FOR YOUR HEALTH: Discover a Minimally Invasive Procedure Transforming the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain

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An innovative procedure can help people with back pain get back to feeling better.

(NAPSI)—For more than half of her life, 43-year-old Megan Bettor dealt with bouts of excruciating low back pain. She doesn’t remember a specific accident or injury that caused the initial pain – all she knows is that it was a constant part of her life.

Megan knew something had to change and began exploring surgical options, including a disc replacement, an invasive and expensive treatment that may or may not address her pain. That’s when she met Ramana Naidu, M.D., director of pain management, MarinHealth Medical Center and interventional pain physician and anesthesiologist.

This type of pain is a relatively new discovery and caused by vertebral endplates that get damaged due to age, wear, tear and everyday living. While approximately 5.3 million people in the U.S. are living with vertebrogenic pain, this condition did not have an official diagnosis until recently, let alone a treatment.

Dr. Naidu thought Megan would be an ideal candidate for a procedure utilizing Boston Scientific’s Intracept™ Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System, which provides a minimally invasive, same-day treatment specifically designed to address vertebrogenic pain.

The Intracept system targets a specific nerve in the lower back – the basivertebral nerve or BVN – that transmits pain signals from the damaged vertebral endplates to the brain. The Intracept system uses a radiofrequency probe to heat the BVN and prevent it from sending these signals. The procedure is proven to be safe and effective, with patients reporting significant pain and functional improvements at five years after a single treatment.

“Historically, the disc was presumed to be the source of most chronic low back pain, but recent research demonstrates that the vertebral endplates play a significant role in causing pain,” said Ray Baker, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer, Neuromodulation, Boston Scientific. “By targeting the BVN, patients can achieve durable relief through a minimally invasive procedure.”

After receiving insurance approval, Megan underwent her procedure with the Intracept system in November 2023. Her pain relief was immediate and, as time went on, Megan ramped up her physical activities without the accompanying low back pain.

If you have suffered from chronic low back pain for at least six months and find it gets worse with physical activity, you may have vertebrogenic pain.

Physicians across the U.S. are trained to make this specific diagnosis and to determine if treating your low back pain with the Intracept system may be an option for you. You can also use the Intracept Physician Finder to locate a physician near you to make an appointment and learn more about this diagnosis and proven treatment.

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Don’t let frost end your garden season

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by Melinda Myers

No matter where you garden there never seems to be enough time to grow and enjoy all your favorite vegetables. Start preparing now to extend your growing season and continue enjoying garden fresh vegetables even after the first frost.

Some vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts tolerate frost and even taste better after a slight chill. Most of these can tolerate temperatures as low as 24 to 28 ˚F.

Leeks are another vegetable that thrives in cooler temperature. Many tolerate temperatures as low as 20˚ F. Just mound some protective mulch around the plants and continue harvesting.

Take advantage of the chilly winter temperatures to store some of your carrots, turnips and parsnips in the ground for winter. Just cover the soil with straw or evergreen boughs after it lightly freezes. Dig as needed or during a winter thaw. You will enjoy their wonderfully sweet flavor.

Floating row covers protect plants from frost while allowing light, air and water through. (photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com)

Those first few fall frosts are often followed by a week or more of mild temperatures. Protecting frost sensitive plants from the first few fall frosts is one way of extending your season. Cover the plants with old bed sheets, mattress pads, or similar items in late afternoon and remove them as soon as the temperatures climb above freezing. Keep these handy and be ready to cover whenever frost is in the forecast.

Make it easier by using floating row covers. The spun material allows air, light and water through while protecting the plants from frost. You will find different weights of row covers that provide different levels of temperature protection. Just loosely cover the plants and anchor the edges with stones, boards or garden pins. You only need to remove the fabric to harvest ripe vegetables. Otherwise, it can stay in place until the vegetables stop producing or you decide it is time to end the season.

Create a high tunnel over garden beds filled with large plants. Use hoops and row cover to allow easy access for harvesting while protecting the plants.

