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SMART USE OF ANTIBIOTICS LEADS TO BEST CARE INDIANAPOLIS

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Antibiotics save lives and are critical tools for treating a number of common and more serious bacterial infections, but improper use of these medications can lead to drug resistance that can be life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls resistance to antibiotics one of the most urgent threats to public health.

U.S. Antibiotics Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 18 to 24, is an opportunity to learn about good antibiotic prescribing practices and use. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. Each year in the United States, at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and at least 23,000 people die as a direct result, according to the CDC. Many more die of complications from antibiotic-resistant infections.

“Antibiotics are an essential part of combatting a number of common infections, including pneumonia and sepsis,” said Indiana State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “It’s equally important to ensure that they are used properly so these drugs will continue to be effective.”

The CDC says at least 30 percent of the antibiotics in outpatient settings nationwide are prescribed unnecessarily. Improving the way healthcare professionals prescribe antibiotics, and the way patients use antibiotics, will help keep Hoosiers healthy, prevent fight antibiotic resistance, and ensure that these lifesaving medications will be available for future generations.

The best ways to help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance are to:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider about measures to relieve symptoms without using antibiotics.
  • Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Never pressure your healthcare provider for an antibiotic prescription.
  • Never save antibiotics for the next time you’re sick.
  • Remember that antibiotics won’t make you feel better if you have a virus.
  • Stay healthy and keep others healthy by cleaning hands, covering coughs, staying home when you are sick and getting recommended vaccines.
  • This is the week to be antibiotics aware for year-round smart use and best care. Visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use to learn more about antibiotic prescribing and use.

UE Virtual High School Changemaker Challenge Offers Full Tuition Scholarships

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The University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to announce the upcoming sixth annual High School Changemaker Challenge, sponsored by Toyota, will be held virtually this year. Any high school junior or senior in America and around the world is invited to participate for a chance to win one of several four-year, full tuition scholarships.

In previous years, teams of students have submitted projects for the High School Changemaker Competition. This year, due to the difficulties of gathering amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge will seek online entries from individual students and judging will be conducted virtually.

“As an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, we wanted to adapt and find creative ways to make this event possible for high school students,” said Erin Lewis, interim director for UE’s Center for Innovation & Change. “We believe everyone can be a changemaker, and offering the competition virtually allows anyone in the world to share their idea to create positive change.”

A virtual session will launch the event and is scheduled for Friday, November 20, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. The Zoom meeting will be led by Lewis; Zac Parsons, local entrepreneur; and Robert Lopez, a former competitor and current UE student. To register, visit evansville.edu/cc-hs.

Students can submit an idea spanning several categories, from health and social justice to environmental and regional issues (ideas tackling something Evansville-specific).

Winning students in each category who choose UE as their college destination will receive four-year scholarships to attend UE as listed below:

  • 1st place: Full tuition
  • 2nd place: $18,000 tuition and $5,000 housing per year
  • 3rd place: $13,000 tuition and $5,000 housing per year

“The High School Changemaker Challenge gives students the opportunity to make their dream a reality,” said Jill Griffin, interim vice president for enrollment and marketing. “Our hope is that this competition inspires a generation of youth to think big and positively impact the world around them.”

New AARP Research Reveals Family Caregivers Are Struggling with Stress, Change, Holiday Planning Amid Pandemic

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Nov. 19 Virtual “Caregivers Thanksgiving” Event with Emmy-Winning Chef Andrew Zimmern to Offer Demo, Caregiving Resources and Cooking Tips

Across the country, 48 million caregivers have faithfully cared for loved ones through the COVID-19 pandemic, taking on more responsibilities and stress. But as this year of uncertainty comes to a close, more than half (53%) of family caregivers report feeling sadder about the holiday season, according to “COVID-19 Impact on Family Caregivers’ Holiday Plans,” a just-released survey conducted by AARP.

According to the research, the pandemic is taking a significant toll on caregivers with the health crisis impacting not only their holiday plans, but more urgently, their own wellbeing. Nearly half of surveyed caregivers (44%) say COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their mental health and that of the person they care for (46%), and nearly two-thirds (64%) say they’re concerned about the future.

The survey also found:

  • Most caregivers are experiencing increased negative emotions as a result of the pandemic:
    • Worry (60%)
    • Stress (59%)
    • Anxiety (55%)
  • The pandemic’s stressors are affecting some disproportionately, with female caregivers (51%) and those aged 50+ (54%) reporting a negative impact on their mental health more than their male counterparts (32%) and those aged 18-49 (33%).

While the holidays are often an opportunity for caregivers to take a break and visit their loved ones, 2020 will look different. Already having spent much of this year in isolation, many caregivers will not reunite with family in person to celebrate the season, with three-quarters (76%) of caregivers reporting they feel holiday gatherings lend themselves to virus exposure. Most caregivers (64%) report they’ll make changes to their typical holiday traditions this year, and only a third (33%) plan to travel this holiday season.

Showing Gratitude and Support to Caregivers This Thanksgiving

To honor caregivers and observe National Family Caregivers Month, AARP will host a special live event, entitled “AARP Presents: A Caregivers Thanksgiving,” on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. ET.

