The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/103825
A-6 Wednesday, January 16, 2013 Monica's Meals Minutes in Meal for two: Tater Tot Taco Salad By Monica Sinclair I love taco salad. I get all of the good taste of a taco with having the messiness of the shell. This week's recipe is for two. It gives a new twist to the taco salad using tater tots instead of a taco shell, which will help fill you up. Enjoy! If you have any ques- t ions or comments, send them to : Monica's Meals in Minutes, PO Box 68, Petersburg, IN 47567 or email them to mealsinminutes@pressdispatch.net. Ingredients you'll need: 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives 1 cup shredded lettuce 2 tablespoons taco sauce 1/4 cup sour cream Source: tasteofhome.com 2 cups frozen miniature Tater Tots 1/2 pound ground beef 2 tablespoons taco seasoning 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Directions: 3. Stir in taco seasoning. 1.Bake Tater Tots Divide Tater Tots according to package between two serving directions. plates or bowls. 2.Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over 4.Top with taco mixture, medium heat until no cheese, olives, lettuce, talonger pink; drain. co sauce and sour cream. The Press-Dispatch State to change school vaccination policy next year By Alden Heuring After outbreaks of chicken pox in Indiana, the state is requiring a second dose of chicken pox vaccine for all kids entering kindergarten. The state is also recommending parents to give their kids a second dose of Hepatitis A (Hep A) vaccine as they enter kindergarten, and a booster shot of meningococcal conjugate (MCV4) vaccine as they enter their junior year of high school. Winslow Elementar y school nurse Vicki Oxby said that while only the additional chicken pox (also known as varicella) shot is now required, the recommended Hep A and MCV4 shots will more than likely be required in the 20142015 school year. Pike County health nurse Amy Gladish said the new requirement will mostly affect kids who will be in third through fifth grade right now. "Some of those kids may already have the second dose of the vaccine," Glad- ish said. However, she said while the second dose of chicken pox vaccine was already a requirement for grades 6 through 12 and kindergarten through second grade, the window between grades three and five only required one dose. "They [the state] were going to work them in a year at a time, but because of the outbreaks they went ahead and required the second dose," she said. While most kids who have had only one dose of chicken pox vaccine will need a second shot before the 2013-2014 school year, there is another way. The memo on new vaccination changes sent out by the state says that "evidence of immunity" can stand in the place of a vaccination. In other words, kids who have already caught chicken pox may be able to waive their second vaccination. "For varicella, physician documentation of disease history, including month and year, is proof of im- munity for children entering preschool through fifth grade," the memo states. "A signed statement from the parent or guardian indicating history of disease, including the month and year, is required for children in grades 6 through 12." Oxby said that while vaccination requirements can be confusing, she and the other nurses in Pike County are willing to help. "We always recommend parents to call with any questions," she said. "We will send information home in the elementary schools. We will also be putting the information on our websites for parents." Parents with questions about vaccinating their kids can call their school nurse for more information. Petersburg Elementary: 812-354-6876 Winslow Elementary: 812-789-2209 Otwell Elementary: 812354-2600 Pike Central Middle/ High: 812-354-8478 List of required vaccinations ('13-'14) An * indicates a recommended (not required) number of vaccine doses. 3 to 5 years old: 3 Hepatitis B (Hep B) 4 Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) 3 Inactivated Polio (Polio) 1 Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) 1 Varicella Kindergarten: 3 Hep B 4 Polio* 5 DTaP 2 MMR 2 Varicella 2 Hepatitis A (Hep A)* Grades 1 to 5: 3 Hep B 2 MMR 5 DTaP 2 Varicella 4 Polio Grades 6 to 10: and Pertus3 Hep B sis 5 DTaP 1 Menin4 Polio gococcal 2 MMR (MCV4) 2 Varicella 1 Tetanus Grades 11 and 12: 3 Hep B 1 Tetanus 5 DTaP and Pertus4 Polio sis 2 MMR 2 MCV4* 2 Varicella Flu-related deaths reach 21 in Indiana The number of flu-related deaths in Indiana has now reached 21. Health officials say two of the deaths occurred in individuals younger than 18 years of age. No official shortages of the influenza vaccine have been reported, state health officials say; however, it may be more difficult to find the vaccine due to the current high demand. A flu vaccine locator can be found at www.Flu.gov. Flu vac- cine can typically be found at local health departments, pharmacies and with health care providers. The 2012/13 vaccine offers protection against the three most common strains of influenza: H3N2, H1N1, and Influenza B. The H3N2 strain appears to be predominant thus far in the 2012/13 flu season. Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone six months of age or older. It is especially important for those at higher risk of complications related to the flu to get vaccinated. High risk individuals include pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses and/or compromised immune systems and the elderly. Some other tips to help protect against the spread of influenza include: • Clean. Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water. • Cover. Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm or a disposable tissue. • Contain. Stay home from school/work when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading. Health officials advise to contact your health care provider if you experience the following influenza symptoms, whether or not you have been vaccinated: Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater; headache; fatigue; cough; muscle aches; sore throat. For more information about Indiana's 2012-2013 influenza season, visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth. in.gov. Stay healthy when the sick season of sneezes and sniffles arrives Updating school sign marquee Otwell Elementary School Student Council members, Shelby Vaughn and Adair Kabrick, didn't let the muddy, sloppy yard from all the melting snow stand in their way on updating the school sign marquee. A couple of plastic bags came in handy! This is just one of the many duties Student Council members do for their school. It's Kiwanis bingo time again this Saturday, Jan. 19, at the VFW in Petersburg. Come on out and play, the fee per card is low and shutter cards are furnished, there is no need for all the paper and pens. They still play the old fashion way. Come and go as you please. The Petersburg Kiwanis Club will start bingo at 6 p.m. and go until the folks give out or the workers do but most times play till 9 or 10 p.m. Come on out and join thew fun and help us raise money to spend on the Kids Christmas and the Scholarships for Pike Central seniors each year. It's all about the kids! netedition ria on your hands as well as creating resistant bacteria that form with over-use of antibiotics and antibacterial products. • Get the flu shot. There is no vaccination to prevent the common cold, but there are immunizations that can help reduce your risk of getting the flu or help minimize its severity. Doctors' offices, clinics and even pharmacies all offer annual flu shots. • Use sanitizer on items around the house. Surfaces that are frequently touched by all members of the household should be wiped down ClearanCe 50% TO 75% off Uptown mt. carmel Two SToreS in one: full Service Baby Shop & consignment Boutique HourS: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST - New Construction - Shingle / Metal Roofing - Siding - Doors & Windows - Post Frame - Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel - Drywall Finishing - Concrete Construction - Landscaping It's the paper. Just digital. PressDispatch.net/Subscribe no job too large or too small 1107 W Broadway Street Princeton IN 47670 812-635-9158 With paid tax preparation. Valid at participating locations. Cannot be combined with other offers or used toward past services. One coupon per customer and per return. Other exclusions may apply. Void where prohibited by law. Valid 1/11-2/14/2013. with a disinfectant product. A bleach-and-water solution is an effective sanitizer. Surfaces to sanitize include phones, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, computer keyboards, faucets, toys, and countertops. • Avoid sick people. KidsHealth.org states that flu viruses and colds can travel up to 12 feet (from a sneeze or cough). Steer clear of anyone exhibiting symptoms, especially someone who is frequently sneezing or coughing. Parents should Continued on page A-7 Building a Beautiful community, one house at a time Free estimates Kiwanis Bingo this Saturday The cold weather brings with it a season of smiles, the first snowfalls and, unfortunately, cold and flu outbreaks. While everyone else is suffering, there are ways you can make it through the season unscathed. It is estimated that a billion people across North America will succumb to the cold virus this year, says Medline. Considering there is no cure for cold and flu viruses, prevention remains a person's best option at fending off cold and flu. There are different precautions to take that can help protect you against getting sick or at least reduce the frequency and severity with which cold and flu strikes. Although there is no magic pill to take that will prevent you from catching a cold or the flu, there are ways to improve your odds. • Wash your hands the right way. Washing your hands frequently remains the single-best way to keep viruses and bacteria that can make you sick from infiltrating the body. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds can effectively remove any dirt, grime and invisible invaders. • Skip antibacterial products. Because colds and the flu are the result of viruses, which are different in behavior and structure from bacteria, they will not be killed off with the use of antibacterial products. What you may succeed in doing is killing off any beneficial bacte- 812-582-2541 • PETERSBURG • www.HomesByDesignCC.com