The half-marathon begins at 7:30am, Saturday, October 15th. The 5K race starts at 8:00am. Both races will begin at Liberty Park and continue along the Cumberland River. The courses are certified by the USA Track and Field.

Go Commando Half-Marathon and 5K on October 15th

APSU faculty, staff and students can receive a $5.00 discount off registration by using the coupon code APSU2011 either through online or mail registration. Registration fees increase October 1st.

The day before the races, Friday, October 14th, there will be a health and fitness expo at the Riverview Inn.

The Go Commando Half Marathon began as a tribute to the soldiers at Fort Campbell and their families. The event also is aimed at promoting health and wellness to the Clarksville-Montgomery County community. The race is completely community driven, with local organizations and businesses partnering to create a fun and engaging event.

The event is being organized by the Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, call 931.245.4347 or Register Online.

One of the class members was tossed a ball. The student had to say his first name and toss the ball to someone else, who then had to repeat the previous names and add his at the end.

It’s a game designed to teach and build memory tools, said Dr. Robyn Hulsart, associate professor of professional studies at Austin Peay State University who led the exercise.

High school students in the 2011-12 Youth Leadership Clarksville program participate in a team-building exercise during their opening retreat August 2nd at Austin Peay State University. (Photo by Beth Liggett, APSU photographer)

The session, as well as many others held throughout the day on Aug. 2, was part of an opening retreat for the new Youth Leadership Clarksville class. The retreat was held at Austin Peay State University, where President Tim Hall welcomed the group in the Honors Commons building.

Carole Dorris, executive director of the Leadership Clarksville program who oversees the youth class, said the students will meet monthly throughout the school year to study major topics of Clarksville-Montgomery County. Those include Fort Campbell, health, business and industry, law and crime, religion and social diversity, and government and media.

In addition, this year’s program is the first for students from West Creek High School, the school system’s newest high school, to participate in Youth Leadership Clarksville, Dorris said.

“We are excited to have West Creek students this year,” she said.

During the afternoon sessions, Hulsart’s advice of knowing each other’s names might have helped the students to communicate effectively in various team-building exercises.

For one exercise, a group of 10 students had to stand on a 3-foot-by-5-foot mat and find a way to reverse the mat from underneath onto the other side, without stepping off the mat. The class was divided into three groups of 10, so each group approached the task differently. In one group, for instance, a couple of the participants piggybacked onto other class members to create more space on the mat.

In another activity, students had to balance a tennis ball on a tin can by using ropes attached to the can. The group then had to walk in concert to the other side of the ballroom in APSU’s Morgan University Center.

These and other activities held that afternoon illustrated the importance of communicating as a team.

“You were working as a team with one clear voice, and this is effective,” Robert Huffman, a representative with the local Rotary Youth Leadership Award experience, said. He also is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Clarksville.

Other Leadership Clarksville alumni who helped to organize the youth retreat were APSU employees Sheila Bryant, director of affirmative action at APSU; Dixie Dennis, associate provost of grants and sponsored research; and Bill Persinger, executive director of public relations and marketing.

Youth Leadership Clarksville is in its 19th year. Students selected are from Clarksville Academy, Clarksville High School, Kenwood High School, Montgomery Central High School, Northeast High School, Northwest High School, Rossview High School and West Creek High School.

The questions are: Why do the vascular mechanisms that supply the brain become abnormal, and then, what can be done about it? The standard of care in the health community seems to focus only on symptom suppressing pain management, which even at best is merely a mild palliative in the real management of this malady. In nutritional practice, using foundational measures to bring about balanced body physiology a great deal of success has been achieved in learning about the underlying cause and supporting the body to prevent headaches from ever developing.

Let’s first review what we know about migraines from experience: A prodromal phase precedes the pounding pain characterized by hallucinations, visual disturbances with halo effects around objects, photophobia (light sensitivity), impaired mentation and nausea; a secondary phase follows, characterized by severe pain and pounding, more severe photophobia, and nausea (in fact the migraine usually abates after finally throwing up). This resolution to normal following vomiting may be the greatest insight into the causative mechanisms at work.

