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Thursday, July 4, 2013

The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette PiedmontNewsOnline.com

Commissioner Doak praises AT&T brings lobs to OKC ruling in Hobby Lobby Case
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Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak applauded a decision by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals that reverses a district court's refusal to grant a preliminary injunction sought by Hobby Lobby. The Oklahoma-based cornpany is fighting a mandate to cover the "morning-after pill" and similar drugs and devices in its company health plan. "The goal here is to protect religious freedom and my support for this cause has been strong all along," said Doak. "In recogni-

tion of this notable win for Hobby Lobby and our state in the fight for religious freedom, I applaud the 10th Circuit in their ruling and look forward to continued federal decisions to uphold and protect our freedom." Hobby Lobby filed suit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in September 2012, arguing that the contraception mandate violates its religious beliefs. Hobby Lobby's lawsuit will now return to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. "Federal government requiring actions that go

against religious beliefs is a blatant violation and should not be tolerated," continued Doak. "We will continue to support this challenge and unite with the citizens in our state in resistance of an intrusive government." More than 30 businesses in several states, including Hobby Lobby and sister store Mardel, have challenged the contraception mandate. Oklahoma is among seven states involved in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Nebraska challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act mandate.

AT&T plans to bring more than 100 new jobs to Oklahoma City. These new AT&T jobs will primarily support small and medium business customers as they implement AT&T business solutions and services. Hiring is underway with 25 new project managers already working at the company's offices on Wireless Way in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber utilized proactive outreach and incentives to secure the influx of new jobs that will positively impact the local economy. AT&T intends to partici-

pate in the Oklahoma Qual- make this state a place I'm ity Jobs Program admin- proud to call home and my istered by the Oklahoma company is excited to inDepartment of Commerce, vest in." the Training for Industry "AT&T's decision to Program offered by the bring good-paying, new Oklahoma Department of jobs to Oklahoma is more Career and Technology proof our focus on buildEducation, as well as the ing a pro-business climate Strategic Investment Pro- is working. My thanks go gram under the direction of out to AT&T and its leaderthe Greater Oklahoma City ship team for their decision Chamber. to grow their investment "Oklahoma is a great in Oklahoma," Governor place to do business," Mary Fallin said. Bryan Gonterman, Presi"Oklahoma City is open dent of AT&T Oklahoma, for business, and the ansaid. "Our company could nouncement that AT&T have placed these jobs any- will locate additional emwhere in the country, and ployees here is a testament we chose Oklahoma City. that we have an environThe friendly business cli- ment that fosters success," mate, high quality of life Mick Cornett, Mayor of and excellent workforce Oklahoma City, said.

The Red Cross provides heat safety tips

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Summer is here, bringing with it dangerous excessive heat. The American Red Cross has steps people can follow to stay safe as the temperatures soar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees; and the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury

and even death if unattended. Signs of heatrelated illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Persons with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately. "Our goal is to give people the information they need to protect themselves and their families from heat-related illnesses," said Ken Garcia, regional spokesman. Never leave children or pets in the car. The in-

side temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees. Other heat safety steps include: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays. Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Postpone outdoor games and activities. Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.

Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water. If someone doesn't have air conditioning, they should choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls). Heat exhaustion is dangerous. Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the

legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes. If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in con-

dition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Heat stroke is lifethreatening. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person's body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

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