32 Children's Medications Recalled

A company that makes homeopathic children’s medicines has recalled about one year’s worth of 32 types made to treat everything from chicken pox to coughs.

King Bio has issued a voluntary recall of 32 children's medications used to treat a variety of ailments including cough, fever and flu relief due to potential microbial contamination.

The recall includes medications produced between Aug. 1, 2017 and April, according to the federal Food and Drug Administration. The company reported that a "small percentage" of products from that time period tested positive for the contamination.

According to the recall: Administration or use of drug products with microbial contamination, could potentially result in increased infections that may require medical intervention, and could result in infections that could be life threatening to certain individuals. King Bio has not received reports of injury or illness to date.

The list of medicines includes 13 under the brand name SafeCare RX, which is only used by medical professionals.

King Bio says anyone who has the recalled product should discontinue use and distribution and contact King Bio at recall@kingbio.net to return the product. Customers with questions can call 866-298-2740.

For a more information, including a complete list of products, click here. 

Couple Donates $500,000 for S.C. African American Museum

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - An African American museum planned in South Carolina has received a $500,000 gift from a Colorado couple.

The International African American Museum in Charleston announced Wednesday that Harry and Susan Frampton of Vail Valley, Colorado, have made the donation.

Harry Frampton is a Hartsville native who is founder and chairman of East West Partners in Colorado.

Susan Frampton is a Beaufort native and was a school teacher before moving to Colorado.

The museum announced last week it had reached its fundraising goal of $75 million. Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley says the project is continuing to raise money to cover inflation and other expenses.

The museum is being built in Charleston, where nearly one half of all enslaved Africans arrived in North America. It is scheduled to open in 2020.

SCDOT Meeting to Discuss Plans for Two Anderson Intersections

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) meetig Aug. 30, from 5-7 p.m at Westside High School, to discuss the issues at two Anderson County intersections. 

The meeting will discuss proposed renovations/improvents to; 

• S.C. 187 at Whitehall Road in west Anderson
• West Market Street at Monroe Street and Southwood Street

The purpose of these projects is to improve safety and traffic operations through the intersections, and the public will be given the opportunity to view project displays and information and to discuss the projects with SCDOT staff members.

Clemson to Use Some Metal Detectors at Football Games

Clemson University is implementing a metal detector pilot program at home football games this year.

As a result, footbal fans are being encouraged to arrive early for games at Memorial Stadium this season. Selected gates, which will change throughout the season, wiill have walk-through metal detectors. 

Select gates, rotating throughout the season, will have walk-thru metal detector units outside of the stadium, according to a release.

Similar to other facilities that utilize metal detectors, fans entering Memorial Stadium will be required to remove keys, cell phones, cameras and other electronics from their pockets prior to walks through the metal detectors. Shoes, coins, wallets, belts and jewelry will not need to be removed.

Fans who either have a relevant medical condition or do not feel comfortable walking through the metal detectors can notify event staff and participate in an alternative screening process. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: artificial noisemakers, backpacks, non-clear bags or purses, banners/flags/flag poles, coolers, outside food or beverage, knives or weapons of any kind.

As a reminder, the Memorial Stadium Clear Bag policy is still in effect. All bags brought into the stadium must be a 12”x12”x6” clear bag or smaller. For more information on the Clear Bag policy, please see below.

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (Official Clemson Tigers logo clear plastic tote bags are available at local retail stores), or 
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar). 
• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”), with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the coliseum. 
• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection. 
• Patrons will still be able to carry other items into the coliseum such as binoculars, cameras, and smart phones, but carrying cases will NOT be allowed. 
• Working media will continue to be able to bring in items needed to perform their job duties, however they will be subject to screening and bag inspections in the same manner as past seasons. 
• Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: artificial noisemakers, backpacks, non-clear bags or purses, banners/flags/flag poles, coolers, outside food or beverage, knives or weapons of any kind.

Clemson made this decision “in an effort to ensure that Memorial Stadium is the safest possible venue for fans during the 2018 season and beyond."

Abney Foundation Gives P.A.W.S. $100,000 for Dog Park

Anderson Observer

On Tuesday, the Abney Foundation donated $100,000 to Anderson County Pets are Worth Saving for a new, expanded dog park at the facility.

Anderson County Council approved the creation of a mechanism to receive donations for the facility earlier this month. 

The new facilty is expected to cost approximately $250,000, and is needed because P.A.W.S. has outgrown the current dog park setup with the influx of potential adopters and volunteers.

The Abney Foundation, established in 1957 by Susie Mathews Abney, is a private foundation located in Anderson, SC.

The mission of The Abney Foundation is to aid organizations that are operated exclusively for educational, religious, charitable, scientific, and literary purposes.

Council Gives Final Ok to Sunday Alcohol Referendum; Supports Salvation Army Expansion

By Greg Wilson, Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council gave final approval Tuesday night to a referendum to allow voters to decide on Sunday alcohol sales. There was no opposition to the vote.

If approved, the alcohol referendum would allow businesses, non-profit organizations and other groups to sell alcoholic beverages countywide on Sundays. 

Council earlier said the two-question referendum on Sunday alcohol sales is the result of local businesses expressing concern that they are at a disadvantage because of the current laws. The City of Anderson already allows the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday, and may of these are next door or across the road from other businesses just outside the city limits.   

Voters will be asked to answer two questions considering the proposal:  

1.  “Shall the South Carolina Department of Revenue be authorized to issue temporary permits in this county for a period not to exceed twenty-four hours to allow the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic liquors by the drink to bona fide nonprofit organizations and business establishments otherwise authorized to be licensed for consumption-on-premises sales?” 
2. “Shall the Department of Revenue be authorized to issue temporary permits in this county for a period not to exceed twenty-four hours to allow the sale of beer and wine at permitted off-premises locations without regard to the days or hours of sales?” 

Six members of council also joined forces Tuesday night to provide $21,500  to help fund an expansion of ministry at the Salvation Army. Anderson County Councilman Craig Wooten, who put forth the pleas for support gave $8,000 toward the effort. Each council member contributed except for Anderson County Councilwoman Gracie Floyd.

The project will bring at least 20 additional beds to the Salvation Army facility, which currently has 47 permanent spaces; 14 for women, 18 for men, 13 for families and two emergency beds. Since 2016, the number of overnight stays at the shelter has doubled, said Captain Rob Dolby of the Anderson Salvation Army. More on the project details here. 

"I want to commend the Salvation Army and the work they do," Anderson County Councilman Ray Graham. "It's an honor to be able to support the effort." 

"It's an incredible ministry," said Anderson County Council Woman Cindy Wilson.

Also on Tuesday night: 

Approved, on second reading, a series of agreements to allow the county to spend up to $5.4 million. The funds, already included in the budget, will be used in part for the purchase of vehicles and property. 

Approved, on second reading, $2.8 million for plans to expand the Starr-Iva Landfill which is nearing capacity. The expansion will be paid by new debt service payment of $289,000. The current debt service payment of $358.000 wil be complete this year, so the new funds for expansion could represent some savings. A mulcher/grinder machine for the site is also being considered. The machine would cost approximately $550,000, with an estimated $75,000 per year additional cost to run the new equipment. More information here: https://youtu.be/3pdCg_QUZp0 The mulch created at the facility would be free to Anderson County citizens. 

Approved, on first reading, a tax-incentive agreement to work with the City of Anderson to help develop unused buildings in downtown Anderson to recruit and bring in new businesses. The buildings are directly across South Main Street from City Hall. The buildings are being renovated for commercial use. The infrastructure credit agreement will allow investors to pay reduced property taxes on those properties.

Approved, on first reading, the collaborative project with the City of Anderson for a $12 million, 90-bed hotel downtown at the corner of South Main and East Market Streets.

Graham Says Legal System Working in Cohen, Manafort Cases

United States Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., issued a statement Tuesday afternoon after a personal lawyer for U.S. President Donald Trump accepted a guilty plea and a former Trump campaign manager was found guilty of eight charges.

Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort was found guilty of five counts of filing false tax returns on tens of millions of dollars in Ukrainian political consulting income. He was also convicted of failing to report a foreign bank account and of two bank fraud charges that accused him of lying to banks to obtain millions of dollars in loans after his income dried up.

Also on Tuesday, Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer pleaded guilty Tuesday to campaign-finance violations and other charges, saying he and Trump arranged the payment of hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and a former Playboy model to influence the election.

