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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker May 20-26 is MRSA Awareness Week Since I became your state Senator, I have learned a great deal about many important issues. On a recent trip to the Lebanon VA Medical Center, which serves veterans in 13 counties, its administration brought my attention to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, or MRSA. MRSA is a type of staph infection that is resistant to treatment with the usual antibiotics and comprises about 63 percent of all such resistant infections. It occurs most frequently in hospitals and health care facilities, particularly the elderly, those undergoing dialysis and those with surgical wounds. Individuals infected with MRSA are also more likely to have longer and more expensive hospital stays. However, MRSA is not limited to health care venues. Since 2000, clusters have been reported in schools and universities among competitive sports teams. Members of these teams often have risk factors for infection because they come into close personal contact with each other and share equipment, towels and locker facilities. Of particular concern is that anyone, not just an infected patient, can transmit MRSA through skin-to-skin contact. The good news, though, is that MRSA can be prevented by following appropriate hygiene practices and implementing screening procedures during patient admission processes. Some countries, including Denmark and Finland, have successfully controlled MRSA through aggressive action. In recognition of this serious matter, I am very pleased that the Senate adopted my resolution declaring May 20 to 26 as MRSA Awareness Week in Pennsylvania to raise awareness of MRSA and the ways in which we can prevent these infections. Tools available to protect children from online bullying, predators A new nationwide education program, the Internet Keep Safe Coalition, is offering parents and educators information about protecting their children from cyber-bullying and online child predators. The Coalition's web site, found at www.ikeepsafe.org, provides a wide range of useful tips on how to prevent children from falling victim to online bullies and predators and offers advice on how to teach children to be safe online. Teachers can also find free educational materials including worksheets, coloring books and printable brochures. In addition, children can take part in fun activities, games and animated movies that help them learn how to avoid dangerous Internet activity. More information is available at the Coalition's web site or by calling toll-free 1-866-794-7233. Schools and community groups interested in materials, speakers or presentations can also contact the Attorney General's Education and Outreach Office at 1-800-525-7642 or education@attorneygeneral.gov. Local students win scholarships I was very happy to hear recently that three high school seniors in my district have been awarded Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarships in honor of their achievements. These Comcast Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and have displayed significant leadership abilities. High school principals around the country nominate their best and brightest students who have at least a 2.8 GPA and showcase a positive attitude toward their work and activities. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Katelynn Balmer from Manheim Central, Eliza Martin from Pequea Valley, and Elana Sharir from Conestoga Valley, who were named 2007 recipients, and wish them the best for a successful future. I also wish the best to all seniors, both high school and college, from my district who will soon be graduating and setting out on the next step in their lives.
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