Carrying extra body poundage increases your odds of suffering arthritis of hips and knees as you age, a study at the Lund University in Lund, Sweden reveals.

While age, sex, level of physical activity, and smoking history can increase one’s chances for osteoarthritis, researchers found that high body mass index is the highest risk factor among them. The research, presented at the American College of Rheumatology in San Francisco last month, shows that an extra weight of 30 percent already increases your odds for osteoarthritis by 60 percent. Further increase in body mass also increases the size of risk.

Understanding the relationship between obesity and arthritis

The knees and hips carry all the stress of weight of our body. The pressure around the joints increases by up to three times with each step when you walk or up to six times when you climb up or down a flight of stairs. If you weigh 150 pounds, multiply that by 3 and that’s the amount of stress your hips and knees experience when walking.

Extra pounds speed up the damage on cartilage around the joints by increasing the amount of stress that the joints must carry. Over time, fluids accumulate, the muscles become unable to protect your joints from the extra load, and the cartilage inside the joints wears down. Each movement hurts that one is often forced to limit it.

Understanding the relationship between body mass index and osteoarthritis is important in preventing the disease. Since the size of risk is commensurate to a person’s body mass index, people can lessen their risk by reducing weight. Diet and exercise are traditional ways to lose the extra pounds, but thousands who need extra help have also turned to diet aids like Xenical. Whatever your choices are, discuss with your physician the safe way to shed excess weight and maintain a healthy body weight.

“They (state health officials) said they`ve found a cluster of childhood brain cancer in the community, a semi-rural swath filled with dirt roads and private wells.

They said they don`t see any apparent cause, and that they aren`t planning environmental tests to find one.

Then, after days of criticism, they said tests are on the way.” PalmBeachPost.com

If health officials found a cluster of childhood brain cancer in Beverly Hills, the upscale community would be flooded with physicians, scientists and environmental specialists.

But Florida officials seem indifferent to the cancer cluster in The Acreage, a poor rural community. Residents are up-in-arms, and they are demanding that health officials investigate this peril to their community.

The media for the most part seems to be ignoring this story, thank goodness for local bloggers and activists who are keeping this issue alive.”

*****************************************************

There’s no good news to report about the cancer cluster in The Acreage. In the past month there have been a few heated community meetings with state health department officials, but nothing productive has emerged from those meetings.

And now a new study comes to the stunning conclusion that the cancer cluster problem isn’t confined to the Acreage.

“Now a new study reveals that the problem isn’t just in the Acreage. The study found that much of south Florida lies in a childhood cancer cluster.

‘Our findings, our collaborative research findings show that there exists a larger portion of south Florida that appears as a statistical cancer cluster,’ said Dr. Amin.” Read More

Local authorities are not taking this problem seriously, it’s time to bring in the big guns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a federal agency under the Dept. of Health and Human Services, and they should be leading the investigation.

This issue is still not getting enough attention from the press, please do all you can to help the communities in Florida that are dealing with this nightmare. Blog about this issue, send letters to the editor, contact the local radio and TV stations!
Follow Robert Paul Reyes on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertpaulreyes

ALL-COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL ART EXHIBITION
See the future of art when the St. Johns All-County High School Art Exhibition opens at 5 p.m. at the St. Augustine Art Association, 22 Marine Street. The exhibit, which runs through March 26, showcases the work of superior high school art students from throughout the county. Awards will be presented on Sunday at 2 p.m. during the opening of the Art Association’s Clay, Collage and Cutting Edge show. Admission is free. For more information, call 904.806.3921.

GO FLY A KITE!
Painted kites add a new dimension to First Friday Art Walk when an exhibit created jointly by Flagler College artists and students at Osceola and Murray Middle Schools opens at 5 p.m. at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum on the Flagler Campus. For more information, call 904.806.3921.