“The American legal system is working its will in both the Paul Manafort and Michael Cohen cases," Graham said.  “Thus far, there have yet to be any charges or convictions for colluding with the Russian government by any member of the Trump campaign in the 2016 election. It’s important to let this process continue without interference. I hope Mr. Mueller can conclude his investigation sooner rather than later for the benefit of the nation.”

Salvation Army Seeks Help for Expansion to Meet Growing Need

County, United Way Expected to Help Fund Project

By Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Salvation Army of Anderson is seeking community support to expand to an additional 20 beds to meeting the growing homeless population in Anderson County, and tonight one Anderson County Councilman will ask his fellow council members for help.

Currently, with 47 permanent spaces; 14 for women, 18 for men, 13 for families and two emergency beds, the Salvation Army faces challenges meeting the needs of the community. Since 2016, the number of overnight stays at the shelter has doubled, Dolby said.

"We estimate that an additional 20-30 beds will create opportunity for every person sleeping on the streets in Anderson to access safe, supportive shelter and begin the process of becoming productive citizens," said Captain Rob Dolby, Officer Commanding at The Salvation Army in Anderson. 

"This would be comprehensive in nature, and not simply create more bed space; but also increase the necessary supportive services necessary to end cycles of chronic homelessness." 

Anderson County Councilman Craig Wooten will ask each of his fellow council members to contribute $3,000 to the effort at tonight's meeting.

"Hopefully tonight the council members will work together to support this worthy cause," said Wooten, whose district inculdes much of the city. "(Lt. Dolby) is doing something that is much needed. I have heard from several folks that they had seen an increase in homeless traffic downtown. This is an issue that is directly impacting the city and the merchants and downtown residents are talking about it." 

Wooten said giving them somewhere to go would hopefully help them into some situations that will get them off the streets permanently.

He said the county providing some financial support might also help the Salvation Army leverage the funding to get money from other groups.

The United Way of Anderson is also expected to donate an additional $5,000 to the Salvation Army project.

Dolby said he has witnessed the continued growth of the homeless population in recent years. The deaths of two homeless citizens in the past 90 days highlights the need for more opportunities for those living on the streets.

In March, Dolby worked to open some day-hour availability at the shelter after the main brand of Anderson County Library, which he called “extremely compassionate,” and local business began to report problems related to the homeless.

The move was also aimed to reduce the rising number of panhandlers downtown.

"We have seen a significant decrease in the challenging issues downtown," Dolby said. "This is mainly due to the fact that resources are available outside of the business areas, and folks generally do not have to enter local business in hope of using the restroom, getting water, etc. Having daytime access to resources, such as phone, and computer have greatly increased positive social impact."

The expansion would help the facility to meet a number of growing needs, Dolby said.

"We currently have a space we utilize for overflow shelter on our property that could be utilized for adding access to shelter and to provide day time resources for residents," Dolby said.

The Salvation Army has already invested more than $60,000 in the structure for a roof, new flooring, LED lighting, and equipment. The total costs related to the expansion are just short of $78,000. The money will be used for two new part-time employees, bunks and mattresses, linens, food service equipment, utilities, repairs and retrofit of the current space, and an HVAC unit.

"Our goal would be to present a full program review to the City and County councils, and ask them to consider a regular line item contribution to shelter support," Dolby said. "This would be in line with best practice in many municipalities."

Dolby said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns had been extremely helpful and supportive of the effort. 

"We have operated a day resource center since, and seen a significant decrease in the challenging issues downtown. This is mainly due to the fact that resources are available outside of the business areas, and folks generally do not have to enter local business in hope of using the restroom, getting water, etc. Access to resources, such as phone, and computer have greatly increased positive social impact."

"Without an immediate increase of low income, and permanent supportive housing, an increase in our shelter inventory is necessary if we are to compassionately and effectively get people off the streets and into shelter, to begin the stabilization process," Dobly said.

Anderson Touchdown Club Kicks Off Season Friday

The Anderson Area Touchdown Club will kick off its 37^th season on Friday, featuring all eight county high school football coaches talking about the season ahead, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the main branch of the Anderson County Library.

The meeting and meal is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Memberships are $50 for individuals and $200 for a five-membership corporate package.

For more information or to join, call Bill Brissey at 864-226-7380 or Nancy at 864-616-6471.

Study: Milk Can Lower Blood Glucose

Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Milk, especially high-dairy protein types, consumed with breakfast cereal reduced blood glucose concentration compared with water, according to a new study.

