Norovirus illness often peaks in winter. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has identified increases in norovirus activity recently and is urging Michigan residents to take precautions to stay healthy.  Although several viruses can cause vomiting and diarrhea, norovirus is the most common. These viruses are easily spread through food, by person-to-person contact or through contaminated surfaces. Therefore, take caution if someone in your household is ill. Norovirus infection is sometimes described “stomach flu” but it is not related to influenza (flu), a respiratory viral illness that can cause fever, cough, chills, headache, muscle aches, runny nose and sore throat.  Norovirus often causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping, but infected people may also have a low-grade fever, headache, weakness and muscle aches. Symptoms can begin as early as 12 hours after exposure to the virus or as late as 72 hours. The symptoms of norovirus usually last one to three days. In most cases, ill individuals fully recover without medical attention.  However, norovirus infection may result in hospitalization due to dehydration, especially in the very young and elderly. Individuals with severe diarrhea should drink lots of liquids. Symptoms that are not seen with norovirus infection are bloody diarrhea or high fever. If these symptoms develop, contact your medical provider.  The best way to limit the spread of these viruses is frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm running water, being sure to completely clean all areas of hands and under fingernails. This is especially important after using the bathroom or before preparing or eating food.  Preventing contamination of food, drinks, water and ice is also very important. People who have been sick with vomiting and diarrhea should not prepare or serve food to others for at least three days after their symptoms are gone. One-third cup of bleach diluted with one gallon of water is the most effective way to disinfect surfaces. Bleach should be used in well-ventilated areas. Hand sanitizers are ineffective against the virus.    Norovirus can remain on a variety of surfaces for extended periods of time. Doorknobs, faucets, sinks, toilets, bath rails, phones, counters, chairs, tables, hand rails, light switches, keyboards and other high-touch surfaces should be disinfected more frequently, but especially within a 25-foot radius after a vomiting incident. Steam clean carpets and upholstery and launder clothes or linens contaminated with vomit or feces on the hottest setting.  Additional information about norovirus can be found at CDC.gov/norovirus.

State Sen. Dan Lauwers was sworn in as senator of the 25th District on Wednesday during a ceremony at the state Capitol. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman administered the oath of office.  Lauwers was joined in the Senate chamber for the occasion by his wife Kellie, parents Richard and Mary Lauwers, and sister and brother-in-law Anne and Tom Leen.  “I am honored to serve the people of the 25th District,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “I am looking forward to getting to work on behalf of all Michiganders to keep our state the best place to live, work and raise a family.”  Lauwers’ office is located in Room S-2 of the state Capitol in Lansing. Residents may contact Lauwers by phone at 517-373-7708 or toll-free at 1-855-347-8025, by email at SenDLauwers@senate.michigan.gov, or via U.S. mail by writing to Sen. Dan Lauwers, P. O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.  More information about the senator will be available at his forthcoming website at www.SenatorDanLauwers.com.  The 25th Senate District includes Huron, St. Clair, and Sanilac counties as well as Armada Township, Memphis, New Baltimore, Richmond and Richmond Township in Macomb County.

The popular Couch to 5K program has helped couch potatoes get up off their sofas and onto the roads, turning them into runners in just two months. We will get you off on the right foot by working out 3 times a week, beginning with walking and working up to running three miles or more.  Graduation will be the finish line of the Y’s Leprechaun Loop run on March 16. Classes include warm up, core fitness, walking, running, stretching and cooling down. Class registration includes entry into the Leprechaun Loop run – because whatever you are now, you become a runner when you get your first race number. The running portion will be outside so dress appropriately. This class begins Tuesday, January 15. and is held:
Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays: January 15 – March 16
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Tues & Thurs) & 9:00 am – 10:00 am (Sat)
Ages – 18 – 99
Member – $45.00
Non-Member – $75.00
To learn more about the Couch to 5K, contact the YMCA of the Blue Water Area at 810-987-6400 or
visit www.bluewaterymca.com for more information.

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) will host Healthy Aging program: Let’s Get Organized! On Wednesday January 16, 2019.  Getting organized is one of the top New Year’s Resolutions every year and millions start out with good intentions to do so.   This year don’t give up on your resolution!  “Let’s Get Organized” will be presented by Teri Closs, owner of As You Wish Organizing. Teri will be giving organization tips; covering everything from closets to important paperwork.  Join us for the Healthy Aging program:  Let’s Get Organized, on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Lake Huron Medical Center in the Lighthouse Join Café at 2:00 PM.  There is no cost to attend, refreshments will be served and social time enjoyed.  Lake Huron Medical Center is proud to present the Healthy Aging series that promotes safety and supports independence for our area seniors.  To learn more about this program or other senior services offered through Lake Huron Medical Center, please call: 810-216-1035. For more information on the programs and services offered through Lake Huron Medical Center, please visit www.mylakehuron.com.

State Rep. Shane Hernandez of Port Huron was joined by his wife, Renee, and their two children, Kelsey and Kara, at the state Capitol Wednesday to officially open the 100^th Michigan Legislature. Rep. Hernandez was administered the oath of office by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Stephen Markman.

Michigan Lottery players should check their tickets to see if they’re the lucky winner of a $250,000 Powerball prize.  A lucky player matched four white balls and the Powerball – 07-24-33-49-50 PB: 4 – Jan. 10, 2018 to win $50,000. Thanks to the Powerplay, the prize was multiplied by five for a $250,000 prize. The player purchased the winning ticket at Cleary’s Pub, located at 117 East Grand River Avenue in Howell.  The winner should contact the Michigan Lottery Public Relations Division at (517) 373-1237 to schedule an appointment to collect the big prize. The prize must be claimed at the Lottery’s headquarters in Lansing.   Powerball tickets are valid for one year from the drawing date. If the prize isn’t claimed (today) Thursday before the ticket expires, the money will go to the state School Aid Fund.  Powerball plays may be purchased for $2 each at Lottery retailers across the state and online at MichiganLottery.com. A “Power Play” option that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times to a maximum of $2 million may be added to any Powerball play for only $1. The Powerball drawing takes place at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday and may be watched live online at: http://www.powerball.com. Powerball tickets are sold in 44 states, Washington D.C., U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.