This Week's Facts:
Online Databases Help Track Criminals in Your Community
People looking for information on criminals or criminal behavior in their area no longer have to wait for America’s Most Wanted to come on the air. There are several databases available from the federal government that provide the same sort of information. You can get to “Most Wanted” sites from a variety of federal agencies – whether you are interested in fugitives wanted by the ATF or even by the EPA or the Postal Service. Most include details and photos, as well as information on how to report someone to the proper authorities. May people are primarily interested in sex offender registries. In addition to the National Sex Offender Registry, USA.gov provides access to state websites that list information.
Friday Facts Editorial Team:
May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month. Sponsored by Prevent Blindness America, the month seeks to bring attention to the damage that UV rays can cause, with a particular focus on the eyes. According to a fact sheet on eye damage published by the EPA, the sun can cause cataracts, snow blindness, pterygium (a growth at the corner of the eye) and skin cancer around the eyelids. To prevent eye damage due to the sun, doctors recommend sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Wrap-around sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are also recommended because they provide extra layers of protection. Additionally, it’s possible to get contact lenses that block UV rays.
Your eyes aren’t the only things that can get damaged by the sun. You also need to protect your skin! As the days get warmer, more people are spending more time outside and in the sunshine. In order to prevent sun spots, wrinkles and skin cancer, Medline Plus suggests that you stay out of the sun during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM), use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and wear protective clothing. To see the current UV index for your area, check out this site from the EPA.
The Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA) of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has designated May as National Historic Preservation Month. The DHPA and other historic organizations have collaborated to emphasize historic preservation around the country. The National Trust for Historic Preservation originally created Preservation Week in 1971 to celebrate historic structures and landmarks with a variety of events. The DHPA and its partners focus their activities in Historic districts, main streets, and communities throughout Indiana. The DHPA has provided financial assistance for landmark safari brochures, preservation awards, walking tours, guest lectures, posters and a photo contest celebrating Preservation Month. Click here to see a list of events for the month and enjoy Indiana’s historic sites and architecture!
May 9-15 is National Women’s Health Week, as announced in this Presidential Proclamation released last Friday. A recent statement from the Surgeon General noted that “the most important steps women can take to improve their health include eating a well balanced, nutritious diet; getting regular physical activity; avoiding unhealthy behaviors, like smoking; and paying attention to mental health.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH) coordinates the observance of this week. You can find events in your area here. Use the Sort by State drop down menu and click Go. Some of the Indiana events include North Shore’s National Women’s Health Week Fair in Portage and Lake Station, Latina Women’s Health Week in Indianapolis, and Free Pap Days sponsored by Planned Parenthood services throughout the state. Check out the Medline Plus section on Women’s Health for specific conditions, treatment, and prevention of women’s health issues and the CDC page on Women’s Health for research, conferences, and other resources. You can get fast access to statistics through the Quick Health Data Online webpage (formerly the National Women’s Health Indicators Database (NWHID).
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