TODAY'S ISSUE
With hot weather here, follow ways to better summer health
By Gordon May
American Red Cross
Special to GwinnettForum.com

JULY 19, 2005 -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer's heat and humidity. Furthermore, the National Weather Service declares that excessive heat was the number one weather-related killer, causing more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold from 1994 to 2003.

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Victims should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

Heat-related illness is preventable. The Red Cross offers the following tips for staying cool and safe this season:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear a hat or to use an umbrella.
  
  
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
  
  
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
  
  
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day.
  
  
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
  
  
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
  
  
• Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR and know what to do if an emergency arises.
  
  
• Know these heat-related terms and what to do:

1. Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion and are an early sign of heat-related problems. Get the victim in a cooler place and in a comfortable position. Give them half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. They should not drink too quickly and should not consume alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool wet cloths. Call 9-1-1 if they refuse water, vomit or lose consciousness.
2. Heat exhaustion occurs when body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to vital organs decreases resulting in a form of mild shock. Signs include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Treat the victim as you would for heat cramps (above).
3. Heat stroke (sunstroke) is life threatening. The body must be cooled quickly. Signs include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high. Call 9-1-1. Move victim to a cooler place. Cool the body anyway possible, e.g., immerse the victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signs of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down. If they refuse water, vomit or you observe a change in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Be alert and follow these steps for summer good health.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Judging from chambers, business is booming in Georgia
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

JULY 19, 2005 -- Business is booming in Georgia. We say that after visiting around in several parts of the state.

We remember a country lawyer years ago told us that you could tell if people had pride in their communities by whether they kept up the local cemeteries and courthouse.

From these two points, we add another to give it the dimension: you can also tell if business is doing well in a community by the appearance of facilities for the local Chamber of Commerce.

And we can cite several examples.

Start right here in Gwinnett County at the three-story Chamber of Commerce on Sugarloaf Parkway. It sparkles and tells visitors: "Business is good, very good, in Gwinnett." You don't mind taking people there. In fact, you're pleased to invite people there to dine at the 1818 Club on the top floor, where much business is transacted. There's no doubt that though Lawrenceville is the county seat, the Chamber is a nerve center.

Cobb County was in high-grade facilities just off Windy Hill Road before Gwinnett got its new offices. The Cobb offices are exquisite.

Or take the Chamber office in Dublin, in deep Middle Georgia. As in many cities, both the Chamber and Industrial Development Commission, share offices. They are located in what was at one time one of the most elegant homes in Dublin, built years ago on Bellevue Avenue by Banker George Morris. The beautifully designed Georgian home is in tip-top shape, and nearly screams at visitors: "Dublin is prospering, cares about newcomers, and welcomes business."

You can see this at many other Chambers, in other cities:

Summerville: The Chamber shares its offices with the Civic Center, right in the center of town.

Jasper: No doubt what the major product here is, with the Pickens County Chamber offices made of marble from local quarries. The building, of modern design, also houses a large community room, plus its own board room, right adjacent to a busy community park.

McDonough: The Henry County Chamber is located well west of town, about a mile or more off Interstate 75, in a spacious two-story brick building with classic columns. Three other large building, the water and sewer authority, a bank and medical office, tell you more activity is coming in this fast-growing county. Like many Chambers, it also has the local tourist office.

In Brunswick, the Golden Isles Chamber is in a Victorian house which dates back to 1887, the Hadley Brown House, overlooking the coastal highway and Marshes of Glynn.

Covington: a columned, two-story Southern mansion right up town houses the Chamber. It's right in the midst of things.

In Waycross, as in many other towns including Winder, Folkston and Griffin, the old railroad station has been nicely restored, to house the Chamber and Industrial Development Authority.

In Savannah, you can easily tell that the Chamber is located in an old bank, with that tall, circular swinging vault door present, in the massive columned former C&S National Bank, just across the street from City Hall.

Some Chambers have, like Gwinnett, simply erected facilities designed specifically for a Chamber. You can see this in Conyers, Cherokee County, Barnesville and Blue Ridge.
In Calhoun, Chamber offices are in a former home, while in Commerce, they are in renovated offices uptown.

With membership dues the biggest source of most Chamber budgets, these facilities reflect the financial and business health of the community. That means from what we have seen in our jaunts around the state, that in general, business is doing very well in Georgia.

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is Howard Brothers, which has outlets in Duluth, Norcross and Oakwood. John and Doug Howard are the owners/operators of the Howard Brothers stores, which specialize in hardware, outdoor power equipment and parts and service. Major trade brands are a hallmark of Howard Brothers. And did you know that Howard Brothers is the largest seller of Stihl products in the United States? Visit the web site at www.howardbrothers.com.

