local news

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Helps Promote Healthier Lifestyles

As a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, is aimed at empowering individuals to live life to its fullest and healthiest potential. 

The 12-month group-based program comprises 16 core sessions held weekly for 16 consecutive weeks, followed by an additional 9 sessions spread throughout the remaining months. Participants engage in discussions on topics including healthy eating, stress reduction, problem-solving, and more.

The program’s goals are to help you shed 7% of body weight and gradually increase physical activity to a minimum of 150 minutes per week. The aim is to empower individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes and prevent the onset of diabetes.

Programs like these are made possible by the support of the community through donations and volunteers. If you would like to help support the Blue Water Area YMCA and its Open Arms Campaign, visit: bluewaterymca.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

McMillin’s Furniture Celebrates 75th Anniversary

McMillin’s Furniture, located at 1 South Main Street, Yale, is a renowned name in the furniture industry, and is happy to announce its 75th-anniversary celebration. Featuring a staggering 35,000 square feet on their showroom floor, McMillin’s Furniture showcases a large selection of beautiful furniture for an enhanced shopping experience.

Customers are invited to explore the flooring department, which showcases a wide array of hardwood, tile, and carpet samples. In the event that customers don’t find exactly what they’re looking for, McMillin’s Furniture is committed to sourcing it.

In addition to furniture, McMillin’s Furniture boasts an impressive collection of unique clocks, lamps, and framed art, offering customers an opportunity to add the perfect accent pieces to elevate their living spaces.

Customers are encouraged to stop in and discover the vast array of furniture options that can transform their homes from nice to truly extraordinary during McMillin’s Furniture 75th Anniversary.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Recall On Frozen Strawberries Due To Hepatitis A Contamination

Willamette Valley Fruit Co, based in Salem, Oregon, has issued a voluntary recall for specific packages of frozen fruit containing strawberries due to potential contamination with Hepatitis A. 

The recall affects products distributed through retailers such as Walmart, Costco Wholesale Stores, and HEB.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A range from mild illness lasting a few weeks to more severe cases lasting months, including fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine, and pale stool. In rare instances, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure, particularly in individuals with pre-existing severe illnesses or compromised immune systems. 

Consumers who may have consumed the affected products are advised to consult their healthcare professionals or local health departments to determine if vaccination is necessary. Anyone experiencing symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their healthcare professionals or local health departments immediately.

For details on specific product brands affected, visit: fda.gov. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) Applauds Michigan Legislative Progress on CROWN Act

The Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) expresses its enthusiasm for the recent legislative progress made in Michigan regarding the implementation of the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair) Act. 

The Michigan House of Representatives successfully passed Senate Bill 90, introduced by Senator Sarah Anthony in February. The bill aims to eliminate hair discrimination and break down barriers that impede Black Michiganders from achieving economic prosperity.

BLAC co-chair, Donna Bell, highlighted the significance of this legislative achievement in combating daily race-based discrimination experienced by the community. Bell emphasized that the passage of the CROWN Act not only reflects the deserving equal opportunities for Black Michiganders, but also affirms the freedom to express their authentic selves. 

The Act serves as a crucial policy recommendation put forth by BLAC, underscoring its dedication to advocating for justice and equality.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Enjoy The Sounds Of Red Kettle Jazz At The McMorran Plaza

The McMorran Plaza in Downtown Port Huron is set to groove with the sounds of Red Kettle Jazz! From 7-10pm, music enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the sensational performance by Red Kettle Jazz, promising an unforgettable evening of jazz melodies. 

While the adults enjoy the music, children can play at the splash pad, and everyone can engage in some friendly competition with cornhole games. For those with a craving for delicious food, a food truck will be on-site, or you can take advantage of the new tableside service provided by McMorran. 

Attendees looking to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or other refreshing drinks can visit Casey’s on the Plaza bar, open from 6pm – 10pm, while coffee lovers can indulge in delightful coffee drinks from Red Kettle Coffee Roasters. Best of all, these summer concerts come at no cost, offering an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the experience. 

For more information, visit: mcmorran.com/plaza.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Residents Advised to Take Precautions Against Virus Transferred Via Mosquito Bites

Michiganders are urged to prioritize protective measures against mosquito bites after recent collections of mosquitos in Saginaw County tested positive for the Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (MDHHS BOL). These are the first infected mosquitos identified for any virus in 2023.

“It takes just one bite from an infected mosquito to cause severe illness,” cautioned Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “We urge Michiganders to take precautions, including using EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding mosquito-prone areas if possible, and wearing protective clothing to minimize bites.”

JCV is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitos, predominantly occurring from late spring to mid-fall. Symptoms may manifest within days to two weeks post-bite and commonly include fever, headache, and fatigue. While most individuals remain asymptomatic, severe cases can result in encephalitis and meningitis affecting the brain and/or spinal cord.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell