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St. Clair County Health Department Issues Swimming Advisory For Keewahdin Beach

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has closed Keewahdin Beach in Fort Gratiot due to elevated E. coli levels.

The closure follows water tests indicating the presence of the bacteria, which can signal fecal contamination. SCCHD will continue sampling the water until E. coli levels return to acceptable standards set by the State of Michigan.

E. coli bacteria, commonly found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, often increase after storms or strong winds due to stormwater runoff and wave activity. Beachgoers can stay informed about advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches through the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the Michigan BeachGuard website.

For more details, visit scchealth.co or contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Chronic Mouth Breathing Poses Serious Health Risks, Experts Warn

Chronic mouth breathing can significantly harm the respiratory system and overall health, according to the National Library of Medicine’s website. 

Inhaling through the mouth introduces unfiltered, poorly humidified air, adversely affecting lung function. Nighttime mouth breathing is linked to increased snoring and sleep apnea. Over time, habitual mouth breathing can alter facial bone structure, leading to a narrow face, higher upper palate, bad breath, and dental issues such as malocclusion (upper and lower teeth don’t align when your mouth is closed) and crooked teeth. This condition also impacts facial muscles, causing speech problems and damage to the soft tissues in the airways. 

Observational studies indicate over half of school-aged children are chronic mouth-breathers, with 25% developing sleep-disordered breathing by age six. Experts emphasize the importance of nasal breathing to avoid these health complications.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Longtime Kimball’s Employee and Local Legend, Passes Away

Vern “June Bug” Norton, a beloved employee at Kimball Appliance and longtime friend of 102.3 FM WGRT, passed away on Saturday, May 25th. 

Starting his journey at Kimball’s in 1952 at the tender age of 13, June Bug quickly became known for his dedication and hard work. Despite his youth, he earned a special permit to drive a delivery truck, impressing local authorities with his skill.

Norton worked his way up from driving for Harvey Kimball to becoming a foreman at Midwest Foundry, and finally, back to his true passion, appliances, where he dedicated 67 years of his career. June Bug also was owner of local businesses “Junior’s Fire Wood” and World of C.B. He cherished classic cars, and proudly served in the U.S. National Guard for six years and the U.S. Army for two years. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Darlene, and his son Andy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Michigan Attorney General Joins Coalition To Defend Pregnant Workers’ Rights

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has united with a coalition of 23 attorneys general to uphold a rule issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforcing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) of 2022. 

Scheduled to take effect on June 18th, the PWFA mandates employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant and postpartum employees. The EEOC rule broadens these accommodations to encompass conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, including termination decisions. Nessel and the coalition oppose a lawsuit aiming to halt the rule’s implementation, arguing for the protection of pregnant workers’ rights. 

The PWFA, enacted in 2022, fills previous gaps in safeguarding pregnant and postpartum workers, especially benefiting low-income and minority workers. The EEOC’s proposed rule emphasizes comprehensive support for women’s health in the workplace.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

VNA & Blue Water Hospice Earns Prestigious CHAP Accreditation

Community Health Accreditation Partner, Inc. (CHAP) has awarded VNA & Blue Water Hospice with CHAP Accreditation under the Private Duty, Home Health Care, and Hospice Services Standards of Excellence. This accolade signifies that VNA & Blue Water Hospice meets the industry’s highest nationally recognized standards, focusing on quality care, structure, and long-term viability.

Jessica Whitley, RN, BSN, VP of Clinical Operations & COO, stated, “By achieving CHAP Accreditation, we have shown our commitment to excellence.” The rigorous CHAP evaluation underscores the dedication of VNA & Blue Water Hospice staff in providing top-tier care to the Blue Water Area, covering St. Clair, Sanilac, Lapeer, and Macomb counties.

CHAP, an independent, not-for-profit accrediting body, has been setting standards for community-based health care since 1965. CHAP ensures agencies meet Medicare Conditions of Participation and CMS Quality Standards. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Warns Of Active Ticks And Lyme Disease Risk

With summer approaching, the St. Clair County Health Department alerts residents that ticks are currently active in St. Clair County and across Michigan. 

From May to September, the department monitors tick populations to detect changes and migration. Preventative actions can reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is spread by blacklegged ticks, which are increasingly present in Michigan. Environmental Health Sanitarian Alicia Hawkins says, “Vector surveillance efforts indicate that blacklegged ticks carrying the Lyme disease bacteria are present in St. Clair County.” 

Ticks often attach to hard-to-see areas of the body and must be attached for 36-48 hours to transmit Lyme disease. Full-body checks and proper removal techniques are essential. 

Residents can email photos of ticks to Vector@stclaircounty.org for identification. Also, for more information, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell