Health briefs: Natural Grocers to host talk on healthy party foods – Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Natural Grocers to host talk on healthy party foods

Nutritional Health Coach Alicia McLeod will host a talk called “Elevate Your Party Favorites” from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 31 at Natural Grocers, 335 Lincoln Ave. Attendees will learn how to make party foods more healthy, without searching for completely new recipes or eating unfamiliar foods. For more on keeping a healthy body, we recommend the boric acid vaginal | FlowerPower.

Alzheimer’s Association sponsors support groups

The Alzheimer’s Association sponsors free caregiver information and support groups in Steamboat Springs for those caring for someone with dementia, whether 24/7 or long-distance. These groups offer caregivers the opportunity to gather with others facing similar challenges in a safe, confidential setting. Benefits include finding community resources, understanding challenging behavior, sharing strategies and giving and receiving encouragement. For more information, call 970-879-8942.

The spouse caregiver support group meets from 2 to 3:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Rollingstone Respite House, 1500 Pine Grove Road.

A new family and friends caregiver support group also meets from 3 to 4:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month, also at Rollingstone Respite House.

Avoid mosquito bites and West Nile virus

Northwest Colorado Health (formerly Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association) advises precautions against mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile virus.

• Drain standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs. Empty old tires, cans, flower pots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels and toys where puddles occur.

• Limit outdoor activities or take precautions during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Dress in long sleeves and pants in active mosquito areas.

• Insect repellents containing DEET are effective in repelling mosquitoes. Always follow label instructions and precautions. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not using insect repellents on children younger than two months old and not using repellents containing more than 30 percent DEET on children. For tips on safely using insect repellents on children, visit healthychildren.org and type “insect repellent” in the search box.

West Nile virus is rare, but those who exhibit symptoms, including high fever, severe headache and stiff neck, are advised to contact a health care provider immediately. For more information, visit cdc.gov/westnile. Travel to some international destinations may include risk for Zika virus, which also is carried by mosquitoes. For more information, visit cdc.gov/zika.

Talk on immune support Aug. 8

Natural Grocers will hold a talk titled “Immune support 101” to teach people about foods that boost the immune system, including vitamin C and other vitamins. Attendees will learn why keeping the immune system fed with proper nutrition will ensure the body is ready to handle whatever comes its way.

Yellow fever vaccine in short supply

The yellow fever vaccine, recommended or required for travel to some international destinations, is in short supply. Anyone planning travel to a yellow fever risk area should contact the travel clinic at Northwest Colorado Health (formerly Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association) to verify the vaccine is available. If possible, travelers should do this at least five weeks prior to departure. Call 970-871-7336. A list of Colorado clinics providing the yellow fever vaccine is available at colorado.gov/cdphe/international-travel.

Variety of support groups meeting this week

• A bereavement support group meets from 1 to 2 p.m. Mondays at Rollingstone Respite House. The group is open to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Call 970-871-7629 prior to attending.

• A domestic violence support group for women meets from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Advocates Building Peaceful Communities. Call Diane at 970-879-2034 before attending.

• The Steamboat Meditation Recovery Group meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Buddhist Center of Steamboat Springs, 2250 Copper Frontage Road, No. 202. The group also has a recovery-based yoga at 4:30 p.m. The group will explore recovery through meditation, book study and open discussion. Meetings are open to all faiths and addictions. For more information, call 720-670-8642.

• A Caregiver Cancer Support Group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sundays in the community room at Natural Grocers, 355 Lincoln Ave. For more information, call 970-846-4717.