1. TAKE TIME TO GET A FLU VACCINE
• CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
• While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common.
• Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as the current season’s vaccines are available.
• Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.
• People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
• Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to high risk people.
• Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.

2. TAKE EVERYDAY ACTIONS TO STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS
• 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.

3.TAKE FLU ANTI VIRAL DRUGS IF YOUR DOCTOR PRESCRIBES THEM.
• If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your illness.
• Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) and are not available over- the-counter.
• Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications. Treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.
• Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 2 days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health or is very sick from the flu. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking this drug.
• Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Allergy season is in full swing in many parts of the nation as spring sprung much earlier than usual. However, pollen may not be the only culprit behind watery eyes and sneezing fits. Few people know that cockroaches can trigger allergies and cause asthma in chil-
dren.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reports that one in five children in the United States has se- vere sensitivities to cockroach allergens, while the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has found that 78 to 98 percent of urban homes have cockroach problems.
Cockroach allergens in homes are the result of cockroach saliva and droppings and the decomposing bodies of these pests. Allergic reactions vary from skin rashes to congestion to asthma attacks. Since children are more sensitive to asthma attacks, and asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism, it’s especially important to keep homes free of cockroaches.
“When most people think of allergy and asthma triggers, they probably think of pollen, pet hair and dust first and do not think of cockroaches,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “However, cockroaches contribute to indoor allergies and are known to trigger asthma attacks with an increased incidence in small children.”
In addition to being a culprit of allergies and asthma, cockroaches spread 33 kinds of bacteria including E. coli and salmonella, six parasitic worms and more than seven other types of human pathogens. The NPMA offers these cockroach-prevention tips for families:
• Vacuum often to reduce accumulation of cockroach allergens. • Put garbage in sealed containers, and dispose of it regularly to avoid attracting pests. • Check under sinks and appliances regularly. • Keep all food in sealed containers to prevent infestations. • Properly ventilate basements and crawl spaces to prevent moisture. • Seal cracks and holes around utility pipes that enter the home to prevent easy access for cockroaches. • If you find signs of a cockroach infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem.

1. Keep Your Pets Off the Furniture
When your pet gets on your couch or bed, chances are some fur or dander is going to collect. To reduce your exposure, simply keep your animals off the furniture. If you happen to have a pet that you can’t keep off of the furniture, simply remember to vacuum any upholstered surfaces on a frequent basis.
2. Keep Your Home Clean
Keeping your home clean can make a world of a difference when it comes to pet allergens. It’s important to dust often to keep any allergens off of surfaces. If you have carpet and upholstered surfaces, be sure to vacuum those often as well.
3. Keep Your Pet Clean
Keeping your pet nice and clean can reduce the number of allergens found in fur. Many of the allergens you’re suffering from come home by hiding in your animals fur and can be reduced by 85 percent or more by simply bathing your animal at least twice a
week.
4. Designate a Pet Free Zone
Areas where people spend most of their time, such as the bedroom, should be kept pet free to ensure an allergy-free zone. This will keep pet dander out of the bend and upholstery to keep allergies at bay.
5. Stick With Hard Floors
Pet dander and allergens will stick right to carpeting, and vacuuming on a constant basis can only do so much. To keep your home relatively allergy free, the best option might be to get rid of all or most of the carpet in the home. At the very least, try not to let your pet into carpeted rooms, or get rid of carpet in the rooms that your pet frequents.
6. Use Humidifiers
Humidity can be surprisingly effective at keeping dust and allergen levels down. This has to do with the fact that some dander is very light and tends to hang in the air for long periods of time. A humidifier can weigh dander down, so it falls to the ground more
quickly. all the vents isn’t an option, try to at least close vents leading to the any bedrooms that belong to persons suffering from allergies.
7. Close Vents Closing air vents around the home can help to prevent the circulation of pet dander and allergens around the home. If closing

The fall can be especially difficult for people who are sensitive to mold and ragweed pollen. But these seasonal elements aren’t the only triggers that can make symptoms worse this time of year. There are also a few lesser known triggers. Here are four things you might not know about fall allergies, courtesy of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:
• Hay fever – Hay fever, a term from a bygone era, actually has nothing to do with hay. Instead, it’s a general term used to describe the symptoms of late summer allergies. Ragweed is a common cause of hay fever, which is also known as allergic rhinitis. The plant usually begins to pollinate in mid-August and may continue to be a problem until a hard freeze, depending on where you live. See a doctor for prescrip- tion medications to control symptoms or to see if allergy shots may be your best option.
• Lingering warm weather – While most people enjoy Indian summer, unseasonably warm temper- atures can make rhinitis symptoms last longer. Mold spores can also be released when humidity is high, or the weather is dry and windy. Be sure to begin taking medications before your symptoms start.
• Pesky leaves – Some folks might find it difficult to keep up with raking leaves throughout the au- tumn. But for allergy sufferers, raking presents its own problem. It can stir agitating pollen and mold into the air, causing allergy and asthma symptoms. Those with allergies should wear an NIOSH-rated N95 mask when raking leaves, mowing the lawn and gardening.
• School allergens – It’s not only seasonal pollen and mold that triggers allergies this time of year. Kids are often exposed to classroom irritants and allergy triggers. These can include chalk dust and class- room pets. Students with food allergies may also be exposed to allergens in the lunch room. Kids with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) may experience attacks during recess or gym class. Help your child understand what can trigger their allergies and asthma, and how they can avoid symptoms. Read more at weeklycitizen.com.
Mold Count Highest in 15 Years in Chicago
August 6, 2012
Chicago’s mold count today is 125,000 plus – more than double the 50,000 threshold that signals a dan- gerous air quality warning. “Today’s mold count is the highest I have recorded in more than 15 years,” said Dr. Joseph Leija, who performs the Gottlieb Allergy Count, the official allergy count for the Midwest. “Mid- westerners with sensitive respiratory systems will experience itchy throats, runny noses and feel generally rundown.”
The official Gottlieb Allergy Count for today is: Mold Very High and Weeds Low. “The continuous heat, the high humidity and the weekend rain are the perfect ingredients for mold. I knew the mold count would be high but I was stunned by this morning’s historically high count,” Dr. Leija says. “The Midwest has been crippled by devastating heat and oppressive humidity for months now. I actually started the Got- tlieb Allergy Count a month early this season, in March instead of April, because of the mild winter and warm spring.” Headaches, sinus congestion, runny noses and fatigue will be common among Chicagoans
today. Dr. Joseph Leija, a doctor at Loyola’s Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, is solely certified by the National Allergy Bureau to perform the daily official allergy count for the Midwest. “The continuous, hot tempera- tures and the persistent humidity here in the Midwest have created the dangerously high mold count,” he said of his unusually high morning count.

