We're eager to bring you material we believe you will find helpful, relevant, and fun.
Home Care Is Our Business
First Edition Newsletter
As the heat of summer passes behind us, it's time to look forward to the coming fall.
Preparing For Flu Season

As the temperature begins to drop, the time nears where new flu viruses begin to emerge. While everyone is susceptible to the flu, it can cause the most serious health problems to children and seniors.

"90% Of flu-related deaths occur in people aged over 65." - Flu.gov

The number-one most recommended method to protect yourself from the flu is to get a yearly flu vaccination.

What does the vaccine protect me from?
These vaccines protect against three common virus strains of the flu  (A/H3N2, A/H1H1, Influenza B.)
How effective is the flu vaccine?
Reports show that with the  vaccine you are 60% less likely to need treatment for the flu from a healthcare provider.
How long does it take to work?
While everyone's immune system is different, it usually takes two weeks for the needed anti-bodies to develop after vaccination for adequate protection. This is just another reason to get vaccinated before the flu-season is underway.
Is the vaccine safe?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration both monitor the safety of seasonal flu vaccines to maintain their positive track record. If you have concerns about whether or not a vaccine will be right for you, you should speak to your healthcare provider.
Can I catch the flu from the vaccine?
No, the vaccine only contains inactivated viruses that cannot cause illness and cannot spread infection.
Will I have to pay for the vaccine?
Most insurance plans, Medicare included, will cover the cost of a flu-vaccine as a part of preventative services at no cost.

Watch: "What is the best protection against the flu?"
Be Sure To Visit The Orchards!

One of the best past-times in New England come fall is visiting one of the many apple orchards that begin to offer their fresh and ripe apples for the picking.
Besides being tasty off the branch, they also serve as excellent, natural ingredients for other recipes such as apple pies, applesauce, or apple crisps. Plus, it's a great activity that the whole family can enjoy. Here are some tips for you to get the best experience out of a trip!

1. Be prepared for the weather.
For sunny days, pack your sunscreen, bottled water and wear casual clothes with a hat. It will help you keep cool and comfortable when you're out in the field.
For rainy days, be sure to bring an umbrella or a rain jacket. Picking in the rain can be quite a memorable experience and can help you beat the crowds. Plus, the kids will love it!

2. Bring your own bag.
While many orchards will allow you a paper or plastic bag, you can do your part by bringing your own reusable bag. Not only will this help reduce waste in the long run, but reusable bags are tougher and have a much lower chance of breaking and spilling out your apples. Be sure to place them in gently!

3. Ask the farm what apple trees are ripe.
Not all apples ripen at the same time, so you may want to ask the orchard just what apples are in season. This will help you get the freshest and best picks for eating later.

4. Don't pull from the branch!
Pulling an apple straight off from the branch could cause damage to the tree and also bruise your apple. Also, don't shake or kick at the branches!
To properly pick an apple you should hold the fruit and lift it towards the branch and then twist the stem until it breaks free from the tree.
Most orchards grow dwarf trees, which are genetically unique to grow branches close to the ground, but for taller trees, you may want to consider using an apple picker basket.

5. Store apples in a cool location, but not freezing!
Some types of apples last longer than others, but the ideal location to get the most shelf life out of your apples is a cool basement or vegetable drawer in a refrigerator. Be sure that your apples don't get cold enough to freeze though, as freezing ruptures the cells in the fruit and causes them to form a large bruise.
Product Spotlight
Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Walker

For those who need security and support in their walks, this pink, adjustable-height rollator will do all that while displaying your support of the American Cancer Society.
The walker features a padded seat and back, along with brake-locks to create a sturdy chair wherever you are. With busy trips in mind, a storage pouch is included right under the seat to help you transport any personal belongings safely.

Also, a percentage from the sales of each rollator will go towards the American Cancer Society Making Strides Campaign, to help develop treatment and work towards a cure.

This October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month the retail price of the walkers will be marked down by 25%. Give us a call or drop in by one of our 12 locations to get yours.

Read About The Specs Here!