(NAPSI)—Today, getting older isn’t about looking back. It’s about moving forward and embracing healthy habits to prepare for what lies ahead. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of chronic disease increases significantly with age. In fact, adults 50 and older have a 70 percent chance of developing at least one chronic condition.1

Las innovaciones en los dispositivos médicos, desde prótesis personalizadas a cirugía mínimamente invasiva, están dando como resultado progresos sorprendentes. Ejemplo de ello es el corazón artificial que usa tubos plásticos en vez de válvulas cardiacas, para el paso de la sangre dentro y fuera de dos ventrículos plásticos. Este corazón plástico, implantado a más de mil pacientes, ha alargado vidas por un total que supera los 270 años. En estos momentos, los reguladores estadounidenses están analizando una fuente móvil de energía acompañante que se lleva en una mochila, para que los pacientes aptos puedan salir del hospital y vivir en sus domicilios.

Dear Pharmacist: I’m not a fan of fungus, but I’ve heard that shiitake mushrooms are good for cancer. What do you think? — C.E., Boston

(NAPSI)—It’s not too late to vaccinate—get your flu vaccine today!

(NewsUSA) - As the flu pandemic rages throughout the U.S., the question on everyone's mind is what they can do to protect themselves. The flu shot is usually on top of the list, but even those who have been vaccinated are susceptible. So, what else can you do that has been clinically proven to work? Some experts are now turning to an unexpected source: Japanese medicinal mushrooms.

Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States, and most of the country — including San Joaquin County — is now experiencing influenza-like illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest report.

(NAPSI)—The winter season with its many holidays is an important time for families to get together and share traditions among generations. Unfortunately, too often it is also a time to share colds and flu. While hygiene measures, such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing and disinfecting hands and frequently touched surfaces, and limiting contact with others when sick, can help reduce the spread of respiratory illness, when it comes to the flu, the best way to avoid infection is to get a flu shot.

(NAPSI)—The cooler temperatures of winter can present health challenges for those with heart diseaseand those who love them. To help, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association offer some tips.

(BPT) - Cold and flu season is on its way, often marking its arrival with that first throat tickle, before exploding into a hacking cough.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports current surveillance data indicates this year's influenza season is well underway and levels of influenza activity are continuing to increase across the country. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should receive an annual seasonal flu vaccine as the single best way to protect against seasonal flu and its potential complications.

(BPT) - When the flu hits, manners may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, good “flu etiquette” and hygiene can go a long way in helping to prevent the spread of influenza. While most Americans recognize that the flu virus spreads easily, they admit to sometimes forgetting their manners when they have the flu: a 2011 survey of more than 1,000 Americans found that three out of four Americans (75%) would go to at least one social situation if they had symptoms of the flu (out of a list of seven).

(NAPSI)—There are three important questions to which every parent should have the answer: How do you know if your child has the flu and not a cold? Should you wait to see if his or her symptoms improve before calling the doctor? What if symptoms worsen?

San Joaquin County Public Health Services will provide seasonal influenza vaccinations free of charge on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or until supplies run out, at the flea market at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi.

(StatePoint) While most people are aware of the need to vaccinate children, immunizations for adults are just as important. But unfortunately, adult immunization rates are well below government goals.

Seasonal flu shots are now available through Lodi Memorial Hospital as well as through San Joaquin County.

Sutter Care at Home will be providing flu and pneumonia vaccinations at the Galt Supermarket, 814 A St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.

(BPT) - – Which vaccinations should adults get? If you answered, “I don’t know,” don’t worry – you’re not alone. A new national survey of adults in the United States reveals that more than two-thirds don’t know which vaccinations they need beyond just the flu shot. Adults need vaccinations not only to protect themselves from serious diseases but also to prevent spreading illnesses to their family, friends and other loved ones. Millions of Americans get sick from diseases that can be prevented by vaccines each year, causing them to miss work and leaving them unable to care for those who depend on them, including children and aging parents.

Dear Pharmacist: The cold weather is upon us, and I’m worried about cold and flu. What are some simple steps to keep my immune system healthy? — L.F., Alexandria, Va.

Dear Jennifer: Where can I get a free flu shot?

Rebecca DuBois was the valedictorian at Lodi High School in 1996.

Flu shots for the 2011-12 flu season are now available through San Joaquin County Public Health Services and Lodi Memorial Hospital. San Joaquin County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Furst said the vaccine is safe, effective and readily available.

Commercial wall artists in past times were known as “Walldogs,” and while the need for wall ads may have diminished, the love of art has not.

Now Walldogs are talented sign/mural artists who create murals of humorous value or historical significance — and sometimes both.

In May 2006, dozens of Walldogs from around the United States and Canada gathered in Lodi to paint outdoor murals in celebration of the city’s centennial. The murals have become an ongoing project and are the focus of a walking tour around Downtown.

Dear Readers: After I presented last year's dumbest health care "awards," I received your emails and chuckles for months afterwards.

Christmas Eve performances tonight