Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., will offer flu vaccinations on a walk-in basis and through vaccine clinics at all of its in-store pharmacies beginning Sept. 1. Customers using their Winn-Dixie Customer Reward Card will receive a $5 discount off the $28 flu vaccine ($23 with the Customer Reward Card).

Winn-Dixie's pharmacies also are offering a new, high dosage flu vaccine for those 65 and older for $43 with the Customer Reward Card ($48 for non-cardholders) this year. Both the regular and high dose flu vaccines provide protection against the H1N1 virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the most important step in protecting against the flu is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends all people over the age of six months of age should be vaccinated each year.

"Winn-Dixie strives to provide healthy and easy choices for our customers," said Robin Miller, Winn-Dixie's director of communications. "Besides the convenience of in-store vaccinations, offering these vaccines at competitive rates will save our customers and their health insurers more than $2 million."

Flu vaccines will be administered by certified pharmacists. No appointment is necessary. For a list of dates, times and locations where flu clinics will be available, please go to http://winn-dixie.com/ Store_Locations/search.asp and type in your city and state or zip code. Some states have age restrictions on pharmacist administered vaccinations; see your Winn-Dixie pharmacist for details.

Winn-Dixie also is providing an offsite clinic service for local businesses to increase vaccination rates this year. In addition to the flu vaccinations being offered, Winn-Dixie also offers year-round, fast and easy prescription refills and transfers, convenient automatic refills, and low-cost health screenings, such as cholesterol, female and male wellness panels. With nearly 400 pharmacy locations, many Winn-Dixie shoppers find it convenient to have their prescriptions filled while they do their weekly grocery shopping.

About Winn-Dixie

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., is one of the nation's largest food retailers. Founded in 1925, the company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. The company currently operates 514 retail grocery locations, including 379 in-store pharmacies, in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi. For more information, please visit www.winn-dixie.com.

With both college and high school back in session, the amount of parties will increase greatly. Some parties will be only college students, some will be only high school and many will be a combination of both.

At more than half of these parties there will likely be alcohol available and in high quantities. What many teenagers don't understand is just how dangerous these partying and drinking habits are to their health and the health of those around them.

One major risk is drunk driving. Drinking and driving is not only dangerous, but it is also deadly. Thousands of youth, under the age of 21, die each year from crashes related to drunk driving. This number has declined in recent years, but is still far too high.

Drugs are another risk at parties. Not only are drugs illegal, but some can be highly addictive and all of them are dangerous. Drugs not only impair your judgment, they also can cause people to think irrationally and become hostile.

You do not have to be doing drugs to get into trouble. A person can face police charges for using drugs, having drugs on them, having drugs in their car or being around someone who is doing drugs.

Drugs are always risky and never worth the risk.

The safest way to party is to have a plan. Be well aware of how you are getting to and from the party. Have a designated driver or someone who is willing to come and pick you up if you plan on drinking.

Do not get into the car with anyone who has been drinking or doing drugs.

Never leave your drink unattended. There is always a chance that someone could spike your drink or drug you.

Another idea is to make a pact with your friends to watch out for each other. If something happens to one of your friends, or anyone at the party, be prepared to call for help.

Cheltsie Kinsley, a student at Aucilla Christian Academy, explained her reasons for not partying. "I don't party and I don't like partying. One reason is because the Bible says it's a sin and that you shouldn't get drunk. Also, because it completely ruins your body, especially if you play sports like me. It really hurts you. You can also get in a lot of trouble. I have had a lot of friends get taken advantage of or do stuff they regret when they were drunk, too."

If something happens and one of your friends gets hurt, or is not breathing, perform CPR and call 911. If they believe that have been raped or assaulted, or if they believe they are overdosed also call 911. Do not worry about getting them in trouble. Their health is far more important.

At a party there are several bad things that could happen: unprotected sex, rape, overdose, becoming drugged or any other number of things.

Party safely and stay smart. Always keep your drink with you, do not take or drink anything that you are not certain about. Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not go off alone and if you feel threatened, leave.

