Choze Powell

Michigan Physicians Praise Legislative Health Care Achievements, Set Sights On Prescription Drug Affordability Board In 2024

As the Michigan Legislature readies for adjournment, the Committee to Protect Health Care, representing physicians statewide, expresses gratitude for the 2023 health care achievements. 

Notable successes include safeguarding patient access through the Reproductive Health Act and fortifying Affordable Care Act protections. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks prioritized a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, and physicians eagerly anticipate resuming efforts in 2024. 

Dr. Rob Davidson, Executive Director of the Committee, commends Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and legislators for prioritizing quality, affordable health care. He states, “We are ready to continue the work to put the health, safety, and wellbeing of patients ahead of drug industry profits.” 

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board remains a key focus as Michigan physicians strive to enhance healthcare accessibility.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sherman Woods Neighborhood Gears Up For Eighth Annual Red Kettle Campaign To Spread Christmas Cheer

Port Huron’s Sherman Woods neighborhood is set to dazzle once again with its vibrant Christmas spirit as residents and volunteers prepare to man the Red Kettle for the eighth consecutive year. 

Known for its festive light displays, the neighborhood has been a beacon for holiday enthusiasts, offering them a chance to contribute to the annual Salvation Army fundraising campaign. Since its inception in 2016, the tradition has successfully raised nearly $34,000, with the 2022 campaign alone generating $5,789. 

Fred Kemp, President of the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association, expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity, emphasizing the funds’ positive impact on providing gifts for children and meals for families in need. The Red Kettle will be stationed at Armour Street and LaSalle Boulevard, featuring bell ringing on Fridays and Saturdays throughout December, with special appearances by the Salvation Army Band and Santa Claus.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

HMC Farms Issues Voluntary Recall of Peaches, Plums, And Nectarines Over Listeria Concerns

HMC Group Marketing, Inc., operating as HMC Farms, has initiated a voluntary recall of peaches, plums, and nectarines sold nationwide in retail stores between May 1st, and November 15th, 2022, and between May 1st and November 15th, 2023. 

The recall is due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, posing severe health risks, especially to vulnerable populations. While healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms, Listeria can lead to serious infections and even fatalities, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. 

The recall, prompted by an outbreak of Listeriosis with eleven reported illnesses, includes fruit sold individually or in consumer packaging. Consumers are advised to check their freezers for the recalled fruit, refrain from consumption, and dispose of it immediately.

For more information, visit: fda.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Unleash The Future By Preserving The Past At Digitization Day In Capac Library

On Thursday, December 7th, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm Capac Library will be hosting its Digitization Day. 

Many of us have some of our most cherished memories locked behind old technology or maybe older photos that are now showing signs of wear and tear over the years, this program offers a way to retrieve those memories and preserve them digitally. 

Secure a 15-minute time slot to digitize your cherished documents, photos (up to 11×17 size), VHS tapes, and 8mm films directly onto your flash drive. Don’t worry if you don’t own a flash drive; the Capac Friends of the Library will have them available for purchase that day.

Be part of this transformative event, where technology meets nostalgia to ensure your memories last a lifetime. 

To participate, email: bwallace@sccl.lib.mi.us to reserve your time slot.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Economic Development Corporation Grants $500,000 To SONS Outreach, Fueling $750,000 Capital Campaign For Building Renovation

In a significant boost for Port Huron’s SONS Outreach, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has allocated a generous $500,000 grant. This grant kick-starts a $750,000 capital campaign aiming to renovate the recently acquired former Harrison Elementary School building. 

SONS Outreach, owning the property outright thanks to community support, plans to utilize the funds to address immediate needs like a security system, roof replacement, ADA-compliant restrooms, and parking lot renovation.

The campaign, initiated in October 2023, seeks to secure funds for future maintenance, working in collaboration with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. The MEDC grant underscores the state’s recognition of SONS Outreach’s vital youth programming, motivating ongoing efforts to meet the campaign’s January 31st, 2024 deadline.

For information on how to donate, visit: sonsoutreach.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Post-Thanksgiving Safety: Tips for Handling Leftovers to Prevent Food Poisoning

After the Thanksgiving feast, we all look forward to those delicious  leftovers, which some may argue taste better the next day, but safe handling is crucial to avoid food poisoning. 

Remember these essential tips for storing and reheating Thanksgiving dishes to keep you and your family out of the emergency room. 

Leftovers should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours of cooking, ensuring they are divided into smaller portions for quick cooling. Contrary to common practice, there’s no need to let food cool to room temperature before storing—place leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer promptly. 

Leftovers are safe in the refrigerator for three to four days, with the FoodKeeper app offering reminders for the ‘use or freeze’ deadline. When reheating, reach a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C), and ensure even heating, especially in microwaves. With proper handling, your post-Thanksgiving meals can be both delicious and safe.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell