Still Life

With four guide ropes attached to it, the east-side clock face is raised into position. While it didn't seem that windy on the ground on Saturday, Jan. 28, winds higher up were strong, requiring extra guidance to bring the clock face safely to the Old Main bell tower.

Old Main clock faces installed

Ben White of New Vibrations Audio and Video works on a ledge of the Old Main bell tower, to remove the speakers from the old chime system. The company installed a new carillon system today (Jan. 27) that will play a digital recording made of the original Old Main bell that now sits adjacent to Old Main and other bells of comparable sizes.

New carillon, restored clocks being installed

The funeral procession for Joe Paterno made its way past Beaver Stadium and down Porter Road as crowds applauded on Jan. 25. Thousands lined the procession route through the University Park campus and downtown State College to bid a last farewell to Joe Paterno.

Joe Paterno's funeral procession

Coach Joe Paterno was on the field for the first half of the Nittany Lions' football game. Penn State beat the Iowa Hawkeyes 13-3 on Oct. 8, 2011, in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Beaver Stadium.

Joe Paterno through the years

Katie Knobloch and Andrew Adamietz, members of the a capella group Blue in the Face, shared a candle at the vigil held Sunday, Jan. 22, to mourn the death of Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, who passed away earlier in the day. Several thousand members of the Penn State and State College community came out to the Old Main lawn on Penn State's University Park campus for the vigil.

Thousands mourn Paterno's passing

Featured Video

We ... are Penn State (December 19, 2011)

We ... are Penn State (December 19, 2011)

Penn State's creamery, from the cow to the cone

Penn State's creamery, from the cow to the cone

Researchers use balloons to unlock mysteries posed by dying stars

Researchers use balloons to unlock mysteries posed by dying stars

Everyday virus proves potent against cancer cells.

Everyday virus proves potent against cancer cells.

Updates:
Penn State Promise

Penn State Harrisburg community forum to discuss child abuse

Video: Board of Trustees' Jan. 20 press conference

Newly elected chair of the Board of Trustees delivers remarks

Frazier provides update on independent investigation

Guidelines for reporting of child abuse, sexual assault

The Medical Minute: How to winter-proof your kids

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

By Susan Rzucidlo

When cold weather sets in, it’s time for warm clothes to be set out. But knowing how to dress your son or daughter for outdoor play is just one part of winter safety. It also is important to know when to bring children in or not let them out at all.

* If the weather calls for a wind-chill advisory, you should keep small children inside. When the index goes below zero, frostbite can become an issue within a matter of minutes.
* Infants and toddlers are especially at risk. They tend to spend a lot of time in strollers or car seats, unable to move to keep warm. Their heads are relatively large in comparison to their bodies, too. That means they lose heat more easily than older children or adults.
* In frostnip, which precedes frostbite, the skin turns white and becomes numb. Noses, ears, fingers, and toes are most susceptible to frostnip or frostbite. The standard treatment is to cover the affected parts with warm water. The temperature in most hot tubs, 104 degrees, is about right. A warm drink also helps. Doctors don’t recommend rubbing.
* Another risk is hypothermia, which sets in when the body’s core temperature drops below normal. Hypothermia usually occurs in wet, windy and freezing conditions.
* Symptoms to watch for are shivering, clumsiness and slurred speech. If you become concerned, get your child to a warm environment and seek medical attention right away. Cold-related injuries can be serious and early identification and treatment are essential.

Here’s how to dress your child to head off problems:

* Layers of clothing that breathe (thermal underwear, a turtleneck shirt, sweater, or fleece pullover)
* A knitted ski hat (wool or polypropylene)
* A scarf
* Mittens (warmer than gloves)
* Warm socks
* Winter boots
* A water-resistant parka with sleeves snug at the wrist
* Do your plans include ice skating, skiing, snowboarding or sledding? Consider a helmet as well. Also advisable: water, energy bars, sunglasses and sunscreen. Snow mirrors the sun and kids can get sunburned.

For more information on winter safety and tips for keeping your family safe, call the Dauphin County SAFE KIDS Coalition, led by Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, at (717) 531-SAFE (7233).

Susan Rzucidlo is the Safe Kids Dauphin County Coalition coordinator and the Pediatric Trauma and Injury Prevention Program manager at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

 

Contact