Q: Why was the public not invited to participate in the naming of the panda cub at Zoo Atlanta?
-- Nancy Velten, Marietta
A: Zoo Atlanta hosted an online naming contest for cubs Mei Lan and Xi Lan. As for this year's naming process, Zoo Atlanta wanted to do something a little different for this cub's 100th day that went beyond the tradition from previous years, spokeswoman Keisha Hines told Q&A on the News in an e-mail. On Tuesday, the male cub's name was announced: It's Po, after the character voiced by Jack Black in the movie "Kung Fu Panda."
Q: I was very moved to read about the Wake Forest baseball coach donating a kidney to a player. What adjustments will coach Tom Walter need to make to his lifestyle, and are there any long-term complications in having only one kidney?
-- Cathy Phelan, Atlanta
A: Once back to normal activity, there are minimal long-term risks for the donor, Dr. Bryan Becker, immediate past president of the National Kidney Foundation, told Q&A on the News. Most donor risks are associated with the surgical procedure, he said. "There is a small chance that after 10 years or more, the donor might have increased [blood pressure] that needs treatment or an abnormal amount of protein in the urine that needs monitoring," Becker wrote. He added that it is very likely that kidney function could be slightly decreased compared with individuals of the same age.
Lori Johnston wrote this column, and staff writer Melissa Ruggieri contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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