Alive and Well

Spending quality time with 'Hawkeye' and 'Hot Lips'

The Quincy Community Theater's production
of M*A*S*H will be performed from Thursday,
May 15 through Sunday, May 18.
(Photo Courtesy of Cathy Gooding)

I got to spend some quality time with a few of my favorite doctors last weekend.

Capt. Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce. Capt. John “Trapper John” McIntyre. Capt. Augustus Bedford “Duke” Forrest.

I’m talking, of course, about watching Quincy Community Theatre’s production of “M*A*S*H,” which was, in the words of guest director David I.L. Poole, “funny, thought-provoking, entertaining and timeless.”

The evening took me back to my childhood sitting in front of the TV watching Hawkeye, Trapper John, Frank Burns, Hot Lips Houlihan and the other doctors and nurses of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Korea. I remember laughing at their escapades and crying during heart-wrenching moments.

When I was a bit older, I discovered the amazing 1970 Robert Altman film with Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould and Tom Skerritt (my favorite!) in the roles of Hawkeye, Trapper John and Duke, respectively. (Why Duke didn’t make it into the TV show is a mystery.)

Anyway, it was a real treat getting reacquainted with these characters, and Quincy Community Theatre did a fantastic job.

I particularly enjoyed watching Quincy physician, Dr. Jim Hayashi, who portrayed the happy-go-lucky, easygoing Lt. Col. Henry Braymore Blake. Hayashi says in the stagebill that his father and “Hawkeye” were his two main inspirations for going to medical school. It must have been thrilling for him to be part of such a production. An added treat, I’m sure, was being able to share the stage with his son, Daniel, who portrayed the Korean houseboy, Ho-Jon.

Thanks go out to Hayashi and the other cast members — some QCT veterans and some new to Quincy’s stage — for their talent, for bringing back fond memories and for reminding us that M*A*S*H remains relevant.

To catch the production, shows are at 8 p.m. tonight through Saturday (May 15-17) and 2 p.m. Sunday (May 18). Call the box office at 222-3209 for ticket information.

Share your favorite M*A*S*H memories on this blog, and vote for your favorite character on our poll.

Child safety checklist: Are you doing all you can to protect your kids?

Jan Hummel, the Safe Kids Adams County coordinator, is an incredible advocate for children. She works tirelessly to spread the word about potential dangers for children and how to prevent accidental injuries — whether that's promoting child seat safety checks, talking about the importance of bike helmets or educating the public about smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Jan's work — and that of others involved in Safe Kids Adams County and the nationwide Safe Kids organization — is paying off. The accidental injury death rate in kids 14 and under has declined by 45 percent since 1987. Yet a comprehensive report shows that too many parents don't take child safety as seriously as they should.

"This drop in kids' accidental deaths gives us thousands of reasons to celebrate — one for every single child that was saved from serious or fatal injury," Jan said. "But we're still losing too many kids in this country. All of us can do more to create a safer environment for the kids of our community."

The report shows that just 58 percent of parents feel that serious injury to their child is a major concern, and that even when parents take action to protect their children, they're not always taking the right steps every time. For example, 31 percent of parents do not consistently ensure their kids ride in the back seat all the time; 24 percent don't consistently supervise their kids around water; and just 18 percent with kids under age 10 cross the street with an adult.

Are you properly protecting your kids?

Take a look at this checklist:

• I ensure that my children under age 13 are properly secured in a back seat of a car for every ride.
• I make sure to keep my children in the right type of car seat or booster seat until the adult lap shoulder belts fit them correctly.
• I make sure that my children wear a helmet and other protective gear every time they bike, skate, skateboard or ride a scooter.
• I teach my children to cross streets at corners and look left, right and left again before crossing.
• I make sure that children under age 10 always cross streets with an adult.
• I always keep my eyes on my children when they are playing in or near water.
• I always make sure my children wear life jackets when riding on boats or playing in or near open bodies of water.
• I have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed on every level of my home and outside of every sleeping area. I change the batteries once a year, and test the alarm every month.
• I do not place blankets, pillows or other soft items in a baby's crib.
• I keep small items such as toy parts, coins, buttons and beads away from children under age 3.
• I keep poisonous items, such as medicines and cleaners, locked away and out of reach of children.
• I do not let children play on stairs, furniture, balconies, roofs or in driveways, streets or parking lots.

If you didn't answer yes to all of the items, make a change and do everything you can to keep your children safe.

Tea for two — a simple but thoughtful Mother's Day celebration

Susan Asher — known to many around here as the “tea lady” — has the recipe for a simple, yet beautiful, Mother’s Day.

Start with you and your mom — or another woman in your life who has been like a mom. Mix in thoughtful conversation, two teacups, and a soothing, steaming pot of tea.

“Give her a call and enjoy the company of the woman who is special to you,” Asher says.

Don’t know the first thing about making tea? Don’t fret. Asher, who owns Thyme-out Tea Parties in Quincy, provides an easy way to make the perfect cup.

“Always start with cold water, and bring water to a rolling boil,” she says.

