Governor McDonnell Announces 125 New Jobs in Smyth County

Map of Virginia highlighting Smyth County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Liaoyang Ningfeng Woodenware Co. to invest $2.1 million in first U.S. furniture manufacturing operation

Governor met with company officials in Beijing during April 2013 marketing mission

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today today that Liaoyang Ningfeng Woodenware Co., Ltd., a Chinese furniture manufacturer, will invest $2.1 million to establish its first U.S. subsidiary, New Ridge, LLC, in Smyth County. The company will manufacture furniture components for the Chinese market, supply its European customers with finished products from the U.S., manufacture and sell products for the U.S. market, and expand into lumber production and export to China. Virginia successfully competed against Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia for the project, which will create 125 new jobs.

            Governor McDonnell met with Liaoyang Ningfeng Woodenware Co. officials about this project in Beijing, China during his April 2013 Asia Marketing Mission.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Last April I met with Liaoyang Ningfeng Woodenware Co. in Beijing to discuss bringing its first U.S. subsidiary to Virginia. This project is of utmost importance to the Commonwealth and to Smyth County, and successfully competing against three other states is a great testament to the opportunity the company sees in the state and region. The addition of New Ridge, LLC and 125 new jobs is tremendous news for an area that is recovering economically, and the company is able to take advantage of an existing facility that is outfitted for furniture manufacturing and allows quick startup to production. We welcome New Ridge, LLC as a great addition to our strong wood products industry cluster in Southwest Virginia.”

            “This great project is a testament to the strong relationship Virginia maintains and continues to strengthen with China,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Liaoyang Ningfeng Woodenware Co.’s new company, New Ridge, LLC, will be a great asset to the Commonwealth in many ways. In addition to creating new jobs and repurposing a vacant facility, the company will also use Virginia timber to manufacture its furniture components. We are pleased New Ridge can take advantage of the region’s plentiful natural resources as it expands into the U.S. market.”

            Liaoyang Ningfeng Woodenware Co., Ltd. is a privately-held, family-owned, furniture company established in 1998 and headquartered in Liao Yang, China. The company has a number of operations in Russia and other locations in Northeast China and over 550 employees.  Liaoyang is one of the global strategic suppliers to IKEA in Asia Pacific and manufactures solid wood bathroom furniture that is shipped to IKEA stores in worldwide. 

            “We were always impressed with Virginia’s pro-business investment environment, its excellent infrastructure and strategic geographic location, and the health of its economy,” said Ms. ZOU, Xiaohui, President & CEO, New Ridge, LLC. “These favorable conditions plus the incentive programs presented us a compelling business case. Ultimately it is the support that we received from the local and state governments, our ongoing strong relationship with area suppliers and businesses, and especially the hospitality of the local communities, the skill and quality of the local labor force and the state’s quality of life and education excellence that made us decide to put our U.S. roots in Southwest Virginia. We will work hard to grow and succeed with the communities of which we are now part.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Smyth County and Virginia’s a Corridor to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Smyth County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $450,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

           “Smyth County is very excited to be selected by Liaoyang Ningfeng Woodenware Co. as the location for its first manufacturing operation in the U.S., and we thank the company for its investment,” said Wade Blevins, Chairman, Smyth County Board of Supervisors. “This project will go a long way toward replacing the jobs that were lost when Merillat closed earlier this year. Smyth County is happy to provide funds through our EDA to partner with the State and the Tobacco Commission for assistance on this project. It is truly a great day here in Smyth County.”

            “Today's announcement of 125 new manufacturing jobs coming to Smyth County is a major victory for our region,” said Senator Charles W. Carrico, member, the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “It signals the beginning of what could be a revitalization of the manufacturing economy in Southwest Virginia, and it will provide much-needed employment opportunities for our citizens. I would like to welcome New Ridge, LLC to Smyth County and commend the state officials and organizations who worked together to make this venture a success.”

Our Notes:

American Businesses NOT Welcome here.  At least not with the same opportunities given to a foreign investor.

Promoting Economic Development in Virginia’s Tobacco Region

The Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission is a 31-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. Its mission is the promotion of economic growth and development in tobacco-dependent communities, using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement.  To date, the Commission has awarded 1,700 grants totaling more than $1 billion across the tobacco region of the Commonwealth, and has provided $309 million in indemnification payments to tobacco growers and quota holders. Click on Who are We at the left to learn more.

