Erica E. Turner

Administrative Asst. II

erica.turner@louisvilleky.gov

Phone: 502-574-1200

Sophia White

Administrative Assistant II

sophia.white@louisvilleky.gov

Phone: 502-574-1100

Written, Edited and Layout by 

Erica E. Turner

THE GOOD, BAD & UGLY

Expectant Mom.

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a Council Chronicle series that offers a glimpse at unusual stories in the news around the world. They are intended to provoke thought, inform and elicit a range of emotions from joy, outrage, anger, amusement to hope. These are a summary of stories worth knowing. Each month we will feature a story of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly around the globe. If you come across a news item that falls into any of these categories, please email it to me for possible inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter.

THE GOOD

PREGNANT CHINESE WOMAN LIES IN BED FOR WEEKS TO SAVE FETUS AFTER FOOT SLIPPED OUT OF CERVIX

A mother in China spent four weeks lying flat in bed to save her unborn baby girl whose foot slipped out of her cervix, touching many internet users with her extraordinary sacrifice and love. Her story of devotion to her unborn child has gone viral and has been read by over 90 million people throughout the world.

According to a media outlet, Lizhi News, a woman from eastern China with the last name Li went for a prenatal check-up at 21 weeks pregnant and was told that one of her baby’s feet had slipped out of her cervix. Doctors cautioned her that once contractions began, there was a high risk of miscarriage within three to five days, which could also be detrimental to the mother's health.

Li told the doctors she would do anything to save her daughter, saying: “I want to give my child a chance. “I have a bond with this child. No matter how hard it is, I will keep her,” she added.

The mom had to stay in this position for four weeks.

Her doctor informed her that to minimize harm to herself, Li could only attempt a traditional delivery. The hospital’s obstetrics team advised Li to keep her hips raised at all times in bed to reduce the pressure of the baby’s foot on the amniotic sac, which protects and supports fetal growth.

This position is difficult for most pregnant women to maintain, with many unable to last more than an hour a day. However, Li showed remarkable determination, using pillows to raise her hips, allowing her to hold the position for an entire month, even while eating and using the restroom in bed.

Thanks to her perseverance, the baby was born safely, though premature, weighing just 1.65 pounds.

After 93 days in the hospital, Li's baby girl had gained 17.6 pounds by the time of her discharge.

On February 21, Li sent her doctor several photos of her smiling daughter, and said that her baby’s checkup was normal, which brought great joy to their family.

Li said, “Love will create miracles. A thought has always supported me. I believe both my daughter and I will be fine.”

A Mother's Love Knows No Bounds. ❤️

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

AMY LUCKETT                 3/11

JOHN TORSKY                    3/15

SOPHIA WHITE                 3/15

DONNA PURVIS                   3/20

MICHAEL GARTON           3/23

SARA FELTNER                    3/28

BRIAN POWELL                 3/29

JUSTIN SUFORO                  3/29

ABIGAIL CHEEK                 3/31

               HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! 

DUDE WITH SIGN

Please. No One Wants to Hear Your Conversation.

     TRUTH BOMBS are described in the urban dictionary as surprising but true statements. A fact or piece of knowledge that, when told to a listener, is devastating to the listener's argument or world view. 

    New Yorker Seth Phillips has gained a cult following for his truth bombs that protest anything from loud engines, phones that shatter easily, “x” in espresso, and other very specific, small things that add up to our daily lives. He has a over 7.5 million followers on social media. Phillips has gone mainstream enough that fashion brands are selling "Dude with Sign" shirts in their collections.   

    And, of course, there’s always something new to protest. Such as, hot coffee in summer or verifying you’re not a robot online. Those of us who have had enough of everything will get a chuckle out of this series. 

CROCK POT COOKING

CROCKPOT ZUPPA TOSCANA.

Crock pot cooking is my favorite way to cook. I love using the crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, for Fall and Winter meals. I get up in the morning, put my ingredients in the crock pot, set it and forget it. The house is filled with the most amazing aromas as you go about your day.  

 It's an easy, hands-off way to cook healthy, filling, flavorful meals. An added bonus to crock pot cooking is the easy clean up. There's not a lot of pots and pans to clean after dinner is done. These meals are also great for those days when you get home in the evening, your lunch is a distant memory, and your stomach is letting you know it’s ready to be filled ASAP! All you have to do is plate your food, maybe toast some bread or throw together a salad to accompany your meal and dig in!

CROCKPOT ZUPPA TOSCANA 

This easy Crockpot Zuppa Toscana is a creamy Tuscan soup full of Italian sausage, kale, potatoes, and Parmesan. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfect for the colder months. It will warm you from the inside out. 

INGREDIENTS

Zuppa Toscana Soup Ingredients.

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  In a large frying pan, brown the Italian sausage with the onion over medium-high heat (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.

2.  Add the sausage mixture, broth, potatoes, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes to the Slow Cooker (4-6 quarts).

3.  Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2 hours (cooking times vary by slow cooker).

4.  Once potatoes are tender, stir in kale, cream, and Parmesan.

5.  Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. 