Ingredients
3 Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 lime, juiced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve.

Many people dismiss the health benefits of avocado simply due to its high calorie count. With 322 calories per avocado it is quite high in calories, but that’s not the entire story. Avocados have 54% of your recommended daily value of fiber, which gives this fruit much of its fat burning abilities.
Sometimes called the alphabet fruit because just one avocado provides your body with vitamins A, C, E, K and B6 so you can be sure you’re getting plenty of body nourishments with each bite. Other vitamins found in relatively large quantities in an avocado include riboflavin, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid.
When you’re looking for avocado nutrition facts, pay close attention to potassium because one avocado has 975 mg.
It’s important to note that the outer dark green skin of the avocado is inedible, as is the huge pit in the center. Halve an avocado and remove the seed prior to eating. Slice & scoop or simply scoop out the yummy green center!
Health Benefits of Avocados
The folate contained in avocados is mostly responsible for reducing the risk of heart disease, especially compared to people who have a diet low in folate. The vitamin E in an avocado has also been linked to a healthy heart, something needed to keep you successfully burning fat all day long.
Another health benefit of avocado is that it is extremely helpful in preventing both rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis. The many different antioxidants found in avocados help reduce inflammation, a major concern for sufferers of either type of arthritis. Avocado nutrients responsible for this health benefit include vitamins C & E as well as manganese.
Perhaps the biggest health benefit of avocados is that by adding avocado to certain foods, you can improve your absorption of nutrients. This means that when you combine other fat burning foods with avocado, you can improve your nutrient absorption up to 400%!
Avocados provide many general health benefits, in addition to its fat burning benefits due to its vitamin E and glutathione, which protects you against tons of diseases including several forms of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and cholesterol.
Avocados also help reduce the signs of aging, regulate blood sugar and promote eye health.
With all these health benefits it’s time to find simple ways to get health benefits of avocado regularly.

Try this guacamole recipe:
Ingredients
3 Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 lime, juiced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve.

Ingredients
24 large tomatoes – peeled, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 tablespoon white sugar

Directions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine tomatoes, celery, onion, bell pepper, basil and sugar. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Lycopene has twice as much antioxidant activity as beta carotene, according to Science Daily. Because of this antioxidant activity, consuming foods rich in lycopene may help to prevent or treat certain health conditions, including high cholesterol, heart disease and certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer.

Cooked Tomatoes and Lycopene
When you cook or puree tomatoes, it breaks down the tomato’s cell walls, making it easier for you to absorb the lycopene. Up to 15 minutes of cooking will continue to increase your absorption of lycopene.

Check out our recipe for Stewed Tomatoes:

Stewed Tomatoes

Ingredients
24 large tomatoes – peeled, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 tablespoon white sugar

Directions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine tomatoes, celery, onion, bell pepper, basil and sugar. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) package mixed salad greens
1 pint fresh blueberries
1/4 cup walnuts
1/2 cup raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions
1. In a large bowl, toss the salad greens with the blueberries, walnuts, and raspberry vinaigrette. Top with feta cheese to serve.

Nutritional Information
Serves 6
Amount Per Serving Calories: 128 | Total Fat: 5.8g | Cholesterol: 9mg

Blueberries are a superfood rich in a number of health-boosting nutrients — including vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants — that provide your body with a handful of reasons to eat them.
1. FIBER
Dietary fiber is a form of carbohydrate that is not fully digested by your body. According to the National Fiber Council, dietary fiber has a number of important health benefits, from reducing your risk of heart disease to healthy digestion and bowel movements. A 1-cup serving of blueberries contain nearly 4 g of dietary fiber — approximately 25 percent of an adult’s daily needs, according to the USDA.
2. VITAMIN C
Vitamin C has a number of roles in your body, including boosting immune-system function and the aiding in the formation of new joints, ligaments and other types of connective tissue. A 1-cup serving of blueberries has 14 mg of vitamin C. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 90 mg for adult men and 75 mg for adult women, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
3. ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are compounds in fresh fruits, whole grains and vegetables that protect your body’s cells from damage. Antioxidants help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain forms of cancer. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council notes that blueberries are one of the most potent food sources of antioxidants.
4. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia common in older adults. A review published in 2010 in the journal “Scientific American Mind” noted that several studies have found that blueberry extract helps prevent the plaque buildup on brain cells that contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
5. INSULIN
Being insensitive to the hormone insulin is a chief symptom of type 2 diabetes. An animal study published in 2009 in “The Journal of Nutrition” discovered that a diet rich in blueberries helped boost insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats. However, no human study has confirmed these results as of 2011.