Health and Science

According to an agriculture website called agday.org, Americans consume around 350 slices of pizza per second.  Pizza has become a staple in many school lunchrooms around the nation. It’s clear pizza is making its way into many stomachs, but now it’s also making its way into the news. Congress is …

The American Cancer Society is sponsoring the 36th annual “Great American Smokeout” today.  WUFT-FM’s Shannon McCarthy says the University of Florida is commemorating this day with a series of events throughout campus. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/11/SHANNONVOICER.mp3] To hear the depth: [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Smokeout wrap.mp3]

University of Florida researchers are looking at a new way to keep track of animal migration and habitat patterns.  WUFT-FM’s Stephanie Brown spoke with University of Florida Landscape Ecology Assistant Professor Robert Fletcher about a new model based on social networking. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/11/FletcherQA.mp3]

Gainesville youth are climbing obstacles in their search for a fun way to exercise, but WUFT-FM’s Daniel Landesberg says the obstacles are the excitement. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/11/PARKOURWRAP.mp3]

If you’ve got a green thumb, it could help save you green from your grocery bill.  WUFT FM’s Chip Skambis says local gardeners are seeing more opportunities than ever to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to their plates at little cost. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/11/GIFTGARDENSWRAP.mp3]

With temperatures dropping to freezing levels this weekend, the St. Francis House in Gainesville has opened its doors to more people needing emergency shelter. Executive Director Kent Vann says when the temperature drops below 45 degrees they are allowed to set up accommodations for more people to spend the night. …

According to the U.S. Census there are more than 3-million people 65-years and older in Florida, making nursing homes a common concern. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Stephanie Bechara reports on the medical risks of nursing homes for people living in the final years of their lives. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/FPNursingHomesFINALEdited.mp3]

The Alachua County Health Department is working to transition to new administration without affecting patient care. Interim Administrator Paul Myers says it will be a seamless switch. He says resources at the health department are tight, so they will be forced to continue cutting some patients from basic care. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/11/MYERS4.mp3] …

A community assistance insurance plan intending to provide long-term care for aging residents was recently repealed by the Obama Administration.  Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Catherine Awasthi has more. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/CLASSAct WRAP.mp3]

With Halloween and Thanksgiving fast approaching, a common food staple may have more treats than tricks. WUFT-FM’s Shelby Vest says the pumpkin should be on your holiday plate. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/10/PumpkinsBenefitWrapVest.mp3] (in-depth version) Pumpkins are carved out traditionally in celebration of Halloween festivities, but these seasonal squashes can also be used as …