If you’re using loose tea, start with one teaspoon of loose tea per cup. Add more or less to taste. If you’re using tea bags, use one bag per two cups. It takes three to five minutes to brew loose black tea; three minutes for loose oolong and green tea; and three minutes for tea bags.

If you want to toss in a high-quality flavored loose tea as a gift, Asher sells gourmet black teas flavored with peach, orchid and vanilla, rose or lavender, jasmine green tea, chai or new red teas flavored with chocolate and vanilla.

Of course, you can’t have tea without cookies or scones. Here’s one of Asher’s favorite homemade scone recipes:

2 cups all purpose flour
3 Tblsp sugar
2 1/2 teas baking powder
1/4 teas baking soda
2 teas grated orange peel
1 stick butter
1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.); optional to add 1/3 cup chocolate chips
1 egg, slightly beaten
6-8 Tblsp Half & Half
1 egg, slightly beaten

Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and orange peel. Cut butter into flour mixture until it resembles fine crumbs. Stir in raisin (dried fruit), 1 egg and just enough Half & Half so dough leaves sides of bowl. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead lightly 10 times. Shape into nine-inch circle. Place onto cookie sheet and cut into 12 wedges. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle sugar on top. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with butter or Devonshire cream and jam.

Unwanted newborn? Don't toss it in the trash

When Wesley Falker went to throw his grass clippings in a yard waste bin in the alley behind his St. Louis home on Monday night, he heard the sounds of a whimpering newborn.

Neighbors helped the man rescue the baby boy, who was wrapped in a wet and dirty white towel, his umbilical cord still intact.

This story isn’t shocking because we’ve heard similar ones all too often — newborns discarded, perhaps by scared young women, in trash bins, in a vacant lot, on a brush patch, in toilets.

The baby found Monday, fortunately, was alive and taken to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where he was listed in good condition. He likely will be adopted by a loving family. But had Falker not had any clippings to throw in the bin, the outcome would have been more tragic.

I understand that parents who commit these acts are likely under extraordinary stress and may feel that they have no other option.

They do.

In Illinois, the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protect Act allows a parent or parents of an infant 7 days old or younger to give up their parental rights and leave the baby at a safe haven anonymously and without fear of arrest.

Safe havens are hospitals and staffed police and fire stations. The infant receives a physical examination and any needed medical care and is placed with an adoption agency.

Missouri has a similar safe haven law. In fact, all 50 states now have safe haven provisions; Nebraska and Alaska were the final two states to enact laws in February, according to the National Safe Haven Alliance.

While establishing a traditional adoption plan through a private or public adoption agency or choosing to parent the child is preferable, at least these laws gives a parent who might be under extraordinary stress another option.

And best of all, the safe haven laws save precious lives and, potentially, bring great joy to those who want nothing more than to provide a loving home for a child.

For confidential information about safe haven laws or for help, call a national toll free hotline at (888) 510-2229 or go to www.nationalsafehavenalliance.org or www.saveabandonedbabies.org.

'Betty' is a girl's best friend, a woman in-the-know

I just came across a fanstastic new Web site for women.

It’s called BettyConfidential.com. Check it out.

The Web site, which launched in March, provides a place for women ages 25 to 49 to connect, get inspired and talk about their lives.

“I am so proud that we are a primarily women-run business and that many of the women on our team have newborn and young children. I think we will prove to be a dynamic force for others looking to strike that balance between a fulfilling career and the pulls of motherhood,” says Deborah Perry Piscione, BettyConfidential.com’s co-founder, CEO and editor-in-chief, who is the proud mom of 3-year-old twin boys and who just gave birth to a baby girl less than two weeks ago.

But you don’t have to be a mom to enjoy this Web site. In addition to discussions on parenting, you’ll find tons of information on dating, careers, marriage, friendship, health, politics, style, travel and more.

It has a “bettyTalk” discussion forum, polls and other interactive features. Women also have opportunities to ask questions of various experts.

“I think Betty is poised to serve as a real source of support to women in all stages of life,” said April Daniels Hussar, managing editor.

The Web site was founded by Piscione, a bestselling author and television commentator, and Internet entrepreneur Shaun Marsh. CNN’s Soledad O’Brien serves as chairman of the Advisory Board.

Kudos to all involved with the project. It’s sure to become a gathering place for women. I’m already hooked.

Insulin pumps and teens: Parental oversight critical

Don't stop using insulin pumps
without first talking with
your child's physician.

Do you have a teenager with Type 1 diabetes who uses an insulin pump?

If so, the Food and Drug Administration wants you to be vigilant in watching your children’s use of the pumps, because they have been linked to injuries and even deaths.

An Associated Press story today highlights a federal review of insulin pump use by young people over a decade. The review found 13 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries connected with the pumps. At times, the devices malfunctioned. But other times, teens were careless or took risks.

“Parental oversight and involvement are important. Certainly teenagers don’t always consider the consequences,” said the FDA’s Dr. Judith Cope, lead author of the analysis.

But don’t stop using the pumps without first talking with your child’s physician.

