Monthly Archive: September 2012

DEADLY MIX CAN WAIT

September 27, 2012

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AT&T, school, elected officials, law enforcement and concerned citizens say no to texting and driving

Story by joycelyne fadojutimi

joycelyne@easttexasreview.com

Fatalities while texting and driving is becoming a serious problem. No-one has to die or injure other road users because they are texting and driving consequently, AT&T has launched ‘It Can Wait’ campaign.

AT&T’s ‘It Can Wait’ campaign focuses on educating the public on

the dangers of texting and driving while reminding all wireless consumers, especially youth, that text messages can and should wait until after driving. Another goal of the campaign is for others to make a lifelong commitment to never text and drive.

During a press conference held in the foyer of Mickey Melton Performing Arts Center atLongviewHigh School, Longview ISD superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said, “There is nothing more precious than the kids. No message is that important to text and drive at the same time.”

According to Wilcox, teens think they are invisible and will be here for eternity. “We want them not to text as they drive and we are joining forces with AT&T to send this message to our precious students.”

LISD assistant superintendent for community relations, Ms. Andrea Mayo echoed the same sentiments. “We are delighted to host this press conference. We value every life.”

Longview Mayor Jay Dean besides issuing a proclamation cited adults as the other culprits in texting and driving. “Our kids are not the only ones who are guilty, we are all guilty so let all of us stop texting while driving.”

Dean reminded the audience that one little second of inattention on the road is recipe for accidents. In addition, texting while driving is hazardous for public safety.

Moreover, James Skeeler, assistant superintendent of Pine Tree ISD said his district will incorporate AT&T’s “It Can Wait” campaign into their curriculum. “Students are our number one priority,” Skeeler said. “Pine Tree ISD commends AT&T and the city ofLongviewfor bringing this awareness to our young people.”

Wes Jones, Spring Hill ISD superintendent could not agree more.  “We applaud AT&T and the City ofLongviewfor this campaign,” he said. “As a former driver’s education instructor, texting and driving is a scary thought. This campaign is very much needed for our students.”

To boot, Dr. Dale Lunsford, president ofLetourneauUniversitysaid it is good to remind university students as well of the dangers of texting while driving. Students tend to think they are talented and multitasking but no-one is that talented.  “Students must think twice before texting while driving.”

Kasha Williams, City Councilwoman District 3 said, “We are delighted to participate in this nation-wide campaign.”

To boot, Candice Gast AT&T external affairs director for northeastTexassaid, “I am so overwhelmed with the incredible support. It is wonderful that you want to make your community safe with the AT&T “It Can Wait” campaign.”

As indicated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) estimate that nearly eighty percent of crashes and 65 percent of near crashes involve some form of driver inattention.

  •  NHTSA and VTTI estimate that driver distraction is a factor in approximately 4.78 million crashes, resulting in two million injuries, more than 34,000 fatalities, and as much as $184 billion in economic damages annually.
  •  VTTI found that truck drivers face a crash risk or near crash risk 23 times greater when texting than when not texting.
  • The American Media Association called text messaging while driving “a public health risk,” citing a study that found text messaging while driving causes a 400 percent increase in time spent with eyes off the road.
  • 100,000 –U.S.automobile crashes annually
  • Texting drivers are 23 more times likely to be involved in a crash
  • Ninety seven percent of surveyed teens say they know texting and driving is dangerous
  • Forty three percent of surveyed teens admit to texting and driving
  • Seventy five percent of teens say texting and driving is common among their friends

For more information visit:  http://www.att.com/Common/about_us

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Hudson Pep impact lives

September 24, 2012

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Trevor Bergman, LIMBS Exec. Dir. demonstrates how a limb works, Hudson Pep students look on.

Gets raving reviews, dubbed “Super Hero.”

 Story and photos by Joycelyne Fadojutimi, joycelyne@easttexasreview.com

Hudson Pep has earned the accolade of “Super Hero,” from LIMBS International.  The students made several sacrifices including donating funds for their pizza party so amputees in third world countries can have limbs. Yes! LIMBS that most people inAmericatake for granted because they have them. However, Hudson Pep students understood that limbs can be a rare commodity. Moreover, having limbs does make a great difference in life.

LIMBS International is an organization that transforms the lives of amputees in developing countries by restoring their ability to walk and work. They design, create, and test new prosthetic devices in theirU.S.research labs as well as clinics throughout the developing countries at a very low cost. Through this provision, LIMBS International breaks the chain of dependency and abject poverty for amputees in developing countries.

But that is not all. LIMBS International visited school principals and provided classroom teachers with subject specific lesson plans that incorporate the impact of LIMBS International. They visited Longview ISD schools and shared their project with them.

According to Sue Wilson, principal of Hudson Pep, her students after listening to the LIMBS presentation, they applied the knowledge in Mathematics, Social Studies and Writing. Furthermore the students moved beyond analysis and synthesized the project –started thinking of how they can make a difference.

