Tobacco use is a leading cause of a number of chronic diseases  such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease  that are life- threatening and costly to residents and to the state. Helping tobacco users quit is not only essential for employees health, it is also one way to reduce costs by preventing some of the adverse health consequences that result from tobacco use.

State Health Plan members can now receive at least eight weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy patches by calling QuitlineNC at 1- 800-QUIT-NOW, said State Health Director Jeff Engel, M.D. This combination of telephone coaching and medication can more than triple a tobacco users chance of quitting successfully, compared to trying to quit on his or her own. The Plan provides health care coverage for more than 661,000 state employees, teachers, state university and community college personnel, retirees and their dependents.

The new services reflect the recommendations of the U.S. Task Force on Community Preventive Services, which recommends that employers provide support to help employees quit, including cessation services and reducing the out-of-pocket cost for cessation medications such as nicotine replacement therapy. The Task Force is an independent, non-federal body of public health and research experts convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to review research and make recommendations based on scientific evidence.

As outlined in the Plans Comprehensive Wellness Initiative, we are committed to supporting our members in meeting their wellness goals, said Jack W. Walker, executive administrator of the State Health Plan. Coaching and medication combined represent a best practice in the support of tobacco cessation. For Plan members, these cessation services will make quitting both easier and less expensive. The savings will ultimately also extend to the State Health Plan and taxpayers.

Working with QuitlineNC to reach adult smokers who want to quit is both effective and cost-efficient, said Charles Willson, MD, chair of the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission, which provides funding support to QuitlineNC. We applaud the State Health Plan for providing this valuable service to their members  it is both essential for employee health and good for the bottom line.

Any North Carolina resident can call QuitlineNC toll- free at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1- 800-784-8669) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services are free and available in Spanish and English, with other translation services provided as needed. Quit Coaches are trained to help people of all ages who are ready to quit cigarettes or other tobacco products. Learn more at www.quitlinenc.com.

Protect Yourself Against Norovirus Infection

RALEIGH  Recent outbreaks of norovirus  a common and unpleasant gastrointestinal illness  have sickened teenagers at a conference in Raleigh and many other people across the state in long-term care facilities, schools and child care centers, restaurants, and other settings.

Noroviruses are very contagious. The virus is present in the stools and vomit of sick people during illness and for a few days after they recover. People can get sick through direct contact with a person who has the virus, by touching contaminated surfaces, or by eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated with the virus. Noroviruses cannot be seen, smelled or tasted in food.

Noroviruses are tough to kill, said Dr. Megan Davies, State Epidemiologist. The most important way to prevent spread is thorough hand- washing using soap and water. Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.

The symptoms of norovirus illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Some people may also have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. The illness begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people, the illness lasts for about 1 or 2 days. However, some  especially young children and the elderly  can quickly get dehydrated and might require medical care or even hospitalization. There are no specific medications to treat norovirus.

What can you do to protect yourself and your family? Follow these simple measures:

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

· Clean up vomit and diarrhea immediately.

· Stay home when sick.

· Do not prepare food when sick and for at least 48 hours afterward.

Many commonly used disinfectants are not effective against norovirus. Cleaning with a dilute bleach solution is recommended to disinfect surfaces after an episode of illness.

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 on the Division of Environmental Health Web site at www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/d fp_fooddefense- epidemiology.htm.
Contacts: Carol Schriber, N.C. DHHS Public Affairs Office, 919-733-9190

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time Begins When: Sunday, Mar 14, 2010

Becky Stone as Pauli Murray

Tuesday, March 16 at 7pm Weaverville Library

Local actress and storyteller Becky Stone reprises her Chautauqua performance as North Carolina priest, lawyer and educator Pauli Murray. After losing her parents at a young age and being raised by relatives in Durham, Murray became a lifelong activist for racial and gender equality, becoming the first African American woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest.

Come and see a beloved local performer bring to life an important North Carolinian. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library. For more information call the Library at 250-6482

Buncombe County Public Libraries
67 Haywood Street
Asheville
NC 28801

New lead-based paint regulations protect residents, workers

RALEIGH  North Carolina now has stronger rules requiring the use of lead-safe work practices and other actions to prevent lead poisoning when lead-based paint is disturbed during renovation and remodeling work. Exposure to lead can be harmful to both children and adults.

Lead-contaminated dust, particularly from old paint, is the most significant source of lead exposure for children. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead- based paint. Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million U.S. homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.

Lead exposure can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays and behavioral problems in young children.

In late January, the State of North Carolina was authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program. The North Carolina program, to be administered by the state Division of Public Health, has been certified to be at least as protective as the Environmental Protection Agencys RRP program and to provide adequate enforcement.

The N.C. RRP program, like the EPAs, mandates that contractors, property managers and other paid workers doing renovations, construction or repairs in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, must be trained and certified, and must use lead- safe work practices. They are also required to provide the lead pamphlet Renovate Right; Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools to owners and occupants before starting renovation work in those buildings. This EPA publication is also available on-line at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovat erightbrochure.pdf.

We are very appreciative of North Carolinas leadership role in preventing lead poisoning by ensuring that work that disturbs paint is done in a lead-safe manner, said Stan Meiburg, acting administrator for EPA Region 4. Renovators and rental property owners play a big part in protecting children from lead-based paint hazards in their homes.

If you are doing your own renovation work in your own home, you can learn more about protecting your family from lead-based paint and EPAs lead program at www.epa.gov/lead or by contacting the National Lead Information Center at 800- 424-LEAD (5323).

For more information about North Carolinas new certification and training program, including applying for certification or locating training, visit the state Web site at www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/lead. html or contact the North Carolina Lead Program at (919) 707-5950. The Web site also has a list of certified contractors, painters and renovators.

Farmers' Market

When: Sat, April 3, 7am  1pm
Where: 134 S. Church Street, Asheboro ,,
Enjoy fresh, local produce and products every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7 a.m. - 1p.m. between April 3 - October 30, 2010.

Public review and comment period announced on states Infant-Toddler Federal Grant application, policy proposals

RALEIGH  The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Early Intervention Branch announces public review of and comment on three items:

The states federal Part C grant application under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA); proposed policy on fees, billing and reimbursement; and proposed policy on Infant- Toddler Program (ITP) records.
The application and the proposed policies are available for public review, as required by law, at www.ncei.org, March 3  April 1, 2010. The public may comment on the items April 2  May 1, 2010.

The grants are non- competitive awards available only to U.S. states and territories and not to individuals, families or local agencies. The U.S. Office of Special Education Programs offers the grants to help states and territories provide coordinated statewide systems of comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, interagency programs of early intervention service for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The application describes how funding will be used to provide supports and services to children and their families.

Proposed changes for the fees, billing and reimbursement policy are in the following areas:

the criteria used to apply the Sliding Fee Scale; the formula for calculating payments made to contracted community providers after insurance plans have paid benefits; and non-payment and collection of debt owed to the ITP.

The ITP records proposed policy primarily has three changes:

reduction of time for maintaining childrens ITP records from 21 years to 5 years after a childs third birthday; a definition for personally identifiable information; and removal of a listing of ITP required forms.

From April 2 to May 1, comments on the grant application and the two proposed policies may be made by:
Email to: ei.publiccomment@dhhs.nc.gov;

Fax to: Part C coordinator at 919-870-4834; or Letter: c/o Part C Coordinator, Early Intervention Branch, 1916 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1916.

Tax Assistance begins February

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 2010.

The assistance will be for low or middle income taxpayers and seniors, from February 1 through April 15 at four different locations across the county.

