Digest -- U.Va. Top News Daily

Your Mother Was Right: No Food or Drink Before Taking Your Temperature
When you are sick with a cold or flu, one of the first things you probably do is take your temperature. And if your mother told you not to eat or drink anything beforehand, she was right. In a recent study by nurses in U.Va.’s Health System, participants consuming cold beverages required 15 minutes for their temperature to return to baseline, while those consuming hot beverages returned to baseline after 23 minutes. For an accurate reading, it’s best not to engage in any activities that may change body or mouth temperature, such as exercise, smoking or chewing gum, said research project coordinator Beth Quatrara. (Jan. 18)

Weldon Cooper Center Releases Virginia’s 2005 Population Estimates

Virginia’s growth continues on the fast track, with population figures reaching more than 7.5 million as of July 1, 2005. Growth in Northern Virginia accounts for 60 percent of the state’s total growth, according to new population estimates produced by U.Va.’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Ten state localities grew by more than 10,000 in the last five years. Loudoun County heads the list with a phenomenal population increase of 82,700 — up 49 percent, followed by Prince William County, with an increase of 74,500. Fairfax County, the state’s largest jurisdiction, had 52,400 new residents. (Jan. 30)