Do You Know the Signs of Heat Stroke?

Summer is here and the temperature can rise fast and so can the humidity. This is the time to take extra precautions to avoid the dangers of heat exhaustion, stroke, and sunburn.

Environmental Triggers are the Source of Many Migraines

A large number of people who get migraines have experienced ones that were triggered by something in their environment. Read on to find out the most common triggers.

Spend a Month in the Mind of Tim Burton: A Film Series Celebrating His Twisted Imagination

Join Ken Hanke, film critic and author of Tim Burton: An Unauthorized Biography as he shares his enthusiasm for the genius of screenwriter, producer and director Tim Burton by showing a series of films from his amazing career.

Garden Chores for July

To keep your plants and shrubs looking good, don't forget these garden chores for July!

Summer Flower Bed Care

Even the best designed flower beds will lose their beauty without some regular care. Read on for some of the summer maintenance steps to consider.

Pet Picture of the Week

Congratulations to Jodie L. Kelly of Swannanoa for the pictures of her dog, Little Dog.

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Brenda Burgin of Asheville for her Cabbage and Onion Salad recipe!

1. Rework your original goal. Grab a piece of paper and write down your original goal. Where were the problems with your original goal? Is it specific, able to be measured, able to be achieved and realistic? What could you do to make your goal achievable right now? Perhaps daily or weekly goals would be easier to manage. 
2. Reexamine your original plan. On the same piece of paper, write down your original plan to meet your goal. If you didn’t have a plan, make one now. Look at your plan and ask yourself where you went wrong. Be honest. Was it too hard? Took too much time? Too boring? Ask yourself what you will stick to and change your plan in those ways. 
3. Stop kicking yourself. Shame and guilt can hold back our best intentions. If you often feel guilty after a set back, imagine what you would say to a friend in the same situation. Most likely, you’d be encouraging and supportive and help come up with some solutions to the problem. Treat yourself with the same love and respect, realizing that, more often than not, failure is a part of success. 
4. Get help. Most people have trouble reaching their goals without some help—either from friends, family or support groups. If you’ve been going it alone, is there someone you can reach out to for help and support? What about a spouse, co-worker or a friend? 
5. Think small. Eating healthy and being more active is about the small choices you make. Every time you complete a workout or choose a glass of water over a soft drink, you’re taking steps toward your goals. All of those small, choices are what determine your success, so what matters is keeping your focus on what you’ll do today.

Try these tips and remember the Strongest Desire Wins Out!! Make your strongest desire be a healthier you! Visit www.healthybuncombe.org for more ideas on how to get back on track toward Eating Smart Moving More.

Reduce the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Studies have shown that if you eat foods rich in vitamin E and C, beta carotene and zinc you can reduce your risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study sited in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that those who ate the most of these nutrients were 35% less likely to develop AMD which is a leading cause of blindness in older adults, than those who ate less-than-average amounts of these nutrients. They were followed over an eight year time period.

The researchers also concluded that it was more important to get the nutrients from foods rather than supplements. Foods rich in vitamin E are nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, broccoli and whole grains. Foods with zinc are meat, fish, dairy products and whole grains. Beta carotene is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cantaloupes. Some of the best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli and potatoes.

• If you are starting outside home improvements, keep in mind that lumber should not be left unfinished for 6 months to a year as indicated in some product literature or as recommended by some paint and lumber suppliers.
• If the non-slip daisies you placed in the bottom of your bathtub ten years ago are looking wilted and need replacing, there is a method for removing them. Heat the non-slip pad with a hair dryer until it becomes soft, then use a plastic or wooden scraper (metal can scratch the tub or shower pan) to lift it from the surface. Wear gloves to protect your hands when handling the hot pads. Remove the leftover adhesive with a commercial, spray-on adhesive remover or paint thinner. Be sure to leave a window open to help remove the fumes.

We are looking for a few good homes, foster homes that is, to be part of an exciting new program at AHS. Become a Pet Partner by fostering an AHS dog and taking it to at least one community adoption event each month (arranged by AHS).

Help us help even more wonderful animals find forever homes! Please contact Guinn Friedman, Assistant Shelter Manager, at 253-6807 if you are interested in participating in this program.

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services will offer the last session of swim lessons this summer.

Second Session:

• July 17 – 27
• Registration begins Monday, July 10 at 12 noon.
• Class times will be 10am, 11am and 6pm

The cost is $25 per person per session. A $2.00 discount will be offered for families that have two or more family members enrolled. You must register and pay at the pool at which you will be attending.

North Buncombe Park Pool (Weaverville)
Owen Pool (Swannanoa/Black Mountain)
Cane Creek Pool (Fairview/Arden)
Hominy Valley Park Pool (Candler)
Erwin Community Pool (Leicester)

For more information, call Teri Gentile at 684-5072.