The FDA stopped sort of advising against using the pumps. But it called for more study to address safety concerns in teens and even younger children who use the devices.

Insulin pumps are the size of a cell phone and worn on a belt or pocket. They are popular because they allow young people to live more normal lives, giving themselves insulin discreetly in public.

The pumps send insulin into the body through a plastic tube with a small tip that inserts under the skin and is taped in place. Users must tell the device how much insulin to give before each meal, based on the estimated carbohydrates in the meal. The devices also deliver a continuous low level of insulin.

If your child uses an insulin pump, let me know. I’d love to talk with parents about the use of these devices.

Remembering Dr. Sutherland: Straight-forward and sincere

Funeral services for Dr. James W. Sutherland, one of the few remaining independent physicians in Quincy, were held Monday morning. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Sutherland, a urologist who was still in practice at 709 Broadway, died last Thursday at Blessing Hospital. He was 86.

I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Sutherland on a couple of occasions, and those meetings have stayed with me because of his engaging personality, his sense of humor, his straight-forward answers and his sincere dedication to his profession and his patients.

He was a strong advocate for cancer screening, which was evident each year when he promoted free prostate cancer screenings at his office during Prostate Cancer Awareness Week.

Sutherland was amazed at men’s blase attitude toward early detection of prostate cancer, and even their lack of interest in the free screenings.

“You have to drag them in here kicking and screaming,” he told me during one interview.

He would always laugh and say that if women could tolerate what they do for breast cancer and gynecological cancer screenings, then men could surely put up with a little discomfort during a prostate cancer exam.

He rarely minced words, and that was part of his charm.

He will be missed.

Are you an early riser? Try 'Jog and Java' on Saturday mornings

Well, anyone who knows me knows that getting up for a 6 a.m. run is out of the question, but some of you early risers enjoy a morning jog.

If you do, think about joining the Heartland Road Runners and Walkers Club for its “Jog and Java” session on Saturday.

A group of runners meets at 6 every Saturday morning in front of Washington Perk, 428 Maine, for a social run. Everyone is welcome — members and non-members alike.

After about an hour of jogging — five miles or so — the group returns to Washington Perk for coffee, a muffin and conversation. If you’re a beginner or a slow runner, don’t worry.

“We run at all speeds and do not leave anyone behind,” said Charlie Bach, a Jog and Java regular, in a recent e-mail to other club members. “Come out on Saturday and enjoy the company of other runners.”

In addition to a nice, relaxing run, Jog and Java gives runners a chance to talk with others who share their passion. Plus, you can’t beat a Cafe Mocha, or whatever kind of Joe you like, to get your day started.

Unless of course you’re like me.

I’ll still be snuggled under my covers on Saturday morning. My jog and java will have to wait until later in the day.

What are little boys made of? Cereal and bananas?

If you’re planning to have a baby and REALLY, REALLY want a boy, think about eating cereal — with banana slices on top.

New research from scientists at Britan’s Oxford and Exeter universities suggests that what a woman eats before pregnancy influences the gender of her baby.

And the old wives’ tale that eating bananas increases the chances of having a baby boy just may be true. Compared with the women who had girls, those who had boys ate an additional 300 milligrams of potassium daily on average.

Other findings:

• Eat cereal: Of the 740 women in the study who ate cereals daily, 59 percent had boys, compared with only 43 percent who bore boys in the group eating less than a bowl per week. And don’t forget the milk. The study shows that more calcium boosts the chances of giving birth to a boy.

• Don’t skip meals: Male embryos aren’t likely to survive in lab cultures with low sugar levels, and skipping meals can result in low blood sugar levels.

• Don’t skimp on calories: Researchers said that a higher calorie intake prior to conception can increase the chances of having a son from 10 to 11 boys in every 20 births. Women who had boys ate about 400 calories more daily than those who had girls, on average. (But researchers don’t recommend pigging out if you want a boy or starving yourself if you want a girl, because neither eating habit is healthy.)

So, all you moms out there with boys, what did you eat prior to your pregnancy? Do you have any suggestions for our readers who are thinking about bringing a bundle of joy into the world?

And let’s not forget about girls. (Who wants a silly boy, anyway!) Do any of you have old wives’ tales about what can boost the chances of giving birth to a girl?

Congratulations!

Just a quick post to say job well done to Mary Lynne Richards of Hannibal, Mo., and Mark Aleman of Quincy, who just finished the prestigious Boston Marathon today.

It's accomplishment enough to finish any marathon, but Boston is THE marathon, and these athletes deserve a pat on the back. (Although they'd probably prefer a nice massage right about now.)

Richards, 45, finished with a time of 3:53:44; Aleman, 46, with a time of 4:13:11.

In addition, Mike Cahill, 29, of Rushville, crossed the finish line at 3:01:12; Christopher Trone, 51, of Rushville finished at 3:42:59; and Douglas Huff, 59, of Macomb at 3:40:49.

Great job all!

For more information, go to www.bostonmarathon.org. And check back here later in the week for updates.