Gov. Perdue Urges More Sponsors to Help Provide Summer Meals for Kids

RALEIGH  More than one in four children in North Carolina are not getting enough food to eat to lead healthy, active lives, according to the study, Food Hardship in America 2010. With the leadership of Governor Bev Perdue, a public- private partnership is working to connect more eligible low-income children to federally funded food and nutrition programs like the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), administered by the N.C. Division of Public Health.

In summer 2011, the summer food program provided free meals to an average of 74,554 children each day. Another 16,561 were fed on average each day by a similar program administered by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. However, the combined numbers only represent 12 percent of the children in our state who are eligible for meals. According to public school data, more than 770,000 children received free or reduced price school meals during the last school year. Gov. Perdue is encouraging more community organizations to to join the fight against childhood hunger by joining No Kid Hungry North Carolina.

More than 30 counties either serve less than 5 percent of their needy children during the summer or do not offer a summer food program, said Alice Lenihan, head of the N.C. Division of Public Healths Nutrition Services Branch. The program provides sponsors with full federal reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for each meal they serve, so there is no reason that children should go hungry during the summer.

Schools, local government agencies, private nonprofits, and locations where children congregate during the summer, such as parks, swimming pools, and low-income housing complexes can participate as either sponsors or feeding sites. To qualify, a site must either be located in a low-income area where 50 percent or more of the children in the area are eligible for free or reduced- price school meals, or it must serve primarily low- income children, at least half of whom are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Most sites can provide up two meals a day through the program.

Participating sponsors will receive free training during March. Summer food service applications should be submitted by May 15. More information is available at www.nutritionnc.com/snp/sfsp.h tm. For the training schedule or to find out how to apply to be a sponsor, contact the N.C. Division of Public Healths Special Nutrition Programs office at (919) 707- 5799.

25 Cent Book Sale @ Pack Library!
Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11 from 10am-4pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700

The Friends of the Library are having a sale at Pack Library on Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11 from 10 am  4 pm each day. On Friday and Saturday, all books in the downstairs sale at Pack Library will be 25 cents.

In addition, all books in Bookends Used Book Store will be half-price both days. There will be a wide selection of books for adults and children at great prices and all proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library. Come and stock your shelves!

New Web-Based Wellness Resource Offers North Carolina Small
Businesses Tools to Improve Employee Health and Increase
Productivity

RALEIGH  Gov. Bev Perdue announces the launch of a free, web-based tool to help small businesses develop worksite wellness programs. WorkWell NC, coordinated through the N.C. Division of Public Health, offers free resources to help small business owners and their employees who want to lose weight, quit smoking and manage stress. The WorkWell NC toolkit may be found at www.EatSmartMoveMoreNC.com.

A healthy, educated workforce is essential to keeping North Carolinas economic engine well tuned, said Gov Perdue. I am committed to providing the tools that businesses need to grow, thrive and keep employees healthy and on the job. Programs like WorkWell NC are an integral part of this effort.

According to the Small Business Administration, nearly 50 percent of people employed in North Carolina are employed by a small business (500 or less employees). Nearly one-third of uninsured people are employed by small businesses with less than 100 workers, according to the 2008 Current Population Survey. The WorkwellNC resources provide small businesses the opportunity to offer their employees a benefit that will help keep them healthier and ultimately reduce health care costs.

There is strong evidence that participating in a worksite wellness program pays off for employers, said Dr. Ruth Petersen of the N.C. Division of Public Health. The American Institute for Preventive Medicine estimates that worksite wellness programs deliver an average of $3 return on investment for every $1 spent, through increased productivity and reduced health care costs.

The toolkit is complete  with information ranging from implementing a worksite wellness program to measuring results. Business owners can download posters, newsletters, sign-up sheets, certificates, surveys and evaluation tools. The kit also includes links to videos featuring fellow business owners from a variety of North Carolina companies promoting healthy lifestyles and seeing results. One example that businesses can easily implement is the Ten Minute Challenge­ - a pre- programmed set of activities that employees can do in10 minutes to improve their health.