6.  Enjoy with some fresh baked bread of your choosing.  

Optional: Top with crispy bacon crumbles and/or shredded cheese before serving. Enjoy

Who's ready to eat? 😋

Monday, March 17th is St. Patrick's Day. 🍀

PET MEME

Fur Babies are the Best. 🐾❤️

WOULD YOU RATHER...

WWII Bomber.

6.  Would you rather have a chat with Gloria Steinem or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?  

7.  Would you rather have had tea with Eleanor Roosevelt or Jackie Kennedy?

8.  Would you rather take a writing class taught by Virgnia Woolf or Maya Angelou?   

9.  Would you rather be Joan of Arc or be Hua Mulan?

10. Would you rather be Cleopatra and rule Egypt or be Princess Diana and rule England?

Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt

NOTABLE DATES IN MARCH

March is Women's History Month.

MAINTENANCE WORKER DAY       3/1

READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY         3/2

WORLD WILDLIFE DAY                   3/3

MARDI GRAS                                      3/4

ASH WEDNESDAY                            3/5        

NATIONAL OREO DAY                        3/6

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY    3/7

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY      3/8

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS    3/9

NATIONAL NAPPING DAY                 3/10

WORLD KIDNEY DAY                      3/13

WORLD SLEEP DAY                         3/14

ST. PATRICK’S DAY  🍀                  3/17

SPRING BEGINS                                3/20

WORLD DOWN’S SYNDROME DAY   3/21

NATIONAL PUPPY DAY                      3/23

INTERNATIONAL WAFFLE DAY           3/25

VIETNAM WAR VETERAN’S DAY      3/29

NATIONAL DOCTOR’S DAY                  3/30

AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH 

NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH ♀️

NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK MONTH

NATIONAL ETHICS AWARENESS MONTH

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

AMAZING RESCUE DOG TRANSFORMATIONS

Rosie, AFTER being adopted.

BEFORE & AFTER RESCUE DOG TRANSFORMATIONS

According to the ASPCA, a staggering 6.3 million companion animals enter animal shelters every year in the US. Every year, more than 900,000 of those animals are euthanized (300,000+ dogs and 500,000+ cats). It is so heartbreaking to know that many of these animals never get a second chance at life. 

DOG ADOPTED AFTER SHE WAS FOUND

STARVING IN A PILE OF TRASH

This sweet pup they later named Rosie was found in a pile of trash along the side of the road in a Louisiana town by an animal control officer. The 1-year-old bully breed was seemingly left for dead, starving and in need of urgent care.

The officer took her to the St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter for medical attention, and Rosie’s case was so severe that euthanasia was considered. She was diagnosed with severe anemia, hookworms, whipworms, heartworms and extreme malnutrition. After a long rehabilitation process at the animal shelter, she was recently adopted into a new home.

Rosie, BEFORE her long road to recovery and later adoption. 😢

These days, Rosie runs and plays with her canine bestie Coby, in her new home and without a care in the world. To see her in action, one might never know that only a few months ago, she was fighting for her young life.

If you come across an abused or abandoned animal who is suffering, please contact a reputable animal rescue or animal control. You could ultimately save their life.

Please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or a pet rescue if you have room in your home and heart for a new furry family member. Trust me, you'll be so glad that you did. 🐾❤️🐾

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH FUN FACTS

National Women’s History Month can be traced back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over their horrible working conditions. The first Women’s Day celebration in the United States was also in New York in 1909. International Women's Day was established as a holiday in 1911. And in 1981, Congress established National Women’s History Week to be celebrated annually the second week of March. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month. Every year since, Congress has passed a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month.

1. The state of Wyoming was the first place to grant women the right to vote. 

2. Nellie Tayloe Ross served as the 14th governor of Wyoming from 1925 to 1927 and director of the U.S. Mint from 1933 to 1953. Ross was the first woman to serve as an American governor and the first to serve as director of the U.S. Mint.

3. The 19th Amendment didn't give ALL women the right to vote. The 19th Amendment was signed into law on August 26, 1920. Unfortunately, at the time, other laws prohibited Native American, Black, Asian American, and Latina women from voting.

4. Geraldyn “Jerrie” Cobb was the first woman to pass astronaut testing in 1961. Cobb was an American pilot and aviator. She was also part of the Mercury 13, a group of women who underwent physiological screening tests at the same time as the original Mercury Seven astronauts and was the first to complete each of the tests.

5. In the 1700's, Caroline Herschel earned the first salary that a woman had ever received for scientific work. Throughout her long career, Herschel discovered eight comets. She also received the Gold Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society, and helped discover the planet Uranus.

6.  Charlotte E. Ray was the first Black American female lawyer in the U.S. Ray graduated in 1872 from Howard Law School and became the first African American woman to graduate from an American law school and receive a law degree. Ray achieved another first in 1872 when she was admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia, which had recently removed the word “male” from its requirements.

7. Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S. In 1849, Blackwell was instrumental in opening up the field of medicine for women, mentoring many women who went on to careers in the field. Dr. Blackwell also focused on providing better healthcare for women and children. 

