Byline: Compiled by Debra Melani
Magazine ranks Denver 6th fittest city in U.S.
Denver ranked as the nation's sixth fittest city in Men's Fitness magazine's ``America's Fattest Cities'' report, escaping the dreaded ``fattest'' list.
That designation - fattest city in America - went to Houston, followed by Detroit, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Columbus, Ohio, in that order.
Bumping Denver down to sixth place on the ``fittest city'' list were San Diego at No. 1, followed by a tie for the No. 2 spot with Honolulu and San Francisco. Seattle made the fourth spot, followed by Minneapolis at No. 5.
Men's Fitness found some key factors, such as the amount of open space and parks, commute time, availability of junk food and the quality of air and water, made a difference in a city's fitness level.
Health care systems join forces to help needy
Metro-area community programs in need of wheelchairs, beds and other medical supplies soon will have some headed their way, thanks to a medical partnership announced recently by Centura Health, Exempla Healthcare and HealthONE.
The three major health care systems each expect to donate about $100,000 worth of surplus items a year through the initiative called ``Hospital Attic.'' Providers' Resource Clearinghouse, a local nonprofit, will provide transportation, storage and distribution of donated goods and will act as a central referring point. Colorado nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can contact the clearinghouse at (303) 296-8580.
Carbon monoxide poisoning increases in winter
What seems like the flu might be a deadlier poison making people sick this time of year, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Carbon-monoxide poisonings increase during the winter months, when houses are sealed tightly and heaters, stoves and furnaces are continually in use. The gas is invisible and odorless and can kill quickly.
Symptoms of poisoning can mimic the flu, including headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, confusion and irritability. Continued exposure can lead to vomiting, weakness, miscarriage, brain damage, heart attack, breathing problems and death.
The ACEP offered the following precautions:
* Have fuel-burning appliances professionally checked annually.
* Choose appliances that vent fumes outside.
* Make sure appliances are properly installed, following proper venting directions.
* Never use a gas oven to heat your home.
* Don't sleep in a room with an unvented kerosene or gas heater; if that is not possible, make sure to use the proper fuel and keep air circulating throughout the home.