There are two stages, both characterized by profound changes in the vascular supply to the brain. The first prodromal stage is experienced because of an initial vascular constriction or starvation creating secondary localized hypoxia (loss of oxygen), and this is why the brain hallucinates without the necessary blood/oxygen for proper function. Then the vasculature, apparently fatigued by the effort of constriction, seems to lose its tone and simply dilate, sagging into the surrounding structures and creating the pounding pressure that is so crippling. Most drug therapies seek to interrupt this vascular phenomenon. In fact, in the past ergot amine drugs were employed even though they potentially compromised circulation to the heart at the same time. Even now, very little is offered except to attempt to interrupt the vascular dilation, while it provides essential relief, it is not a correction to the cause of the condition, and it also costs the person a few days of being mildly drugged.

It seems that the questions need to be asked: Why does the vascular phenomenon occur, and what sets it off? Most chronic migraine sufferers know that certain foods and smells, such as chocolate, citrus or other aromatics and perfumes, can trigger the migraine. Certainly food sensitivity and allergies can exaggerate the migraine syndrome and exploring this avenue may begin to provide insight into preventing the onset of the vascular event. Yet again why is it that a food or smell can activate a migraine complex? I learned early in practice that simple liver/gallbladder cleansing seemed in many cases to resolve headaches and migraines, and from this the following explanation is proposed.

When the upper digestive system becomes imbalanced; especially the ability of the stomach to create the proper acidity, empty its contents into the small intestine, and prevent the build up of fermentive weaker acids in the stomach, distress is referred back up the vagal nerve distribution reporting to the brain that imbalance exists in the stomach.

When this nervous tone exceeds minor amounts and begins to shout, there is a spillover effect into the adjacent basal brain centers that control vascular supply. As this spillover occurs, the vascular centers are stimulated to the degree that they increase vascular tone, and constriction occurs, so that too little blood is reaching the oxygen/nutrient hungry nervous tissue in the brain. After a period of constriction the vascular structures, or perhaps the vascular nervous control centers fatigue and dilation occurs, until of course the stomach vomits and empties itself of the distress/stimulus causing the vagal nervous feedback.

What if instead of waiting to throw up we were able to restore the normal stomach balance and interrupt the vagal/vascular feedback phenomenon before it begins? This is done with Phosfood (orthophosphoric acid) 25 drops in water hourly or more frequently as needed as soon as the first sensation of prodrome comes on, or one can use Apple Cider Vinegar or fresh lemon juice (1-2 Tbsp in water).

These are simple ways to acidify the stomach and assist in restoring the proper environment to the upper digestive processes. More extensive nutritional supplementation may be required to bring about repair and recovery of upper digestive competence so that this imbalance no longer is hair triggered, especially focusing on the gallbladder delivery of bile for fat digestion and emulsification.

Often migraines are activated by hormonal variations associated with menstruation or following pregnancy, which at first seems mysterious. When the stomach and gallbladder/pancreas functions are balanced even these hormonal triggers are reduced and less apt to activate the migraine.

Also it is important to note that the pituitary, so involved in menstrual cycles and ovarian function, is the same glandular control for upper digestive function. It has always been well known that pituitary support can enhance digestive secretions and efficiency, which may be why variations in the pituitary change digestive conditions and activate the migraine complex.

It is always exciting to correct underlying causes and see conditions change. There are always so many other invisible effects balanced when such foundational corrections are made. Indeed it is a cascade of improved function and health, most profound of which is the relief available to those suffering migraines.

During June National Acne Awareness Month, Experts Advise Parents to Help Teens Focus on Health and Well-Being, Limit Summertime Stress and Get on Track with Proper Skin-Care Regimen

Fort Worth, TX — With such intense competition and pressure on today’s teens to get into a good college, line up a strong summer internship and land the perfect summer job, many parents feel that summer is an ideal time for their teens to get ahead. However, the stress of a busy school year followed by a similarly hectic summer could cause teens to suffer from stress-related medical conditions such as acne.(i) June marks National Acne Awareness Month across the United States, and experts are advising parents to help their teens limit stress this summer and carve out ample time to focus on their health and well-being, including establishing a proper skin-care regimen.

