The MCMS Technology Student Association (TSA) traveled to the Georgia National Fair on Monday of the Fall Holiday break to participate in Technology Day at the Fair. TSA groups from middle and high schools across the state gathered for a motivational rally and competitive technology events in addition to all the fair food and fun.  In addition to attending, the group had many students participate in a variety of the competitions. Special congratulations to Hunter O'Neal's catapult design for placing 4th in the state, with the assistance of Nick McGouirk. Congratulations to the Rube Goldberg team of Laurel Sparks (8th), Megan Kelly (7th), Nick McGouirk (8th) and Hunter O'Neal (8th) for placing second in the state.  Great job to all of our students, and a big thank you to the chaperones and supporters who helped us prepare for Tech Day! Learn more about this and other upcoming TSA competitions at http://www.GATSA.org.  

The PreK classes at T.G. Scott Elementary learned all about Emergency Helpers this week. They learned about fire safety on Thursday. Mr. Brian Cox from Johns Creek Fire and Rescue visited. He brought with him some of our local heroes from the Forsyth Fire Department. Students saw two fire engines and a fire department ambulance. Mr. A.J. and Mrs. Christi from MedPro EMS and school resource officers visited with the students on Friday.  

 Pre-K Classes also enjoyed visits from the MP Football players and cheerleaders. Go DAWGS!

• fewer than three bowel movements a week
• bowel movements with stools that are hard, dry, and small, making them painful or difficult to pass

Bowel habits aren't the same for all people. Some people think they have constipation if they don't have a bowel movement every day. Some people may have three bowel movements a day. Other people may only have three bowel movements a week.  Most people get constipated sometimes. Constipation usually lasts for only a short time and is not dangerous.

What causes constipation?  Constipation is caused by stool spending too much time in your colon. Common things that can lead to constipation include the following:

• Diets low in fiber. The most common cause of constipation is a diet with too little fiber. Fiber helps stool stay soft so it moves smoothly through your colon. Liquids such as water and juice help fiber work better.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Medicines. Some medicines used to treat other health problems can cause constipation. You can also get constipated if you use over-the-counter laxatives too often.
• Daily routine changes. Your bowel movements can change when you travel, if you're pregnant, and as you get older.
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement. If you ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, over time, you may stop feeling the need to have one. This habit can lead to constipation.
• Certain health problems - diabetes, Parkinson's syndrome, low functioning thyroid.

Eating, Diet, and Nutrition

• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends getting 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day for adults. Be sure to add fiber to your diet a little at a time so your body gets used to the change. Try not to eat too many foods with little or no fiber, such as pizza, ice cream, cheese, meat, chips, and processed foods. h-fiber foods is shown.
• Drink water and other fluids, such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups, to help fiber in your diet work better to make your stools more normal and regular. Ask your doctor about how much you should drink each day based on your health and activity level and where you live.

Does Apple Juice help relieve constipation?  While apple juice is often used to treat temporary bouts of constipation in babies and children, it can also help relieve mild cases in adults - Apple Juice is a natural source of sorbitol, an indigestible sugar that has a laxative effect. Pear Juice is an even better source of natural sorbital as well as prune juice.  Apple, pear, and prune juice isn't effective against constipation simply because it contains sorbitol. As a liquid, it helps move material through your intestinal tract and helps generate soft, bulky stools easier to pass. This helps explain why people who drink plenty of fluids are less likely to become constipated to begin with.

Source: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)  A service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH) 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/475431-does-apple-juice-relieve-constipation