North Ridgeville Safety Alerts

Not affiliated with the City of North Ridgeville nor the North Ridgeville Police Department

Home | North Ridgeville Neighborhood Block Watch | North Ridgeville Food Facilities Safety | North Ridgeville Crash Reports | North Ridgeville Medical Safety | North Ridgeville Pet & Wildlife Alerts | North Ridgeville Inspections | Become A North Ridgeville Safety Sponsor

North Ridgeville Medical Safety

North Ridgeville Public Water System Sends Notices About Lead Levels in Residential Water Lines

If your home was built prior to 1989 and if your water lines are listed as "lead status unknown" with the City of North Ridgeville, you likely are receiving a letter from the NR Public Water System this week.

The letter is part of a new annual Ohio EPA effort to reduce lead levels in older homes that may have water service lines made out of galvanized steel instead of plastic or copper.

"A water service line is the small diameter pipe that connects the water main to your home or building," the notice states. "Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children."

The notice states that exposure to lead can cause decreases in IQ and attention spans, worsened learning abilities and behavioral problems in children. In adults, exposure to lead can mean an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and kidney or nervous system problems.

If your home is found to have lead in the water, the notice states, "You may wish to have your child's blood tested for lead" with the Lorain County Public Health Department.

If you receive this notice, you are asked to conduct an easy water test of your home's water pipes in order to help the City of North Ridgeville save money and staff time that will be required under the new Ohio EPA guidelines, which also requires the City of North Ridgeville PWS to spot test sample locations across the water system.

Water customers who received the notice can conduct a scratch test or a magnet test by going to this website, https://forms.gle/DKpoCy4YscfuLMRo6 and using a magnet, key or coin--along with a smart phone--to conduct the test on their water pipes. You will then be asked to submit the results to the City to help with this Ohio EPA testing.

If the test results indicate you have lead in your drinking water, you may do the following to reduce your exposure:

* Do not boil the water, as boiling water does not reduce lead.

* Flush your tap, if it has not been used for six hours or more, because lead levels increase in water standing still in lead-containing plumbing materials.

* Use cold water for cooking, drinking and baby formula.

* Use an ANSI certified lead filter.

* Clean your water faucet aerators regularly.

* Replace plumbing fixtures that contain lead.

* Conduct additional tests on water used by pregnant persons, infants and young children.

* Test your child's blood for lead poisoning.

You may view the full notice below.

McClure Acupuncture, Based in North Olmsted, Says Acupuncture Can Be Effective To Treat Autumn Allergies in Lorain County

McClure Acupuncture of North Ridgeville

Allergies affect millions of people worldwide, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions. Conventional treatments typically involve antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy, but these approaches often address only the symptoms rather than the root cause. As people seek more holistic and natural treatments, acupuncture has emerged as a popular alternative therapy for managing allergies.

The Connection Between Acupuncture and Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as pollen, dust, or certain foods. This overreaction triggers the release of histamines, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and swelling. The goal of acupuncture in treating allergies is to regulate the immune system and reduce the body’s hypersensitive response to allergens.

One of the main ways acupuncture is thought to help with allergies is by reducing inflammation. Studies have shown that acupuncture can decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which play a key role in allergic reactions. Additionally, acupuncture may help modulate the immune system by balancing the activity of T-helper cells, which are involved in allergic responses.

Research on Acupuncture for Allergies

The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating allergies has been the subject of numerous studies. A significant body of research suggests that acupuncture can provide relief for allergy sufferers, although the results are not universally consistent.

One of the most comprehensive studies on this topic was published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2015. The study involved 422 patients who suffered from allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture, sham acupuncture (a placebo treatment), or no treatment at all. After eight weeks, those who received real acupuncture reported significantly greater improvement in their symptoms compared to the sham acupuncture and control groups. The benefits were also observed to last for up to 12 weeks after the treatment ended.

How Acupuncture is Administered for Allergies

When treating allergies with acupuncture, a practitioner will typically focus on points related to the lungs, spleen, stomach, and large intestine, as these organs are believed to be involved in the immune response and the production of mucus. Common acupuncture points for allergies include:

LI 20 (Large Intestine 20): Located on either side of the nose, this point is often used to relieve nasal congestion.

Yingxiang (Welcome Fragrance): This point is located near the base of the nose and is also used to treat sinus and nasal issues.

LI 4 (Large Intestine 4): Found on the hand between the thumb and index finger, this point is believed to boost the immune system and alleviate symptoms like headaches and congestion.

ST 36 (Stomach 36): Located on the lower leg, this point is thought to strengthen the immune system and improve overall energy.

The number of sessions required can vary depending on the severity of the allergies and the individual’s response to treatment. Some patients may experience relief after just a few sessions, while others may need ongoing treatment, especially during allergy season.

Patients considering acupuncture for allergies should consult with a qualified practitioner and discuss their medical history, current medications, and overall treatment goals. It is also essential to choose a licensed and experienced acupuncturist, as improper needle placement or technique can lead to complications.

Acupuncture offers a promising alternative or complementary approach for managing allergies, particularly for those seeking natural and holistic treatment options. While research indicates that acupuncture can reduce allergy symptoms and improve quality of life, more high-quality studies are needed to establish its efficacy definitively. Patients interested in acupuncture for allergies should consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is a safe and appropriate option for their specific condition.