Cloches have long been used to jump start the season or extend it beyond the first fall frost. You’ll find a variety of shapes and sizes available. Select one large enough to cover your plants and protect them as needed. Look for those with vents to prevent plants from overheating and those that allow water through while trapping in the heat.

Don’t let unripe tomatoes go to waste if you are unable or unwilling to protect them from frost. Harvest any that are starting to show color before the killing frost and finish ripening them indoors. The bottom of the tomato should be greenish white or starting to color up. Store your green tomatoes in a cool (60 to 65 degrees) location to extend their storage life.

Spread out the tomatoes on heavy paper or wrap them individually in newspaper so the fruit do not touch each other. They’ll ripen over the next few weeks. Speed up the process by moving a few tomatoes to a warm bright location a few days before they’re needed. Enjoy green tomatoes fried, in relish, salsa, pies or many other ways.

And when your season ends, begin planning for next year. Enlist some of these strategies to jump start the season for an earlier harvest.

Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: The discovery of a rare mushroom in central Maine

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Recently, at camp, a friend showed me photos of a mushroom – an unusual mushroom – she had seen on the grounds. The mushroom had a blue hue and was seen in a wet area. So, it was research time.

It turns out to be an Indigo milk cap, Lactarius indigo, a type of wild mushrooms that are found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. They typically grow in deciduous or mixed forests, and are often found in association with hardwood trees such as oak, beech, and maple.

Indigo Milk Cap is a widespread but uncommon, distinctively colored mushroom. In the summer and fall it can be found on the ground alone, scattered, or in groups, in oak and pine woodlands. It grows on the roots of hardwoods, including oak, ironwood, and blue beech; and pines.

These mushrooms look out of place in nature. Sure, mushrooms come in all kinds of different colors, but blue mushrooms are pretty rare.

Indigo milk cap mushrooms are a beautiful and intriguing species of fungi that grow in temperate forests around the world. While they are widely admired for their striking blue color and unique flavor, many people are unsure if they are safe to eat. In this article, we will explore the question, “are indigo milk cap mushrooms edible?”

First, it is important to note that not all mushrooms are safe to eat. Some species contain toxins that can cause serious illness or even death. It is therefore essential to correctly identify any mushroom before consuming it. Indigo milk cap mushrooms are generally considered safe to eat, but there are some important factors to consider.

One of the main concerns when it comes to eating indigo milk cap mushrooms is their latex, a milky substance that is exuded from the mushroom when it is cut or damaged. The latex of some Lactarius species can cause a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, while others can cause gastrointestinal distress. However, the latex of indigo milk cap mushrooms is generally considered non-toxic and is not known to cause any adverse effects.

Another factor to consider is the age and condition of the mushroom. Young, fresh mushrooms are generally safer to eat than older, more mature specimens. Look for mushrooms that are firm and have a fresh, fruity smell. Mushrooms that are slimy, discolored, or have a foul odor should be avoided.

It is also important to cook indigo milk cap mushrooms thoroughly before consuming them. Like many other mushrooms, they contain chitin, a tough, indigestible substance that can only be broken down by cooking. Raw or undercooked mushrooms can cause digestive upset or even be toxic.

When cooking indigo milk cap mushrooms, it is recommended to sauté or roast them to bring out their unique flavor. They pair well with garlic, butter, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. Some people also enjoy using them in soups and stews.

While indigo milk cap mushrooms are generally considered safe to eat, it is important to take precautions to ensure their safety. Here I will repeat what was written above. Make sure to correctly identify the mushroom, choose young and fresh specimens, and cook them thoroughly before consuming. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the unique flavor and beauty of indigo milk cap mushrooms while staying safe and healthy.

When sliced with a knife, the mushroom stains an even darker blue. They’re truly one of the most interesting mushrooms I’ve ever seen, let alone eaten.

As an aside (and it’s funny I even have to say this) cooking or visually enjoying these mushrooms will be the only thing you do with them.

Just because a mushroom is blue, doesn’t mean it’s magic (hallucinogenic). The only trip you’ll be taking is probably to the grocery store to get some garlic and parsley.