This interactive virtual event will feature Emmy- and James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern, who will share three easy holiday recipes and his advice for celebrating the holidays differently this year. The event will also feature AARP Board Chair Annette Franqui, who will provide tips on support available for family caregivers during the pandemic.

“I’m inspired by AARP’s advocacy for caregivers because I know firsthand how tough the job is — I’ve been one myself, and have grown close to those we’ve been lucky enough to hire in our family,” said Chef Andrew Zimmern. “Knowing the holidays may be difficult for caregivers this year, I’m excited to share simple ways to prepare, eat well and create memories — no matter how or where you’re celebrating.”

“Even through the challenges faced this year, family caregivers have continued to provide care and support for older or sick loved ones whether they are near or far away,” said AARP Board Chair Annette Franqui. “Through our Caregivers Thanksgiving event, we hope to provide caregivers with the fun respite and support they so deserve and show how much we care about and appreciate them!”

AARP invites everyone to join the event and celebrate the caregivers in their lives. The free virtual event will be aired on November 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on the following channels:

Please visit the AARP Caregivers Resource Center at AARP.org/caregiving for a wealth of resources for professional and unpaid caregivers.

Survey Methodology

  • Funded by AARP. Online survey of 1,000 caregivers in the U.S. aged 18 or older who are currently providing unpaid care to an adult relative or friend.
  • Fielded from October 9-14, 2020 by Dynata and weighted by age and gender to reflect national population estimates for caregivers age 18+.
  • The study was designed to explore how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted caregivers’ mental health and their plans for the holiday season. ​

Youth First and Joshua Academy win $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist® Grant

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Youth First, Inc. will join with Joshua Academy to boost the mental health and well-being of its students thanks to a $25,000 grant from State Farm and the many Evansville area supporters who voted for their project.

Nationwide 145,000 people cast nearly four million votes in support of their favorite causes through the State Farm Neighborhood Assist®program, a crowd-sourced philanthropic process that empowers communities to address issues in their neighborhoods. The partnership between Youth First and Joshua Academy finished among the Top 40 vote-getters, each of which received $25,000 grants.

On Tuesday area State Farm agents presented the check, which will help launch Youth First Social Work services and prevention programs at Joshua Academy.

“State Farm is blessed to initiate funding for this partnership between the wonderful social workers at Youth First and the fantastic families and staff of Joshua Academy,” said Amy Higgs, State Farm Agent.

Joshua Academy is a public charter elementary school serving 250 students in Evansville.

“We call our students ‘the bright ones,’ because we know they are open to learning and shining with potential, but many are also dealing with serious challenges,” said Arveneda McDonald, Joshua Academy’s Principal. “A Youth First Social Worker in the building will help build their resilience, connect their families to resources, and support our teachers, too.”

Youth First partners with 91 schools in 11 Indiana counties to provide skilled social work support and prevention programs that strengthen youth and families.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from State Farm to boost the mental health and well-being of the students, parents, and educators at Joshua Academy,” said Parri O. Black, Youth First’s President & CEO. “This grant provides the seed money to launch the partnership, along with generous gifts from other donors, and we invite the community’s continued support to make sure these vital services remain in place for years to come.”

State Farm accepted 2,000 cause submissions and selected 200 finalists for the public voting that determined the Top 40. Over nine years, more than 340 causes have received a total of $9 million to enact change in their communities. Past local winners include Hangers, the EVSC’s clothing resource for students, and Little Lambs, which provides support for expectant mothers and parents of young children.

 

Men’s Basketball Finalizes Non-Conference Schedule

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UE Ready To Open Season At Louisville

With a berth in the Wade Houston Tipoff Classic in Louisville, Kentucky set to open the season, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team has finalized the non-conference portion of its 2020-21 schedule.

The Purple Aces make the trek to Louisville for a pair of games in the Wade Houston Tipoff Classic at the KFC Yum! Center.  UE will open the season against host Louisville Cardinals in a 3 p.m. CT game on the ACC Network.  It will mark the latest season opener for the Purple Aces since the 1995-96 campaign when the team began the season on Nov. 28 against Chicago State.  The Cardinals had a stellar 2019-20 season, going 24-7 overall, 15-5 in the ACC and 17-1 in home games.

For the first time in program history, the Aces will meet up against Prairie View A&M on Nov. 27 in a 12 p.m. CT game at the KFC Yum! Center.  The Panthers are coming off of a 19-13 campaign, which included a 14-4 record in the SWAC.  A 3-game swing away from home will be completed on December 2 when the Aces travel to UT Martin.  It is the first meeting since the 2015 CIT and the first trip to Martin, Tennessee since 2006.

A Dec. 6 contest against IUPUI will mark the home opener at the Ford Center.  Last season, the Aces picked up a 70-64 road win over the Jaguars inside Indiana Farmers Coliseum.  UE is a perfect 3-0 against the Jags.  Home action continues on the 9th of December against Eastern Illinois.  The Panthers won 17 games last year.  EIU and UE have not met on the hardwood since the 2015 CIT when the Aces earned an 83-68 triumph.

