Page 26 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - October 2017 - 24-10

Page 26
Senior Times - October 2017
Why Take a Chance on Flu?
Why Take a Chance on Flu?
Flu Vaccines Available in Clinics Beginning October 2
Health Department: Albion & Battle Creek
Call 269-969-6363 or visit us on the web for more information
High Dose Flu and Pneumonia Vaccine available Flu vaccines $41 and $67 (High Dose) Pneumonia vaccine $108 and $192
Cash, check, and credit card accepted Many insurances accepted
Anyone with a severe allergy to eggs cannot get the flu shot
Drive-Thru
Flu Clinic
Saturday September 30 10am - 2pm
Toeller Building Back Parking Lot 190 E. Michigan, Battle Creek
Calhoun County Public Health Department
190 E. Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI
269-969-6363 • www.calhouncountymi.gov/publichealth
Come to the Drive-thru.
By: Michelle Thorne
With so many other diseases you are exposed to on a daily basis, why take a chance on getting Influenza? We’ve had to try to avoid the mosquitoes with Zika, bats with Rabies, and lead in paint. Why leave yourself at risk for another debilitat- ing disease? The Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD) is offering and promoting flu vaccines again for 2017. If you didn’t get vaccinated last year and dodged the bullet, don’t take
a chance on this year. Winter, last year, was fairly mild which helped to make it a docile flu season but rest assured, flu will return!
Where can I get My Flu Shot? On Saturday, September 30, CCPHD will be having a Drive-Thru Flu Clinic at the Toeller Building from 10am-2pm. You won’t even have to leave your car! We will also have the Tdap, Shingles, and Pneumonia vaccines available.
Beginning October 2, the flu shot will also be available at both Health Department locations (Albion and Battle Creek) and the CCPHD will be host- ing several flu clinics across the county. Contact the Health Department at (269) 969-6363 or visit our web site at www. calhouncountymi.gov/publichealth for more information.
Who should get the flu “shot” vaccine? Everyone six months of age and older should get protected against Influenza. Not only does getting vac- cinated decrease your risk of getting the flu but it helps to protect other people as well.
What if I have a fever? Those who are currently sick with a fever should wait to get vaccinated once they have recov- ered from their illness. If you are con- cerned, talk to your doctor about whether you should get vaccinated or not.
Will the flu shot make me sick? No, the vaccine cannot make you sick just like wearing green and white won’t make you a Spartan fan. Several things might make
you think you got sick from the vaccine. First, you may have already been exposed to the flu prior to getting vaccinated. Influenza can be passed by an infected person before they even know they are sick. You can catch the virus by touching objects that a sick person has touched and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Secondly, it takes about two weeks for your body to be ready to fight off the virus. This is why you should plan now
to get vaccinated before you are exposed to the flu. Thirdly, some people may have a mild response to the vaccine. A day or two of muscle aches, low fever, and being tired simply tells us your body is respond- ing to the vaccine working in your system but it does not mean you are sick with the flu. Finally, it may not be Influenza that you are sick with. There are many viruses that cause the same type of symptoms. It is simply coincidence that you become sick at the time of vaccination.
So what if I get the flu? The flu can be debilitating to people, especially those with underlying medical conditions. High risk conditions may include heart prob- lems, weakened immune system (chemo- therapy, cancer), chronic lung diseases, diabetes, kidney disease, and being over the age of 65.
Prevent the spread of illness! Stay at home while you are sick. Staying home greatly reduces the spread of the flu.
Influenza viruses are spread from person to person or through contact with germs on the hands by touching objects or surfaces that have been touched by a sick person. Wash hands with soap and water. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based cleaner/hand sani- tizer. Do this each time you have contact with a person with influenza or with objects in the area where the sick person is located. Washing your hands is the sin- gle most important way to stop the spread of influenza.
PAPER CRAFTING: A
By: Audrey Hoffman, Owner, paper & i
It seems I have had ink on my fingers, paper in my hand, glitter on my face, and ideas of card fronts floating through my mind for my whole life. In all actuality it has only been for 25 years or so. The art of paper crafting whether it is card-mak- ing, scrapbooking, or altered art can be a lifelong hobby with very positive results.
Born, raised, and still living in Michigan I know we have a nice long winter to focus on the indoor and the art of paper. It is not unusual for crafters to spend many a winter day working on the perfect card, the scrapbook page to high- light a birthday, or a canvas to give as a gift. Actually the truth is many crafters do
it during all the seasons of the year. Those of us who love paper find others
who love paper and all of the ephemera and embellishments that go with it. When you begin a paper hobby it takes time to figure out if you like the idea of photos and scrapbook memories or if you want to make cards or other 3-D paper art. Some choose them all. For me the passion has always been the strongest with card making.
Typically, I create my own ideas for cards; but a tremendous positive influence and overload can be found on the inter- net too. The world is open to learn from local stores, taking on-line classes, social
269.781.4251
879 E Michigan Ave, Marshall, MI 49068 www.MedilodgeofMarshall.com
Let us help you piece together the puzzle after sudden illness or injury.
Recover. Rejuvenate . Revitalize . Return Home .