A healthy and productive workforce means a better bottom line for businesses, said N.C. Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco. However, addressing tomorrows health conditions today is not only good for business, its important for the employee so they can lead a healthier and more active life.

I would encourage any business owner to try it  making small changes in your working environment can lead to really big results, said Tara Olsen, Owner of All Points Research in Winston- Salem, speaking about her experience with worksite wellness in one of the featured videos. Other video success stories feature A-10 Clinical Solutions, Acme McCrary Corporation, The Biltmore Company, The Body Shop, Carolina Pad, RE Mason and Salina Naturally.

Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina is a statewide movement that promotes increased opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity wherever people live, learn, earn, play and pray. For more information on healthful eating and active lifestyles, visit www.MyEatSmartMoveMore.com.

Julie Henry
Public Information Officer
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
919-855-4840
julie.henry@dhhs.nc.gov

Singing Valentines

Monday, February 13th 2012
Time: 9:00am to 8:00pm

Singing Valentines. For $40 a barbershop quartet will deliver a serenade, a rose and a custom card to anyone anywhere in Buncombe, Haywood or Hendersonville Counties. Upgraded packages include: $52- a serenade, 2 roses, 2 truffles and a custom card. $77- includes a serenade, 6 roses, 2 truffles, 4 cordials, a custom card and 2 tickets to our spring show "It's Not My Vault" May 12th at the Asheville Community Theater. To schedule a Singing Valentine call 866 290-7269. For wives, husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends, suprise delivery to office, restaurant, school or hospital.
For general inquiries email us at: gro.rebmahcellivehsa@rebmem We will deliver Singing Valentines to any location, home, office, business, school, hospital, etc in Buncombe, Haywood or Hendersonville Counties
All over three counties Asheville , NC 28802
Phone: 866 290-7269

Norovirus Infections Spreading Widely Across North Carolina:
State Public Health Officials urge precautions to prevent possible exposure

RALEIGH  Throughout January, several local health departments across North Carolina have reported multiple outbreaks of norovirus, prompting state public health officials to issue advice on steps everyone can take to avoid this common and unpleasant gastrointestinal illness.

The most important message we have right now is that people who are ill with vomiting or diarrhea should not work, go to school or attend daycare while they are having symptoms, said State Epidemiologist Dr. Megan Davies. Everyone needs to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. This is the most effective way to protect yourself and others against norovirus since hand sanitizers alone are not as effective against this hardy virus.

Noroviruses are easily transmitted by touching a contaminated surface as well as by direct contact or by eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated with the virus. Noroviruses are notoriously difficult to kill with normal cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Surfaces that have been contaminated with stool or vomit should be cleaned immediately and disinfected with a freshly prepared diluted bleach solution or a bleach-based household cleaner.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Some may have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. The symptoms can begin suddenly and an infected person may go from feeling well to very sick in a very short period of time. In most people, the illness lasts for about one or two days. People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until at least three days after they recover. Some people may be contagious for even longer, she added. Infection can be more severe in young children and elderly people. Dehydration can occur rapidly and may require medical treatment or hospitalization.

Unfortunately, there is no specific medications to treat norovirus, but infected people should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea, Davies said. The best course of action is prevention.

Davies offered several simple steps to take if you suspect the presence of a norovirus:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after toilet visits and before preparing, serving or eating food or drink. Hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus.

Clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with vomit or diarrhea immediately using a bleach-based household cleaner, or dilute household bleach 1:10 in water (must be mixed fresh daily; never use undiluted bleach).

Stay home when sick.

Do not prepare food for other people when sick and for at least three days afterward.

For more information about norovirus, see the Division of Public Health Web site at www.ncpublichealth.com. More detailed information about cleanup in private homes and in other settings can be found at www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/df p_fooddefense- epidemiology.htm.

Preschoolers, We Love You!

Librarians are practicing their silliest songs and most daring dance moves in preparation for the 26th annual production of Preschoolers We Love You!

This popular variety show for children began as a special valentine to the librarys youngest book lovers. Each year, shows regularly draw over 1,000 children for the multiple performances.

The program is a book inspired musical revue especially designed for preschoolers, with puppets, dancing and other lighthearted fun. The talented performers are drawn from the library staff across the county.

