High School Education

Posted in

Palos Park sisters help high school students improve literacy

After returning from a debate camp at Harvard University this summer, sisters Bella and Mia Narciso decided to create the Turn the Page Foundation to help disadvantaged high school students improve their reading skills.

The foundation’s first partner is the iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park.

The teens, who live in Palos Park, said they met people from all over the world and heard stories of the challenges some camp participants had to overcome. When they returned, they realized they were fortunate that their parents encouraged reading.

“My parents have always thought that literacy and reading were a top priority.

…
by Oktavina•
Posted in

How to Saute without Oil (Dry Saute – NOT in water)

How to Saute Onions without oil

The consumption of oil is associated with a number of diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, gallbladder disease, and arthritis. But how do you saute without oil?

No water! No broth!

I’ve seen many suggestions/recipes for sauteing in a little water or vegetable broth instead of oil, but (in my opinion) that method just doesn’t do it. The onions taste steamed, not sauteed.

Here’s a method that enables you to brown onions deliciously – without dropping oil. We call this dry saute.

How-to-Saute-without-Oil

How to Saute without Oil

1.Choose the right size pan.

You don’t want to crowd the onions, so

…
by Oktavina•
Posted in

The way ahead for higher education | columnists

Higher education in Indiana is facing a turbulent future. Fewer Hoosiers are graduating from high school, and a declining percentage are going on to college. There are many reasons, including the pandemic, a strong job market, high sticker prices, growing student debt and a belief that many good jobs don’t require a college degree. The bottom line is that higher education needs to change, and fast.

What are colleges and universities to do?

First and foremost, we need to put students first. This may sound obvious, but it can’t be taken for granted. We need to offer academic programs and

…
by Oktavina•
Posted in

Worried About Vax-Related Side Effects? Breath Easier One Year Out

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

I’m at my one year anniversary of getting Pfizer’s COVID-19 vax. I’m starting to worry less about adverse effects, not that I’ve lost much sleep over it. Luckily, I’m hearing no chatter at my hospital about requiring the boosters. Yet I don’t hear any of the vax mandaters saying “we were wrong.” A relative of mine is searching for a job now and reports that the great majority of posted jobs still require the vax. Unbelievable!

The patient is wise to look away. If you watch the needle go in, it’ll hurt more.

From

…
by Oktavina•
Posted in

Clinton High School teacher receives a national award as part of the ‘Amazing Teacher’ program

Mary Lesko Kokenakes, left, who taught for many years at Madison High School but this year began teaching English at Clinton High School, was recently named an Amazing Teacher of the Month as part of the Amazing Teacher Awards promotion that is live on The Daily Telegram's website. It is a national award through Gannett publications, and the program is sponsored by McDonald's. Presenting a ceremonial $5,000 check to Kokenakes Nov. 17 is Adrian South Main Street McDonald's owner Mike Bodman.

Mary Lesko Kokenakes, left, who taught for many years at Madison High School but this year began teaching English at Clinton High School, was recently named an Amazing Teacher of the Month as part of the Amazing Teacher Awards promotion that is live on The Daily Telegram’s website. It is a national award through Gannett publications, and the program is sponsored by McDonald’s. Presenting a ceremonial $5,000 check to Kokenakes Nov. 17 is Adrian South Main Street McDonald’s owner Mike Bodman.

CLINTON — An educator who earns praise for her instructional methods, reaching students at all ability levels, has been

…
by Oktavina•
Posted in

COVID19: Although Biden Says the Pandemic Is Over, You May Still Want to Know About Nasal Irrigation, Which Reduced Deaths and Hospitalization

October 23, 2022 · 7:00 AM

Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

From ScienceDaily:

Starting twice daily flushing of the mucus-lined nasal cavity with a mild saline solution immediately after testing positive for COVID-19 can significantly reduce hospitalization and death, investigators report.

They say the technique that can be used at home by mixing a half teaspoon each of salt and baking soda in a cup of boiled or distilled water then putting it into a sinus rinse bottle is a safe, effective and inexpensive way to reduce the risk of severe illness and death from coronavirus infection that could

…
by Oktavina•
Posted in

Does Poor Posture Cause Back Pain?

October 24, 2022 · 7:00 AM

Photo by Budgeron Bach on Pexels.com

No, according to these three credentialed experts at The Conversations. A snippet:

There is a common belief that “good” posture is important to protect the spine from damage, as well as preventing and treating back pain. Good posture is commonly defined as sitting “upright”, standing “tall and aligned”, and lifting with a squat technique and “straight back”.

alternatively, “slump” sitting, “slouch” standing and lifting with a “round back” or stooped posture are frequently warned against. This view is widely held by people with and without back pain,

…
by Oktavina•