Chocolate: The Healthy Valentine’s Treat?

Recently, those of us who can’t live without chocolate, feel much better hearing that there are health benefits from eating dark chocolate.

Yet Another Health Concern from Smoking While Pregnant

In the largest study of its kind, plastic surgeons found that smoking during pregnancy greatly increases the risk of having a child with excess, webbed or missing fingers and toes.

Seedlings Sale - This Weekend!

Get a deal -- buy a seedling! Once again, it is time for the Annual Soil and Water Conservation Seedling Sale!

Basic Home Maintenance Course

You can do it! Basic plumbing repairs, landscaping and lawn care, interior and exterior maintenance and much more!

Friday Garden Talks at the North Asheville Library: The Winter Garden

Join us for a free lecture series presented by the North Asheville Library and the NC Cooperative Extension Service's Master Gardeners program.

Share the DASH Eating Plan with Someone You Love

For those of us who are trying to control blood pressure or just eat healthier, we may need to shake the salt habit.

Pet Picture of the Week

Congratulations to Aaron McKinzie for the picture of his cat, Honey Nugget.

Recipe of the Week

Eat Smart with Zesty Chicken & Salsa Soup!

An Apple A Day - An apple a day (Red Delicious, Northern Spy and Ida Red) may truly keep the heart doctor away--researchers are studying the potential role these antioxidant rich varieties may have in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Move Toward the Light - Need a cure for the blahs of winter? Try some exercise in bright light. The combo has been shown to warm up moods and add to the quality of life.

Eat More Good Stuff - A low-fat diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains may help lower cholesterol better than a conventional low-fat diet.

Sounds yucky but it could save your heart. A daily supplement of fish oil may improve your heart's function in a very short time.

Omega-3s found in fish oil help regulate heartbeat and reduce the risk of arrhythmia--check with your Doctor first but fish oil could be right for you.

Whether it's a Valentine's bouquet, or a bunch of daisies from the supermarket, having fresh cut flowers in the house in winter is a special treat. You'll be able to enjoy them longer with a few precautions.

1. Make sure your vase is clean and sanitized. If necessary scrub it good and fill with 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water for at least 10 minutes.
2. Rinse and refill the vase, with water containing cut flower preservative, dissolved according to directions.
3. Before placing flowers in the vase, recut the stems. Cut about an inch from the bottom of the stem using a sharp knife or very sharp pruning shears (scissors will crush the stem). Do this holding the stem under water so the vessels are filled with water rather than air.
4. Remove any leaves that would be below the water level. Leaves in the water will decay quickly, causing bacteria to grow in the water.
5. Keep the flowers as cool as possible and out of direct sunlight.
6. Keep the vase filled with clean water. Every couple of days replace the water with fresh water containing preservative.
7. Daffodils secrete a sap that can be toxic to other flowers in the vase. Leave them in their own container of water for at least a day before combining them with other flowers.

Buncombe County Department of Social Services is currently assisting clients who receive both Medicaid and Medicare in choosing the best Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan that covers all prescription drugs.

• To make changes or to review their current plan, dual-eligible clients should call 255-5500 to schedule an appointment with a DSS representative who will help them change their current plan to cover all their prescription medications at the least possible cost.
• Appointments will be made Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Clients should bring in the following items:
• Letter from Medicare (yellow) which has the name of their assigned prescription plan.
• A pharmacy printout of all their current prescription medications or bring all actual medications.
• Medicare card.
• Other health insurance cards (i.e. Blue Cross Blue Shield Etna, etc.).

Once the plan has been reviewed and selected, the changes are made on site. Clients will be given a confirmation number. However, the changes will not go into effect until the first of the month after the change.

For more information, please contact the Department of Social Services (828) 255-5500.