8.  Frida Kahlo was one of the best-known artists of the 20th century. Kahlo was a Mexican painter and feminist icon known for her vibrant self-portraits and works inspired by Mexican nature and artifacts. She was a trailblazer for gender non-conformity, dressing in men's clothing and creating art that reflected ideas about gender and sexuality. She was openly bisexual.

9. Women outlive men in almost every society. Scientists aren’t entirely sure why but think it might have to do with estrogen's ability to improve immune function and protect heart health.

10. In 1997, Madeleine Albright became the first female U.S. Secretary of State. Nominated by President Bill Clinton, Albright, who was born in Prague, served as Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001. She was an American diplomat and political scientist who earned a B.A. in political science with honors from Wellesley College in 1959. She later earned a Ph. D. in Public Law and Government at Columbia University in 1976.

These extraordinary women broke down barriers and paved the way for other brilliant, accomplished and fearless women to follow in their footsteps. They refused to accept the limitations others tried to place on them. They were the first women to accomplish feats in their disciplines, but they were not the last for they have shown impressionable young girls and women that there are no limits to what women can accomplish. Our thanks to these and so many other women who were pioneers in their fields. They are our heroes.  💐  

MARCH WORK ANNIVERSARIES

EDWIN ERNEST                 3/7

BEN RENO-WEBER           3/16

CALEB HOWARD               3/20

HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY! 

HEALTH & WELLNESS

In the last several years, we have all experienced new challenges that have affected our mental, physical, and social well-being. Many of us have felt anxiety, increased stress, and emotional exhaustion which is why wellness and self-care are more important than ever before. Our wellness journey is an ongoing one, and we have to prioritize our emotional and physical health. Here are some ideas to care for the many dimensions of wellness, so we can nourish our bodies and nurture our minds. 

7 FOODS FOR WOMEN TO HELP HORMONAL CHANGES DURING PUBERTY, PREGNANCY AND MENOPAUSE

Nutrition plays an important role in shaping women’s health, especially during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and post-menopause. Hormonal imbalance, weak bones and indigestion can pose several health risks for women. If mood swings, weight gain, hot flashes, and irregular menstrual cycles are affecting your emotional, mental and physical health, it’s time to pay attention to what you are eating. What you eat plays a major role in your health. But for women, nutrition becomes even more important due to factors like hormonal changes, bone health, and reproductive function, says Dr Charulata Bansal, an obstetrician and gynecologist. “Although a balanced diet is important, certain foods offer specific benefits that can help address common health concerns in women,” she says. Dr Bansal recommends seven foods that every woman should consider adding to her meals. 

FLAXSEEDS To support hormonal balance, you can add flaxseeds to your diet. They are rich in lignans which are plant compounds that have an estrogen-like effect on the body. “Flaxseeds are good for women dealing with hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, menopause, or conditions like PCOS. Also, these are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and digestion” says Dr Bansal.

PUMPKIN SEEDS Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium, help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and prevent muscle cramps. Pumpkin seeds provide a good amount of magnesium along with iron and zinc, which aid in energy production and immune function.

FERMENTED FOODS Gut health and hormone health are essential for women. A well-functioning gut helps regulate estrogen metabolism, which can reduce the risk of hormonal imbalances that contribute to irregular periods and mood swings. Try adding foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut that contain probiotics and support digestion and gut health to your diet.

MORINGA LEAVES Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants, iron, and vitamin C. The leaves are a good addition to the diet, especially for women with heavy periods or low energy levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for conditions like arthritis and endometriosis.

SESAME SEEDS Sesame seeds are a powerful seed that helps boost hormonal health and bone health. Estrogen levels drop as women age, and they become more prone to bone loss. Sesame seeds are an excellent source of zinc, calcium, and healthy fats that help maintain strong bones while also supporting hormone function.

CHIA SEEDS   Chia seeds are good for the digestion and packed with fiber and they help regulate blood sugar levels. They are also a great plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain function and reduce inflammation.

BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES  Most women have iron deficiency, especially those who experience heavy periods, often struggle with low iron levels, leading to fatigue and weakness. Blackstrap molasses is a natural source of calcium, iron, and potassium, making it a good option for maintaining energy levels and reducing menstrual cramps.

Eating a balanced diet is important for everyone but, these specific foods are purported to have tremendous benefits that can help improve well known health issues of women in various stages of their lives. All but one of these foods are pretty common and should be easy to find in supermarkets or health food stores. Ladies, what do we have to lose by including flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, moringa leaves, sesame seeds, chia seeds and blackstrap molasses in our diets? I will certainly be adding this list of foods to my weekly shopping list, post haste.   

Establishing healthy habits is a challenging but important part of maintaining your wellness. Small actions and simple activities can make a big difference in your holistic health. The holistic approach to health care focuses on the health of the entire body and mind and not just parts of the body. 

PRAYER FOR EQUALITY, PEACE & UNITY

I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people everywhere. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.  

Amen.

CLOSING QUOTE