The amount of truly blue foods in the world is pretty slim, and these have to rank among the most interesting.

Long story short, the key to finding indigo milkcaps is timing. These mushrooms need a lot of rain to produce a decent fruiting, so after you’ve found a place where one or have been spotted, make sure to go there after a good rainfall, and you might get lucky. Milkcap mushrooms love the same habitat.

When harvesting, the most important thing to look for is the stem. More often than not, milkcaps will probably have been visited by bugs before you get to them. This may mean you cut off and discard the stems, or you may just have to pass on them. Timing is tricky, and a day or two can be the difference between mushrooms for a meal and compost.

The color and shape of these mushrooms is really distinctive – -there really aren’t any other blue mushrooms that you could easily confuse with them. That being said, certain types of dangerous mushrooms can have slightly similar colors, but mostly they’re purple-ish-not nearly the same striking blue as indigo milkcaps.

The indigo can be cooked like any other mushroom, and you can substitute them just about anywhere mushrooms would be welcome. These are relatively clean since they grow in coniferous forests, but you’ll want to check for the occasional pine needle.

The big problem here is that bugs like these guys, and more than likely what you find may be past prime. You could make some stock out of the buggy ones, or dry them, but there’s many other nice mushrooms out there.

If you really want to eat these, make sure they are the right mushroom, and you can find recipes online.

As for me, I will stick with the ones you buy in the supermarket. You can’t make a mistake with those.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Catcher Doug Mirabelli formed a famous tandem with which Red Sox pitcher?

Answer
Tim Wakefield (whose primary pitch was the finicky knuckleball.)

VETERANS CORNER: Only 6% of 18.5M veterans receive disability benefits

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Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

There are approximately 18.5 million veterans and only six percent have received V.A. Disability benefits. There are millions of benefits waiting to be spoken for. Every week that I write this column I should be heading for a conclusion but suredly such is not the case. Just this week I met three veterans who didn’t know the true story behind the existence of the Veterans Administration.

Togus VA is the first Veterans Center. Originally, the facility was used as a summer resort called Togus Springs. Togus Springs was established in 1859 by Horace Beals, a very wealthy granite merchant from Rockland, Maine. The name Togus comes from the Native American word “Worromontogus”, which means “Mineral Water”. I believe this time forward would place us at the very beginning of the Civil War. So, long story short, since Togus still exists, it is the oldest as well. I have watched it’s evolution for more than 55 years. The little pond of water by the hospitality house has been a special place. Once upon a time it was larger and was believed to have healing powers. It seems to me that would be an appropriate place for a healing center; and for the most part it is. Occasionally, it loses it’s way but always seems to find a way to return to it’s positive self.

Once known as Chases Acres with 1,000 acres, it was divided into half thus leaving approximately 500 acres. This in my opinion is plenty of growth room. It also has a couple of cemeteries with lots of history. Wild life abounds in this place and thrives. Occasionally, the areas wildlife has to be reduced because of over populations. However, I own some property within the confines of the original property and my wife and I enjoy it very much. We have many animal friends who know when they are not in danger. For us Togus is not only a Medical Center but a refuge for the veteran who needs aid and attendance.

Many lives have begun anew in the past 160 years. We were the first to accept women veterans. Senator Olympia Snowe was a champion in later years in this area. Many great people have walked through these gates. There is an unbelievable history in this one little area. The Winthrop library has some great literature for all of a curious heart.

If you served in the military and have some medical issues there is a very good chance that your service to your country had something to do with it, in one way or another. Many veterans that I have met with have decided they don’t qualify for help for many reasons. Some say, yes, I did this in the military but I didn’t report it or didn’t make an issue of it. They forget the big picture. When you took that physical and signed on the dotted line you entered into a two party contract. The contract basically implied that you would serve your country however needed and your country would be there for you and yours when needed. That contract extended to your family as well. Medically speaking, little things can become big things. All you need to do is remember the promise you make each other.

