H1N1: Separating Fact from Fiction

A lot of information has been circulating about the H1N1 (or Swine flu) vaccine that is expected to arrive soon. Here are the answers some of the questions many people have.

The public is encouraged to attend the Health Center’s large flu vaccination clinic at Biltmore Square Mall on October 8, 9 & 10.

The County's website and kindness campaign receive national awards of excellence.

Support Special Olympics Buncombe County athletes and have a great time at the 1st Annual Spare Me Bowling Tournament.

Flu season is expected to be especially bad this year. In order to prevent flu, the Buncombe County Health Center will go to elementary schools throughout October...

Did you know that Breast Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American Women?

Keep in mind that your lawn and garden need to be maintained all year long. Here are some garden chores for October.

Make sure your pet is up to date on its shots! Don't miss out on these low-cost shot clinics. Rabies shots are just $7!

Please consider giving a home to one of these wonderful pets! The shelter is okay, but I would love to have a home of my own!

Congratulations to Marty Cavanaugh for his Chicken and Dumplings recipe!

Do you help your mother with her medications? Do you spend your break time on the phone trying to contact your father’s doctor? Do you help a friend or relative with bills? These are signs that you are a caregiver. 

On Thursday, October 15, Pat Hilgendorf will present a workshop at the Administrative Offices of Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services. Pat Hilgendorf has worked in the area of caregiving for 19 years. She was a caregiver for her own mother who died of Alzheimer’s disease. Pat also developed an elder care resource and referral program for the 4,000 employees of the General Motors plant where she worked. The program worked so well that it became a nation-wide organization in 1996. Pat was active with the Alzheimer’s Association for 20 years, working the last few years in the Asheville office.  

Bring your lunch and join us for this workshop. The Administrative Office is located at 59 Woodfin Place in Asheville. The workshop is from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is free. Drinks and dessert will be provided.

For information or to register, please call Grace Young at 250-4265. Please register by Monday, October 12.

Continue to keep an eye out for insects in your garden:

• Ornamentals:  Check evergreens for bagworms. Half of those bags contain eggs which will hatch in the spring, so remove and destroy them. Spruce mites are cool weather mites that become active now. Shake a branch vigorously over white paper to check for them.
  
  
• Vegetables:  Aphids and several species of caterpillars can be a problem on broccoli, cabbage, collards and other cabbage family plants.

For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.

Strong smelling mothballs will repel moths; however, herbs will do the same thing and smell better.  Lavender, wormwood, cedar and patchouli along with a small amount of rosemary or cinnamon will work well.  Mix any combination and place in the toe of a used stocking.  Tie open end and hang in closet or place in a drawer. 

Moths do not eat wool -- they eat the food stains and perspiration left on clothes or blankets.  Keep wool items clean and stored in sealed plastic bags or containers.

Source:  Farmers Almanac

As of October 1, plastic bottles, oil filters and wood pallets are banned from being disposed of in any North Carolina Landfill.  These items must now be recycled. Complete story...

Find out more about how you can recycle by watching this edition of Buncombe Life.