The dates and locations for this years performances are:

 Wednesday, February 15 at Pack Memorial Library

 Thursday, February 16 at the Weaverville Library

 Friday, February 17 at the Black Mountain Library

Each location will have two performances. Shows begin at 9:30 and 10:45 a.m.

All shows are free, but school groups must call 250- 4729 to make a reservation. If you miss the show in person, the production will also be televised on the Buncombe County television channel, BCTV. Check buncombecounty.org/bctv for listings.

BB&T presents Business Before Hours hosted by United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County

Date: Tuesday, February 21st 2012
Time: 8:00am to 9:00am
Please join us for February's Business Before Hours event! Complimentary baked goods, coffee and beverages will be served. Our host Sponsor is United Way. United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is mobilizing people into collective action through Giving, Advocating and Volunteering in the areas of Education, Income and Health. We believe these are the building blocks of a good life for everyone. By making results-based investments in our community, we support long-lasting, measurable change in peoples lives, right here in Asheville and Buncombe County.

United Way invests the dollars it raises in community partners whose results align with the solutions we want to see in areas such as high-quality, early child care; mentors, tutors, conflict resolution, leadership and life skills training, homework assistance and after school support; basic needs assistance (such as rent, utilities and food assistance); vocational and literacy training; financial and housing counseling, money management services and tax preparation; violence and abuse prevention and recovery education, training, counseling and legal support; connection to medical providers, behavioral health/support services, and increasing access to affordable medications, and much more. As a result of our 2010-2011 investment of almost $2.5 million in our Community Fund, we expected to see 28,573 people successfully improve their conditions in Education, Income and Health. The return on that investment exceeded expectations  almost 34,000 people are now on the path to graduating from high school, earning a living wage job, managing their finances and living in safe, affordable housing and accessing primary and behavioral healthcare. We also support this work through our:

"2-1-1 community service information line, which answered more than 55,000 calls last year and connected people with more than 2,000 health and human services in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties,

"Hands On Asheville- Buncombe, which made it easy for almost 3,000 people to volunteer more than 13,000 hours last year at local non- profits, schools and public entities, saving these organizations more than $270,000,

"Middle School Success program, which works to create more educational and social-emotional support and enrichment opportunities for area students in grades 6-8, and

"Advocacy work that includes raising awareness of public policy issues and giving people tools to raise their voices about issues in which they believe.

Underneath everything we are all people. Connected. Interdependent. United. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. Join the movement. Be part of the change. Together we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. LIVE UNITED!
For general inquiries email us at: gro.rebmahcellivehsa@rebmem
50 South French Broad Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 258-6114

Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin

Skin Moisturizers: Cream, Lotion, or Ointment?

No matter what your skin type, you should use a moisturizer. The thickness of the moisturizer you choose depends on your skin type.

If you've got itchy or dry skin, you'll probably want to lock in moisture with a thick ointment. Creams are thinner, help hydrate, and are good for normal skin. Lotions are the lightest (water is their main ingredient) and are a good match for oily skin.

You should also base the thickness of the moisturizer on when and where you use it on your body. "Choose a light moisturizer for day and a heavier one for nighttime," says Florida dermatologist Andrea Cambio, MD. Or choose a thicker cream for your body and a lightweight moisturizing lotion for your face. You'll also want to stick with lighter, hydrating moisturizers in the summer months.