To learn more about Commission's programs click Grant Funding Info at the left. Also be sure to see the profiles below for examples of significant programs and facilities supported by Commission grants.

Virginia Tobacco Commission's Indemnification Program has Ended

  Since 2000, the Commission has made available $309 million to Virginia's tobacco producers and quota owners. In January 2012, the Commission announced that it has reached the end of its indemnification obligation. The final deadline for submission of Phase I Verification for Payment forms and Applications for Payment was June 30, 2012.  The 2012 payment was the final distribution of Phase I Indemnification funds.  The Commission has satisfied its statutory obligation to indemnify burley and flue-cured producers and quota owners, and the program has ended.

If you have any questions, please contact the Tobacco Commission office at 804-225-2027 orinfo@tic.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Indemnity Tobacco fund approved $450,000.00 in payments towards this Chineses business venture, yet according to the states own information, the program has ended?  What gives?  Anyone seeing any issues here?

Related articles

• Governor McDonnell Announces 50 New Jobs in Scott County
• Governor McDonnell Announces Board and Commission Appointments
• Governor McDonnell Announces Board and Commission Appointments
• Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Senator Creigh Deeds
• Governor McDonnell Announces Opening of Virginia Agricultural Trade Office in Canada

Governor McDonnell Announces Important Milestone to Advance Interstate 66 Improvements

English: The state seal of Virginia.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tier 1 EIS approved by Feds; Commonwealth Transportation Board to select one or more concepts next month

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the first step in making major improvements to one of the most congested corridors in the Commonwealth has been approved. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a record of decision on the 25-mile Tier 1 environmental impact statement (EIS) study of Interstate 66 from the Capital Beltway to Haymarket, clearing the way for the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to select one or more of the final ten concepts for detailed analysis.

“Today’s approval of the I-66 Tier 1 EIS gives us the green light to move forward with finding the best short and long-term solutions,” said Governor McDonnell. “I-66 drivers sit in frustrating stop-and-go traffic on a daily basis with unpredictable travel times and few alternate options.  Getting I-66 moving again has been one of our top priorities, and I am pleased that we have reached this milestone.”

Earlier this year, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) identified 10 concepts to increase capacity within the corridor, as well as options to increase travel mode choices, improve individual interchanges, address spot safety needs, and enhance travel efficiency.

Concepts include adding general purpose lanes, constructing managed lanes (similar to the 495 Express Lanes and the future 95 Express Lanes), extending Metrorail and/or VRE, constructing light rail and/or bus rapid transit, improving chokepoints, intermodal connectivity, and safety and  intelligent transportation system enhancements.

“Advancing I-66 improvements is critical to the quality of life for commuters,” said Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.  “The Commonwealth is working aggressively to provide better travel options in a heavily congested area so commuters can save time and cost.”

The CTB will select one or more of the concepts for study and VDOT will begin the Tier 2 analysis this spring and will complete it within two years.

“Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with local governments and communities to ensure an open and transparent process,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley.

“I-66 improvements are critical to providing a better transportation facility for all commuters and travelers,” said DPRT Director Thelma Drake.  “The Commonwealth will continue to explore a wide range of options, including rail improvements.”

Public meetings were held in June 2011, and January and February of 2012. VDOT and DRPT hosted public hearings on Tier 1 Draft in March 2013.

More information on the study is available in the link below:http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/northernvirginia/i66_eis.asp. 

Related articles

• Governor McDonnell Invites Public to Provide Input on Future Road, Rail, Transit Projects
• Governor McDonnell Opens the New Four-Lane Gilmerton Bridge in Chesapeake
• Governor McDonnell Announces Amtrak Ridership Grows
• Governor McDonnell Announces $168 Million in Transportation Projects Approved for Construction
• Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on I-264 Downtown Tunnel Project in Portsmouth
• Governor McDonnell Announces VDOT, Loudoun, and Airports Authority Partner to Widen Route 606

Governor McDonnell Announces Board and Commission Appointments

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced appointments to three Virginia boards and commissions. Further announcements regarding additional appointments in the McDonnell administration will continue to be made in the months ahead.

Board Appointments

Board of Counseling

·         Benjamin B. Keyes, PhD, EdD of Portsmouth, Professor and Licensed Professional Counselor at Regent University

Litter Control and Recycling Fund Advisory Board

·         Michelle Cowling of Chesapeake, Director of the Department of Human Services for the City of Chesapeake

Motor Vehicle Dealer Board

·         M. Gardner Britt, Jr. of Leesburg, President and Owner of Ted Britt Automotive Group

·         David P. Duncan of Blacksburg, General Manager of Duncan Ford Lincoln Mazda

·         L. Steven Farmer of Altavista, Owner, Dealer/Operator of Steve Farmer Auto Sales, Inc.