Michele Borba

“Summer used to be a time for teens to catch a breather and wind down from the stressful school year, but these days, a typical teen’s summer ‘break’ is not so lazy and hazy,” said Michele Borba, Ph.D., best-selling author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions, a leading parenting expert and noted educational psychologist. “While summer activities such as internships, first jobs, camp and summer school are rewarding and beneficial overall, they can also lead to stressed, overscheduled teens, which can be detrimental to teens’ mental and physical health. This summer, I urge parents to help their teens find time to slow down a bit and address any health and wellness issues such as acne management, diet and exercise, so that teens are refreshed and ready for the new school year ahead.”

Dr. Linda Stein Gold

“What many people don’t realize is that acne is a medical condition, and there are different severities — mild, moderate and severe,” explained Dr. Linda Stein Gold, Director, Dermatology Clinical Research, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit and Division Head, Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, West Bloomfield, MI. “Even If a teen only experiences sporadic pimples, they may have mild or moderate acne for which there are highly effective prescription medicines that can treat current pimples and prevent future pimples from forming. It can take several weeks before acne treatments show results. So, I suggest that parents schedule a visit to the doctor this summer so that their teen can start using an acne treatment that’s right for their skin type and lifestyle, and get their acne under control before the new school year begins.”

Practical Advice and Tips for Parents

In recognition of National Acne Awareness Month, Drs. Borba and Stein Gold have created two unique Web videos for parents of teens with acne available at www.acnemonth.com. These videos highlight frequently asked questions from parents and provide them with candid tips on how to broach the touchy subject of acne with their teenage sons and daughters, and how they can help their teen treat acne successfully.

“Many teenagers, boys, in particular, are hesitant to open up about personal issues such as acne with their friends, let alone their parents,” said Borba. “The best thing to do is to bring up the topic casually and not make a big deal out of it. When you take your teen for their back-to-school physical this summer, use that opportunity to talk with the doctor about acne and how to treat it. This will help your teen understand that managing acne is just taking care of another important part of their health.”

Clearing It Up: Getting Real With Your Daughter About Acne

Click here to view the embedded video.

Clearing It Up: Getting Real With Your Son About Acne

Click here to view the embedded video.

About Acne

Acne vulgaris is one of the most widely experienced chronic skin diseases. In recent years, research has lead to a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease.(iii) The disorder begins with the onset of puberty and is thought to result from hormonal action on the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands) leading to plugged pores and outbreaks.(iv) It can be challenging to manage due to the variability in response to treatment and the need for long-term therapy.(v)

About Galderma

Galderma, created in 1981 as a joint venture between Nestle and L’Oreal, is a fully-integrated specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated exclusively to the field of dermatology. The Company has a presence in 65 countries with over 1000 sales representatives and is committed to improving the health of skin with an extensive line of products across the world that treat a range of dermatological conditions including: acne, rosacea, fungal nail infections, psoriasis & steroid-responsive dermatoses, pigmentary disorders, medical solutions for skin senescence and skin cancers. With a research and development center in Sophia Antipolis, France, Galderma has one of the largest R&D facilities dedicated exclusively to dermatology. Leading U.S. brands include Epiduo® Gel, Differin® Gel, 0.3%, Differin® Lotion, 0.1%, MetroGel® 1%, Oracea®, Cetaphil®, Tri-Luma® Cream, and Vectical® Ointment.

(i) www.acne-resource.org/understanding-acne/stress.html. Accessed on March 24, 2010.

(ii) www.aad.org/media/background/factsheets/fact_acne.html, Accessed on March 30, 2010.

(iii) Gollnick H, Cunliffe WJ, Berson D et al. Management of Acne: A Report From a Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003; 49(1):S1-S37.

(iv) Why Do I Get Acne? Nemours Foundation. www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/acne.html.

(v) Thiboutot D, Pariser DM, Egan N et al. Adapalene gel 0.3% for the treatment of acne vulgaris: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006; 54:242-50.

For more information, please visit: www.acnemonth.com/

“I believe you will marvel, as I constantly do now, at just how much a doctor can learn in four years.” — Robert T. Cochran Jr., M.D.

