tree House will be destroyed! Rising to each new challenge with courage, humor, and resourcefulness, Jack and Annie discover that memory and imagination are gifts we can all use to fill our lives with magic.

Much more than just another ‘kids’ show’, Magic Tree House: The Musical is a full scale, Broadway style musical that the whole family will enjoy. The Musical will be two hours long including a 25-minute intermission.

WHAT:                                   Magic Tree House: The Musical

WHEN:                                   Sunday, November 16, 2008

SHOW TIME:                       3:00 p.m., doors open at 2:00 p.m.

RESERVED ADMISSION: $35, $25, $15, $10, plus applicable fees

                                                Special group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

VENUE:                                 Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs

MORE INFORMATION:    www.MTHmusical.com

                                                www.midamericacenter.com

Tickets can be purchased at the MAC Box Office, online at midamericacenter.com or ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, or charge by phone: Omaha: 402.422.1212, Lincoln: 402.475.1212, Sioux City: 712.252.3434, Des Moines: 515.243.1888. For more information, call the MAC Box Office at 712.326.2295.

So many people are finding themselves in crisis mode when it comes to their mortgage and the value of their house.  Our guest on Real Stars on November 9th at 8:30 is from the Family Housing Advisory Services.  This is a great agency providing help and education for homeowners and potential homeowners in these difficult times.  The link is below.

http://www.fhasinc.org/index.htm

Rita Arens, editor of the hilarious new parenting anthology *Sleep Is for the Weak: The Best of the Mommybloggers Including Amalah, Finslippy, Fussy, Woulda Coulda Shoulda, Mom-101, and More!* (Chicago Review Press, September 2008)?

Arens and contributor Kelli Oliver George are hosting an event on Saturday, October 25 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Borders Bookstore (13105 Birch Drive, Omaha, NE 68164) to celebrate the release of *Sleep Is for the Weak.* The event is free and open to the public.

As the phenomenon of mommyblogging escalates across the country, *Sleep Is for the Weak* excerpts some of the best of the mommyblogs. The anthology provides clever, humorously true stories every parent can relate to, and tackles issues that many mothers and fathers face but are reluctant to discuss.

Omaha Area College Fair  
University of Nebraska-Omaha
Sunday, October 26, 2008
1:00 - 4:00 pm

When you attend a College Fair, visit the EducationQuest booth for free brochures on financial aid and college selection. Our staff can answer your college planning questions and will conduct financial aid sessions during the fair. Grab a bag from our booth to collect college catalogs as you walk around the fair.

Follow these tips to make the most of the College Fairs:

Before you attend, prepare a list of questions for college representatives. Ask about the school's academic programs, admission application deadlines and scholarship opportunities.

Determine what you want from a school. This helps you rule out some colleges and look more closely at others. Take notes to keep track of schools that interest you.

Prepare pre-printed labels with your name and address to stick on information cards from colleges that interest you. This allows the colleges to send you more information and saves you from filling out forms.

Several car booster seats do a poor job of positioning children to fit in their seat belts, according to a review by the insurance industry and researchers.
The Virginia-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found Wednesday that 13 booster seats don’t put children in the best position to be protected in a crash.
The Institute, which conducts crash tests of new vehicles, did not recommend: Compass B505, Compass B510, Cosco/Dorel Traveler, Evenflo Big Kid Confidence, Safety Angel Ride Ryte, Cosco/Dorel Alpha Omega, Cosco/Dorel (Eddie Bauer) Summit, Cosco Highback Booster, Dorel/Safety 1st (Eddie Bauer) Prospect, Evenflo Chase Comfort Touch, Evenflo Generations, Graco CarGo Zephyr, and Safety 1st/Dorel Intera.
IIHS President Adrian Lund said the 13 boosters “may increase restraint use by making children more comfortable, but they don’t position belts for optimal protection.”
Child seat manufacturers said their products meet and exceed federal regulations. Dorel Juvenile Group said it “welcomes the opportunity to review the evaluation conducted by the IIHS.”
Graco Children’s Products said in a statement that “safety is always a top priority and nothing is more important than the well-being of the children who use our products.”
It was the first time the Institute issued evaluations for booster seats. Lund said they chose not to review crash protection because the seats simply elevate children so lap and shoulder belts are well-positioned to restrain them.
Booster seats are typically used by children between the ages of 4 and 8. The seat belt is meant to be routed across a child’s lower hips and mid-shoulders instead of the abdomen because the liver and spleen are more vulnerable to injuries.
Russ Rader, an IIHS spokesman, said two of the seats not recommended by the Institute, the Costco Highback Booster and the Safety 1st/Dorel Intera, had been discontinued. The IIHS evaluated 41 seats that represented a majority of the market when the evaluations were conducted in the summer of 2007. Evaluations for all the seats are available on their Web site.
Institute also names 'best bets'
The IIHS called 10 seats “best bets,” meaning they were most likely to correctly position seat belts. They include: Combi Kobuk, Fisher-Price Safe Voyage (with plastic clip), Graco TurboBooster, Britax Monarch, Britax Parkway, Fisher-Price Safe Voyage (highback), LaRoche Bros. Teddy Bear, Recaro Young Style, Volvo booster cushion and Safeguard Go when it’s used as a backless booster.
Five seats were named “good bets” to provide acceptable belt fit. They include: highbacks Combi Kobuk, Graco TurboBooster and Safety Angel Ride Ryte, and combinations Recaro Young Sport and Safety 1st/Dorel Apex 65, when used as highbacks.
Dr. Kristy Arbogast, who researches child passenger safety issues at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said parents should not interpret the evaluations to mean that poorly rated seats are not effective.
“The biggest disservice this would do is to encourage people to move out of booster seats because we know they’re an effective restraint, we know they reduce the risk of injury and the risk of fatality,” Arbogast said.
Arbogast suggested that parents buying a new booster seat should try it out in their car and see how the seat belt fits on their child.
The government recommends car seats for children up to 40 pounds and booster seats for children over 40 pounds until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. All children should ride in the back seat until age 13.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issues ratings for child seats on its Web site: http://www.safercar.gov/.