·         David Gripshover of Chesterfield, Owner of Crown Motors

·         Chris Maher of Clifton

·         Jacques J. Moore, Jr. of Richmond, President of Moore Cadillac Company and Subaru of Richmond

*Denotes re-appointment

Related articles

• Governor McDonnell Announces Board and Commission Appointments
• Governor McDonnell Announces Board and Commission Appointments
• Governor McDonnell Announces $6.1 Million Investment in Floyd Count
• Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Senator Creigh Deeds
• Governor McDonnell Announces Opening of Virginia Agricultural Trade Office in Canada
• Governor McDonnell Announces Board Appointments and Additional Appointments to Administration

Governor McDonnell Announces 50 New Jobs in Scott County

English: The state seal of Virginia. . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

VFP, Inc. to invest $3.5 million to expand manufacturing operation

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that that VFP, Inc., a producer of quality prefabricated structures to the telecommunications, power, and modular building industries, will invest $3.5 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Scott County. Virginia successfully competed against Tennessee for the project, which will create 50 new jobs.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “VFP, Inc. is a strong Virginia company that has thrived here since its founding in 1965. Its shelters protect critical equipment in all 50 states and around the world on all seven continents and are produced in Scott County. VFP's manufacturing facilities on its campus in Duffield allow all construction and equipment integration to be performed under one roof, providing timely completion and consistent quality. With this expansion, the company will continue to grow its operation and create 50 new job opportunities. We commend VFP’s success in the Commonwealth over the last 48 years and look forward to the decades to come.”

            “VFP, Inc. has maintained a reputation for quality products and experienced phenomenal growth over nearly five decades,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Across the globe VFP buildings have withstood hurricanes, earthquakes and the full spectrum of environmental extremes, and we are proud that the company’s products are manufactured in Scott County. This expansion project is a great testament to the skilled workforce and opportunity for long-term success in the Commonwealth.”

            Headquartered in Salem, Virginia, VFP has provided quality prefabricated structures to the telecommunications, power, and modular building industries since 1965. Design flexibility, a diverse product line, unmatched quality, and superior customer service are trademarks of the company. A commitment to excellence in engineering, manufacturing, integration and on-site installation has earned VFP a worldwide reputation for quality workmanship and superior customer service.

            “VFP has over 48 years of excellence in shelter design and manufacturing, providing quality prefabricated structures to the telecommunications, power, and modular building industries,” said Jerry Arnold, CEO, VFP, Inc. “Since moving our manufacturing to Scott County in the 1990s, we have continued to grow. This is largely due to the support we have received from our valued employees. VFP is grateful to be located in Scott County with an available workforce and local talent that can meet our vast manufacturing needs. We also owe special thanks for the continued support and assistance we have received over the years from our local, regional, and state agencies. They have played an integral role in our ability to continue to grow in Scott County.” 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Scott County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Scott County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $160,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority also assisted with the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

“On behalf of the county, we congratulate the company for their new investment and jobs for our residents and the region as a whole,” said Danny Mann, Chairman, Scott County Board of Supervisors. “We appreciate the coordinated efforts of the state and regional agencies for their work on the project.”

            “I am pleased that my colleagues on the Tobacco Commission and I were able to approve substantial Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds in support of such an important project for Scott County,” said Senator Charles W. Carrico, member, the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “In difficult economic times, when every job matters, adding 50 new jobs in our region with a company like VFP, Inc. is very exciting.”

Related articles

• Governor McDonnell Announces $6.1 Million Investment in Floyd Count
• Governor McDonnell Announces Opening of Virginia Agricultural Trade Office in Canada
• Governor McDonnell Announces Four Virginia Enterprise Zone Designations
• Governor McDonnell Announces Donation of Battlefield Lands to Commonwealth by Wal-Mart
• Governor McDonnell Announces $45 million investment in Henrico County
• Governor McDonnell Oceaneering International to Invest and Expand in City of Chesapeake

Americans are Popping Sleeping Pills in Record Numbers

Zolpidem (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Dr. Mercola

The first-ever federal health study about sleeping pill usage suggests that sleep is growing ever more elusive for Americans.1 According to the latest information, between 50 and 70 million Americans suffer from sleep deprivation, with increasing numbers relying on prescription sleep aids.2

The CDC report, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005 to 2010), found that nearly nine million Americans take prescription sleeping pills in pursuit of good night’s rest.