In Understanding Chronic Pain, Cochran’s first book, he spoke with patients about their experience with unrelenting pain, developing a “thesis that chronic pain was a form of mental illness, and that by understanding and treating the mental illness one could often cure chronic pain.” Cochran saw links between chronic pain and issues such as childhood trauma, depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder.Cochran was available to sign books for his readers.

“I believe you will marvel, as I constantly do now, at just how much a doctor can learn in four years.” — Robert T. Cochran Jr., M.D.

In Understanding Chronic Pain, Cochran’s first book, he spoke with patients about their experience with unrelenting pain, developing a “thesis that chronic pain was a form of mental illness, and that by understanding and treating the mental illness one could often cure chronic pain.” Cochran saw links between chronic pain and issues such as childhood trauma, depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder. In Curing Chronic Pain, that thesis has been developed with much more depth and refinement, and offers examples of dramatic cures obtained by the treatment of underlying mental illnesses, often with drugs not conventionally used for that purpose.

Curing Chronic Pain uses anecdotes to illustrate specific experiences of pain.

In explaining chronic pain, Cochran defines it as:

• Pain that persists beyond expected recovery time
• Pain that extends beyond the original scope of the injury
• Disordered sleep with worsening pain at night
• Disordered appetite with weight gains, cravings for sweets or, conversely, weight loss with disgust for food
• Disorders of mood (despondency, depression or its opposite, restless hyperactivity/angry irritability)
• Diminished energy and pervasive fatigue

Q: You have been practicing medicine for over 40 years. How did you come to focus on chronic pain?

Dr. Robert T. Cochran

Dr. Cochran: From early on, I developed great empathy for victims of chronic pain. I felt that their disease was misunderstood, and that they were often mis-served by the medical community because of the suspicion that their pain was an excuse for the use of addictive drugs. I found that by removing myself from this preconception and listening – in detail – to what my patients told me, I could better appreciate and understand their illness. That practice has served me well, for I have learned that only by skillful interview can one correctly diagnose and treat the victim of chronic pain.

Q: How is Curing Chronic Pain different from your first book, Understanding Chronic Pain?

Dr. Cochran: Understanding Chronic Pain was, in its way, a breakthrough book because it developed the thesis that chronic pain was a form of mental illness, and that by understanding and treating the mental illness one could often cure chronic pain. In Curing Chronic Pain, that thesis has been developed with much more depth and refinement, and I offer examples of dramatic cures obtained by the treatment of underlying mental illnesses, often with drugs not conventionally used for that purpose.

Q: For many, you are their last hope when it comes to treating their chronic pain. How is your approach different from a more traditionally minded doctor?

Dr. Cochran: General physicians are obligated to search for the cause of pain as some form of injury to the body. However in many, indeed most, cases, a precise cause cannot be identified. When such patients are referred to me, I search for the cause of chronic pain not as injury to the body but as injury to the mind. Therefore, I spend my time researching my patients’ personal, social, and emotional history in an effort to understand their pain, often with dramatically successful outcomes.

Q: What is your opinion regarding the use of addictive drugs such as opiates and stimulants?

Dr. Cochran: I am an enthusiast for their use in the appropriate circumstances (and there are many). I have learned that the risk of addiction is less than I originally thought and, most remarkably, I have learned that the judicious and careful use of addictive drugs can not only diminish pain, it can cure mental illness.

Q: What message would you like to convey in Curing Chronic Pain?

Dr. Cochran:There is hope. It is a logical hope, and it is a scientific hope, and it is a realistic hope. It is the hope that derives from realization that the victim suffers a biochemical disease of the mind that can be cured with pharmacy. That is my message.

Dr. Cochran is a graduate of Vanderbilt Medical School and completed residency in internal medicine and neurology at the University of Texas and Duke University. He founded a private medical practice in 1963 and had over the years treated thousands of patients with chronic pain.

He is co-director of the Pain Center at Centennial Hospital in Nashville. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Donna.

NASHVILLE, TN:  Legislation protecting the integrity of elections in Tennessee overcame its first hurdle towards passage this week with approval by the Senate State and Local Government Committee.   The bill requires voters to provide photo identification to guard against fraud and assure only U.S. citizens vote.

