Latest news with #MosesLake
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Regular screening can prevent heart attacks -- if you take the time
Aug. 6—MOSES LAKE — Heart health is nothing to take lightly. "Over the last 50 years, heart attacks have decreased almost 90% in the United States," said Dollie Jo Cloud, a nurse at Samaritan Healthcare specializing in cardiac medicine. "(It's due) to early detection, getting that preventative care." With the children of the 1970s now nearing or in their 50s, more people are realizing they don't want to follow in their parents' footsteps, gritting their teeth and working through health problems until they get too big to ignore, Cloud said. "We can live a longer, healthier life," she said. "The key is early detection, making sure we're getting screened for congenital heart disease and heart failure, eating right, exercising and just making sure that we're doing everything that we can." Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control; a person dies every 34 seconds from it. Most of those deaths were preventable, Cloud said, if people would just take the time. "We can do blood tests to make sure we're not diabetic (and) if we are, we can get on medication," she said. "We can (change) our lifestyle. We can change the way we eat. We can exercise, lose weight. If that doesn't help, there are medications out there. We can start doing a log of our blood pressure. If it's elevated, then we need to make sure we're seeing our primary care (provider)." Working out and eating healthy seem like a no-brainer, but 33% of Grant County residents 65 and over have difficulty even walking, according to the Grant County Health District. Twenty-three percent of Grant County adults 18 and over experience food insecurity and 32% are obese. Forty-two percent of adults in Grant County have not had a medical checkup in the past year, according to GCHD data. "(The mistake people make) is just not paying attention to (their health)," Cloud said. "You're hearing it, but it doesn't resonate. It's not going to happen to me. I've worked all my life and I'm healthy. I'm not feeling anything, so I'm good. And the next thing you know, they're in the ER and they've had a heart attack." A huge factor in assessing the risk is family history. According to a study published by the College of Family Physicians in Canada, if your sibling had cardiovascular disease, you're 40% more likely to have it yourself, and if one of your parents had premature cardiovascular disease, your risk increases by 60-75%. "We can do all the exercise that we want. We can eat healthy," Cloud said. "But if you got this from your parents — well, congratulations, that's what you have inherited ... If your grandparents have had these issues, and your parents have had these issues, and you've got cousins or siblings (who have had them), it's coming for you." For people who are adopted or for some other reason may not know their family history, genetic testing may turn up some information, Cloud said. The key, again, is to talk to your primary care provider and if necessary, get a referral for a cardiologist. "A lot of times when patients come in and (the doctor) sits down and he goes over everything, we ask, 'Have you had any heart palpitations? Have you had shortness of breath when you're walking upstairs? Have you had any chest pain?' And sometimes they'll be like, 'Well, I thought it was just probably just indigestion, but I have had shortness of breath here lately,' or 'I've had a little pain in my chest, just a little pressure.' That's an indication to us that we need to look a little bit deeper." Modern technology offers several ways a cardiologist can monitor a patient's heart for tests or for ongoing observation, Cloud said. There's a seven- to 15-day monitor that can assess daily problems, and another that monitors 24/7 for 30 days for issues the patient may not be aware of. But none of that technology helps if the patient doesn't take that first step, Cloud said. "Make sure you get your screenings," she said. "Make sure you get your yearly blood work. Go to your doctor every year. It may be a scary thing to look at, but ... it's kind of like you're going down the highway and there's a hole in the road. If we do not get that fixed, it's going to keep getting bigger and bigger and bigger, and then you're just going to fall into it. So, with your health, make sure we get that prevention done."