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park presents a special evening for kids ages 5-12. From 6 to 10 p.m., they can enjoy pizza, drinks, hands-on animal presentations, twilight zoo tour, crafts, games and lots of fun! $30 per child. Call 904.824.3337 ext. 10

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: March 5-7
THE SACK OF ST. AUGUSTINE: CAPT. ROBERT SEARLE’S RAID OF 1668
Re-live a horrendous day in 1668 when Capt. Robert Searle and his privateers sailed from Jamaica to loot the silver ingots held in the royal coffers at St. Augustine. Friday through Sunday, the raiders will have an encampment set up at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park on Magnolia Drive, where visitors can experience authentic 17th century arms, equipment and food. On Saturday, the buccaneers will proceed to the Plaza de la Constitucion where at 5 p.m. they will attack Spanish soldiers and St. Augustine citizens. Townspeople and soldiers flee up St. George Street to the Redoubt at Orange and Cordova Streets in the Historic District. For more information, call 904.534.6168, visit Searle’s Buccaneers.

Friday and Saturday: March 5 & 6
WILD DREAMS - DISCOVERING HENRY FLAGLER
See Henry Flagler brought to life in this critically-acclaimed performance by Paul Jellinek. In Wild Dreams, Henry Flagler tells the story of his development of St. Augustine as a world class resort destination, his work with John D. Rockefeller, the expansion of his empire to the Keys - even the story of his three marriages. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. at the San Marco Theater across from Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in St. Augustine. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 children. For more information, call 904.429.0280.

Friday and Sunday: March 5 & 7
ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE
Come listen to the St. Augustine Community Orchestra’s spring performance of It’s Good To Be King. The first performance will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday in the pool area of Lightner Museum located at 25 Granada Street in St. Augustine. The encore performance will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Switzerland Community Church located at 2179 State Road 13 in Switzerland. Admission is a $10 donation per person, children 12 and under free. For more information, visit St. Augustine Community Orchestra.

Saturday: March 6
THE MOODY BLUES AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Come see the band that is best known for their fusion of orchestral sound with rock and roll. For over four decades the Moody Blues have lit up the hearts of fans with anthems like Nights in White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon, and I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band). The Moody Blues will perform one night only at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, located on A1A in St. Augustine. Tickets are $39 - $79 each. For tickets and more information, visit St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

PONTE VEDRA AND THE CIVIL WAR
Visit the 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry as they set up their Civil War camp at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library, 101 Library Boulevard. The camp opens at 10 a.m. and there’s a formal presentation at 2 p.m. For more information, call 904.827.6950.

NATURE PROGRAM AT ANASTASIA STATE PARK
Come learn about the different species of plants and animals that live among the unique ecosystems of Anastasia State Park. The program takes place at the Park’s Wind Surf Pavilion. The program is free with paid admission to the park. Anastasia State Park is located at 1340 A1AS, St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.461.2033.

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to Government House Museum, the Lightner Museum, the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, the Spanish Military Hospital Museum and the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House and the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum. (donations are welcomed)…

For more information on events and activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.Getaway4Florida.com or call 1.800.653.2489.

Kids up to 10 years of age are invited to make a pig out of recycled materials and bring the pig into their neighborhood Woody’s Bar-B-Q™. Each entry will be entered into the Grand Prize competition. Participating Woody’s restaurants will be choosing a local winner and sending a photo of the winning pig to the corporate office. Every local winner will be qualified to be in the GRAND PRIZE computer contest.

CONTEST RULES:
Contest runs March 1 – May 31, 2010
Kids up to 10 years of age eligible to win the Grand Prize ACER Netbook Computer
Submit a recycled material pig to local Woody’s Bar-B-Q™ restaurant
Include Name, Telephone, Address, Email

All entries will be prominently displayed in neighborhood Woody’s

Each local winner will be entered in the GRAND PRIZE DRAWING – with winner chosen on June 7, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida

With 40+ locations in Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia South and North Carolina, Woody’s Bar-B-Q® has become a legendary family-owned Southern dining treasure recognized for its smokin’ family-friendly restaurant, full-service catered events, traditional slow-smoked meats and secret recipe Bar-B-Q sauces. One of the fastest growing restaurant franchises in the nation, Woody and Yolanda have always given generously to support community projects and fundraisers throughout the chain’s network.

