Cold and flu are nothing new. Fortunately, medical science has come a long way in understanding them—and yet, these seasonal viruses are a real concern for the average American household. That’s because every year, somewhere between 5% and 20% of the American population are infected with flu. When it comes to the common cold, the numbers are far greater. The average individual comes down with 2-4 colds per year. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to let yourself get apathetic about preventing flu and cold. But once you or someone you love comes down with the virus, you’ll wonder what exactly happened and how it could have prevented. Let’s take a fresh look at cold and flu season, and how parents and families can prevent (or at least limit) these illnesses. When is flu season? The fall and winter months are generally considered to be flu season. The virus, which occurs in various strains, affects most people from December through March in North America. Historically, February is the peak month for flu infections. By April, cases of the flu drop dramatically and remain extremely slow until October. The common cold follows a similar pattern, peaking around

If you’ve always wanted to give something back, but weren’t sure where to begin, Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey (CVCJ) is a fun and flexible way to help seniors and veterans stay independent and connected. One of our volunteers Cecile says she loves volunteering for CVCJ, “They enrich my life with the people I meet and their stories” Cecile transports seniors to and from the doctors, and remarked that the people she’s taken have been extremely grateful, because they aren’t able to drive themselves. Another volunteer, Maribeth visits Albena, who has Alzheimer’s, so that Joanne (her caregiver) is able to take a rest. She has said she feels like “part of the family,” and Joanne said “Maribeth gives me the precious gift of time to regroup so that I am better able to care for mom and keep her comfortable in her home.” It’s easy to recognize a volunteer. If you ask them what they do, you will see a sparkle in their eye and a smile on their face. The inner joy that is experienced by giving to others shines outward. If you have 5 minutes a week or 5 hours a month YOU can be a CVCJ volunteer! There is never a minimum time requirement for volunteering. Donate your time and

Vacation time at last! While you spend some time glancing through this guide to find the perfect activities for you and your family during your time off from work or school, take a look at these 7 tips to creating lasting memories of your special time together! By spending 5 minutes reading this, you will develop skills that will enhance your ability to look back on this week (or more??) and relive it with future generations. Tip #1 – No More Vertical Video! When you watch TV, is your screen taller than it is wide or wider than it is tall? How about your computer screen? Ok, if you use a tablet, it can go either way, but most of us watch television and videos in a 16 by 9 aspect ratio. That means wider than it is tall. So if you are using your smart phone or tablet to take video, hold it so it is the same way, sideways, or wider than it is tall. Don’t hold it up & down, or your video will be shrunk down to a column in the middle of your TV or computer screen when you try to watch it!  Don’t understand

Dr. Rebecca Guglielmo VMD, VCA Bayview Animal Hospital, Lifestyle  It is important to remember that just like with people, good health in animals comes from preventative care.  Just as we have our cholesterol and blood pressure checked more often as we age, pets need annual exams and bloodwork as well to screen for illnesses such as diabetes and thyroid disease.  Also, many pets are on medications and need to monitor their effects on internal organs. The Center for Disease Control recommends that veterinarians check a fecal sample yearly for microscopic parasites, which are not only harmful to your pet but many are also contagious to people.  Since 1 out of every 15 dogs in Ocean County recently tested positive for exposure to Lyme Disease, annual vaccination for Lyme and other illnesses is more important than ever before. Frequent dental cleanings also help prevent periodontal disease from harming organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart.  In addition, monthly heartworm and flea and tick preventatives are an important part of wellness care and prevent diseases that can be life threatening and expensive to treat.  If you detect problems early, you can treat and resolve these illnesses with less expense and greater success.