You can apply online, by mail, in person or by seeking out a Veterans Service Officer, (VSO). Online: apply at v.a.gov, by mail: download and complete VA form 21-526EZ and mail it to the Department of Veterans Affairs; in person: visit V.A. and seek out a (V.S.O.), Veterans Service Officer. The benefits you could likely be eligible for are Disability Compensation, Health Benefits or even a pension. If you were injured in anyway in the military you most likely have something going for you. You just need to know how to pursue it. That is why it is important to seek out a V.S.O. for advice. Don’t be afraid to do that. That is why they are there. Most of these folks are veterans themselves. Also, it’s their career and that is a paid position for them and a right to service for you. No harm will come to you and perhaps you will become pleasantly surprised at the result. Remember that contract you signed with the U.S.A.. I think you will find they are as honorable as you have been.

Thank you for your service is spoken thousands of times daily by those that genuinely appreciate you for the contribution you gave your country. The V.A.’s door is open 24 hours a day to it’s members in need. As of last September there were an estimated 17.9 million veterans in the USA. As of one year ago there were 5.27 million veterans with a service connected disability. This figures include physical and emotional disability conditions. Call 623-8411. someone is always there to answer your call. Stay safe brothers and sisters. God bless and keep you safe.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

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Don’t take your eyes for granted. Take these easy steps to keep your peepers healthy.

1. Eat Well

Good eye health starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. To get them, fill your plate with: Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards, salmon, tuna, and other oily fish, eggs, nuts, beans, and other nonmeat protein sources, oranges and other citrus fruits or juices, oysters and pork. A well-balanced diet also helps you stay at a healthy weight. That lowers your odds of obesity and related diseases like type 2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

2. Quit Smoking

It makes you more likely to get cataracts, damage to your optic nerve, and macular degeneration, among many other medical problems. If you’ve tried to kick the habit before only to start again, keep at it. The more times you try to quit, the more likely you are to succeed. Ask your doctor for help.

3. Wear Sunglasses

The right pair of shades will help protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much UV exposure boosts your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Choose a pair that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side. Polarized lenses reduce glare while you drive, but don’t necessarily offer added protection. If you wear contact lenses, some offer UV protection. It’s still a good idea to wear sunglasses for an extra layer.

4. Look Away From the Computer Screen

Staring at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause: eye strain, blurry vision, trouble focusing at a distance, dry eyes, headaches, neck, back, and shoulder pain,

Make sure your glasses or contacts prescription is up to date and good for looking at a computer screen.

If your eye strain won’t go away, talk to your doctor about computer glasses.

Move the screen so your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. That lets you look slightly down at the screen.

Try to avoid glare from windows and lights. Use an anti-glare screen if needed.

Choose a comfortable, supportive chair. Position it so that your feet are flat on the floor.

If your eyes are dry, blink more or try using artificial tears.

Rest your eyes every 20 minutes. Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Get up at least every two hours and take a 15-minute break.

5. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Everyone needs a regular eye exam, even young children. It helps protect your sight and lets you see your best.

Eye exams can also find diseases, like glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It’s important to spot them early on, when they’re easier to treat.

Depending on your eye health needs, you can see one of two types of doctors:

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care. They can provide general eye care, treat eye diseases, and perform eye surgery.

Optometrists have had 4 years of specialized training after college. They provide general eye care and can diagnose and treat most eye diseases. They don’t do eye surgery.

A comprehensive eye exam might include:

  • Talking about your personal and family medical history
  • Vision tests to see if you’re nearsighted, farsighted, have an astigmatism (a curved cornea that blurs vision), or presbyopia (age-related vision changes)
  • Tests to see how well your eyes work together
  • Eye pressure and optic nerve tests to check for glaucoma
  • External and microscopic examination of your eyes before and after dilation

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, August 29, 2024

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

CHINA SUNSET: Susan Thiem, summer visitor to China Lake, from Corpus Christi, Texas, captured this sunset over China Lake.

RAINBOW OF ‘SHROOMS”: Emily Poulin, of China, photographed these multi-colored mushrooms.