Electronic filing (e-file) will be used for safe and accurate preparation and fast refunds. No appointments are necessary. The locations and times for tax assistance are:

Senior Opportunity Center
36 Grove Street - 350-2062
Monday 1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 1pm - 5pm
Friday 1pm - 5pm

West Asheville Library
942 Haywood Road - 250- 4750
Tuesday 9am  3pm

Weaverville Library
41 North Main Street - 250- 6482
Thursday Noon  5pm

Black Mountain Library
105 N Dougherty Street - 250- 4756
Tuesdays 10am  3pm

AARP Tax Assistance Begins in February

The AARP Tax-Aide Program, in cooperation with the IRS, N.C. Dept. of Revenue, Council on Aging and Buncombe County Public Libraries will again offer free tax preparation for low- and middle-income taxpayers, as well as seniors, from February 1 through April 15, 2010. Electronic filing (E-file) is available for safe and accurate preparation and fast refunds.

LOCATIONS AND HOURS:

Senior Opportunity Center
36 Grove Street - 350- 2062
Monday 1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 1pm - 5pm
Friday 1pm - 5pm

West Asheville Library
942 Haywood Road - 250- 4750
Tuesday 9am  3pm

Weaverville Library
41 North Main Street - 250- 6482
Thursday Noon  5pm

Black Mountain Library
105 N Dougherty Street - 250- 4756
Tuesdays 10am  3pm

TAXPAYERS SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

" Social Security cards and Identifications for taxpayers and all dependents
" Previous years (2008) tax return
" W-2 forms from each employer
" 1099 forms for Social Security, Pension, Interest, Dividends, Broker/Mutual Fund and Miscellaneous Income.
" Detailed list for Medical Expenses, Charitable Contributions, Real Estate Taxes, Mortgage Interest, if claiming itemized deductions.
" Real Estate Tax invoice and invoice for a new car purchased after February 16, 2009, for special credit this year, even if not claiming itemized deductions.
" A blank check for direct deposit of any refund to your checking or savings account.

Can You Pay Back Your Debts Within 6 to 12 Months?

When does debt become a problem? If you are overextended with debts you can't pay back within six to twelve months (not including your mortgage or maybe your car payment), or if you spend more than fifteen to twenty percent of your after- tax income on short-term credit purchases, you may be in financial trouble.

Don't feel alone. Even careful spenders often find themselves in debt.

Some signs that you are financially overextended include:

You would have an immediate financial crisis if you lost your job.
You spend more than you earn.
You must borrow to pay current bills.
You pay for everyday expenses, such as groceries, by using savings or credit.
You're paying the minimum amount or less due on your bills each month.
You are being contacted by bill collectors.
You can't avoid using credit during the holidays or for your children's birthdays. You're having problems in your relationships because of money problems.
These are signs that you need to change your spending habits. You may resist admitting you have a crisis because you think the problem will go away. You can't ignore the problem. It won't go away. It's best to understand how your crisis came to be so you can take control and make changes.

For additional information on surviving and thriving during these difficult times, contact the North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Buncombe County Center at 255-5522.

Antique tractors wanted for 2010 Got to Be NC Festival

RALEIGH  Registration is now open for the antique tractor and farm equipment display at the 2010 Got to Be NC Festival. The annual event will be held at the N.C. State Fairgrounds May 21-23.

Antique tractor clubs, collectors and restorers can register their antique farm equipment for free at www.ncagfest.com. Participants are encouraged to complete an application early, and registration is required. Last year, more than 500 antique tractors were on display from owners in North Carolina and surrounding states. In all, the three-day festival showcased more than 1,000 pieces of farm equipment.

The Got to Be NC Festival, presented by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will feature a carnival, live music, food and wine expo, tractor pulls, draft horse pulls, classic cars, Harley- Davidson motorcycles, lawnmower racing and a barbecue cook-off.

Festival hours are 9 a.m. to midnight May 21 and 22, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 23. Admission and parking for the festival are free. There is a fee for grandstand events.

Other free events at the fairgrounds that weekend include the Raleigh Health and Fitness Expo, the Choplin Marine Boat Show, Wake County 4-H Horse Show, Fiber Fest and the State Fairgrounds Flea Market.