Media Inquiries: Tammy Poudrier, Director of Marketing
(904) 992-0556 Ex. 30
tammy@woodysbarbq.com
www.woodys.com

WHEN: FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010, Show starts at 7:00 pm

WHERE: ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE, 1340 C A1A SOUTH, ST. AUGUSTINE FL 32080

ON SALE: FRIDAY MARCH 5th AT 10:00 AM

PRICES: Tickets are $69.50, $64.50, $57.50, $47.50 & $37.50

Ticket link http://www.ticketmaster.com/St-Augustine-Amphitheatre-tickets-St-Augustine/venue/279079

For more concert & venue related information, please contact:

Dan Larson – St. Johns Cultural Events Division 904 209 0366 dlarson@sjcfl.us

OTHER SJC EVENTS ON SALE

FRIDAY MARCH 12 CHRIS TOMLIN

FRI, SAT, & SUN MARCH 12-14 HARVEST OF HOPE FESTIVAL

SUNDAY MARCH 12 SOUTHERN EXPOSURE FESTIVAL

SATURDAY MARCH 6 THE MOODY BLUES – SOLD OUT

FRIDAY MARCH 19 ARETHA FRANKLIN

TUESDAY APRIL 27 MY MORNING JACKET

FRIDAY APRIL 30- MAY 2 GAMBLE ROGERS FOLK FESTIVAL

SATDAY MARCH 6 RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL – STARR BAND

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ST. AUGUSTINE SHOWS:
3/12/10 - Harvest Of Hope Festival @ St. Augustine Fairgrounds - St. Augustine, FL
3/13/10 - Harvest Of Hope Festival @ St. Augustine Fairgrounds - St. Augustine, FL
3/14/10 - Harvest Of Hope Festival @ St. Augustine Fairgrounds - St. Augustine, FL

Bloomington, IN-based alt. country singer-songwriter Austin Lucas is hitting the road in support of his latest full-length, “Somebody Loves You” (Suburban Home Records). An eleven-track collection of true confessionals, cathartic wisdom, and heartbreak at the end of the tunnel, Lucas lives and breathes his music, as will the listener.

With the heart of a lion and the insight of a road warrior that has toured not only this nation countless times, but several other continents and countries, Lucas delivers his songs with momentum and vigor, making sure every word - and melody - counts and isn’t lost on the listener.

TOUR DATES:

2/24/10 - High Dive - Seattle, WA
2/28/10 - Hawthorne Bar - Portland, OR
3/04/10 - Static Age Records - Asheville, NC
3/11/10 - Will’s Pub - Orlando, FL
3/12/10 - Harvest Of Hope Festival @ St. Augustine Fairgrounds - St. Augustine, FL
3/13/10 - Harvest Of Hope Festival @ St. Augustine Fairgrounds - St. Augustine, FL
3/14/10 - Harvest Of Hope Festival @ St. Augustine Fairgrounds - St. Augustine, FL
3/23/10 - White Water Tavern - Little Rock, AR

Born in Bloomington, Indiana, AUSTIN LUCAS was taught how to sing by his musician father Robert Lucas before he could even speak. At home or in the car, his family would sing and make music, traveling during the summer months to folk, bluegrass, and old-time music festivals where his father would perform every year.

As Austin became old enough to attend school, he also attended the Indiana University Children’s Choir to hone his gift of singing. In spite of working under the program for 6 years ­ performing in 3 operas and dozens of classical choral pieces ­ he never learned to love or appreciate his studies until much later in his life.