For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: http://www.gwinnettforum.com/about/sponsors.htm

FEEDBACK
7/19: Vines Garden Railroad only one in Georgia, needs support

Editor, the Forum:

Garden railroading is alive and well across the United States. In Georgia, out of 159 counties, only Gwinnett County has a garden railroad open to the public. It is located at Vines Botanical Gardens, and called Garden Railroad.

However, without public support, this wonderful attraction is in danger of fading into the sunset. Let me encourage the public to come see what we have to offer on weekends at Vines between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

-- Bob Giselbach, Lilburn

7/19: Observations from being included on Gwinnett jury panel

Editor, the Forum:

Earlier this year, I received a notice for jury duty. Having served previously in another state, I must confess that I was not thrilled with the idea. Being self-employed, this would be a significant loss of income as well. After groaning a bit, I decided to approach it with an open mind and see for myself exactly how it was run here in Gwinnett County.

The notice gave very clear and concise instructions. I called and received the message to report and did so. The staff and deputies were very courteous and helpful, as well as the attorneys and the judge, all of whom repeatedly thanked us for our time and for performing this vital civic duty.

One thing I immediately noticed was the diverse people in the jury pool. It was fairly evident that that there was a wide cross-section of the Gwinnett community in the room. From my observation, almost everyone took their role very seriously and was conscientious in asking and answering questions. My only complaint was despite several reminders and numerous postings throughout the area, some people simply refused to stop talking on their cellphones and the process in the jury room had to be stopped numerous times for people to be told to end their call. It was rude to the rest of us, as well as the staff that was trying to accommodate the day's cases.

Everything was done to help make the wait bearable, with soft drinks and snack machines, restrooms, water fountains and reading material available. The staff repeatedly volunteered to answer questions, resolve issues and most importantly, kept us informed during each step in the process. The automated system to check and see if your attendance is required worked quite well. Although I wasn't selected for a case, I also did not lose an entire week of work.

My only suggestion would be to change the tax laws to allow self-employed people to deduct the income lost serving on jury duty against their income taxes. Gwinnett County deserves a pat on the back for their jury duty process.

-- Tony Rivera, Suwanee

UPCOMING
Georgian Bank grand opening, Chamber function combined

Business After Hours of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is set for Thursday, July 21, beginning at 5:30 at the Georgian Bank Grand Opening of their newest location at 2055 North Brown Road in Lawrenceville (near Discover Mills.)

Come to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Valet parking will be available.

Business After Hours is Gwinnett's largest monthly networking event that provides a way to meet new people, gather business ideas and network. The evening is open to the public and no RSVP is required. The event is free for Chamber members or a member's guest, and $20 for non-members.

Watts

Rob Watts to talk about future of four-year college

There is no charge to attend. For more information, call Alicia Krogh at 770 232 8809.

RECOMMENDED READ

• An invitation: What Web sites or books have you enjoyed? Send us your best recent read along with a short paragraph as to why you liked it, plus what book you plan to read next. --eeb
  
  
  

GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
Archaeology and historic preservation important to state

Humans have lived in the area now known as Georgia for more than 12,000 years, and archaeology is the only means by which we are able to learn about the lives and achievements of most of them. From the chocolate tabby ruins on Sapelo Island to the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site in Cartersville, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages some of the most important reported sites in the state. One of the primary duties of the state archaeologist is to advise the DNR on the stewardship of such archaeological resources on state lands.

Georgia currently has no underwater archaeology program. However, a variety of planning studies, some funded through federal grants, will set the stage for a productive underwater archaeology program. Archaeologists already know that Georgia's underwater sites include everything from Revolutionary War shipwrecks to abandoned towns, from Indian canoes to early-twentieth-century side-wheel steamships. Such resources have the potential to reveal details about little-documented aspects of Georgia's past. They also can serve as valuable ecotourism attractions.

Saving Georgia's archaeological resources will take significant efforts on the part of the Society for Georgia Archaeology; its companion organization, the Georgia Council of Professional Archaeologists; and related preservation interest groups such as the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries. It also will require increased cooperation with other DNR divisions. Because many of the same forces affect natural resources and archaeological sites, natural resources stewardship bears much in common with archaeological site stewardship, whether on land or underwater. As in so many other realms, cooperation between archaeologists and those with kindred interests will, in the end, help to conserve important parts of Georgia's past.

• To access the Georgia Encyclopedia, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
View on how living in the country becomes a full-time job

"Just to live in the country is a full-time job. You don't have to do anything. The idle pursuit of making a living is pushed to one side, where it belongs, in favor of living itself, a task of such immediacy, variety, beauty, and excitement that one is powerless to resist its wild embrace."

-- Writer E. B. White (1899-1975.)

• Another invitation: What's your favorite saying? Share with others through GwinnettForum. Send to elliott@gwinnettforum.com.
  

MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

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