George James

MSU Study Shows that Short Naps Don’t Help Much with Sleep Deprivation

Sometimes naps are the only things that help us get through the day. A new study from the Michigan State University Sleep and Learning Lab says that short naps are not a remedy for sleepless nights, and long naps have limited restorative power.

Kimberly Fenn, associate professor at MSU, study author, and director of MSU’s Sleep and Learning Lab said, “We are interested in understanding cognitive deficits associated with sleep deprivation. In this study, we wanted to know if a short nap during the deprivation period would mitigate these deficits. We found that short naps of 30 or 60 minutes did not show any measurable effects.”

The study found that getting into a deep sleep pattern, or slow-wave sleep, during a longer nap does help to slightly reduce cognitive problems due to sleep deprivation, but it doesn’t even come close to the restoration one gets from a good night’s sleep.

Fenn explained that people who got more slow-wave sleep during a nap tended to show reduced errors on cognitive tasks. However, they still showed worse performance than those who got a full night’s sleep, according to the study.

So, the longer the nap, the better, but naps don’t really make up for missing a full night of sleep.

A link to the full study:

https://academic.oup.com/sleep/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/sleep/zsab152/6307588)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michiganders Urged to Catch Up on Routine immunizations

Immunization Awareness Month is winding down, but it’s never too late to get caught up on routine vaccines. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is concerned that individuals got behind on their routine checkups and vaccinations due to the pandemic.

The return to school and the workplace makes it more important than ever to get back on track with routine vaccinations, according to MDHHS.

Michigan’s vaccination rate declined during the pandemic. The Michigan Care Improvement Registry, or MCIR, reported that only 54.7% of Michigan children aged between 19 and 35 months were fully immunized with recommended vaccinations.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS said, “Vaccinating on time and following CDC’s recommended schedule is the best protection against serious diseases including COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis A, cancers caused by HPV and measles. We have the power to protect not only ourselves, but our entire community when we vaccinate on time.”

MDHHS encourages Michiganders to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides information on the vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughout a child’s life. Adults 19 and older can take the CDC’s Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to find out which vaccines they may need.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New “Notify Me” Feature Helps Campers Find Sites at State Parks

Going camping is a great way to get away from it all and unplug. Finding a campsite, on the other hand, relies heavily on technology, and being tech-savvy is often the only way to get a prime spot on a summer weekend.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has embraced technology and is now offering the “Notify Me” option for campers looking for a site at a state campground.

The new “Notify Me” feature is for use when campgrounds are full and there is no availability during the desired timeframe in the selected location. It allows prospective campers to choose a campground and dates and choose to get notified when a spot opens up.

Once the “Notify Me” option is chosen, users will receive alerts when sites become available and will be able to then make a reservation at the newly open campsite. The program helps the DNR and also makes for happy campers who get their desired campsite. 

The service is available for campsites, overnight lodging facilities, and shelters at state park campgrounds.

A link to the reservation website:

https://midnrreservations.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Nutrition Services to Continue with New School Year at PHS

Last week, Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas sent a letter to all families and staff in the district, explaining policies and procedures for the upcoming school year. School starts on September 7th.

Kerhoulas made special note of the way in which the district addressed nutrition over the last school year and how it will feed children in the district this year. He shared that the district served 1.8 million meals to students and families during the ongoing pandemic.

Breakfast and lunch are available to all students in the district, with no proof of income needed. All students in every school, from preschool to high school can eat up to two meals a day at school.

Those families who choose virtual school for their children can pick up five-day meal packs at Port Huron Northern High School or Port Huron High School on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., except for the first week of school on which distribution will be on Tuesday.

The Food and Nutrition Department Staff will be recognized for their tireless work in feeding students during the Crosstown Showdown on October 8th.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Court Rules Against Lawyers Who Challenged November Election

Both Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel were quick to comment on the historic ruling made by U.S. District Judge Linda Parker in the case of a group of attorneys accusing the Governor, Secretary of State, and others of participating in voter fraud. The attorneys were sanctioned and the judge referred to the action as abusive litigation.

Referring to the accusations of election fraud as the “Big Lie”, Governor Whitmer said, “Today’s ruling sends a clear message: those who seek to overturn an American election and poison the well of American democracy will face consequences.” 

Attorney General Nessel relished the victory, saying, “I’m pleased to see that the Court has ensured there is accountability for the attorneys who perpetuated meritless arguments in court. It has remained abundantly clear from the outset that this lawsuit aimed to do nothing more than undermine our democratic process.”

The 110-page opinion is posted on the Attorney General’s website and a link can be found below. The attorneys in the suit face fines, court-ordered training, and possible disbarment.

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ag/172_opinion__order_King_733786_7.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

PHS Addresses Parent Concerns

Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas sent a letter to all families in the district to answer questions about upcoming procedures as the pandemic lingers on, and to address issues that have been of concern to parents.

Kerhoulas stated in the letter that the district will follow all orders from local, state, and federal authorities and that at this time masks must be worn on buses, and are encouraged, but not required, in classrooms.

Sick or exposed unvaccinated students and employees will have to stay home, and close contacts can plan on quarantining unless they can prove vaccination or a documented diagnosis in the past 90 days.

The district is not requiring vaccinations for staff. Ventilation systems have all been upgraded to meet CDC recommendations.

Addressing parent concerns about teaching critical race theory, Kerhoulas said that it is not part of the curriculum. In the letter, he said, “We support our professional teaching staff and trust them to answer student questions and guide meaningful, appropriate discussions in our classrooms.”

A link to the full letter.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland