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Today’s Email Announcements

1) Volunteers Needed for Local Mission Project on Saturday

Are you interested in helping provide a local family with a safe, warm place to live? If you have a heart to serve people in your community or if you have any experience in carpentry or home renovation and would like to volunteer, call 704-460-8225! The missions team at Bethel Baptist Church needs volunteers to help with installing carpets and building decks between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday. If God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone and make a difference right here in the High Country, this is your opportunity!

2) Warehouse Sale at Carroll Leather Goods Set for Oct. 30-31

Get great deals on jackets, handbags, wallets, gloves, footwear, motorcycle gear, furniture and more at the Carroll Leather Goods 15th annual Warehouse Sale on Friday, Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to noon at 1640 Old U.S. Highway 421 S.

3) Benefit Spaghetti Supper at Bethelview UMC on Saturday

A Benefit Spaghetti Supper for Wade and Charlotte Miller will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 5-7 p.m. at Bethelview United Methodist Church, located on Ridge Road just off Castle Ford Road in Boone.   Wade and Charlotte’s home was severely damaged by fire.  They did not have insurance to help with the cost of rebuilding.  Please consider helping these longtime Watauga County residents with the costs incurred in rebuilding their home.  The menu for the spaghetti supper includes spaghetti, salad, dessert and beverage.   Donations for the supper will be accepted.  Sponsored by Tabernacle Baptist Church and Bethelview United Methodist Church.  For more information or directions, call 828-264-3390.

4) Local Health Officials Urge Protection Against the Flu

Appalachian District Health Department and Appalachian Regional Healthcare System are encouraging everyone to seek protection against the flu. Recently, the first death due to flu in North Carolina occurred in the Western North Carolina region.
“Tragically, we lose people every year due to influenza and too often, we delay getting vaccinated when there are so many opportunities available to get this important immunization,” said Beth Lovette, Health Director.
Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007,  estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older. The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.
“An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and lessen the chance that you will spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through the community,” stated Dr. Herman Godwin, Chief Medical Officer, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.
There are two types of vaccines:
About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against the influenza viruses in the vaccine develop in the body.
It is especially important for children, older adults, and those that have medical conditions putting them at greater risks for complications from the flu, such as chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, an immune compromised health condition, or pregnancy be vaccinated against the influenza.
To protect you and your family from flu:
  • Get your flu vaccine!
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, aches, fatigue, cough, and stuffy and/or runny nose. If you do become sick, call your healthcare provider or the health department to find out what he or she recommends.
Walk-in appointments are available at the health department and the vaccine is available at local healthcare providers and pharmacy locations. For more information about the flu, go towww.flu.nc.gov or www.cdc.gov/flu or contact Appalachian District Health Department at(828) 264-6635.