w/ Ric Hanson

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Doctors reporting increase in “text neck”

Many people are staring down at their cell phone or tablet so much that it’s literally becoming a pain in the neck. Doctor Chris Cornett is an orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He’s reporting an increase in patients who are complaining of neck and shoulder pain. “As we’re all getting more accustomed to using mobile devices, people tend to hold their head and neck in abnormal positions for longer periods of time. That strains the muscles, joints and discs in our neck and causes people to have more postural pain in the neck,” Cornett says.

There’s no quick fix to “text neck,” but Cornett suggests changing how you hold your cell phone or other devices so they’re at eye level. “The best way to treat it is to adjust the device you’re using so it’s at a more appropriate height and really try to be aware and not hold your head in these abnormal positions,” Cornett says.

Regular exercise and having a strong, flexible back and neck will also help with abnormal muscle and skeletal stress. Cornett also suggests simply putting the phone or other device away. But, he admits to experiencing symptoms of “text neck” himself. “This is simply a newer version of postural work pain we used to see more in traditional typists or people who did clerical work,” Cornett says. “Instead of leaning over a typewriter, now people are relying more on these different types of mobile devices.”

(Radio Iowa)

Authorities in Montgomery County report the arrest Tuesday evening of a Red Oak man. 31-year old Keenan Russell Elwood was arrested at around 6:50-p.m., on a valid Montgomery County warrant for Contempt of Court/Child Support. Elwood was brought to the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center and held on $1,000 bond.

COUNTIES: BOONE-DALLAS-MADISON-UNION-RINGGOLD-

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY… …WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DES MOINES HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW…WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY. THE WINTER STORM WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

* SHORT TERM TRENDS…PERIODS OF LIGHT SNOW WILL CONTINUE ACROSS THE AREA THROUGH EARLY MORNING. WESTERN PORTIONS WILL SEE A FEW BREAKS IN THE SNOW FROM TIME TO TIME. AN ADDITIONAL INCH OR TWO OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE YET THIS MORNING.

* STORM TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS…SNOW ACCUMULATIONS FOR THE ENTIRE STORM WILL RANGE FROM 5 TO 9 INCHES ACROSS THE AREA.

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...NORTH WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 15 TO 25 MPH THIS MORNING AND MAY CAUSE MINOR BLOWING SNOW.

* IMPACTS…TRAVEL WILL REMAIN DIFFICULT DUE TO SNOW COVERED AND VERY SLICK ROADS. PERSONS SHOULD EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE AND WHILE TRAVELING THIS MORNING.

The Iowa Department of Transportation reports Interstate 80 westbound in Dallas County is completely blocked between Exit 106 (County Roads F90 and P58) and Exit 110 (US 169/US 6),  near De Soto.  All lanes are blocked due to an accident involving a semi trailer.

(DOT update from 511ia.org at 3:40-a.m.)

No injuries were reported following a two-vehicle collision late Tuesday morning, in Red Oak. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Red Oak Police were dispatched to the intersection of north 2nd Street and east Maple Street in Montgomery County. Upon arrival, officers discovered an SUV driven by 26-year old Juan Eugenio Rodriguez-Lopez, of Red Oak, had been traveling Westbound on Maple Street and was crossing the intersection when it was struck by a car, driven by 42-year old John Jimmie Herren of Red Oak. No citations were issued.

Police in Red Oak are investigating an incident of attempted burglary and theft, which was reported early Tuesday morning. Officials say Regena Schuster, of Red Oak, informed authorities that as she was leaving for work, she noticed someone had been in her car. Schuster said the center console in her vehicle was up, and items had been moved inside the vehicle. Two strands of electrical wire valued at about $150, were reported missing. It was unclear at the time of the report if any other items were missing, either from the car or Schuster’s garage.

Despite the uncertainties over how much school districts in Iowa will receive from the legislature with regard to allowable growth, the Atlantic School Board Monday night continued discussion on how their budget is shaping up. Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein said the Board is proceeding as though there will be zero percent allowable growth, but he’s still hoping for around two-to three-percent. The Iowa House has passed a two-percent allowable growth, while the Senate has approved four-percent. Amstein says he’s hoping for a “Happy medium,” and the district will receive a set allowable growth soon, which will help with the budget process.

The Iowa Legislature has been setting the statewide allowable growth rate since 1993. Before that the rate was automatically determined by a formula which examined enrollment figures, state revenue growth, inflation and economic indicators. The monies received typically are used to fund teacher salaries and benefits.

The Atlantic School Board also discussed possible Capital Improvement Projects to expand the instructional space at each of the district’s facilities. Included in the discussion, was the possibility of: Adding a new cafeteria and additional classrooms at the Washington School; a new cafeteria and commons area in the Middle School in an area between the gym and auditorium; seven new classrooms at the high school; and 11 more classrooms at Schuler Elementary. Amstein cited an increased enrollment of students in the lower grades and the district’s shrinking capacity to house all those students as they move through the grades, as the reason why expansion projects are being discussed. No action was taken during the work session however, with regard to the budget or the possible capital improvement projects.

A man who has served for nearly two years as the Middle School Principal in Atlantic has tendered his resignation, effective at the end of the school year. The Board of Education accepted the resignation of Cam Smith during their work session Monday night, in Atlantic. Superintendent Dr. Mike Amstein told KJAN News he received Smth’s resignation last Friday, and while he’s sad to see him go, he thinks Smith has done an exemplary job as Middle School Principal in Atlantic.

He points to the implementation of the PBIS, or Positive Behavior Interventions Support program, which was introduced over the past year, as an example. PBIS is a comprehensive plan includes a range of intervention strategies designed to prevent the problem behavior while teaching socially appropriate alternative behaviors. Amstein says Smith’s replacement will hopefully continue with the program and build on its positive results.

His successor will also have a challenge in staying within the budget, and continue to strive and improve student achievement. Smith is leaving Atlantic, for a Middle School Principal’s position at MOC-Floyd Valley, which puts him closer to his family. Amstein said it’s hard to fault someone for wanting to do that. Smith’s last day with the Atlantic Community School District, will be June 30th.

Cam Smith was hired by the district in April 2011. He previously was employed by the Garner-Hayfield School District, where he served as the K-through 8^th Grade Principal and Athletic Director. Smith succeeded AMS Principal Todd Roecker, who retired from the district.