Election Day in Syracuse

Tonight, Syracuse will have a new mayor.  According to The Post Standard Election polls have been open since 6 a.m., where Syracuse citizens have casted their vote for Syracuse Mayor.  Republican Steve Kimatian, Democrat Stephanie Miner and Conservative party candidate Otis Jennings are competing for the mayor position.  In addition to a new mayor, the 23rd congressional district will elect a new congressman.  The congressional race is between Democrat Bill Owens and Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman.  Republican Dede Scozzafava dropped out of the race.  Poll watchers have predicted that the polls will be busiest around 5 or 6, when most people get out of work.  The polls are open until 9 p.m. 

My Take: Many college students rely of social networking sites on a daily basis.  It can often be hard to determine ages over the Internet.  Facebook and MySpace users must take this into consideration when participating on these sites.

Social networks and kids: How young is too young?

According to CNN, many children are making their way onto social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace.  They say these kids are simply lying about their age to meet the requirements to join.  CNN reports that some therapists have linked early social networking use to online addiction.  They also believe it could be detrimental to children’s relationships and brains.  These findings are however controversial.  Some experts feel that children do not over-use the sites and that they can have a positive affect.  According to Pew Internet Research 38 percent of adolescents ages 12 to 14 said they had an online profile.

My Take: Many college students rely of social networking sites on a daily basis.  It can often be hard to determine ages over the Internet.  Facebook and MySpace users must take this into consideration when participating on these sites.

Study: Pain Relievers Blunt Vaccines

According to CBS, taking painkillers at the time of a vaccine injection may inhibit its effectiveness.  Research released by Dr. Richard R. Phipps of the University of Rochester Medical Center found that taking painkillers such as Advil, Tylenol or aspirin to relieve the discomforts of a vaccination could be a bad idea.  Dr. Phipps said the pain relievers interfere with an enzyme limiting the vaccine’s effectiveness.  His findings are similar to a Czech study released last month.  Government health officials say there have been tests done on those who have received the H1N1 vaccine and it has proven to be safe and effective. 

My Take:  Many students have been and are currently affected by the flu and H1N1.  In order to avoid the illnesses vaccines must be obtained.  To prevent illness and maximize the effectiveness of the vaccine pain killers may be something to stay away from.