Salmonella in Peanut Butter - Updated 2/21/07

Officials with the North Carolina Division of Public Health and the Food and Drug Administration are urging the public to not eat certain jars of Peter Pan and Great Value Peanut Butter because they could be contaminated with salmonella.

County Opens Whistleblower Hotline

New Buncombe County Government “Whistleblower” Hotline Toll Free - 866-908-7236! Who can and should use this number...

Advertise in "Buncombe Life"

It's a keeper - Buncombe Life, that is. Citizens love it and hold on to it, so your ad will go a long way!

Telephone Fraud Involving Jury Duty

The FBI is providing a warning to the public against an ongoing scheme involving jury service.

Crabgrass Control

A thick healthy lawn, mowed at 3 inches, will prevent most crabgrass seedlings from becoming established. But those who insist on a perfect lawn may want to use an herbicide for crabgrass control.

Do You Use A Humidifier?

During the winter months people begin to complain of their heating systems and how dry their houses are becoming.

Operating & Maintaining Your Heat Pump

With the number of homes in Buncombe County using heat pumps as their heating source the following information can be both practical and result in savings to homeowners on their utility bills.

Pet Picture of the Week

Congratulations to Ana Wilhelm of Asheville for the pictures of her dog, Dexter.

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Jeremy McBride of Asheville for his Creamy Rigatoni with Spinach recipe!

Got a troubling diagnosis? Wondering what to do about it? This may clear it up:

How often does getting a second opinion change treatment substantially?

a. In about 20 percent of all cases
b. In about one-third of all cases
c. In about 60 percent of all cases
d. Very rarely

Answer . . .

The answer is B. In about one-third of all cases, a second opinion can change treatment substantially. This makes it all the more amazing that so few patients get second opinions. Some people may be concerned that they will alienate their current doctor if they call upon the professional opinions of another. These days, doctors expect you to get a second opinion for serious health concerns. They would certainly get a second opinion if they were sick. 

Let your doctor know you plan to do just that. While you are at it, ask your doctor what the odds are that his or her diagnosis is correct, as well as who the best physicians in the business are for your condition.

Source:  realage.com 

In recent years, homes have been built to be more energy efficient. This means that while keeping the heat from escaping, we are also allowing indoor air pollutants to build up. Fortunately, if you enjoy growing house plants, they can provide health benefits, in addition to the psychological ones, by removing some of the harmful materials from the indoor air.

Some plants have been found to be better than others at filtering pollutants. For example, English ivy (Hedera helix) is particularly good at removing benzene from the air. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) removes a lot of trichloroethylene, and spider plants (Chlorophytum) filter large percentages of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.

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

Monday, February 26, 2007
8:45 am to 10:30 am
AB Tech (Enka Campus)
Haynes Building
Large Conference Room (2nd floor)

The public is invited to "A Community that Cares," a meeting with Buncombe County's State Legislative delegation highlighting important health and human service issues.

Presentations will be made on enacting a State Earned Income Tax Credit, the integration of the mentally ill in older adult care facilities, and mental health reform. Senator Martin Nesbitt has been invited to share progress made by NC’s Legislative Oversight Committee on the latter.

A Community That Cares Flyer (PDF)

The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Division will be offering low cost vaccination clinics to allow you to keep your pet's vaccinations current at a low cost.

• Rabies shots $5 per pet
• Combination shot $15 per pet (available for cats or dogs) 

To receive a three-year rabies vaccine, you MUST bring the one-year certificate with you. Keep in mind that the rabies TAG your pet wears around its neck does not include a date and cannot be used to verify prior vaccination. Please make sure to bring restraints for all your pets.

The next shot clinic is Saturday, February 24, but clinics will be held on the last Saturday of every month at the following times and locations:

9 - 10:30am	Enka Middle School
11:30am - 1pm	North Buncombe Middle School
2 - 3:30pm	Owen Middle School
4:40 - 6pm	Valley Springs Middle School (upper parking lot)

For more information, contact Buncombe County Animal Services at 253-1195.