At 12, Austin removed himself from the choir in search of louder and faster music, and it was in the punk and hardcore scene where Austin found himself and has remained for the last 16 years. Having played in crust and grind bands such as RUNE and TWENTYTHIRD CHAPTER, as well as technical punk outfit K10 PROSPECT, Austin had called Praha, Czech Republic home splitting his time touring solo and playing guitar in the Orc-core Crust band GUIDED CRADLE. However, as many will infinitely attest, it is truly Austin’s skillful and soulful homage to his country and bluegrass roots that leave all listening audiences haunted with a stirring sense of amazement.

Austin released “Putting The Hammer Down” on Magic Bullet Records, his second album. On it, you’ll find 8 songs harkening the rich heritage and tradition of great American country and folk music past, rounded out by the strong DIY ethic and punk progressiveness that played a large part in shaping Austin over the years. In the end, you’re left with an album that reaches across generational and genre lines in a way that few artists could ever dream of or hope for.

Koos Gijsman of Heaven Magazine said of “Putting the Hammer Down,” The carefully cultivated crust of our society is blown to smithers with the stroke of a sledge hammer. Like an Americana punk variation on Kafka alienation and general collapse of modern mankind are put into strong lyrics, and all of this in a voice that tears open the earth. Between the opening chorus My breath is a hammer/ My insides are taxed like an anvil/ My heartbeat’s a tremor/ And I have not love but for nicotine and the closing verse I was cursing the flaws of my ignorance and youth a textual and musical zenith in light music unfolds in our still so young century. Austin Lucas recently collaborated with Chuck Ragan on the incredible album, “Bristle Ridge”. Austin said of the recording, As most folks know this is a collaboration between myself and chuck ragan but really it was such a combined effort from both of us as well as my father bob, jon gaunt and digger barnes.. I think everyone put in 150% and it really shows on the performances in the songs, especially my dad who was the engineer as well as sometime musical director and full time band member. We are all so very proud of this record and I hope that when you folks finally get a chance to listen to it you will be able to hear how much love and respect and fun went into the creation of it.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ALEX STEININGER AT IN MUSIC WE TRUST - 503-557-9661 OR ALEX@INMUSICWETRUST.COM.

Complete with a video featuring couples who describe their own discovery of the destination’s romantic charms, RomanceLivesHere.com has special offers on getaway accommodations. These include cozy bed and breakfast inns such as the Carriage Way, St. George Inn and St. Francis Inn, as well as a special offer from the beautiful Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront. Across the bay in St. Augustine Beach, the gorgeous Castillo Real provides the perfect getaway just 200 steps from the beach. For those who want to experience the ultimate in seaside luxury, the prestigious AAA Five-Diamond-rated Ponte Vedra Inn and Club has an offer that is sure to inspire couples.

Want to mix in some golf with romance? At World Golf Village, both the spectacular Renaissance Resort and the Comfort Suites now have special getaway offers for people who are passionate about golf…and romance. Plus, the Sawgrass Golf Resort and Spa, a Marriott Resort, provides an appealing getaway to one of Florida’s premier golf destinations — Ponte Vedra Beach. For details on these and other offers, simply go to RomanceLivesHere.com.

The St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau provides a wealth of information for planning a visit, including details on attractions, dining, accommodations and much more. To visit their website, click HERE. In addition, a free, full color, 64-page vacation guide to this special part of Florida may be obtained by calling 1.800.653.2489.

The 491st birthday of don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the founder of the City of St. Augustine, will be celebrated on Saturday, February 27, with a lavish Noche de Gala featuring re-enactors and guests wearing authentic 16th century clothing, an impressive banquet and a colorful ball.

The celebration will begin at 5 p.m. at the ancient City Gate at the north end of St. George Street. Led by re-enactors, Noche de Gala guests will proceed to the Lightner Museum in a royal procession. At the Lightner, they will celebrate the birthday of Menendez at a cocktail reception followed by dinner and dancing in the museum’s beautiful ballroom.