Usage differences were found based on age, gender, race and ethnicity. The report listed the following key findings:

• About four percent of US adults age 20 and above use prescription sleep aids
• The percentage of adults using prescription sleep aids increases with age and education; more adult women (5 percent) used prescription sleep aids than adult men (3.1 percent)
• Non-Hispanic white adults were more likely to use sleep aids (4.7 percent) than non-Hispanic black adults (2.5 percent) and Mexican-American adults (2 percent)
• Prescription sleep aid use varied by sleep duration and was highest among adults who sleep less than five hours (6.0 percent) or more than nine hours (5.3 percent)
• One in six adults with a diagnosed sleep disorder and one in eight adults with trouble sleeping reported using sleep aids

The hardest hit group is the elderly—seven percent of individuals over the age of 80 are relying on prescription sleep aids, including hypnotic drugs (such as Ambien and Lunesta) and sedating antidepressants.

Are You Sleeping Better than Your Pay Grade?

According to a recent British report, the less education you have and the lower your income, the poorer you tend to sleep.3 The report also found that the less money a couple makes, the less they sleep together.

The British report found that sleep also varies by occupation. For example, if you work in the arts, you’re more likely to lie awake at night from worry or stress. But if you’re an attorney, you’re more likely to be successfully bagging your Zzzs.

These trends are quite concerning in light of the fact that the drugs prescribed for sleep come with a number of potentially serious risks—and they don’t work that well for sleep to begin with.

Sleeping pills generally only increase the amount of time you sleep by a matter of minutes (a measly 11), and can impair your functioning the next day by making you less alert. They can also have a rebound effect—meaning, once you stop taking them, you may suffer “withdrawal” symptoms worse than the initial insomnia.

Who Benefits from Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pills are a goldmine for the pharmaceutical industry. In 2011 alone, an estimated 40 million prescriptions for such drugs were dispensed.4 In 2011, sales of generic Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) amounted to a whopping $2.8 billion and Lunesta another $912 million.5 Prescription sleep aids are some of the most heavily marketed drugs to the public.

Lunesta’s manufacturer Sepracor spent more than $215 million and added 450 salespeople to its physician marketing staff just to pitch the drug to doctors in 2005, when it was released.

And it paid off. Lunesta generated $329 million in sales its first nine months—with one sleep specialist saying it was the only time he’d ever experienced “a line of people outside his door waiting to try a new medicine.”6

In 2005, Ambien and Ambien CR put close to $2.2 billion into Sanofi-Adventis’ pockets.7 Unfortunately, the dangers of these drugs are as impressive as the profits they generate for Big Pharma. By taking prescription sleeping pills, you may be unknowingly putting your life in danger.

Tiny Pills, Big Risks

A startling study in 20128 revealed that people who take sleeping pills are not only at higher risk for certain cancers (35 percent higher), but they are also nearly four times as likely to die as people who don't take them. The list of health risks from sleeping pills is growing all the time, including the following:

• Higher risk of death, including from accidents
• Increased risk of cancer
• Increased insulin resistance, food cravings, weight gain and diabetes
• Complete amnesia, even from events that occurred during the day
• Depression, confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations

Studies recently submitted to the FDA revealed that blood levels of zolpidem (found in Ambien and other sleeping pills) above 50 ng/mL may impair your driving to a degree that increases the risk of an accident, especially among women. As a result, FDA recommended manufacturers cut the dosage of zolpidem from 10mg to 5mg for immediate-release products (Ambien, Edluar, and Zolpimist) and from 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg for extended-release products (Ambien CR).9

Are You Sleep-Tweeting?

Aside from increasing your risk for premature death, by taking sleeping pills, you may be in for some extremely awkwardexperiences. Sleeping pills can cause a variety of strange behavioral reactions10 that are not only bizarre but also potentially risky—and at the very least embarrassing. The following are being reported with increasing frequency:

• Sleepwalking
• Sleepdriving
• Sleep eating (including bizarre things like buttered cigarettes, salt sandwiches, or raw bacon)
• Sleep-sex or “sexsomnia” (sexual acts carried out in your sleep)
• Sleep-texting or sleep-tweeting

These behaviors, called “parasomnias,” are more common when you are stressed or sleep-deprived, but can also be triggered by certain medications, such as sedatives and hypnotics. Reports of “sleep-texting” are on the rise.11 Users are shocked to find messages they have no memory of sending—some of which are total gibberish. If this happens to you, you may want to hide your smart phone from yourself when you go to bed at night and avoid the use of sleeping pills, which may trigger a social media nightmare.

