Service Dogs Reduce PTSD Symptoms In Military Members, Study Finds

A National Institutes of Health-funded study reveals that adding a service dog to the usual care for military members and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression. 

Conducted by Dr. Marguerite E. O’Haire of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, the study is the largest of its kind, involving 156 participants recruited through K9s For Warriors.

After three months, the 81 participants with service dogs reported notably lower PTSD severity, anxiety, and depression, along with less social isolation and higher companionship than the 75 waitlisted participants. All participants maintained unrestricted access to their usual care.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, underscore the potential of service dogs to enhance the quality of life and psychosocial functioning for those struggling with PTSD.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell 

 

Enjoy Family Fun At This Year’s Marysville Summerfest

If you’re looking for family fun in the Blue Water Area, look no further than the Marysville Summerfest which kicks off at Marysville Park located at 801 E. Huron Blvd., from June 13th to 16th. 

Highlights include live concerts, a Carnival Midway, petting zoo, and a classic car show on June 16th from 12 – 4 p.m. A spectacular drone show will light up the sky on June 15th at 10pm, followed by fireworks on June 16th at 10 p.m. 

Festival hours are Thursday and Friday from 4:00 – 11:00 p.m., Saturday from 12:00 – 11:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 – 11:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free onsite parking at Marysville Municipal Park. No outside food, beverages, or pets allowed.

For more details, visit: summerfestinmarysville.com 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls 16,243 Pounds Of Ground Beef Contaminated With E. Coli

Cargill Meat Solutions is voluntarily recalling approximately 16,243 pounds of raw ground beef products due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the recall notice. The affected products are marked with the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the label and have the establishment number “EST. 86P” on the back.

The raw ground beef products were distributed to Walmart retail locations nationwide. The establishment discovered the issue after realizing that previously separated products had been mistakenly used in the production of ground beef.

Consumers are urged not to consume the affected products. They should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

City Council Announces “Spirit of Port Huron” Community Service Awards Program

In 1986, the City Council of Port Huron established the “Spirit of Port Huron” awards program to honor exceptional citizens who have made significant contributions to the community. 

This year’s ceremony is scheduled for September 23rd, and will recognize individuals and organizations in eight categories including Brotherhood, Civic, Cultural, Economic Progress, Good Neighbor, Heroism, Life Achievement, and Youth Service.

The City Council is calling for nominations from Port Huron residents, local groups, service clubs, and churches. Nominations should include the nominee’s name, contact information, the category for which they are being nominated, and a description of their activities that support the nomination. All nominations must be submitted by July 11th to: 

Office of the Mayor

100 McMorran Boulevard

Port Huron, Michigan 48060

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Warns Of Venmo Scam Tactics

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued a consumer alert about payment apps following a surge in nationwide scams targeting Venmo users. 

The scam involves fraudsters “accidentally” sending money to consumers and then requesting its return. Nessel advises consumers to never send back the money, but to report the incident to the peer-to-peer (P2P) service. 

Scammers typically use stolen funds, which Venmo will eventually flag as fraudulent. If consumers return the money, they risk the money being taken from their personal account when the fraud is discovered. 

Nessel emphasizes the importance of caution in transactions with unknown parties and urges victims to report scams to her department or the Federal Trade Commission. 

For more information or to file a complaint, visit: michigan.gov/consumerprotection.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell