Aug 29, 2010 - Georgia Times Union

Georgia girl who doesn't feel pain helps researchers

Jeremy Cox reports Ashlyn Blocker didn't cry when she was born. A severe diaper rash when she was 2 weeks old didn't faze her. She never fussed when she was hungry, so her parents had to remind themselves to feed her every two hours. Doctors found that Ashlyn had a one-ina billion condition: She couldn't feel pain. It sounds like a gift. However, being immune to pain is also a curse, both physiologically and philosophically. You wouldn't know if you were getting too hot or too cold. A sudden medical emergency like a heart attack or appendicitis might go unnoticed until it was too late. Studying Ashlyn in the hope of unlocking the mysteries of pain presents a similar conundrum.

Aug 29, 2010 - Athens Banner Herald

DNR may end free Wednesdays at parks

Staff reports that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is considering eliminating free Wednesdays at all state parks. The change would add $400,000 to the $3.8 million in yearly parking revenue for maintaining state parks and historic sites. The DNR board will consider the change at an Oct. 27 meeting in Savannah.

Aug 29, 2010 - Moultrie Observer

Childhood obesity targeted

Dwain Walden reports that we’ve been hearing it for quite some time now. Cutting to the chase, our kids are too fat, according to health researchers. That stated, grants are being forwarded to Colquitt County via the University of Georgia to help address this issue.

Aug 29, 2010 - Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

A Decade of Richt

Marc Weiszer reports that it's already been a year of milestone moments for Georgia football coach Mark Richt. He celebrated his 50th birthday in February, saw his son Jon get married in May and now begins his 10th season with the Bulldogs on Saturday. The length of Richt's run at Georgia is easily outpacing any other current coach in the Southeastern Conference by a widening margin.