The Care Medical Center staff, back row, left to right, Kenn Sasser, Luke Carney, Dr. Anthony Imbesi, Dr. Norman Case, Dr. Ryan Moorman, Christy Schremmer, Steve Sutton; middle row, left to right, Jennifer Fort, April Strickland, Keith Murphy, Gwen Clingan, Christy Jones, Susan Lane, Jonathan Dismuke, Michelle Pearce and front row, left to right Karen Hayes, Maria Hester, Kalita Edwards, Brooke Davis and Jessica Thompson.

"I decided to have them all under one roof to improve patient care," he said. Care Medical Center is a full- service pain and rehabilitation center specializing in non-surgical treatments for knee and arthritis pain, back and neck pain, and disc problems.

In just seven years, Care Medical Center has expanded from Valdosta to Tifton and Nashville, Ga. Dr. Moorman believes that having the eyes and hands of multiple practitioners on-site gives each patient an edge in solving their pain problems.

With so much emphasis on surgery, its exorbitant costs, and often dismal results, Dr. Moorman issues this personal healthcare challenge to local residents: "We'll give you the first visit on us," he said. This free consultation, initial exam and x-ray is valued at $240. "We'll sit down, go over your problem, the best treatment choice and what the cost of treatment will be," he said.

The Care Medical Center has treated thousands of patients successfully and has a high percentage of patients receiving natural relief from spine, joint and arthritis problems.

Dr. Paul Baxt, MD, is one of the doctors providing pain management at the Care Medical Center. He is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who has experienced his own pain with two hip replacements and a knee surgery.

"I've had it done, and I've done it," said Baxt, who said surgeons make $15,000 to do a knee surgery.

"It's a matter of economy. The doctor will push the patient toward what they do and believe in," said Dr. Baxt.

After his painful knee surgery, Baxt said, "I don't think anyone should have knee surgery without trying other options." As he sees it, the only downside is that natural methods may not work. "If it does work, you've avoided surgery," he said.

Care Medical Center's "Knee Surgery Prevention Program" combines FDA approved all-natural hyaluronic acid, or hyalgin, which is injected into the knee using a live motion x-ray, known as video fluoroscopy. Baxt said there are no side effects, and the only pain is the knee injection itself. On a 0-10 pain level, he said the injection is about a Level One, depending on the patient.

Next, Dr. Baxt prescribes a customized physical therapy program at Care Medical Center, called Theracizer Rehabilitation, to help to build thigh muscles and increase the effectiveness of the hyalgin, which bonds with joint fluid in the knee to create lubrication and a cushioning layer in the knee. Pain, inflammation and swelling of the joint is reduced, allowing the patient to once again enjoy everyday activities. Stephen M. Sutton, PT, is the Center's new Director of Physical Therapy in Valdosta.

A vast majority of knee patients arriving for the first time at Care Medical Center have previously been told to have their knees replaced. "If you take a patient like that, and make them 80 percent better, that patient is ecstatic," said Baxt. "They don't need the knee replacement surgery now."

Knee patients, even after being released by Dr. Baxt, must continue their Theracizer Rehabilitation exercises at home. "Twenty minutes, three times a week, is the difference between you having a giant slice in your knee, or not having that," he said. "The physical therapy is an integral part of therapy."

Other painful conditions that have been successfully treated at Care Medical Center include spine and muscle conditions, hip, shoulder, arm and leg pain, pinched nerves, whiplash, headaches, migraine and fibromyalgia syndrome. Dr. Moorman, Dr. Norman Case and Dr. Anthony Imbesi are the Center's chiropractors treating people injured in motor vehicle accidents, personal injuries and worker's comp injuries.

When asked if he thought most people in the area know about Care Medical Center's services, Dr. Moorman said, "Hands down, most people don't know the variety of services we offer." Their web site is caremedicalcenter.com.

