See Alabama in art on mural trail
The Alabama Mural Trail encourages both locals and tourists to discover Alabama off the beaten path. The trail offers a diverse set of murals in both urban and rural areas around the state. When exploring the trail, travelers might find depictions of everything from a historical display of the civil rights movement to a scene from “To Kill a Mockingbird” to a set of angel wings. If you’re out and about and find a mural with the Alabama Mural Trail marker in the corner, be sure to snap a picture in front of the mural, tag @alabamatourist on Facebook and Instagram, and use #SweetHomeMurals.
Visit AlabamaMuralTrail.org for a comprehensive list of murals all around the state. Interested in creating a mural? The website also has information on best practices for creating a mural and sources for potential funding.
Lower your sodium intake to lower blood pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the leading underlying cause of death worldwide, affecting more than 1.25 billion people, including more than 100 million Americans. Most people worldwide eat more salt than recommended.
So, is there a connection?
Nearly everyone can lower their blood pressure, even people currently on blood pressure-reducing drugs, by lowering their sodium intake, reported a new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Northwestern Medicine. Results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023.
“A number of studies link high salt intake to high blood pressure and a higher risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes,” said Dr. Cora Lewis, professor in UAB’s School of Public Health and co-investigator of the study. “From previous trials, we know that a lower-sodium diet lowers blood pressure on average, but for reasons not yet clear, some people are more salt-sensitive than others.” (Story originally published on Alabama News Center)
‘American Pickers’ will be picking in Alabama
Stars of the History Channel’s hit series “American Pickers” will be filming episodes in Alabama in February 2024. The show’s stars, including lead picker Mike Wolfe, have been to Alabama several times during the show’s 24-season run.
According to a news release from the show’s producers: “The ‘American Pickers’ TV show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell … we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers do not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184.”
Whereville, AL
Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Send your answer with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative, if applicable. The winner and answer will be announced in the February issue.
Submit by email: whereville@alabamaliving.coop, or by mail: Whereville, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124.
Do you like finding interesting or unusual landmarks? Contribute a photo you took for an upcoming issue! Remember, all readers whose photos are chosen also win $25!
December’s answer: St. Andrews Church, a small, Gothic Revival style structure, was erected in 1853-1854 in Gallion, Ala., in Hale County. The exterior features wooden board and batten with a steeply pitched roof; the interior is notable for its beautiful woodwork. Much of it is virtually unaltered, including the original altar rail and chancel furnishings, pews, organ and stained glass. (Photo courtesy RuralSWAlabama.org) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Marycile Echols, on behalf of Tyson Chapel AME Zion Church, a member of Dixie EC.