The character traits learned in Hudson Pep include altruism and this was an opportunity to put it into practice hence Ms. Alison Campbell 4th grade class single handedly raised $1,100 for LIMBS. Hudson Pep out raised every Longview ISD campus includingLongview high school. Hudson Pep raised a total of $4,000 earning them a SUPER HERO for LIMBS International.

LIMBS International formerly known as LEGS (LeTourneau Engineering Global Solutions) started in 2004 with Dr. Roger Gonzalez andLetourneauUniversitysenior biomedical engineering students who designed and constructed a low-cost knee. The project has grown into an international organization equipping and changing the lives of amputees all over the world.

Congratulations Principal Sue Wilson and Hudson Pep. Super Heroes.

www.LIMBS.org

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LETU enrollment is up

September 24, 2012

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LeTourneau University’s 12th class day enrollment for Fall 2012 revealed a growth of six percent in the total number of traditional students over last year with a total of 1,360 students over last year’s total of 1,283, according to LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford.

Much of that is due to the new class of first time in college and transfer students who totaled 439, which is one of the university’s largest incoming classes, and represents a 13.4 percent growth over last years’ incoming class of 387.  This year the university is also reporting that it has seen a 64 percent increase in international students, with 92 enrolled this year, over 56 enrolled last year.  The number of dual credit students has risen from 16 to 53.

Online enrollment is the highest ever, totaling 1,067 students, which is up from 1,025 last year.   LETU’s online program was ranked the number one online program for 2011 among ChristianCollegesand Universities by www.TheBestColleges.org. The ranking website also ranked LETU 22nd among all secular and private colleges and universities that offer online programs in the nation.

Grad school enrollments are also up with 393 students enrolled, over 359 last year, which is attributed to the growth in the number of graduate programs being offered, including in psychology, counseling and marriage and family therapy.  Total university enrollment is 2,843.

Retention is also up at LETU.  The university is reporting that its one-year retention rate of 79 percent is the highest it has seen in over a decade, and the overall retention rate is 89 percent, which rose significantly since last year’s 82.9 percent.

“Anytime a university achieves a one-year retention rate of nearly 80 percent, it makes a clear statement from students that their experience at LeTourneau is outstanding and that the value of their investment is worthy,” Lunsford said.

LETU ranks as the top private university for producing classroom teachers in Texas.  The school was ranked again this year in the top tier nationally in its category in the 2013 U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings ofAmerica’s Best Colleges.  LETU was also listed among the 2013 Best Engineering Schools.

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Good Shepherd offers driver evaluation, retraining program

September 24, 2012

TS Driving simulation center

Officials at Good Shepherd Medical Center announced today they will now provide a Driver Rehabilitation Program. This Driver Evaluation and Retraining Program is provided by the Occupational Therapy Department at Good Shepherd’s Institute for Healthy Living. This service incorporates a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s overall physical abilities, visual-perceptual motor skills, reaction time, as well as a specific assessment of the patient’s ability to safely operate and maneuver a vehicle.

In order to assist in safely determining a patient’s ability to drive following an injury or illness, Good Shepherd has purchased a state-of-the-art driving simulator. This will allow therapist to accurately assess a person’s ability to return to driving without the inherent risk associated with an “on the road” evaluation.

With this on-site service, discussions regarding driving can truly be integrated into treatment planning. Physicians, patients and families will have easy, timely access to information about driving potential, and the entire team will be tuned into the specifics that are necessary prior to having an “on the road” driver evaluation.

Driver Rehabilitation Services at Good Shepherd is comprised of several components including an abilities assessment, driver evaluation and assistance with vehicle modification and adaptive equipment. An abilities assessment is used to determine if driving is an option following an injury or illness. A driver evaluation may be used and based on abilities and limitations, an on-road driving evaluation may be recommended. For people with various limitations with access and driving, Good Shepherd’s Occupational Therapists work with local vendors to select appropriate vehicle modification and adaptive equipment.

For more information about Good Shepherd Medical Center’s Driving program  and all of our products and services offered, please call the Good Shepherd Healthy Hotline at (903) 315-GSHS (4747) or toll free at (888) 784-GSHS.

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ETMC invites breast cancer survivors

September 18, 2012

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The ETMC Breast Care Center is holding a free, one-day retreat for breast cancer survivors on Friday, Oct. 5, featuring breast cancer survivor Sherry Waldrip as guest speaker.

The ETMC Pink Ribbon Getaway will be held at the ETMC Pavilion,801 Clinic Drive, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the conference concluding at 2 p.m. The conference is supported by Junior League of Tyler, Susan G. Komen For the Cure®, Coldwater Creek, JCPenney and the ETMC Foundation.

The event will feature topics such as a physician panel discussion, nutrition tips, lymphedema management and door prizes. Coldwater Creek will present a fashion show.

The keynote luncheon speaker, Sherry Waldrip is the author of the award-winning book, I Don’t Remember Signing up for Cancer! and is a member of Toastmaster’s International.

Attendance for the retreat is limited.  Please contact Sandy Campbell for a registration form or with questions at 903-535-6302 or email slcampbell@etmc.org

 

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