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"Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a yearly flu vaccine. Ample supplies of influenza vaccine are now available. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response. Get vaccinated now so that you will be protected when flu season begins. In the United States, influenza season usually begins in October and can last until May."

Diabetes and heart disease

Did you know that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age, lack of exercise, being overweight, belonging to certain ethnic groups can put a person at a higher risk of developing Type II diabetes?

Do you realize that complications of diabetes include heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, blindness, amputation, neuropathy, birth defects, spontaneous abortion, risk to the newborn and the mother?

The CDC estimates the cost of caring for diabetes was $174 billion in 2007

What can be done? Take care of yourself and your loved ones. According to the American Diabetes Association, "Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in diabetes."

So, eat healthy and get out there and exercise!

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Skin cancer

"Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In 2006,* 53,919 people were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin, and 8,441 people died from it.... When in the sun, seek shade, cover up, get a hat, wear sunglasses, and use sunscreen" according to the CDC.

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Seasonal influenza

The following influenza information comes from the CDC:

"How do I know if I have the flu?

You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:

fever*
cough
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
body aches
headache
chills
fatigue
sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

*It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.

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What are the emergency warning signs?

In children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash

In adults

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu–like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

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The vaccine

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