Evansville’s final non-conference road tilt will be on Dec. 12 at Saint Louis.  The Aces and Billikens will match up for the first time since the 1998 Big Island Invitational in Hilo, Hawaii.  SLU holds a slight 15-14 lead in the series and is coming off of back-to-back 23-win seasons.

Two more home games will complete the non-conference slate, starting on Dec. 15 when UE plays host to Southeast Missouri State before facing Belmont on the 21st.  The Aces improved to 10-5 against the Redhawks with a 66-50 win in November of 2017 as a precursor to the Cancun Challenge.  The Bruins were 26-7 last season and defeated Murray State to win the Ohio Valley Conference Championship.  UE has won the last two meetings in the series in 2014 and 15.

USI Women’s Hoops predicted to win GLVC East

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University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball has been forecasted to win the Great Lakes Valley Conference East Division in a vote by the league’s 15 head coaches.

The Screaming Eagles, who received 66 points and 10 first-place votes in the GLVC Preseason Poll, return seven players and three starters from a 2019-20 team that qualified for the NCAA II Tournament. That list includes second-team All-GLVC senior guard Emma DeHart (Indianapolis, Indiana) and sophomore forward Hannah Haithcock (Washington Courthouse, Ohio), who was named to the GLVC All-Freshman team a year ago.

DeHart averaged 11.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 2019-20, Haithcock averaged 11.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest a year ago. Junior forward Ashlynn Brown(Perrysburg, Ohio) chipped in 6.4 points and a team-high 5.7 rebounds per appearance last season.

USI, which was 18-9 overall and 13-5 in GLVC play a year ago, finished second in the GLVC Points Rating System last season as the conference was not separated out by divisions. This year marks the first time since 2017-18 at the GLVC has been separated by divisions.

Following the Eagles in the East Division Poll was Lewis University, which received 57 points and five first-place votes. The University of Indianapolis (46 points), McKendree University (26 points) and the University of Illinois Springfield (25 points) rounded out the East Division predictions.

GLVC coaches predicted that Truman State University (65 points/nine first-place votes) would win the Central Division; followed by Lindenwood University (56 points/four first-place votes), Maryville University (46 points/two first-place votes), the University of Missouri-St. Louis (35 points) and Quincy University (18 points).

Drury University (70 points/14 first-place votes) was the unanimous choice to win the West Division, while Southwest Baptist University (44 points), William Jewell College (41 points/one first-place vote), Rockhurst University (39 points) and Missouri University of Science & Technology (26 points) rounded out the GLVC West Division predictions.

USI opens its 22-game, GLVC-only schedule November 27 when it hosts Rockhurst in a 1 p.m. tip-off at Screaming Eagles Arena. All of USI’s games this season will be carried live on the GLVC Sports Network, while 95.7 The Spin will carry the games on the airwaves.

AG Curtis Hill announces $113M settlement with Apple over iPhone throttling

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Attorney General Curtis Hill announced today that he and 33 other state attorneys general have reached a $113 million settlement with Apple regarding the company’s 2016 decision to throttle consumers’ iPhone speeds to address unexpected shutdowns in some iPhones.

Attorney General Hill and the other attorneys general allege that Apple discovered battery issues were leading to unexpected shutdowns in iPhones. Rather than replacing the batteries or disclosing the issues, however, Apple concealed the issues from consumers. Apple’s concealment ultimately led to a software update in December 2016 that reduced the performance of iPhones to keep them from shutting down.

The attorneys general allege that Apple profited off its concealment of the battery issues because the company then sold additional iPhones to consumers who had their previous phones’ performance reduced.

“Apple likely believed it found a clever way to not only get around its iPhones’ battery issues, but also profit by manufacturing additional issues into those faulty phones,” Attorney General Hill said. “Unfortunately, those deceptive business decisions will now cost the company millions of dollars. It is our hope that from now on, Apple is transparent about problems with its devices.”

Under the settlement, Apple will pay the state of Indiana $4,890,219.99, all of which will go to the Agency Settlement Fund. In addition to the payment, Apple must provide truthful information to consumers about iPhone battery health, performance, and power management. Apple must provide this important information in various forms, including on its website, in update installation notes and in the iPhone user interface itself.

Attorney General Hill, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich and Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge led the multistate investigation that resulted in this settlement. California and Pennsylvania conducted their own investigations into Apple’s conduct but are also participating in the settlement with states.

Marriage Licenses Issued

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Marriage Licenses Report

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

EPD REPORT

“Left Jab” And “Middle Jab” And “Right Jab” November 19, 2020

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“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” was created because we have a couple of commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE” or “Readers Forum” columns concerning National or International issues.

The majority of our “IS IT TRUE” columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give our more opinionated readers exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT JAB and Middle Jab and RIGHT JAB”  column. They now have this post to exclusively discuss national or world issues that they feel passionate about.
We shall be posting the “LEFT JAB” AND “MIDDLE JAB” AND “RIGHT JAB” several times a week.  Oh, “LEFT JAB” is a liberal view, “MIDDLE JAB” is the libertarian view and the “RIGHT JAB is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments in this column is free to do s
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