Dr. Lisa Fine, a neurologist at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, reported that people who use digital devices just before nodding off are more likely to use them during the night. She also stated that sleeping pills are known to cause people to use digital media in their sleep. Dr. Fine told KOMO News:12 “A person may text an inappropriate message emerging out of their unconscious mind that the conscious person would not want to send.”

Insomnia Comes with Its Own Risks

It is extremely important to optimize the quality of your sleep, but drugs are not the answer. Just as sleeping pills come with serious risks, so does insomnia. Poor sleep adversely affects your immune system. Lack of sleep may directly increase your risk of developing a number of serious illnesses, such as:

• Viral and bacterial infections
• Depression
• Hypertension
• Stomach ulcers
• Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and many more

Poor quality sleep is associated with decreased production of melatonin, insulin resistance and weight gain. These three factors all contribute to cancer development. Studies have linked poor sleep with prostate cancer in men and aggressive breast cancer (and recurrence) in women. Even if your sleep is disturbed for only one night, there may be significant health risks. Studies show that losing even one hour of sleep, such as after making the switch to Daylight Saving Time, may increase your risk for a heart attack the next day.

Lack of sleep decreases leptin (your satiety hormone), while increasing ghrelin (your hunger hormone), which explains why night shift workers are at increased risk for obesity and diabetes. Researchers have also found higher rates of breast, prostate, colorectal cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among night shift workers. If you sleep poorly, you are more likely to crave junk foods and make poor food choices. This is because poor sleep amplifies the part of your brain responsible for cravings, while suppressing the part responsible for rational decision-making. In one study, sleepy people consumed 600 extra calories.13

Vitamin D for Sleepless Elders

A number of vitamin and mineral deficiencies may contribute to poor sleep, the three most common being potassium, magnesium and vitamin D. This is particularly important you are older. Studies indicate that vitamin D deficiency in the elderly has reached epidemic levels, because their skin produces less vitamin D and they spend less time in the sun.14 In addition to vitamin D’s wide ranging health benefits, new evidence suggests it may play a role in sleep quality. This is a significant finding, as sleep drugs are even riskier for the elderly, making natural approaches very important. Although there are not yet many studies examining the connection between vitamin D and sleep, here are a few that I found:

• A study at Louisiana State University found that vitamin D plays a role in sleep, although the mechanism remains unclear. The relationship between vitamin D and sleep appears quite complex, with skin pigmentation being an additional factor.15,16
• In a study at East Texas Medical Center, vitamin D supplementation improved sleep in a group of patients with neurologic complaints, possibly due to decreasing their pain.17
• In a study of veterans with chronic pain, researchers concluded that vitamin D supplementation decreased their pain, and improved their sleep and overall quality of life.18
• In a sleep apnea study, as the severity of the apnea increased, the more vitamin D seemed to help.19

Vitamin D is important for regulating your mood, energy, immune function, cognitive function, and many other things that are especially challenging as you age. It makes sense there would be a sleep connection—after all, practically everything affects your sleep!

Your should keep your serum vitamin D level between 50 and 70 ng/ml year-round, and the only way to determine this is with a blood test. Sun exposure or a safe tanning bed is the preferred method for increasing your vitamin D level, but a vitamin D3 supplement can be used if necessary. As a general guideline, research by GrassrootsHealth suggests most adults need about 8,000 IU's of vitamin D per day to achieve serum levels of 40 ng/ml.

It’s important to remember that if you’re taking high dose vitamin D supplements, you ALSO need to take vitamin K2. The biological role of vitamin K2 is to help move calcium into the proper areas in your body, such as your bones and teeth. It also helps remove calcium from areas where it shouldn’t be, such as in your arteries and soft tissues. Vitamin K2 deficiency is actually what produces the symptoms of vitamin D toxicity, which includes inappropriate calcification that can lead to hardening of your arteries.

The reason for this is because when you take vitamin D, your body creates more vitamin K2-dependent proteins that move calcium around in your body. Without vitamin K2, those proteins remain inactivated, so the benefits of those proteins remain unrealized. So remember, if you take supplemental vitamin D, you're creating an increased demand for K2.