For more information about the Got to Be NC Festival, including a full schedule of events.
NCDA&CS Public Affairs
Division, Brian Long,
Director
Mailing Address:1001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1001
Physical Address: 2 West Edenton Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Phone: (919) 733-4216; FAX: (919) 733-5047

College Students Urged to Get H1N1 Vaccination

RALEIGH  State Health Director Jeffrey Engel strongly urges young adults, including college students and teens, to get their H1N1 vaccinations before returning to campus from the winter break. According to statistics gathered by the N.C. Division of Public Health, people of college age are the least likely to be immunized against H1N1.

More than 495,000 students are enrolled in colleges in North Carolina. Vaccination efforts to date have reached just over 60,000 people between 19 years old and 24 years old statewide. Campus immunization campaigns appear to have reached just a fraction of that number. The latest estimates indicate that fewer than 13 percent of the H1N1 vaccine doses provided by the state went to traditional college- age students.

Our young people are our greatest resource, and we want to make sure they remain healthy, Dr. Engel said. The holidays are a perfect time for parents to ensure that their teens and college students are vaccinated against H1N1.

As of Dec. 15, North Carolina had reported 76 deaths from H1N1. While pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and young children are most at risk for complications, this strain of flu has had a disproportionate impact on young, healthy people.

We have good supplies of H1N1 vaccine on hand, Engel said. The peak of seasonal flu is approaching in late January. Getting both vaccinations now is the best way to protect yourself and your family against both seasonal and the H1N1 virus.

For updated information on vaccination clinics near you, visit flu.nc.gov.

N.C. Public Health receives funds for worksite wellness and tobacco cessation

RALEIGH  Gov. Bev Perdue today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $5.4 million to North Carolina to support public health efforts to reduce obesity, increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and decrease smoking  the four most important actions for combating chronic diseases and promoting health.

Making North Carolina a healthier state is a priority for Gov. Bev Perdue, in terms of both quality of life and from a statewide economic standpoint.

Having healthy, well- educated people will lower health care costs, increase productivity, and provide the best workforce in the country, said Gov. Perdue. All of those things are the best incentives to attract new and relocating businesses to North Carolina, Perdue said.

The award to North Carolina is part of $119.5 million going to the states as the first of several initiatives that make up the comprehensive prevention and wellness initiative, Communities Putting Prevention to Work, which is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

North Carolina will be allotted $3.8 million over two years to reduce and prevent obesity across the state by improving opportunities for physical activity and access to healthy foods. Another $1.6 million is to be used for the N.C. Quitline telephone service, tobacco use prevention, and other programs to help people quit tobacco.

A focus of the funding is creating sustainable changes in work and community environments to support healthy lifestyles. North Carolinas efforts will involve many public and private partners at the state and local levels. A statewide worksite wellness initiative will encourage employers to make sustainable changes, such as establishing employee wellness policies to support healthy behaviors. Wellness experts from the public and private sectors will be part of a statewide Worksite Wellness Collaborative that promotes best practices and supports North Carolina employers in implementing comprehensive wellness programs.

The grants couldnt have come at a more critical time. In North Carolina, more than half of all deaths occur earlier than expected. Many of these premature deaths are related to chronic diseases that can be prevented or managed through physical activity, healthy eating, and avoiding tobacco use and exposure.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in North Carolina. An estimated 13,000 North Carolinians ages 35 years or older die each year from smoking-related causes. Poor nutrition and lack of adequate physical activity comprise the second leading preventable cause of death in the state. Two-thirds of North Carolina adults and one-third of our children are overweight or obese, putting them at increased risk of illness and death from coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke, and several forms of cancer.

Poor eating habits and inactive lifestyles are at the root of so many of our health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer  even arthritis and injuries, said State Health Director Jeff Engel, MD. These problems are largely preventable. We as a state must make it easier for people to eat smart and move more. The ARRA grants will allow North Carolina to continue its momentum in addressing tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, and reducing obesity.
Contacts: Carol Schriber, N.C. DHHS Public Affairs Office, 919-733-9190