Health & Science Briefs: Tuesday, July 22, 2008

WATONGA — The Oklahoma City Astronomy Club has invited the public to the grand opening of the Cheddar Ranch Observatory at 8 p.m. Saturday.

The observatory, southwest of Watonga, has a classroom/lecture hall, library, observatory building and facilities for overnight stays.

Funded in part by the Kerr Foundation, the observatory will be used for scientific research, education and public outreach and will be administered by the astronomy club. Land for the observatory was donated by the McCrary family of Watonga.

Club President Jeff Thibodeau said, "We are looking forward to bringing school groups to the observatory to teach young people the basics of astronomy, as well as working with area teachers to help them to teach astronomy and science better.”

At the grand opening, guests will be able to look through a telescope on permanent loan from the University of Oklahoma and personal telescopes of club members.

For more information, call Thibodeau at 330-5084. A map is available at www.okcastroclub.

com/Docs/CROmap.pdf.

Entertainer Tom Noddy, also known as "The Bubble Guy,” will perform six shows Friday through Sunday at Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 NE 52.

Noddy will demonstrate the science of bubbles and the wonder that captivates audiences of all ages.

Noddy will create different types of bubbles while discussing with visitors the science behind his creations.

Shows are at 1 and 3 p.m. Friday; noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday. The shows are included with a general admission ticket. For more information, call 602-6664.

A report released last week by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health says obesity is the No. 1 children's health concern in 2008. In 2007, childhood obesity ranked third among parents' top 10 overall health concerns for children.

The National Poll on Children's Health, which asked adults to rate 20 health problems for children in their communities, reveals that bullying also ranks among the public's top concerns, ahead of teen pregnancy and alcohol abuse. Other topics added to this year's list are attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and environmental toxins.

Also making the list of top 10 health concerns for kids in 2008: Internet safety, abuse and neglect, sexually transmitted infections and physical inactivity.

From Staff and Wire Reports