Local News

With the new year quickly approaching, many people set resolutions for themselves often including having a healthier lifestyle. Whether you plan to work out, change your diet, or both, a new fasting trend has made its way out of Silicon Valley and it may be one to consider for 2020. 

Some people have probably heard of intermittent fasting by now and have maybe even tried this new dietary trend. However, this new trend is a completely different kind of fasting called “dopamine fasting.” Followers believe that depriving themselves of anything stimulating, such as electronic devices, light, or even other people, dopamine levels can be altered and reset their brains. Essentially, by avoiding things that you enjoy, you are confronting things that would keep you sensitized to the world. 

The chemical, dopamine, is often associated with happiness but what some may not know is that it is actually much more complex as it exists throughout other parts of your body. Experts say that the trends name is an oversimplification of what is actually going on in your brain chemistry, but admit that what fasteners are truly getting after is a great idea. 

Taking a break from stimulation and being more mindful is a healthy practice as Dr. Amit Sood, former professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic, says that it is not about emptying the mind, it is more about filling it with the right things. Although dopamine fasting does not alter your brain chemistry, it may be something to try this coming new year as taking a break from technology can have a positive impact.

Adapted from the Today Show’s “’Dopamine fasting’ is how some people are trying to reset their brains” by Meghan Holohan.

A free opportunity for families and friends to get together and ice skate is under construction at Lincoln park, located at the south end of Port Huron. A 100 by 100 foot ice rink is being built by the Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center’s Positive Impact team. ebw.tv got to see the beginning stages of the rink and talk with Patrick Patterson, Center Manager at BW Roc, about how it all got started. 

Patrick Patterson explained in the interview that the Positive Impact team was put in place, “In an effort to do good deeds for the community, good deeds for the city of Port Huron, and help restore our lives when we are struggling with addiction.” After waiting for two weeks to get approval from the city, identifying a location, and finally being able to pick a day to start, volunteers came to action to make this rink come to life. 

Patterson also told ebw.tv in the interview that there is a stigma around those in recovery. In order to overcome the stigma, the Positive Impact team partnered with the community, like construction workers and other organizations such as DHHS, Chemical Bank, SMR, Blue Water Transit, and D&M Dumpster for support. Volunteer at BW Roc, Ryan Brown, said that the more he is able to give back, the more he is able to stay sober. 

Thanks to the Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center, some free fun will be underway when the weather gets cold enough. Check out the progress of the new ice rink and learn more in this feature.

The holiday season is not over yet, but you may be thinking about what to do with all the leftover “stuff” from the festivities. With the new year approaching, many make the resolution to be more environmentally conscious or to adopt a more minimalistic approach. There are ways to recycle or reuse those used Christmas items to get your resolutions off to a good start. 

Did you know that Christmas lights can be recycled, as they have a decent amount of copper and glass? Goodwill also accepts working lights, and big box home improvement stores will accept them periodically throughout the year if you are upgrading to LED lights. You can also look online for organizations that will accept old lights.

Wrapping paper can also be recycled if it does not have glitter or tape on it. Add real Christmas trees to the list of items that can be recycled or reused. You can cut them up and use them as mulch, or backyard birds will enjoy your used Christmas Tree all winter. Once spring arrives, you can place it in the yard waste collection to keep it out of the landfill. Fake Christmas trees are not recyclable, but you can donate it for resale if you want to put off it’s inevitable landfill fate.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The American College of Surgeons Trauma Verification Review Committee determines the trauma levels for Michigan hospitals. The group recently visited McLaren Port Huron and has re-certified the local hospital as a Level III trauma center by the ACS, along with their certification by the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The Level III designation demonstrates an ability to provide 24-hour coverage from emergency medicine physicians and prompt availability of specialized surgeons and anesthesiologists. It also recognizes comprehensive quality improvement programs and ongoing education of staff. 

Level III centers provide back-up treatment for rural and community hospitals that have lower levels of trauma certification and also have transfer agreements with hospitals that have higher levels of trauma certification. Lake Huron Medical Center is certified as a Level III trauma center by the state of Michigan, and Ascension River District is a Level IV. The nearest Level I and II hospitals, for more serious trauma, are in Detroit and Flint. Certifications are an ongoing process for hospitals and take serious commitment to quality health care.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Legislation to allow and regulate online casino-style gaming, along with sports wagering, was signed last week by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Online casino-style gaming and sports betting will now be allowed for those 21 and older through casinos already operating in Michigan, including Detroit’s three casinos and tribal casinos across the state. The new laws deal with fantasy sports, charitable gaming, and horse racing as well as sports betting and casino-style gaming.  

The Michigan Gaming Control Board will regulate online gaming with built-in safety features and strict state oversight – including age verification systems and protections against fraud. In-play sports betting will be based on official information provided by sports leagues such as the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and others.

According to Michigan House Republicans, the bipartisan bill, “will improve essential public services without asking Michigan taxpayers to pay more at the gas pump or grocery store.” They also assured “Several safeguards will be in place to protect and grow education funding, including a provision to ensure online games offered by casinos do not directly compete with games sponsored by the Michigan Lottery.”

A portion of revenue from the reforms will go to a state fund that compensates first responders for lost wages and medical benefits if they get cancer from fighting fires. Another portion will be dedicated to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund to help those in need access treatment and prevention programs.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The CDC is reporting that flu activity is greatly increasing around the country. The organization is reporting that most of the activity is being caused by influenza B/Victoria viruses, which is unusual for this time of year. This has prompted the St. Clair County Health Department to again recommend and remind residents to get their flu vaccination. 

Michigan has already reached regional levels of reported flu activity. Anyone six months of age and older is eligible for the vaccine every year. Antibodies can take two weeks to

develop and provide protection against the flu. Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer says that, “Contrary to comments often heard, it is impossible to get influenza from the flu vaccine.” Mercatante says, “The vaccine is the best way of protecting yourself and those around you from the flu.”

The Health Department reports it has a variety of flu vaccines to meet everyone’s needs (while supplies last). Most insurance is accepted and flu vaccines are typically a covered benefit. For those uninsured or underinsured, cost will vary based on income eligibility and family size. Vaccines are available Mondays through Friday with varying hours and locations of availability. Contact the health department for more information.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.