“Unfortunately, we know that voter fraud exists and that there are people who try to be dishonest in an election,” said Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), Chairman of the Committee and sponsor of the bill.  “This bill aims to curtail such abuse by making sure those persons voting are who they say they are.”

Last April a U.S. Supreme Court decision validated the right of states to require voters to produce photo identification.  According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, of the 24 states that have a voter-ID requirement, seven states specify a photograph be shown to prove identification, including neighboring states Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana.  In no state is a voter who cannot produce identification turned away from the polls.  All states have some recourse for voters without identification to cast a vote or provide for a provisional ballot.

The voter integrity legislation has been approved for the past several years in Tennessee’s State Senate but has failed in the House of Representatives along party lines with Democrats opposing the bill.

“This legislation makes it clear to everyone that Tennessee has the right to make sure that those voting are legitimately casting their votes, and are U.S. citizens,” added Senator Ketron.  “I am hopeful that this measure, which has been upheld by the courts, will be approved by the full General Assembly this year.”

In other action in the State and Local Government Committee this week, legislation was approved to update the political composition of the State Election Commission which has been dominated by Democrats for generations.  State law currently requires that the political composition of the five-member State Election Commission be three members of the majority party and two members of the minority party.  In 2008, the majority party changed prompting the need to replace one Democrat on the state board with a Republican.  The terms of office for State Election Commission board members, however, are on a four-year cycle, which is in conflict with state law given the shift in power.

“The Republican Party, now holds the largest number of seats in the General Assembly,” said Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville), sponsor of the bill.  “In order to reflect the new majority and comply with state law, we propose to temporarily add two new Republicans to the mix.  The Democrats are in mid-term and won’t go gracefully.”

Under the bill, SB 547, the new members would rotate off in two years when their terms of office expire.  The make-up of the board would consequently return to a five-member status after that time.

Tennessee law also requires county election commissions to reflect the change in majority status by giving Republicans three members of the five-member boards statewide.  Those terms of office will be up next month.

Finally, the Senate State and Local Government Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) requiring that a convicted felon must pay all fines and court costs imposed before being eligible to have their voting rights restored.  Currently, a person convicted of a felony must be pardoned, discharged from custody or supervision, and have paid all restitution to the victim of the offense to have their rights of suffrage restored.  This legislation, SB 440, would add the payment of fines incurred as a result of the felony as a condition for restoring the right to vote.

Legislation approved by Judiciary Committee strengthens rights of property owners

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) to strengthen the rights of property owners in cases of eminent domain.  The potential for abuse of government power in cases of eminent domain has been a growing concern for citizens nationwide in recent years, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Kelo v. New London, which opened the floodgates.  The 5-4 high court decision condoned the rights of local governments to take private property for public use in the name of economic development.

After the Kelo case, many state legislatures moved into action in 2006 to improve their eminent domain laws, including Tennessee.  The legislation, SB 521 and SB 522, approved by the Judiciary Committee would further strengthen that law to provide additional checks and balances to protect citizens from abuse.

Tennessee’s 2006 post-Kelo law reiterated that a “taking” must be for “legitimate public use.”  It prohibited land used predominantly for agriculture production from being considered a blighted area.  It increased notification requirements for eminent domain action from 5 to 30 days, allowing land owners to receive a fair hearing in court with time to prepare their case and provided for attorney’s fees if the property owner is successful.  It also required government entities seeking eminent domain action to deposit moving and other expenses into an account for the owner of land seized through eminent domain.   The bill approved by the Committee this week would further strengthen that law by providing that approval must be given for eminent domain “takings” by the locally-elected governing body.  It also gives property owners the right of first refusal to buy back property from an eminent domain taking if it is not used for the purpose for which it was taken within ten years.

“The protection of homes and small businesses and other private property against unreasonable government seizure is a fundamental principle of our form of government,” said Senator McNally.  “These two additional protections will provide the checks and balances needed to make help safeguard against abuse.”

