Virginia Limon, Administrative Assistant in the Public Works Department, was very self-conscious about her weight. Just a few months ago, she weighed 139 pounds at only 4’11”.  This made her feel embarrassed around friends, family, and co-workers. She always felt exhausted during the day, and was never in the mood to participate in any physical activities. Her weight also caused her blood pressure to be very high. This worried Virginia, because she knew that high blood pressure could lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and more. Virginia was tired of the embarrassment and risk to her health, and she decided it was time to make a change. Read more.

Flu season is approaching!  There is no guaranteed way to prevent anyone from getting the flu, but getting a flu shot and taking some simple precautions will reduce the risk.

The flu vaccine reduces the average person's chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during flu season, so it is important to get a flu vaccine. Many people are unsure of whether or not to get the shot, because of rumors that it will cause the flu. Not to worry! The flu shot does not cause flu illness. Here is how it works: Flu vaccines are available as a shot or nasal mist. As an injection, the flu vaccine contains dead flu viruses that will not cause the flu, but will prepare the body to fight off infection.  Getting a shot of the dead virus means you are protected against that particular type of live flu virus. The nasal mist vaccine contains weakened live flu viruses. The mist is not for people with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions.

Because the vaccine prevents infection from only a few of the viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms, it is not a guarantee against getting sick. But even if you do get the flu after getting the shot, the symptoms will usually be fewer and milder than someone who had not received the vaccine.