SMILE, YOU’RE ON CAMERA: Gary Mazoki, of Palermo, snapped this red fox being vigilant while passing through.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Clark Gable, William F. Buckley Jr. & Alma Gluck

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Clark Gable

Clark Gable

Clark Gable (1901-1960) might not have achieved the same level of greatness as, for example, Sir Lawrence Olivier, Rod Steiger, George C. Scott and, among the living, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branaugh, when it came to getting inside the skin of a range of different characters; but he had an on-screen charisma in his portrayal of the same charming, arrogant character in every film I ever saw of his.

They include Call of the Wild with Loretta Young, Soldier of Fortune with Susan Hayward, Teacher’s Pet with Doris Day, Command Decision with Van Johnson and last, but far from least, Gone with the Wind with Sir Lawrence Olivier’s then-wife Vivian Leigh; I had my first viewing of it at the long gone Winslow Drive-In during the summer of 1961.

His first appearance in the now legendary role of Rhett Butler is at the foot of the long staircase at the Tara plantation. He’s staring up at Vivian’s Scarlet O’Hara and this first eye contact sows some very turbulent seeds of ballistic romance.

One critic referred to Gable’s presence as brutally masculine. He was a man among men and hunted and fished. Yet he was also a voracious reader, had a huge library of books and absolutely did not want his men friends knowing about this hobby.

Gable was married five times, including a much publicized second one to actress Carole Lombard, who perished in a 1942 plane crash in Nevada.

He died in November 1960, at the age of 59, after suffering two heart attacks over a ten-day period. His widow was pregnant with his only biological son John Clark Gable, born four months later. Gable also fathered a daughter in 1935 during a brief affair with actress Loretta Young while filming Call of the Wild.

William F. Buckley Jr.

William F. Buckley Jr.

A 1988 biography, William F. Buckley Jr. Patron Saint of the Conservatives, by John B. Judis, proved a fascinating book to browse in. Buckley (1925-2008) brought a wit and intellectual brilliance to conservative thinking via the weekly magazine he founded in 1955, National Review, and his television show Firing Line. His nice guy debating skills both thrilled and terrified those on the other side of a given issue.

In 1965, Buckley ran as an independent in a three-way race against Democrat contender Abe Beame and Republican winner John Lindsay. Buckley wrote the following sardonic quote about Lindsay:

“For some people, politics is the ultimate concern. Of them, it can be said that they are serious about politics, in the sense in which Mr. John Lindsay is serious about politics. He is as serious about politics as, for instance, a flagpole-sitter is serious about flagpoles. Politics sustains Mr. Lindsay, even as the flagpole sustains the flagpole-sitter. Others care less for politics than for the end of politics. We climb flagpoles, but only in order to look at the horizon.”

Alma Gluck

Alma Gluck

A 12-inch acoustic shellac disc (Victrola Red Seal 88434) from 1914 features soprano Alma Gluck (1884-1938) in a collaboration with her husband, violinist Efrem Zimbalist (1889-1985), and pianist Eugene Lutsky performing Braga’s Angel’s Serenade, a frequently recorded concert piece during the World War I years. Gluck had one of the most beautiful voices of that era and sang a wide range of music including opera, hymns and folk songs.

They were the parents of actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. and the grandparents of actress Stephanie Zimbalist.

This very fine record can be heard via YouTube.

 

 

 

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CRITTER CHATTER: Cautiously optimistic for a young raccoon’s successful recovery

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Young raccoon resting comfortably. (photo by Jayne Winters)

by Jayne Winters

As is often the case, I wasn’t sure what this month’s article would be about and had asked Don to give it some thought so we could talk about it last week. And, as is often the case, it didn’t take very long for that question to be answered!

When I stopped by Duck Pond the other day, Dr. Cody Minor, of Windsor Veterinary Clinic, was finishing up a house call for a young raccoon, whose story is the topic of this column. Although my cat has received care at Windsor Vet for several years, I didn’t realize Dr. Minor has experience in zoo/wildlife medicine, as stated on the clinic’s website. And amazingly, one who apparently makes special home visits!