Care Medical Center pioneered the area's use of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy to treat neck pain, back pain, herniated/bulging discs, spinal stenosis, numbness/tingling and sciatica. Moorman said clinical research has shown Cox decompression therapy is 91 percent effective for lumbar sprain/strain and 86 percent effective for herniated discs. Sports physicals and medicine, nerve conduction and EMG studies, bone density tests and nutritional counseling are also available.

Dr. Moorman said his staff files all insurance paperwork for patients. They are providers for most networks and offer same day appointments when available. The Care Medical Center phone number to call for an appointment is (229) 241-8925. The location in Valdosta is easy to find at 2804-C N. Oak Street.

The Senior Citizens Council of Madison County wants to keep seniors physically and mentally fit, so they're asking for health and medical book donations for the new seniors' library. The new location is at SR 14 and Harvey Greene Drive.

Even book donations, in good condition, on how to cook healthy foods would be appreciated to keep everyone's tastebuds happy.

Every three months, a Registered Licensed Dietitian provides nutrition education to seniors and nutritional staff at the Senior Center. Nutrition information is distributed to homebound seniors, too.

The Senior Citizens Council of Madison County staff works closely with agencies in both Madison and surrounding areas to offer services at a low cost or no cost to seniors. With cooperation from the Madison Health Department, churches, Catholic charities, community colleges, medical professionals and other volunteers, they provide comprehensive programs that benefit local seniors.

The targeted population is sixty years old or older, medically inclined, low-income, socially isolated, minority, disabled and eighteen years of age or older with diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

Keeping your family healthy is about more than just making sure everybody eats right and get plenty of rest. Your home itself plays an important role in your health and especially that of young children.

Maintaining a visibly-clean home isn't enough, as what you can't see can be harmful. Airborne contaminants and irritants, such as bacteria, mold and pollen can circulate through homes that appear clean. And chemicals in some cleaning products also can be damaging to your family and pets.

"According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air in an average home has two to five times more pollutants than outdoor air. These include dust, mold, carcinogens and other toxins that can severely affect the health and well-being of your family," says certified green building professional Lisa Beres of GreenNest.com, who provides consultations to help people make their homes healthier.

Here are a few ideas to keep your home, your family and your planet clean and safe:

Check those Linens

Dust mites and bacteria tend to collect in large numbers in your blanket, pillows and bed sheets. These types of microbes can trigger asthma and allergies.

Washing linens once a week in hot water is a good way to kill bacteria, but there also are products that help. These include mattress barrier covers, which are woven tight enough that allergens can't penetrate them. A variety of bedding materials, including wool and natural rubber, are perfect for repelling dust from the average bed, which can potentially house millions of dust mites.

Clean the Air

Even with all the corners and crannies of your home nicely scrubbed, many microbes, ragweed and pollen could be circulating through the air, contributing to allergy and asthma symptoms. There are several simple ways to air out your living space, like opening the windows, but nothing works as efficiently as a reliable air purifier.

"You definitely want to use an air purifier," stresses Beres, who recommends the Sanyo Air Washer Plus. "It literally uses the power of water to clean the air and suppress the spread of bacteria and germs. It also uses the HEPA filtration system, which removes 99.97 percent of allergens and neutralizes odors."

It's all about cleaning the air, just as you do with your home's surfaces. With this in mind, the portable Air Washer Plus features an air-distribution system that maximizes air flow and helps clean all areas of any room in which it operates. More information is available at us.sanyo.com.

Look for Green Cleaners

The right cleaning products can make your house spic and span. But many traditional cleaners contain solvents and chemicals that can be harmful to you and the environment. Mixing different types of cleaners, like bleach and ammonia, also can cause health problems -- including coughing, nausea and even pneumonia. And other cleaners containing phosphates and chlorine can harm the environment.

Fortunately, there are less-hazardous, environmentally-friendly cleaners now available. You even can mix your own eco-friendly cleaners at home, using non-toxic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and water. A variety of recipes can be found by searching the Internet.

On Thursday, August 5, from 10: a.m. until noon, Madison County WIC will celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2010 at the Madison County Health Department. WIC staff and volunteers will provide fun prizes and refreshments along with information about nutrition and breastfeeding for WIC participants.