Senate Education Committee hears update on efforts to improve students’ health

The Senate Education Committee heard testimony this week regarding the state’s Coordinated School Health Program’s efforts to improve the health of students in Tennessee.  Coordinated School Health Director Connie Givens told the committee that the program is a national model that is making a significant difference to help Tennessee children make healthy choices and improve student performance.

Tennessee ranks among the highest states in the nation for the incidence of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.  Forty-one percent of students in the state’s schools are overweight or obese.  These adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults who are subject to these life-threatening health conditions.

Beginning as a pilot project, the program was implemented statewide in 2006.    That legislation was sponsored by Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), General Welfare, Health and Human Services Chairman Rusty Crowe (R-Johnnson City), Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) and Speaker Pro Tempore Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville), among others.  It provided for a Physical Education Specialist and a Coordinator of School Health position within the Tennessee Department of Education and called for 90 minutes of physical activity for K-12 students.

There are eight components to the Coordinated School Health Initiative including health education, physical activity, nutrition services, school health services, counseling, a healthy and safe school environment, community involvement and health promotion for school staff.  The program also partners with other health care agencies to provide a vast array of health screening services to accomplish those goals.  Givens said the results of the program have included reduced absenteeism, improved academic performance and higher graduation rates.

Research shows that poor health habits in children are associated with poorer academic achievement.  It also shows schools that offer intense physical activity programs have shown positive effects on student academic achievement.

The Committee, in partnership with the American Heart Association, also honored three Tennessee schools for excellence in implementing the Coordinated School Health Law.  Lincoln County High School received “highest honors” for outstanding achievement by a Tennessee high school, E.O. Coffman Middle School in Lawrence County received the award for excellence in a junior high school, while North Stewart Elementary School in Stewart County topped the list for elementary schools.

Turning the tide on Tennessee’s disturbing health status to help future generations make healthy choices is important not only to improve the health of individuals but also for the economic health of the state due to rising health care costs.

Finance Official Updates Senate Finance Committee on Federal Stimulus Money

State Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz appeared before the Senate Finance Committee this week where he continued to urge caution regarding the stimulus money coming to the state through the federal U.S. Economic Recovery Act.  The state has revised its statistics on how much will be coming into Tennessee to $4.5 billion over a two-year period.  Earlier predictions were in the $3.8 billion range.

Goetz said he is cautioning leaders at all levels of government in Tennessee to remind them it is a temporary assistance plan and that if recurring expenses are involved to expect the money to disappear at the end of the two-year period.  He also said the federal government is issuing guidance on how the money must be spent daily and that there is nothing to prohibit the federal government them from changing its mind at any time regarding those rules.

Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris questioned Goetz and Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely about the need to implement an orderly process to the lawful expenditures of stimulus funds.

“The State Constitution mandates that all expenditures are subject to appropriation by the Legislature,” said Leader Norris.  “The governor has given us his word that he will comply.”

Issues in Brief

Hunting and fishing rights / SJR 30 – The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a resolution this week to amend Tennessee’s Constitution to protect the rights of citizens to hunt and fish.  The measure will be voted on in the same manner as the “Victim’s Rights Amendment” in 1998, the “State Lottery Scholarship Amendment” of 2002, or the recent amendment to give property tax relief to the elderly.  The measure was approved in the 105th General Assembly but must pass by a two-thirds majority in the current legislature before citizens can expect to see the resolution on the ballot in November 2010.

Abortion / SJR 127 – Legislation was filed on Monday by Senator Diane Black (R-Gallatin) to give Tennesseans the opportunity to restore their voice in determining what state law should be regarding common sense protections for abortions.  SJR 127 passed the State Senate overwhelmingly last year but failed along party lines with Democrats voting against the measure in a House Subcommittee.  The resolution addresses a State Supreme Court decision in 2000 that struck down provisions in Tennessee law allowing women to receive “informed consent” information about the surgery and to wait 48 hours before they receive an abortion, making Tennessee more liberal than the courts required in Roe v. Wade.  The earliest this amendment, if approved, could go to voters is 2014.

Coal Fly Ash – Legislation was presented by Senator Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) to the Senate Environment Committee this week to ban the future storage of coal fly ash in lagoons.  The bill, SB 1559, would prohibit the State Conservation and Environment Department from issuing a permit for disposal of fly ash in holding ponds.  It also prohibits issuance of a permit in landfills unless they contain a liner for protection of groundwater and are capped properly.  Debate on the bill will continue in the committee next week.