Menendez, the Spanish admiral who founded St. Augustine on September 8, 1565, will be portrayed by Chaz Mena who is best known for his role as Judge Montaldo on NBC’s Law and Order. Last year, Mena presented a stunningly authentic performance as Menendez at a First Florida presentation in St. Augustine. At Noche de Gala, he will interact with the crowd gathered to celebrate his birthday. His noble bearing, exuberance and surprising sense of humor is guaranteed to both entertain and educate attendees.

Attire for guests is 16th century costume or black tie. Tickets are available for $185 per person for the full evening celebration or $50 for the cocktail reception only. Proceeds will benefit the City of St. Augustine’s historic preservation efforts. For reservations, call 904.825.5033. For more details on Noche de Gala, click here.

“Miracle in Rwanda” is a one woman show and features Leslie Lewis Sword who brilliantly transforms herself into a host of characters to tell the powerful story of Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza, a real life messenger of hope.

Sword is a performer and writer who traveled to Rwanda with Immaculée to develop the unique piece of theater. The return of Immaculée to Rwanda was the subject of a 60 Minutes television feature, bringing international attention to the story.

According to Sword, Immaculée’s family was brutally murdered during the three-month slaughter that began in April 1994. However, Immaculée managed to survive. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently and cramped together in an undiscovered extra bathroom in a local pastor’s home. Immaculée’s terror escalated as hundreds of machete-wielding killers searched the house repeatedly for her without success, determined to find and butcher her. Ultimately, Immaculée moves beyond intense fear and rage, to find a deeper connection to God than she ever thought possible.

The story is crafted by Sword and the play’s co-creator Edward Vilga. The show features an uplifting message of forgiveness and compassion and chronicles the dramatic events through the interior life of Immaculée. The message is one of personal empowerment, of overcoming all obstacles through the power of faith, and ultimately finding peace of mind amidst unbelievable hardship and her ability to forgive.

The production premiered at TheatreZone in Naples, Florida along with a triumphant New York City run which inspired a world tour on five continents.

According to Marguerite Mumford, Paul Davis Restoration of North Florida owner, as part of St. Gerard’s ongoing fundraising campaign, the Paul Davis Restoration office in Jacksonville will donate $5,000 to underwrite the show production and to support St. Gerard Campus.

St. Gerard Campus, founded in 1981, is located at 1405 U.S. 1 South in St. Augustine, Fl. and provides an on-location high school, on-site day care, and a dormitory program for young, unwed pregnant women and mothers. The non-profit focuses on a three-step process of individualized, professional services for clients who qualify for the program. St. Gerard also provides free pregnancy testing, along with food and clothing for those in need. A 24-hour hot line, plus professional counseling is available for those who need spiritual, medical, or emotional advice. For more information, visit the website at www.stgerardcampus.org or call toll free 800.833.6073.

“We applaud those who support St. Gerard Campus and will continue to raise much needed funds for the teen moms have put forth the effort while they strive to turn their lives around. Upon graduation from the accredited on-campus high school, many of these young women will continue their education at local academic institutions,” said Mumford.

About Edward Vilga, Director & Co-Creator: Edward Vilga directs and co-created MIRACLE IN RWANDA with Leslie Lewis Sword. Recent credits include writing and directing the feature film DEAD BROKE (released by Warner Brothers DVD, starring Paul Sorvino, Jill Hennessy, John Glover, Tony Roberts, and Justin Theroux). Vilga has had five books published, including a best-selling line of books and DVDs about accessible yoga that have has been translated into seven languages. Mr. Vilga’s history with the Ohio Theater is highlighted by producing the Obie-Winning NYC premiere of Susan Miller’s MY LEFT BREAST, along with a dozen other plays. He is a Yale graduate.

About Paul Davis Restoration: Paul Davis has been a leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration services since 1966. As a national full-service restoration expert, Paul Davis Restoration has franchise office locations throughout North America. Visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com.