Researchers at University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, studied the effects of the sugar levels after an oat-based breakfast and after a second meal of pizza. The findings were published Sunday in the Journal of Dairy Science. 

They found whey protein concentration was more effective than normal dairy protein concentration. It reduced appetite after the second meal compared with the low-protein equivalent.

"This study confirms the importance of milk at breakfast time to aid in the slower digestion of carbohydrate and to help maintain lower blood sugar levels," Dr. H. Douglas Goff of the Human Nutraceutical Research Unit at Guelph said in a press release. "Nutritionists have always stressed the importance of a healthy breakfast, and this study should encourage consumers to include milk."

They studied 32 participants with a mean age of 23 and a body mass index of 22.2.

The researchers examined the effects of increasing protein concentration in milk consumed with a high-carbohydrate breakfast cereal on blood glucose, feelings of satiety, as well as food consumption later in the day.

Because digestion of whey and casein proteins releases gastric hormones that slow digestion, there are increased feelings of fullness. Whey proteins achieves this effect more quickly and casein proteins provide a longer-lasting effect.

The researchers found only a modest difference in food consumption at the lunch meal despite increasing whey protein at breakfast. But they found that milk consumed with a high-carbohydrate breakfast reduced blood glucose even after lunch, and high-protein milk even more so.

"Metabolic diseases are on the rise globally, with type 2 diabetes and obesity as leading concerns in human health," Goff said. "Thus, there is impetus to develop dietary strategies for the risk reduction and management of obesity and diabetes to empower consumers to improve their personal health."

Medicaid Expansion Helps Opioid Users Get Treatment

The expansion of Medicaid that came along with the Affordable Care Act has made it easier for some opioid users to get treatment, new research suggests.

In a study of nearly 12 million Medicaid patients, researchers found that while the number of prescriptions for opioid painkillers decreased slightly, prescriptions for buprenorphine (Buprenex), a drug to treat addiction, and naloxone (Narcan), which is used to reverse an opioid overdose, rose significantly. 

"Getting a Medicaid card has enabled a lot of people to get into doctors' offices and get treatment for their addiction," said lead researcher Brendan Saloner. He's an assistant professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.

"People who were uninsured before Medicaid expansion were less able to go to a private doctor to get a prescription for buprenorphine and naloxone. They relied more on the public safety net or paid cash," Saloner said.

RELATED CDC: More U.S. deaths caused by drug overdoses in 2017 than ever before

The new findings aren't what opponents of Medicaid expansion predicted. They argued that with more poor people receiving Medicaid, the number of opioid users would increase, making the opioid crisis worse.

Instead, making medical care more accessible allowed more opioid users to get treatment, Saloner said.

Nor did prescriptions for opioids rise, proving fears that cheap painkillers would create more addicts were unfounded, he said. Opioid prescription rates didn't change significantly.

"My hope is that Medicaid expansion is going to bring more people into the treated population," Saloner said.

Seventeen states still are fighting expanded Medicaid. And it's in many of these states, including Tennessee, Utah and Florida, where the opioid epidemic has hit hardest, Saloner said.

He said expanded Medicaid doesn't solve the crisis, but it is an essential part of helping opioid addicts get treatment.

More S.C. Parents Skipping Vaccinations for Their Kids

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - State health officials say the number of South Carolina parents opting not to vaccinate their children is on the rise.

Media outlets report Department of Health and Environmental Control data show the number of children whose parents chose not to have them vaccinated for religious reasons has grown by nearly 4,666 kids over the past five years.

There are six different vaccinations against diseases for school-age children.

DHEC officials say religious or medical exemptions are allowed, but they still encourage all families to vaccinate their children. During a disease outbreak, those who opted-out of vaccination would miss school.

The number of children not vaccinated during the 2017-18 school year because of religious reasons was about 9,427. That's 1.18 percent of the nearly 800,000 children enrolled.

Final Vote on Sunday Alcohol Referendum Tuesday

A referendum on Sunday alchohol sales will get a final vote Tuesday nigh at the Anderson County Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the historic courthouse downtown. 

Full agenda here.

At the honors and awards meeting at 6 p.m., council will recognize the achievements of Medshore Ambulance Services, USA National Miss South Carolina Grace Cromer and the area's Workplace Principles Pilot Program.