Better Options for a Good Night's Rest

Numerous factors can influence your sleep, and the good news is that many are under your control. Remember that sleeping pills are not the answer and will probably create more problems than they solve. Below are four strategies for optimizing your sleep, and you will find many more in my comprehensive sleep guide.

1. Cover your windows with blackout shades or drapes to ensure complete darkness. Even the tiniest bit of light in your room, such as the glow of a bedside clock, can disrupt your sleep and therefore your melatonin production. Close your bedroom door, get rid of night-lights, and refrain from turning on any light during the night, even when getting up to go to the bathroom. If you need a light, install so-called "low blue" light bulbs in your bedroom and bathroom, which emit an amber or red light that will not suppress your natural melatonin production.
2. Keep the temperature in your bedroom at or below 70 degrees F (21 degrees Celsius). Many people keep their bedrooms too warm, which can result in restless sleep. Studies show the optimal room temperature for sleeping is fairly cool, between 60 to 68 degrees F (15.5 to 20 C).
3. Check your bedroom for electro-magnetic fields (EMFs). These can disrupt your pineal gland’s melatonin production. In order to do this, you will need a gauss meter, which can be purchased online for between $50 and $200. Some experts even recommend pulling your circuit breaker before bed to kill all power in your house. Move alarm clocks and other electrical devices away from your head. If these devices must be used, keep them as far away from your bed as possible, preferably at least 3 feet. Put away your computer, TV, iPad, and all other similar gadgets at least and hour before bedtime, as they also emit blue light.
4. Try Earthing. When walking barefoot on the earth, free electrons transfer from the ground into your body through the soles of your feet. These free electrons are some of the most potent antioxidants known to man. Experiments have shown that these electrons decrease pain and inflammation, and promote sound sleep. Spend more time with your bare feet in contact with the earth. You may want to invest in an earthing sheet for your bed.
5. Exercise to sleep better, but do it early! Exercising for at least 30 minutes per day can improve your sleep, but exercising too close to bedtime (generally within the three hours) may keep you awake.
6. Avoid foods that interfere with sleep. The worst foods for sleep include alcohol, coffee, dark chocolate, spicy foods, and certain fatty foods.
7. If you're feeling anxious or restless, try using the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), which can clear emotional issues and alleviate stress and worries that keep you tossing and turning at night.

Related articles

• Americans are Popping Sleeping Pills in Record Numbers
• Sleep Is Critical for Brain Detoxification
• Alzheimer's Advances; Early Detection Test Using Peanut Butter
• FDA Sued, Forced to Remove Safety Status on Trans Fats
• Preventable Medical Mistakes Account for One-Sixth of All Annual Deaths
• Stress - Trigger of Alzheimer's Identified

Gloucester, VA School Board Questions, Non-Classroom Staff (9 of 10)

Armand A. Fusco, Ed.D.

About the Yankee Institute for Public Policy

The Yankee Institute for Public Policy, Inc. is a nonpartisan educational and research organization
founded more than two decades ago. Today, the Yankee Institute’s mission is to “promote
economic opportunity through lower taxes and new ideas for better government in Connecticut.”


Question 9: Non-Classroom Staff;

How is the time and load of non-classroom certified staff (psychologists, social
workers, counselors, speech therapists, etc.) monitored? How is the time of full time staff with reduced loads (department chairman, supervising teachers, etc.)
monitored?

Background: There is usually no documentation of how such staffs use
their time. How many students does a psychologist test per day? What are the
number of students a speech therapist sees each day? What do department
chairs and supervising teachers do with their released time? These questions
demand answers.

Proposed Solution: It is essential to document how these staffers spend
their days. Such staff members are very reluctant to provide such information,
but it is incumbent on the administration and board to require it. Policies and
guidelines must be developed for this purpose. There are associations for each,
and they can be helpful in providing such guidelines. Comparing what other
similar districts do or require can also be useful.

This is part 9 of our 10 part series investigating and stopping fraud in our school system.

Related articles

• Gloucester, VA School Board, Federal and State Grants (Part 4)
• Gloucester, VA Teacher Student Loads - (Part 8 of 10)
• Gloucester, VA School Board and Credit Cards (Part 3 of 10)
• Gloucester, VA Schools, Petty Cash Funds, (Part 6 of 10)
• Gloucester, VA School Board - : Asset Management
• Gloucester, VA School Board, Board Policies Questions