Choosing a Moisturizer: What to Look For

Use these guidelines to pick the right type of moisturizer for your skin. Sun protection.No matter what skin type you have, just about every dermatologist recommends getting a moisturizer with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. If youre getting it for your face, Cambio suggests looking for one that is oil- and fragrance-free and has an SPF of 30.
Antioxidants.Moisturizers with antioxidants such as green tea, chamomile, pomegranate, or licorice root extract may help keep any skin type looking fresh and healthy. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals -- molecules that break down skin cells. For oily or acne-prone skin."I like alpha-hydroxy acids, which are also antiaging," says Chicago dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, MD. If you're prone to acne, you'll also want to look for a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer, which won't clog pores.
For dry skin. Aim for a heavier moisturizer and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, which help keep skin hydrated. Glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins, and urea also help attract water to your skin, while lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum lock in moisture. For sensitive skin.Use a hypoallergenic and fragrance- free moisturizer. In general, choose one that contains less than 10 ingredients," suggests California dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD. Fewer ingredients mean fewer potential interactions with fragile skin.
For itchy skin.If a hypoallergenic moisturizing cream doesnt relieve itching, try a 1% hydrocortisone steroid skin cream for one week, but no longer. If this doesnt resolve the itch, talk to your doctor. You may have a more serious skin problem. If you have eczema. Use a thick moisturizing ointment containing petrolatum, or simply use petroleum jelly. Either of these will help sooth cracks and keep skin supple.

Choosing a Moisturizer: What to Avoid

More ingredients does not make a better moisturizer. Here are some to avoid. Colorings and perfumes.Whether you want to moisturize dry skin, sensitive skin, or something in between, most experts suggest avoiding unnecessary and potentially irritating ingredients, like added colors and perfumes. Antibacterial agents can also be unnecessarily harsh, stripping skin of essential oils.
To prevent facial acne. Cambio suggests avoiding facial moisturizers with lanolin, mineral oil, waxes, or shea butter. These can clog pores and cause acne on the face, and are more appropriate for the body, she tells WebMD.
For dry or sensitive skin. Avoid alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, retinoic acid, and salicylic acid. These ingredients may penetrate the skin too deeply and trouble delicate skin. Stay away from products with alcohols as well.
For itchy skin. Limit your use of steroid creams or ointment to one or two weeks only, unless recommended by your doctor. Overusing steroid creams can make skin very thin and lead to other skin problems.
If you have eczema or cracked skin.Stay away from moisturizers that contain urea or lactic acids. Though these ingredients are good for very dry skin, they can aggravate skin irritation.

3 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Skin Moisturizer

To get the best results from whichever body or facial moisturizer you choose, try these tips:
Use more than one moisturizer if you need to. Nobody needs a cabinet full of moisturizing products, but a thin lotion for your face and a thick cream for your body may be just right for your all-over skin care.
Apply your moisturizer while your skin is damp. Smooth on your favorite moisturizer a few minutes after a bath or shower.
Pat your skin dry. Make your moisturizer do double-duty. Be sure your moisturizer contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
Want an antiaging boost? The pros recommend vitamin A or alpha- hydroxy acid. Want to even out your skin tone, too? Look for a tinted moisturizer suitable for your complexion.

Tax Help 2012 Begins February 1

The AARP Tax-Aide Program, in cooperation with the IRS, N.C. Dept. of Revenue, the Buncombe County Council on Aging and Buncombe County Public Libraries will again offer free tax preparation in 2012. The assistance will be for low or middle income taxpayers and seniors, from February 1 through April 17 at four different locations across the county. Electronic filing (e-file) will be used for safe and accurate preparation and fast refunds. Stay tuned for exact dates and time.

Questions and requests for homebound individuals can be directed to the Buncombe County Council on Aging at 277-8288.

One Day at a Time

Date: Wednesday, March 28th 2012
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
One Day at a Time is a workshop for people in recovery from addictions. This is a 3 1/2 day workshop, that begins at noon on the first day and ends at 4:00pm on the last day. Recovery is a way of life, born of commitment and grace. At Equinection, we work with horses to show you ways that you can be more honest, bring awareness to your motives and behaviors, and strengthen your ability to honor the commitments you have made to live a sober life.

For general inquiries email us at:gro.rebmahcellivehsa@rebmem

561 Piercy Road
Green Mountain, NC 28740
Phone: 828-682-9157

Buncombe County March for Babies

Date: Saturday, April 21st 2012
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
March for Babies is the signature event of the March of Dimes, bringing communities together for one walk, one voice and one day.

Its also a unique opportunity for your company to gain exposure and recognition in the community. This walk brings greater awareness of the need for research to help prevent and treat premature birth, birth defects and other threats to babies health.

For general inquiries email us at: gro.rebmahcellivehsa@rebmem

Directions:
Pack Square Park
1 West Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 828-258-1234