Of all our Nebraska traditions, one is especially memorable. It’s a big production that seems to bring our whole state together to enjoy exhibits, shows, food, friends, and a lot of fun. The sights, sounds, and smells are unmistakable.

Here it is, August. Summer has flown by and already there is Halloween candy roaming the shelves of Walmart. For most of us, August also brings the normal adjustment of transitioning back to the school year. It is normal for this to look differently for everyone, especially depending upon the age of your child. You may find yourself stressing to find the school supplies list, supporting your youth through two a day practices for athletic season or looking forward to getting back to the routine of the school year. Adjustment is a term utilized often in the behavioral health world. Adjustment is “the process of adapting or becoming used to a new situation or stressor.” It is a change in our life. This possibly could be a change in the way we are doing something, our relationships, our employment, our family, our environment or possibly our routine. It is normal that with change comes stress. Stress can be positive stress, or it can be very uncomfortable. When adjustment, or change, is out of our control and creates this uncomfortable stress, it is important for us to explore and focus on “what is within my control.”

You think you know a person... Monday had been a long day, one that mercifully came to an end after a school board meeting and a last-minute trip for a couple missing school supplies. I made a quick stop at the office to tie up some loose ends before heading for home.

This month, many Nebraska students will go back to school. August marks the end of summer, but it also marks an exciting time of new beginnings. Students will learn and experience new things this year guided by our great Nebraska teachers. Our high school seniors are nearing the point of adulthood, and they need help from parents, teachers, family members, and friends as they navigate these last years of school.

Most white and cider vinegars used for making pickles and salsa are 5% acidity, but not all. Acidity level below 5% is not recommended as it is not adequate to control microbial growth and may result in spoilage, says Andrea Nisley Nebraska Extension Food Educator based in Dawson County.

Every parent and child in Nebraska should have the right to pick a school they believe best suits their unique situation. The Opportunity Scholarships Act passed this last session in the Legislature provides this much needed choice for Nebraska’s children. This is long overdue in Nebraska as 48 states provide this choice for their parents and children.

High costs and shortages of pharmaceuticals are serious, on-going issues. Drug prices in the US are among the highest in the world. A recent survey by the Rand Corporation looked at drug prices in 32 developed countries. US prices were the highest in the group and were more than twice the average of prices in other countries. What is especially troubling is that the products sold in many of these countries are the same drugs produced by the same manufacturers as those sold in the US at much higher prices.

This month, I am traveling across the state to visit with Nebraskans and update them on what I’ve been working on as a member of the U.S. Senate. As a member of the Committees on Agriculture, Commerce, Armed Services, and Appropriations, I am committed to representing the interests of our state in the U.S. Senate.

One of the most common reasons a person comes to the Ear Nose and Throat clinic is a stuffy nose. The way the symptoms are described varies. The stuffiness or congestion can be present at all times, at certain times of year, worse on one side, alternate sides, and may or may not respond to medications.

This past Thursday was Intern Appreciation Day, a special opportunity to thank the young people who spend their time supporting my work in our Washington, Lincoln, and Omaha offices. Last week, the Nebraska delegation dedicated our weekly Nebraska Breakfast, where we meet with fellow Nebraskans visiting our country’s capital, to thanking our interns. This summer, my Washington office was glad to have Emalie, Jack, Justin, and Madison join us in serving the people of Nebraska.