Hilltop Health

Heart disease. Many people think of it as a man's disease, but women can get it too. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States -- making heart health an important issue for women of all ages.

The most common cause of heart disease is coronary artery disease, or CAD, a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. Luckily, the steps you can take to help prevent CAD are effective against other causes of heart disease as well.

• Eat a healthy diet.

It is never too early to care for a child's teeth! Dental health starts at a very early age and properly caring for children's teeth and gums can prevent many dental issues such as cavities and gum disease.

Infants' gums and teeth can be cleaned using a wet washcloth or piece of gauze. A child's first dental visit should coincide with their first birthday. This allows the dentist to look for any dental abnormalities, and to educate the parents about an appropriate dental hygiene regimen.

Get fit at age 50 and beyond! A class will be offered by the Health and Wellness Center for six weeks as a series, your choice, either Tuesday or Thursday. But you must register to participate. Let the HAWC help you get started again on physical activity, exercise, trying a new activity, finding new ways to add exercise to your life and learning more about nutrition, strength exercises and flexibility.

If you are already exercising it may be time to push yourself a little harder.

Activities will include a walk in the park, luncheon and award ceremony.

Since the novel H1N1 influenza began its trek around the world last spring, many theories have arisen as to its origins, modes of transmission and means of prevention. Much of this information is based on misunderstandings, falsehoods and the love of a good conspiracy theory. And because many of us get our news and information from non-medical sources, its time to discredit some of the common myths that are floating around.

Myth No. 1 -- "Flu vaccines contain adjuvants that cause an inflammatory response in the body."

Hill's Environmental Restoration Advisory Board, or RAB, is seeking applicants interested in representing the community of Hill Air Force Base during important environmental cleanup decisions that affect the base and the surrounding communities. The RAB will accept applications from Hill AFB residents or those who work at Hill.

On Oct. 28, Headquarters Air Force A1 released updated guidance in Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel, which codified appropriate wear of the Air Force Physical Training Uniform, or PTU, and the improved PTU (IPTU). Since then the key has been to educate Airmen on the appropriate wear. Observations from chiefs and first sergeants across Hill Air Force Base have concluded we are not where we should be with respect to proper wear.

Unfortunately we are not finished with the flu season yet. Peak activity over the past 26 seasons has typically occurred in February. Therefore, Public Health is not finished monitoring the disease and providing you with the most up-to-date medical advice. Though at this point you must be tired of hearing about "flu this" and "wash your hands that." So here are some things you may not have known about the novel H1N1 influenza.