An extra day to get healthy

Carson City health newsin brief:

• Carson City, it's Leap Day. Once every four years, February has an extra day. This day is added to the calendar in leap years as a corrective measure, because the Earth does not take exactly 365 days to orbit the sun. In the spirit of "correcting," and with such a fun word as "leap" to describe this day, why not use it as an extra opportunity to correct any unhealthy habits you might have and get active. Run, swim, head to the gym, or yes, even leap. Try out yoga or dance class, make a healthy meal, and celebrate this extra opportunity to improve your well-being.

• In the past few weeks, the flu has really started to pick up in Carson City and the surrounding counties. February is usually prime time for flu season. There are steps that you can take to protect yourself against the flu:

- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your sleeve so that you do not spread germs. Throw tissues in the trash after use.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If no soap and water is available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

- Try to avoid sick people. Stay home if you get sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• If you want to quit smoking, here's a great opportunity: Every Thursday, Carson City Health and Human Services' tobacco prevention specialist, Cindy Hannah, is holding quit classes from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The classes are free and open to anyone with a desire to kick the tobacco habit.

Quitting tobacco may be the most important health decision you will make. Don't let your New Year's resolution to quit wait any longer; join Cindy at the Health Department on Thursday evening.

For more information about other Health Department services, visit www.gethealthycarsoncity.orgor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cchhs.

Carson City Health and Human Services

900 E. Long St., Carson City

775-887-2195

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday; call for an appointment

Well-child visits: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays

Men's clinic: 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays; call for appointment

Immunization day: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; 1 to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays; no appointment needed

Douglas County Community Health

1538 Highway 395 North

(Corner of Spruce Street and Cemetery Lane)

Call 775-782-9038 for more information.