Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1503533
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 16 UCW JULY 12 - 18, 2023 HEALTH e Cumberland County Department of Public Health is reminding parents and guard- ians about the importance of getting their chil- dren immunized before the start of school. Immunizations are available for all youths including children entering kindergarten and teens entering grades seven and 12 in the fall, according to a news release. "We often have long wait times for immuni- zations once school starts," said Public Health Director Jennifer Green. "We're encouraging all parents and guardians to get their students caught up with their immunizations over the summer before the school year starts." e Health Department will host a Saturday back-to-school clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 15 at the Public Health Center, 1235 Ramsey Street in Fayetteville. Immunizations will also be available until 7 p.m. during late clinics on Aug. 8, the release said. COVID-19 vaccinations will be available for children and teenagers. No appointments are needed, and services are available by walk- in only. All students in grades kindergarten through 12 who get vaccinated by Aug. 31 will receive a swag bag of goodies, the release said. Required vaccinations All students entering grade seven are re- quired to obtain a Tdap and meningococcal conjugate vaccine before starting school, the release said. As of Aug. 1, 2020, a booster dose to pro- tect against meningococcal disease is required for adoles- cents entering the 12th grade or by age 17, whichever comes first. A full list of immuniza- tions required before entering kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade, as required by state law, can be found on the Cumberland County Schools website. ose who are 18 or younger and do not have health insur- ance or whose health insur- ance does not cover immuni- zations can receive immunizations at no cost through the Vaccines for Children Program. Bring an ID card, a copy of your insurance card and your immunization records, if avail- able. Anyone who needs transportation to the Health Department for a walk-in visit to the immunizations clinic should call 910-433- 3600. In accordance with state law, parents and caregivers have 30 calendar days from the first day of attendance to present the required immunization record and health assessment form for the child, the release said. After 30 calendar days, students will not be allowed to attend school until the required immunization and health forms have been presented. ose who cannot attend one of the immu- nization clinics can get their required im- munizations from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through ursday and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Public Health Center. Health Department hosts back-to-school clinics a CityView Today STAFF REPORT Essential vitamins provide nutrients the body needs a STAFF REPORT e human body is a marvel. When work- ing correctly, the body automatically performs scores of metabolic functions. Individuals can facilitate the performance of those functions in various ways. Careful con- sideration of what they put into their bodies is one way individuals can make things easier on their bodies. It is vital to supply the body with the nutrients it needs. is includes the essen- tials: A, C, D, E, K, and the eight B vitamins. Vitamin A: is vitamin helps ensure the health of the skin, corneas, lining of the uri- nary tract, lungs, and intestines. Vitamin A also helps protect against infection. It also is important for vision, as it improves vision in dim light. Vitamin C: Vitamin C, also known as ascor- bic acid, plays a vital role in immune system function, helping to protect cells from free radicals. Since the body cannot store vitamin C, it needs to be consumed daily. Vitamin D: Vitamin D assists in calcium and phosphorous absorption, which helps to keep bones and teeth strong. e body can produce vitamin D naturally by spending time in sunlight. at is why it's often called "the sunshine vitamin." Vitamin E: is vitamin maintains muscles and red blood cells. It also protects fatty acids. Vitamin K: Vitamin K is necessary for blood to clot and helps to keep bones and other tis- sues in the body healthy. iamine (B1): B1 is needed for metabo- lism and for nerve and heart function. Riboflavin (B2): Another important nutri- ent for metabolizing foods, B2 helps maintain healthy mucus membranes, such as those in the mouth and nose. Niacin (B3): is vitamin helps to release energy from food and keeps the nervous sys- tem healthy. Pantothenic Acid (B5): B5 is another vita- min that aids energy metabolism. It also plays a role in normalizing blood sugar levels. Pyridoxine (B6): People rely on B6 to metabolize food energy. It also has a role in proper nerve function and helps in the cre- ation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around through red blood cells. Biotin (B7): is is only needed in small amounts to make fatty acids. Folate (B9): Folate is very important for healthy red blood cells. Folate also helps to prevent birth defects, which is why it is recom- mended as a prenatal vitamin. e manufac- tured form of folate is called folic acid. Cobalamin (B12): B12 is needed to make red blood cells, DNA, RNA, and myelin for nerve fibers. It is preferable to obtain vitamins through healthy foods. If and when foods are inadequate, supplementation might be rec- ommended. Certain vitamins are fat-soluble, which means they are stored in the body's fat and used slowly over time, according to WebMD. Others are water-soluble, so they are not stored and need to be replenished frequently. Individuals should speak to their doctors and nutritionists about any vitamin deficien- cies they may have and how to combat them safely.