Don received a phone call from a woman who, while walking her dog, found a young coon that had been hit by a car (maybe even two). One of its eyes had popped out of its socket and it appeared to have suffered a broken front leg, maybe internal injuries as well. Friends were able to bring the coon to Duck Pond and Don immediately called Windsor Clinic and took the animal in for X-rays.

The coon did have a broken right leg, as well as two fractures in its jaw. Dr. Minor put the eye back into its socket, and treated/stitched the area in the hopes it could be saved. The jaw was wired and the front leg set and put into a cast. The patient was being weaned off pain medication and is being manually syringed soupy canned dog/cat food while under observation at Duck Pond. Just one day later, he seemed to be gaining strength and moving around in his crate in Don’s living room. I hope next month’s column will include a positive update, thanks to the Good Sama­ritan, Dr. Minor, the staff at Windsor Veterinary, and Don.

Speaking of Don, by the time you read this, he will have just turned 87. His continued commitment to helping wildlife is inspiring, to say the least. As noted last month, following his May hospitalization, he has transitioned into semi-retirement. While he isn’t admitting wildlife for extended care, he receives many calls every day, answers questions, provides advice and makes referrals to other wildlife rehabbers. Duck Pond is now primarily a drop-off site for folks to bring in the small injured or abandoned wildlife they’ve found, with other rehabbers coming by almost daily to transport the animals to their own facilities for additional treatment and care. Duck Pond prefers not to accept fawns, but Don can help people connect with and/or coordinate transfer with nearby rehabbers.

He has been working primarily with Misfits Rehab, in Auburn (207-212-1039; FYI, Jen accepts bats and mice), Wilderness Miracles, in Bowdoin (207-720-0074), Bridget Green, in Wiscasset (207-631-0874), Critterville Wildlife, in Brooklin (845-549-2407), and Saco River Wildlife (207-702-1405). As mentioned in last month’s column, mid-coast Maine has a newly-licensed turtle rehabber! Pam Meier can be reached at The Turtle’s Back (203-903-2708).

As you can imagine, wildlife rehabbers are inundated with their own rescue calls at this time of year, especially for young animals that require extra feedings and care, and Don greatly appreciates their assistance with Duck Pond rescues. Please remember to check these websites for someone close to you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html

In addition, you can contact your local Animal Control Officer through your town office.

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility supported by his own resources & outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Mainers warned to brace for rodent surge following heatwaves

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

According to Zachary Smith, of Smith’s Pest Management, summer heatwaves have created the ‘perfect storm’ for a surge in rodent activity.

Mainers have had to grapple with heatwaves this summer, and while these extreme weather patterns have obvious consequences, such as water shortages and increased wildfire risk, there’s another, less visible threat lurking in the shadows: a surge in rodent activity.

Smith warns that “the summer heatwaves we’ve experienced have created the perfect storm for a surge in rodent activity. When the environment becomes too hostile for rodents in the wild, they turn to our homes for food and shelter. Unfortunately, that means an invasion is likely.”

Here, he breaks down the details:

“When droughts hit, the landscape undergoes significant changes,” explains Smith. “Vegetation withers, water sources dry up, and ecosystems become stressed. These conditions drive rodents to seek out new environments where they can find the resources they need to survive – namely, food and water. Your home, with its reliable water supply and food sources, becomes an attractive target.” Rodents, particularly rats and mice, are incredibly resourceful. “In times of scarcity, they will invade homes, garages, and outbuildings, searching for sustenance,” Smith adds. “The lack of natural food sources and diminishing populations of predators, such as birds of prey, exacerbate the problem, allowing rodent populations to grow unchecked.”

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

It’s important to be vigilant and recognize the early signs of a rodent infestation. Smith notes, “The sooner you identify a rodent problem, the easier it is to handle it before it becomes a full-blown infestation.” Here are some common indicators:

Droppings: Rodent droppings are a telltale sign of an infestation. These are often found near food sources, in cupboards, or along baseboards.

Gnaw Marks: Rats and mice constantly gnaw on objects to keep their teeth sharp. Look for gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, and wires.

Nests: Rodents build nests from shredded paper, fabric, and other soft materials. These nests are usually hidden in dark, secluded areas like attics, basements, or behind appliances.