Vacancies / County Commissioners — The full Senate passed legislation this week to correct a problem arising from an interpretation of a 2008 law that revised procedures for filling vacancies by a county commission.  That law required a county commissioner to resign from the county commission if they accept an appointment made by that governing body.  Some attorneys have interpreted this to include any appointments made by the county commission, including internal appointment to boards and committees, such as budget and finance committees, beer boards, ethics committees etc.  The legislation, sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) clarifies that it was not the intent of the 2008 law to prevent a county commissioner from serving on any board or commission if he or she could lawfully serve on that board prior to the act.

The Wellness Expo offers the community access to information on health, wellness and fitness services and providers throughout the area.

Several Clarksville companies, including health spas, chiropractor clinics, physical therapy clinics, community programs and services, health clubs, among others will be available for demos, gift certificates, product samples, and business information and offer ways in which they can help you or your family make choices that will promote wellness in every aspect of your everyday life.

For more information on the Wellness Expo, please contact Cindy Moore or Lauren Wilkinson at University Recreation at (931) 221-7564, or or .

One of the biggest obstacles Americans face today in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not knowing where to begin. The Wellness Expo offers the community access to information on health, wellness and fitness services and providers throughout the area.

A representative from Star Physical Therapy Group shares some information with an Austin Peay Student

The 2009 Austin Peay University Recreation Wellness Expo will not only showcase these local companies, but will make the Expo absolutely free for anyone in the Clarksville community who is interested in finding out more.

Several Clarksville companies, including health spas, chiropractor clinics, physical therapy clinics, community programs and services, health clubs, among others will be available for demos, gift certificates, product samples, and business information and offer ways in which they can help you or your family make choices that will promote wellness in every aspect of your everyday life.

For more information on the Wellness Expo, please contact Cindy Moore or Lauren Wilkinson at University Recreation at (931) 221-7564, or or .

A representative from Doctors Care discusses their medical services.

]]> http://www.discoverclarksville.com/articles/2009/01/17/apsu-expo-puts-emphasis-on-wellness/feed/ 0 http://www.discoverclarksville.com/articles/2008/12/08/tmj-something-to-chew-on/ http://www.discoverclarksville.com/articles/2008/12/08/tmj-something-to-chew-on/#comments Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:29:56 +0000 Christine Wenrick DMD http://www.discoverclarksville.com/articles/?p=69 Do you wake up in the mornings with headaches, sore teeth or a sore jaw?  Neck and shoulder pain?

If so, you may be clenching and grinding your teeth at night while you are asleep.  It is estimated that over 95% of people experience this uncontrollable habit at some point in their lives.  Teeth grinding may be caused by stress, or sleep disorders, and abnormal bite, crooked or missing teeth.

These habits can escalate into serious pain and problems of the temporomandibular joint, or the TMJ, which joins the lower jaw to the skull. TMj disorders can mimic migraine headaches, earaches, sinus infections and tooth abscesses.  It can cause dizziness, ringing in the ears and muscle pain that radiates down the neck and shoulders.

Headaches, jaw and muscle pain can seriously disrupt the quality of one’s life.  Often time’s people are treated with anti-depressants or prescription pain medicine only to mask or place a band aid over the underlying condition.

Recognizing that stress and chronic pain is hard to eliminate from our lives, over the past several years I have intensified my research into the proper diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Conservative pain-free treatment options are available and have the potential to eliminate the painful symptoms linked with tooth clenching and grinding.  First, an accurate disorder must be diagnosed by a qualified dentist extensively trained in the jaw joints, bite problems, and the musculature associated with the face, head, and neck.  Frequently, diagnostic imaging such as MRI and CT Scans are required to make an accurate diagnosis.

Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan can be developed based on each individual’s condition and needs.  And just like any other problem, if left untreated it will only get worse.

If headaches, face, or jaw pain are disrupting the quality of your life or you think you may be clenching or grinding your teeth, why not consider a proper examination rather than living with the pain?