LRN AM NEWSCALL SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

A report from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the nation. Jeff Palermo has more…

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Many are asking what they can do to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Halen Doughty has the answer from the Red Cross…

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A Baton Rouge doctor is one of the first in the nation to perform a new stroke prevention procedure. Emelie Gunn has more…

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Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the country, according to a report from Trust for America’s Health. President and CEO John Auerbach says that doesn’t come as a big surprise because the Bayou State is more or less where it’s been for the past few years in terms of the obesity rate.

Cut 4  (10) “same level”

Louisiana is one of just five states with an obesity rate over 35 percent. Auerbach says that’s concerning because being overweight is linked to a plethora of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and certain cancers.

Cut 5  (11)  “associated with that”

Perhaps even more troubling is the finding that Louisiana ranks fourth in the country for childhood obesity of 10- to 17-year-olds, at 21 percent. Auerbach says that growing rate can be addressed with policy changes in schools, like providing healthy lunch options and limiting access to junk food.

Cut 6 (10) “empty calories”

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Relief efforts are ongoing amid the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey, and many are asking how they can help those affected. Chairman of the Board for the Greater Baton Rouge Red Cross, Desiree Lemoine says donating money is the easiest way to give because the Red Cross can buy in bulk.

Cut 7 (11)  “them monetarily”

Some have questioned how they will know what efforts their dollars will support. Lemoine says Red Cross always honors the donor’s intent. She says those who wish to donate can specify what they want their donation to go towards.

Cut 8 (09) “to Harvey relief”

Lemoine says the Red Cross delivers 91 cents of every dollar donated to the charity. She says another way to give back is to become a Red Cross volunteer. She says they have a skilled team of volunteers from all over the country.

Cut 9 (09)  “who volunteer”

To donate or volunteer, go online to RedCross.org.

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A Monroe-native is launching a new streaming TV network next month. Ro Wright says CONGO TV launches online on October 1. He says the network will be available through a variety of streaming options, which he calls the future of broadcast because so many people are turning away from cable.

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Wright says he hopes to help local actors showcase their talent in feature films. He says the network will also feature local program based on where users log in, as well as original films and reality shows. He says they’re already racking up submissions.

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Wright says one show in the works is set to be filmed in Louisiana. He says the show will follow a group of black students who have decided not to attend HBCUs because they don’t see the importance of them in this day and age.

Cut 12 (11) “our own state”

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A Baton Rouge General Doctor is one of the first physicians in the country to perform a successful new stoke prevention procedure. Dr. Vince Weaver says this is a minimally invasive procedure that reverses the blood flow through the brain to divert blood clots and plaque away from the brain to prevent blockage and stroke.

Cut 13 (10) “it heals”

Three procedures have already been successful and several more are scheduled. Weaver says the previous procedure for high risk patients involved open surgery, which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. He says this treatment option is significantly safer…

Cut 14 (11) “dislodged”

Weaver says the surgery is an hour long and patients are released the next day. He says certain criteria must be met before the procedure can be done…

Cut 15 (09) “both sides”