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Moses Lake considering options for fire, EMS services
Aug. 5—MOSES LAKE — Options for changing fire and EMS delivery in and around Moses Lake, or whether to keep the existing system, will be the subject of a study commissioned by city officials. The city has issued a request for proposals for a consultant to study three alternatives, and Mayor Dustin Swartz said it's a sign of growth in Moses Lake and the surrounding area. "How can we make this all work better?" Swartz said. The analysis would be due by the end of 2025. The RFP is asking the consultant to analyze three different options, one being to retain the MLFD as it exists. Another is the establishment of a separate fire district with the boundaries of the city limits. The third option is the establishment of a regional fire authority. A fire district would have its own commissioners, budget and funding sources, and so would a regional fire authority, according to information from the Municipal Research and Services Center. "Each option is to be considered with relevance to the operational and financial feasibility," according to the city's RFP. Formation of a regional fire authority would require a vote of residents within the proposed district, according to RCW 52.26. Formation of a fire district would require a petition from at least 10% of qualified registered voters living in the district, according to RCW 50.02.303. Swartz said the city's growth presents some questions that city officials think the analysis will help them answer. He cited the case of the city annexing an area relatively distant from existing MLFD stations, but close to fire stations belonging to another agency. Building a city fire station might seem unnecessary with one already nearby, but the other agency wouldn't be obligated to immediately respond to a call within the city limits, he said. If officials in the affected districts opt for a regional fire authority, the consultant would be asked to help with the planning process. A fire authority could, but wouldn't have to, levy a fee or tax. In most cases, RFAs do levy taxes to fund operations. If the planning committee decides to levy a tax or a fee, the plan would have to be approved by 60% of the voters. In the case of a fire district, the petition signed by qualified registered voters is reviewed by the county auditor, and if enough signatures are valid, it's presented to the county commissioners. The proposal then goes to a public hearing. If the commissioners decide to establish the fire district, there's an election for fire commissioners, according to RCW 52.02.070. Candidates for the first election are proposed by county commissioners. Representatives from the union representing MLFD firefighters were not available at press time, but their response will be reported when it's received. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moses Lake homelessness debate continues
Jul. 17—MOSES LAKE — Alleviating homelessness and its impact on the community continues to be the subject of discussion in Moses Lake. An ordinance under consideration by Moses Lake City Council is the latest chapter in that discussion. Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce executive director Debbie Doran-Martinez said that, from her perspective, chamber members are looking for responses that improve the overall situation. "We would just like to see something that would move the needle in the right direction," Doran-Martinez said. The proposed ordinance would regulate the use of public sidewalks if approved by council members; they reviewed a first draft July 8 and are scheduled to vote on the measure July 22. The ordinance is among updated city regulations that Brittany Bouchouari, director of community for HopeSource of Moses Lake, said are having a negative effect on homeless residents. The new regulations follow the closure of the Open Doors Sleep Center on June 30. "Since the sleep center closed and new ordinances took effect, we're hearing the same thing from people experiencing homelessness in Moses Lake — there's nowhere to go. It's not just about a place to sleep. It's about having anywhere to be without law enforcement intervention. We are seeing a gap for those who need a safe place to exist," Bouchouari wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. Doran-Martinez said the sleep center, from the Chamber's perspective, didn't seem to be achieving the desired result. "We feel (that with) the resources that were allocated to (the sleep center), we didn't see any results," she said. Bouchouari said from her perspective, the sleep center was a valuable option. She cited data collected after its closure. More than 1,200 unique individuals have been served since its opening in 2020, according to HopeSource data. Of those, more than 1,000 eventually stopped using the sleep center, with almost 70% of them making what she called a successful exit. That meant they found alternate housing, reconnected with family or friends, or found other programs to help them. "Each of those exits reflects progress and the potential for lasting change," she said. "We are proud of what the sleep center accomplished. We're proud of our team, our partners and especially our guests, who showed up each day in pursuit of something better." From her perspective, on balance, the sleep center provided something positive, Bouchouari said. "The sleep center gave people a safe place to land where there was nowhere else to go. It wasn't without its challenges, but it met a real need and touched many lives," she said. The revised ordinance on sitting or lying on public sidewalks, now being considered by the city, would establish a zone where those activities are prohibited between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. In the draft ordinance, the zone includes West Broadway Avenue from the intersection with West Third Avenue to State Route 17. It also takes in West Third Avenue from the West Broadway intersection to the intersection with East Broadway Avenue. A section of North Stratford Road to West Valley Road was included. Regardless of the final parameters, sitting, lying and sleeping are allowed in public parks while the parks are open. Public parks in Moses Lake close at 10 p.m. Doran-Martinez sent a survey to Chamber members, asking for their opinions on locations that should be included in the ordinance. Respondents were asked to rank areas around town in order of