Focus on the Flu

It's that time of year... time to get prepared, and get your flu shot.

Love books and bargains? Mark your calendars for the annual Gigantic Book Sale at Pack Library in downtown Asheville.

Want to learn how to do some basic repairs around the house? This course is for you!

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

Did you know that some research studies have found a link between the strength of a person’s network of friends and his or her physical and social health?

Black Mountain Library is currently under renovation, but has now opened a "Mini-Library" in the Community Room for the duration of the project.

Buncombe County and the Aging Coordinating Consortium (ACC) have been awarded the Ernest B. Messer Award for excellence in addressing the needs of the County's older population.

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 Janice Cranston of Asheville for her Worm Cake recipe!

Eating four of these a week can cut your kidney-cancer risk in half. Hint: You need to peel it.

Yep, we're talking bananas. They're bursting with phenolic compounds that appear to thwart renal-cancer cells. And that's not all the monkey's favorite fruit brings to your body . . .

Phenols, Potassium, and More

Phenols -- plant-based substances linked to all sorts of health benefits, from cancer prevention to heart health -- aren't the only goodies that bananas have to offer. No doubt you already know about the super potassium stores in the yellow-skinned fruit (450 milligrams in one banana!). But they're also a good source of B vitamins like B6 and folate, plus calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Bananas Everywhere

A fresh, whole banana makes a great snack. But why stop there with this versatile fruit?

• Skip the Frappuccino. Make this EatingWell smoothie instead: Blueberry-Banana Batido.
• For a healthy (and satisfying) snack, top rice cakes with bananas and natural peanut butter. Here's how it looks.
• Add flavor to fish or pork with a Banana-Orange Relish.
• Go ahead: Enjoy this delicious, guilt-free dessert: Cocoa-Nut Bananas.

Banana Hanger - Good or Bad?

Banana hangers aren't a gimmick. They protect against black spots and bruising from resting on hard surfaces. Definitely good!

Source: RealAge.com

One Stop Early Voting locations for the 2008 General Election are now available. These locations will be open from October 16 through November 1.

Early Voting Locations

The Board of Elections is making early voting easier than ever!  Now you can vote until 9pm on Saturday, October 18th at Biltmore Square Mall or Innsbruck Mall!

There is no excuse -- stop by between 10am and 9pm and cast your vote. Voice your choice!

Questions?  Call the Board of Elections at 250-4200.

The Buncombe County Health Center is planning 3 days of flu shot clinics beginning Thursday, October 16th. This year our walk-in Flu Shot Clinics are being planned for the entire family, age 6 months and above.

The clinics will be held in the Biltmore Square Mall near Belk.

Flu shots will be available:

Thursday, October 16th from 9 am until 7 pm
Friday, October 17th from 9 am until 4 pm
Saturday, October 18th from 9 am until 4 pm

Cost for flu shots will remain $28 this year. Payment may be made by cash, check, Mastercard or VISA.

Citizens can call the Flu Hotline for more information at 250-5300.

Join Quality Forward in cleaning up our rivers and streams!

• October 11 from 9am - 1pm: Help beautify and clean the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers and surrounding areas. Some boats provided, but if you have your own please bring it.

To register call 254-1776. Southern Waterways will provide boats but space is limited, so register early!