Hilltop Life

As 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccinations arrive in limited quantity, it's more important than ever to implement everyday flu prevention actions. Even if you've already been vaccinated for seasonal influenza, you may still be susceptible to illness. The mass availability of H1N1 vaccine has been estimated to occur mid to late November 2009. Availability and distribution at Hill Air Force Base will be widely reported when shipments arrive. At present, H1N1 vaccinations will be provided through your county health department.

Civilian Health Promotion Services works on a number of projects in conjunction with the Health and Wellness Center and the Fitness Center at Hill Air Force Base. In light of the continued, strengthened emphasis on fitness and the other pillars of wellness so central to the well-being and ability of Team Hill to serve the war fighter, there is a renewed effort as all three programs work together to provide activities and classes crucial to these skills.

"CHPS teaches a variety of classes that have a direct emphasis on fitness," says Teresa Hussain, program manager.

Important actions to take if you think your child has H1N1 flu:

Do not panic! Most cases of H1N1 influenza are mild and resolve on their own with time. Most children with flu do not need to be seen in the clinic.

1) Keep your child at home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means that the sick person should not leave home except to seek medical care.

Everyday actions can help prevent the spread of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses like flu: Keep unwashed hands away from your face. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoid crowds and practice other social distancing measures. Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for several days. Purchase a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items you might need in order to avoid trips out in public while you are sick and contagious. Be sure you have a thermometer and know how to use it.

Thickening drifts of wilting leaves and colder temperatures are reminding residents that winter can't be too far off. Now's the time to prepare your yard and garden so that conditions rebound quickly for spring rejuvenation.Here then are some local tips from base maintenance and the local Utah State University county extension agent.Gino Nelson, Boyer Hill Military Housing Maintenance supervisor, points out that Boyer Hill turns off the water for all base housing sprinkler systems for its residents.

Capt. Amy S. Kauvar, D.M.D., M.S., is the newest addition to the Hill Dental Clinic team of restorative dentists. A 2002 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, she recently graduated from the Wilford Hall Periodontics Residency earning her Periodontics Certificate and a Master's Degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Kauvar is a periodontist specializing in diagnosing and treating periodontal (gum) disease, performing gum grafts and placing implants.

On Sept. 30 at midnight, the contract security guards TW and Co. quietly handed over security of the gates to Hill Air Force Base to the Department of the Air Force Police and 75th Security Forces. After more than five years of protecting the base entry gates, the Air Force contract will close out as they have already done at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and will do so across the Air Force through 2012.