importance. Along with Third Avenue and a bigger area of Stratford Road, the options included Kittleson Road near the Interstate 90 and SR 17 intersection and West Broadway at the I-90 intersection on the other end of town. The survey also included questions on interactions that business owners have with homeless people around their businesses. Doran-Martinez said she sent the survey to all 470 Chamber members, and 113 finished the survey. Many respondents said they must clean up debris around their businesses regularly, including drug paraphernalia, she said. Many business owners also said they've called law enforcement to deal with homeless people. "The vast majority of our businesses have to deal with this on a regular basis," Doran-Martinez said. She cited the Chamber's experience at its previous location near the Moses Lake waterfront. A homeless person camped outside the Chamber office, breaking into the patio and later setting fire to a mattress outside the building. The string of incidents resulted in multiple calls to law enforcement, she said. Chamber officials plan to survey business owners periodically over the next few months to determine how the sleep center closure has affected their businesses, she said. After about two weeks, there seem to be fewer people in the business district with wagons or shopping carts. Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Auto Repair Specialist Don Myers of Scotty's Auto Repair Shares Insights on What Maintenance Habits Help Your Car Last Longer in HelloNation
MOSES LAKE, Wash., July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What are the most important habits to extend the life of your car? According to Don Myers of Scotty's Auto Repair in Moses Lake, vehicle longevity is not primarily a result of factory engineering, but rather the consistent, thoughtful care provided by the owner. Myers discusses the key factors behind long-term vehicle health in an expert feature for HelloNation, outlining the habits that help avoid costly repairs and improve performance over time. Myers emphasizes that regular oil changes, performed according to manufacturer guidance rather than mileage myths, are fundamental in preventing internal engine strain. He further notes that proper tire maintenance—including routine rotation, inflation, and replacement—can reduce broader mechanical deterioration by supporting suspension and braking systems. Attention to dashboard warning lights also plays a crucial role, with modern diagnostics offering early warnings of developing issues that, if ignored, can escalate quickly. The article also explores the effect of driving behavior on vehicle lifespan. Frequent short trips, rapid acceleration, and abrupt braking increase wear on critical systems, while gentler driving and allowing the engine to reach optimal temperature reduce internal stress. Myers additionally recommends seasonal inspections, such as battery checks before winter and coolant system service before summer, to buffer against weather-related strain. These recommendations are detailed in the article, Smart Habits That Keep Your Car Running Longer, in which Myers offers a roadmap for vehicle owners who want to maximize reliability and avoid preventable breakdowns. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative 'edvertising' approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Patrick McCabe [email protected]
Geek Wire
02-07-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
Next-gen battery materials manufacturer Group14 lays off workers in Washington state
Sustainability: News about the rapidly growing climate tech sector and other areas of innovation to protect our planet. SEE MORE Group14 has delayed the start of production of its battery materials at its BAM2 facility in Moses Lake. (Group14 Photo) Next-gen battery materials manufacturer Group14 Technologies laid off an undisclosed number of workers as tariff uncertainties and new federal policies create significant obstacles for the clean energy sector. The company, which has facilities in Washington and South Korea, confirmed for GeekWire that it had taken steps on Tuesday to 'rebalance our workforce to ensure the long-term resilience and competitiveness of our business.' Group14 recently disclosed that it was delaying the start of production at its flagship battery materials plant in Eastern Washington's Moses Lake from an initial target of late 2024 to a start date in early 2026. 'Shifts in demand, and uncertainties in global trade relationships have impacted our industry,' said spokesperson Katie Rolnick by email. 'We are taking proactive steps to align our operations with current realities while positioning ourselves for future growth.' Rolnick added that the company is continuing to support its joint venture in South Korea with electronics company SK materials. That plant will begin operating at full capacity this month and its output will be available to Chinese customers, avoiding the impact of U.S tariffs. Group14's headcount is 400 people. The layoffs impacted only its U.S. workforce. The company has developed a silicon anode material for use in lithium-ion batteries that holds more power and requires less time for recharging. The product is suitable for use in electric vehicles, consumer electronics and utility-scale batteries that can help meet power demand for data centers. The Senate on Tuesday narrowly passed a massive domestic policy bill that slashes clean energy supports. The Senate's version of the legislation went slightly easier on battery, nuclear and geothermal projects than the previously approved House version of the bill. It retained a full tax credit for these projects if construction begins before the end of 2033, and phases out the credit completely by 2036. But the Senate took a harder line on a $7,500 tax credit to cut the cost of EVs for consumers, eliminating the break by the end of September, instead of the House deadline of the end of the year. The two chambers are aiming to finalize the bill this week. In a GeekWire interview last month, Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe shared areas of optimism for his company's prospects despite recent headwinds. Luebbe said global battery demand will continue long term and he was hopeful that data centers represent a large, new market for batteries. 'We are behind a whole new opportunity in advanced materials production for all kinds of applications that are really critical,' Luebbe said.