This year's WBW theme: "Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps! The Baby-Friendly Way" highlights the vital role of health care facilities in the establishment of breastfeeding. The 10 Steps directly increase breastfeeding duration and exclusivity rates among breastfeeding mothers, and can lower health care costs. WIC and nutrition play a role in providing vital support to our breastfeeding moms by offering weekly breastfeeding support groups for moms needing hands on breastfeeding help, providing a breastfeeding-friendly environment, breast-pumps for working WIC moms, and connection with other community breastfeeding resources such as the La Leche League, and lactation consultants from our local hospitals.

For additional information about breastfeeding, contact the Health department at 850-975-5000 and ask to speak to the WIC nutritionist.

Our other Clinic Sites will also hold World Breastfeeding Week Celebrations on the following days:

Monday, August 2nd, 10 AM – 12 PM Jefferson County Health Department

Tuesday, August 3rd, 10 AM – 12 PM Taylor County Health Department

Wednesday, August 4th, 10 AM - 12 PM - Wakulla County Health Department

Thursday, August 5th, 10 AM – 12 PM: Franklin County Health Department (Carabelle)

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated around the world on August 1-7 each year. For more information, visit: www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org(World Breastfeeding Week and past themes) http://www.waba.org.my/ (World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action)

The Madison County Community Health Fair gives seniors a healthy boost today, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Harvey Greene Drive and SR 14.

Free vision screenings, caregivers support, legal services, along with health and pharmacy information are part of the four-hour health fair geared to residents 60 and over. Community partners will be on hand to share education on the most important issues seniors are facing.

Refreshments will be provided for seniors to enjoy. Door prizes will also add excitement to this event, which is sponsored by the Senior Citizens Council of Madison County, Inc.

The following groups are scheduled to appear at today's Community Health Fair: Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, vision screenings by Southeast Eye Specialists, North Florida Pharmacy, Big Bend Hospice, Madison County Health Department, Lake Park of Madison, Caregivers Support Group, Dr. Ryan Moorman of Care Medical Center of Valdosta, Madison County Memorial Hospital, fire prevention professionals, the Alzheimer's Project of Tallahassee, Sheriff's Department, Three Rivers Legal Services and others.

(NAPS)—Faced with a challenging economy, Americans are looking for new ways to save money while living healthier lives. Fortunately, it is possible to do both.

Here are a few tips to help.

•Quit smoking. Giving up cigarettes can not only save you the money you would spend on cigarettes, it will save you medical expenses down the road.

•Walk when you can. Walking a half hour every day has many health benefits.

•Limit eating out and bring your lunch. It's easier to eat healthy and a lot less expensive when you cook at home.

•Brush twice a day. See your dentist twice a year. Preventive care can save you from more expensive procedures later on.

•Make your own cleaning supplies. Not only are many of the cleaning supplies found in the supermarket expensive but they contain potentially harmful chemicals. You can make many cleaning solutions at home for a fraction of the cost. For example, you can clean your tub and sink with baking soda, liquid soap and water.

•Stop buying water in plastic bottles. Use a water filter.

•Sign up for a prescription savings program that offers additional benefits.

For example, the Together Rx Access(R) prescription savings program has a free online savings community, called TogetherONE(TM), through which members share tips on how to make the most of a budget, find new uses for household items and learn ways to save on prescription medicines, groceries and other items they may need for a healthy life.

The site finds third-party savings offers and coupons in categories that include health care, groceries, entertainment and lifestyle. Members can also submit real stories and tips for others to read.

Tips cover savings on necessities such as how to decrease home energy costs and how to save money at the supermarket. Economic "green" tips like using a lemon half to brighten aluminum pots and pans are featured. One member from Florida suggests that members "use white vinegar to clean wood and glass."

For more information, visit www.TogetherONE.com. Information about the online community is also featured on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TogetherRx Access, and on Twitter at http:// twitter.com/TRxA.