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Great Lakes Water Levels for May 28, 2004

Current Lake Levels: 

Lake Superior is currently 4 inches below its long-term average for May and 2 inches above last year�s level.  The remaining lakes have increased significantly over the past week due to the extremely wet conditions.  Lake Michigan-Huron is now 11 inches above its level of a year ago, but still 11 inches below its long-term average water level for May.  Lakes St. Clair and Erie are now above their long-term average for May, and 14 and 8 inches, respectively, above last year�s levels.  Lake Ontario is currently 4 inches above its long-term average and 2 inches higher than a year ago. 

Current Outflows/Channel Conditions: 

The Lake Superior outflow through the St. Marys River into Lake Huron is expected to be near average during the month of May.  Flows in the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers are expected to be below average during May, while Niagara and St. Lawrence River flows are expected to be near average.

Temperature/Precipitation Outlook: 

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible in the Great Lakes basin Friday, as an area of low pressure tracks through the region.  A stronger system will push into the basin on Sunday, once again bringing the chance for heavy rain.

Forecasted Water Levels: 

Excessive rainfall during the past week has caused significant rises on all the lakes except Lake Superior.  Lake St. Clair has risen 15 inches over the past month, but it is prone to short-term fluctuations that are often caused by significant rainfall.  Over the next month, levels are expected to increase 4 inches on Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron.  Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are expected to rise 1 inch over the next month. 

Alerts:

Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels.  Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.

More Benefits omega-3 fatty acids in Fish

Essential vitamins and where to get them

The omega-3 fatty acids - commonly known as fish oil - have made headlines for helping to prevent heart disease. "But", AARP reports, "they are a prized catch for other reasons: Memory loss, depression, and even learning problems can result from a deficiency in omega-3s, while high amounts may ease digestive woes, inhibit cancerous tumors, help prevent Alzheimer's and relieve pain and inflammation."

Yes, you heard that right, studies suggest fish oil can take a big bite out of arthritis pain. "You can get a similar rate of relief

from fish oil capsules as you can from aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications without the gastrointestinal problems," says John Lippel, M.D., medical director of the Arthritis Foundation.

What to do: For starters, Lippel and AARP suggest eat more seafood. "You'll maintain or improve heart health with at least two servings of salmon or mackerel a week. But eating fish alone won't do the trick. Many of the documented disease-fighting benefits derived from fish oil have come as a result of taking concentrate supplements of about 1,000 milligrams.

Diet panel urges more fish, fiber
WASHINGTON � The Associated Press reported just last week a revised food pyramid coming from the government to guide Americans' eating habits will recommend more fish and fiber and fewer refined grains such as white bread, federal advisers have decided.

The advisers, told by the Department of Agriculture to shift the focus of the guidelines from maintaining a healthy diet to losing weight, also recommended that people exercise more and watch less television.

With about two-thirds of American adults overweight or obese, the advisory panel was looking hard at ways in which people could control their weight. The panel favored better portion control, noting that people eat more when they have large portions, and said restaurants should offer reasonable portion sizes.

The panel also said dieters should concentrate on counting calories, as opposed to carbohydrates or fats. Burning more calories than the dieter takes in is more important than where the calories came from, the panel said. The panel also said people

can increase the calorie burn by being more physically active.

The suggested amount of salmon and other fish containing heart-protecting omega-3 fatty acids would be doubled to two servings a week of 6 to 8 ounces each.  While the 13-member committee reached conclusions for fish-eaters, the advice was less specific for people who do not like fish or cannot eat it.

The committee stood by current guidance that people should eat lots of different--but healthful--things. For example, fiber can reduce the risk of heart disease. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as opposed to refined grains such as white bread.   The panel also suggested that everyone get off the couch and become more active.

It said adults should do 30 minutes to 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity on most days, and that 20 minutes can foster health and help maintain weight.

Before the recommendations become final, the secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services must accept them.