Dr. Peter Gott offers sound medical answers to reader questions in the new Lifestyles section...
WIC clinics ongoing
ELIZABETHTOWN — Here's a list of WIC clinics scheduled for December in Essex County: Moriah Firehouse from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today; Schroon Lake Health Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday; Port Henry Knights of Columbus from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday; Ticonderoga Methodist Church from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14, 21, 28; Lake Placid Youth Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 22; the WIC office in Elizabethtown from 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 17; and Keeseville Methodist Church from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 29.
WIC provides healthy foods, including milk, cheese and eggs to pregnant women and mothers who are breast-feeding and their babies. It also pays for infant formula, and vegetables and fruits for children older than age 2.
A family of four with a monthly gross income of less than $3,400 is eligible. For each additional family member, add $577.
For information, call 873-3560.
Flu clinics set
for Ti schools
TICONDEROGA — Essex County Public Health Department is offering school-based H1N1 clinics at Ticonderoga Elementary and Middle School this Thursday and Ticonderoga High School and St. Mary's School on Friday.
Offered the vaccine are enrolled children, school nurses, school nurse aides, school nurse substitutes and pregnant staff.
Children through age 9 who have received a first dose of vaccine at a pediatrician's or doctor's office may receive the recommended second dose at a school-based clinic. They should bring a record of the first dose for confirmation.
As vaccine becomes more available, additional community and school-based clinics will be announced. Look for updates at: www.co.essex.ny.us/PublicHealth or call 873-3500.
Take flu precautions
SARANAC LAKE — While the cases of H1N1/swine flu are decreasing, the public is still being urged to continue taking precautionary steps to prevent its spread, say Adirondack Medical Center officials.
It is important to note that if the current strain of influenza is consistent with previous pandemics, another wave of the illness could be possible in the spring, a press release said.
The following tips to prevent spread of flu are recommended: Wash hands often with soap and warm water; alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective
Avoid ill people, large gatherings and stay home from work or school if sick. Cough or sneeze into the elbow, not the hand or use a tissue then dispose of it in a covered trash bin.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, clean shared space more often, including as telephone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment, and refrain from sharing personal items such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.
For more information about seasonal and H1N1 flu and current AMC visitor restrictions, go to www.amcCares.org.
