| Holiday stress can lead to depression
While most people are singing carols and wrapping gifts during the holidays, those who struggle with mental illness often feel increased pain and isolation. Terese Gessler knows, because she's been there. "The bigness of it, how it comes across as being a very extreme holiday," said Gessler, 38, who was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety at age 14. "The stresses that go with it shopping, parties, family gatherings." Although statistics show that suicides in Sheboygan County aren't higher than at other times of the year, mental health professionals and law enforcement officers in Sheboygan see the result of the increased stress and pressure Christmas can bring. "This can be a very lonely, depressing time for people," said Beverly Randall of Mental Health America in Sheboygan County.
Save your life, have a health check
READING about preventing catastrophic illness is as unpleasant as reading the fine print on a will, power of attorney or a life insurance policy. Facing our mortality and learning about preventing heart, lung or kidney failure, strokes, amputations, dementia and hip replacements, is not easy, but we should do it as a necessary part of protecting those we love. As medical technologies keep our ageing population alive longer, the over-50s age group will become a heavy burden on the young. The escalating costs of healthcare and private health insurance; the increasing strain on accident and emergency departments, hospitals and nursing homes and the worsening medical and nursing shortage have been identified by the new federal Labor Government as a first-order economic challenge.
Officer says obstructed view caused Friday wreck
A Henderson County Sheriff's Department officer escaped injury Friday afternoon when the county vehicle he was driving struck a van at the intersection of Edmonson and Cream Level Road in North Athens.According to Department of Public Safety reports, Sgt. Thomas Lee Robertson, 36, was driving a 2007 Ford pick-up east on Edmonson St. when the vehicle approached the intersection with Cream Level Road. Robertson attempted to make a left turn and struck the side of a 2006 Dodge Caravan driven by Sylvia De la Garza, 50, of Mabank.De la Garza refused transport by ambulance and was taken by a private vehicle to East Texas Medical Center in Athens, where she was treated and released. Two small children who were passengers in the van were not injured.DPS reports state Robertson's view of the intersection was impaired by large brush and trees.
New sex-offender laws, meant to protect, may instead ruin lives and increase risks
Everything began with babysitting. Michael's mother often made him watch her boyfriend's 7-year-old son, Aaron. One afternoon, while his mother was working, 15-year-old Michael performed oral sex on Aaron, and on at least three occasions persuaded the child to fondle him in return. What happened during those afternoons remained secret until Aaron tried to touch a cousin, who told his parents. Together, the boys' families dug out the truth about Michael. What he did may have been an echo of what was done to him. Michael said he spent the first half of his life being sexually abused by a grandfather who held his grandson on his naked lap. “Growing up, I had been through some sexual situations with older people, so I think it was acting out of curiosity.
Chris Clark committed to Aberdeen
But I wouldn't like to find myself getting stale and letting myself down. I'll carry on as normal and if I'm playing for Aberdeen next week I'll do what I've done throughout my career and put in everything I've got." The league encounter between these two sides only a week previously had ended in a goalless draw, but Aberdeen ensured after only three minutes that would not be the case again. Lee Miller's knock down to Steve Lovell was ferried on to Barry Nicholson and, when his shot was parried by Tim Krul, Jamie Smith swept in the rebound. Falkirk skipper Darren Barr headed in the equaliser barely a minute later from Pedro Moutinho's corner, only for Lovell to touch Miller's pass past Krul to restore Aberdeen's lead in the 10th minute. Falkirk dominated the second half as they sought an equaliser and it finally came in the 73rd minute as midfielder Arnau Riera headed in Carl Finnigan's cross.
Recovery 2008 in San Leandro
Kick off the New Year with a free program to help people succeed in overcoming life issues, destructive behaviors, pain or to meet the need for support. Celebrate Recovery meets 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday starting Jan. 9. At Creekside Church, 951 MacArthur Blvd., San Leandro. Call 510-430-0607. 1,000 MOMS Campaign The group hosts its monthly meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday. Sponsored by the Cancer Prevention Coalition Bay Area office, the meeting aims to support and educate moms about vital health information which is not available by media or doctors. Free. At the Centerville Presbyterian Church Dining Hall, 4360 Central Ave., Fremont. Call 510-589-3962. Hats Off America Blood Drive The Third Annual Hats Off America and American Red Cross Blood Drive will be from 10 a.m.
Micir's 22 fuel double-digit win
Though she visited Penn last year as a potential recruit, it was clear from the tipoff that there was no love lost between Micir and the Quakers. She netted the Tigers' first six points from behind the arc, helping Princeton establish a 10-4 lead within three minutes, 53 seconds. Penn was not ready to call it a night, however, and Maggie Burgess' layup at 11:57 put the Quakers back on top, 13-12.
Senior forward and captain Meagan Cowher responded quickly, sinking her first jumper of the game less than 30 seconds later. The competition remained fierce, though, and the lead changed another two times as halftime drew near. Finally, Princeton broke away with a 7-0 run the last 3:17 of the half, setting the score at 30-23 before the buzzer.
Penn took the floor aggressively in the second half, and the Quakers' Kelly Scott's foul shots narrowed the Tigers' lead to five within 2:03.
Walk to Wellness at Pleasanton park
Pleasanton-based pedometer and stopwatch manufacturer Accusplit, Inc. sponsors the first World Walk to Wellness from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. The event is open to all ages and includes a self-guided 5,000-step walk (2.15 miles) around Pleasantons Sports and Community Park. The event is free at 5800 Parkside Drive, Pleasanton. Visit http://www.walking10000.org. Alta Bates Summit Medical Center The Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center presents a free discussion for those touched by cancer, featuring support group leader and therapist Connie Holmes, from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Jan. 9. Registration is recommended. At the Summit Campus, Peralta Pavilion, 430 30th St., Room 2810, Oakland. Call 510-869-8833. The weight-loss surgery support group New beginnings will be having meetings for people who have had or are considering weight-loss surgery.
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