Halton's Health Department is offering the flu vaccine to high-risk individuals only, starting Tuesday, Oct. 14. High-risk individuals include those who: · are at high risk for complications from influenza (flu), such as persons aged 65 or older, with underlying health conditions and pregnant women; · may spread the flu to high-risk people, such as healthcare providers; · provide essential community services, such as paramedics or police officers. Early flu shots to be available for at-risk residents "Getting the influenza vaccine every year is the most important way to protect against the flu," stated a press release. "It also helps to prevent the spread of the virus to those who are vulnerable to complications of the flu. Influenza immunization is recommended for all those six months of age and older." Seasonal flu immunization clinics will be held at various seniors' centres throughout the region and nurses will screen residents to ensure they meet the high-risk criteria. Those same individuals can also receive the vaccine at doctors' offices and walk-in clinics. Flu clinics for all residents aged six months and older are set to begin the week of Monday, Oct. 27. They will also be available at that time at doctors' offices, walk-in clinics and for people aged five and older, at many pharmacies throughout Halton. "Most healthy people recover from the flu within a few days. However, influenza infection can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death, especially in the elderly, those under five years of age, and those of all ages with certain chronic health conditions," stated the release. In addition to getting vaccinated, residents can take precautions to catching and spreading the flu by: · washing their hands frequently; · using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water are unavailable; · avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth, as the flu virus can enter the body that way; · staying at home if they are sick; · seeing their doctor if their illness worsens or does not improve after a few days. For more information, including clinic dates and locations, visit www.halton.ca/flu or dial 311. 17 | Friday, October 10, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Family is connected to hospital continued from p.8 The DiCenzos' unbreakable bond -- and the sense of family that they instilled in their children -- will always be cherished. It's what made Anthony and his sisters decide to do something in their memory. "We wanted that memory to go beyond us, and beyond the ongoing reminder represented by DiCenzo Homes. So we started to talk about ways to accomplish that," DiCenzo said, insisting his father never sought recognition while he was alive. "But the truth of the matter is that my father was responsible for providing homes, whether purchased or rented, to literally tens of thousands of people in Hamilton. In the development industry we tend to think of those needs as represented by roads and parks and schools and services. But we can't ever lose sight of the importance of health care for those communities, and, to state the obvious, the role of hospitals in that health care. "Lives begin here, lives are rescued here and, sadly, lives are lost here.... Hospitals are perhaps the community service that most closely connects us as families, and as generations. "And so, when it came time to make a gift, to create a lasting memory of our parents and their uncompromising devotion to family, we couldn't think of any other facility that would be more appropriate to receive it than a hospital, and in particular St. Joe's, that has served our family through so many generations." Fine cabinetry for anywhere in your home. 905-632-0029 S Please visit our showroom for exciting in house monthly specials! Family Owned & Operated Since 1976 uniquekitchensofburlington.com 4150 South Service Rd. C A N A D A' S L A R G E S T R E G I O N A L M O N T H LY PA R E N T I N G P U B L I C AT I O N PR E S E N T E D BY T H E C A N A D I A N C E L I AC A S S O C I AT I O N IN THIS ISSUE C Sunday October 26 9am to 5pm Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington Parking & Access to Gardens Included in Admission what babies wear Why it matters SAMPLE Try before you buy newest in Gluten-Free products LEARN Listen to expert guest speakers For more information call 1-800-693-7986 General Admission: $9 online, $10 at door · Seniors (65+) $8 · 12 & under Free Proceeds from this show will support the charitable work of the CCA and help improve quality of life for thousands of Canadians who are affected by gluten. CanadasGlutenFreeMarket GlutenFreeMrkt A DIVISION OF BUY Stock your pantry with the B Dealing with tantrums in public A Halloween recipes and party games FOR YOUR FREE COPY GO TO CITYPARENT.COM + MUCH MORE www.canadasglutenfreemarket.com