Scurrying Sounds: You might hear scratching or scurrying sounds in the walls, especially at night when rodents are most active.

Footprints: In dusty areas, you may notice small footprints or tail marks.

Protecting Your Home from Rodent Infestations

“Preventing a rodent infestation is always easier than dealing with one after it’s taken hold,” advises Smith. Here are some steps you can take to protect your home:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks that rodents could use to enter. Pay special attention to areas around doors, windows, and pipes. Even a small opening can be an entryway for mice or rats.

Remove Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills immediately, and ensure that garbage is properly sealed and disposed of regularly.

Eliminate Water Sources: Fix leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and remove standing water where rodents could drink.

Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs, trees, and other vegetation trimmed back from your home. This reduces the number of hiding places for rodents near your house.

Use Rodent Traps: Set traps in areas where you’ve noticed rodent activity. This can help to control populations before they become unmanageable.

“The combination of heatwaves and drought is likely to lead to a rise in rodent activity across the country. By taking proactive steps now, you can reduce the risk of an infestation and protect your home,” adds Smith. “Don’t wait until it’s too late. The time to act is now.”

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who was the first pitcher to have his number retired by the Boston Red Sox?

Answer
Pedro Martinez (No. 45).

MY POINT OF VIEW: Labor Day, the beginning of another season

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by Gary Kennedy

Well, here we are again, Labor Day September 2, and for many Mainers the beginning of another season. Children begin another school year while mama makes all the necessary preparation for all the coming events. Dad starts thinking about wrapping up the home in preparation of whatever the Farmer’s Almanac has extrapolated using the wisdom of Father Time. Of course, there are some pleasurable preparations that will be shared by all like checking out the ice fishing equipment, cleaning the camp, if we were fortunate enough to have acquired one during our productive years.

Finding and developing the pleasures that our four seasons bring is extremely important to living in the state of Maine. Winter gives us everything, snow, skiing, sledding, ice skating, ice fishing and the acknowledgement and love of God. (Xmas), Spring gives us aspirations of warmer weather, poor man’s fertilizer for our future crops and my favorite, fresh season maple syrup. Umm, those pancakes are great on a cold spring morning.

Last but not least is the sowing of the seed for the late summer, early fall crops. Don’t you just love that fresh Maine corn on the cob! Then comes summer which allows the children to enjoy their youth and to build and store memories to pass on at story time during those cold, frosty fall evenings; stories that will perhaps be similar to those told to them by their parents. Time through labor produces unimaginable growth to story time, but none the same, hearing grows with telling. Last, but certainly not least, is winter, where we enjoy and curse the winter wonderland. For me winter is a time of reflexions. Did I do all that I could do for God, country and family?

I take a serious look at who I am and what I have done, good and not so good, and make my new year’s resolution encompassing all results from my evaluation. This is my Labor Day. I shall then go to work on helping my world grow.

Labor Day is an annual holiday celebrating social and economic achievements. It is celebrated in most of the world. In most cases the dates are different but most of us have basically the same theme. Mine is personal and mostly private while others are very open and openly shared. It really makes no difference, if you have respect for other opinions and themes. As Americans we are a very long way from this holiday’s origin, the “American Labor Management”, which was a result of poor working conditions during the Industrial Revolution. However, if you look at our current situation we are in a very different place. It’s an election year and full of many things to think of before we vote.

The working environment is one of them, once again. Also, all minorities all the way up through the middle class need to think with intellect, in a soap-opera atmosphere. We have our employment to look at, our morality to question and to deal with, as our fore fathers once did. Our future and our children’s future depend on who and what we are and do.

Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894. That was 130 years ago. Labor Day is in part a fight for the welfare of our country and the security of our families. Mainer’s have always been respected workers; it’s the work environment that has now become the issue.

Windsor Fair is open for Labor Day. Stay safe and God bless you and your family. Remember “it’s not what you take with you; it’s what you leave behind”. Keep America safe and strong. Our children need us. We are the example that they rely on.

The views of the author of this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.