Get healthy

Community flu vaccination day will be Oct. 16, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., residents can select from three different locations for free vaccinations. No appointment is necessary.

Walk-In services will be available at the Carson Senior Center, 911 Beverly Dr.

Drive-thru options will be available at Nevada National Guard, 2460 Fairview Dr., Carson City and the East Fork Fire Station 12, 3620 North Sunridge Dr., in Douglas County.

Carson City Health and Human Services will set aside Monday afternoons 4-6 p.m. beginning Sept. 13 for men's health appointments.

"We are striving to provide convenient clinic times for men" says Roni Galas, senior public health nurse at CCHHS. "We hope it's easier if they can stop in at the end of the day on their way home."

The expanded clinic hours will address male reproductive health needs through various screenings, tests, and one on one health counseling. The sliding-scale fee will apply in most cases. Among services available at the men's clinic are HIV testing, HPV and hepatitis vaccinations, sexually transmitted infection screening, testicular exams and contraceptive counseling.

CCHHS staff plans to transform the waiting area during men's clinic to a more men-friendly environment. The mommy/baby magazines will be replaced with periodicals like Sports Illustrated and Men's Health.

Appointments for the men's clinic can be made by calling the main clinic number, 887-2195.

Whooping cough epidemic in Calif.

In California, confirmed cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, is now four times that of last year. Local health officials encourage Tdap Boosters for any adult up to 64 years of age that is in close contact with an infant.

Whooping cough boosters for adults and vaccine for infants is available at Carson City Health and Human Services.

Septemer is National Preparedness Month. Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

For more information on what you and your family can do to be prepared in case of an emergency, go to www.ready.gov.

Gluten Free Diners will be meeting 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Douglas County Library in Minden. For more nformation, contact Vicki Bates at vrbates@charter.net or 265-6827.