Submitted by Fern Facchino OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Sierra Rotary and the Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary are joining together to collect donations of used wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, shower benches, canes or any other type of mobility equipment. The items will be refurbished and distributed across the United States, Mexico and South America.

OAKHURST – Are you caring for an aging spouse, friend or relative? Valley Caregiver Resource Center is offering a free, 4-week series of classes designed to help.

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Public Health Department is reporting that laboratory results received today have confirmed that a Madera County woman has died from complications of Influenza A 2009 H1N1 infection. The 63 year-old female died at Madera Community Hospital on Jan. 18. She had other underlying medical conditions which increased her risk for severe H1N1 illness. Medical ...

MADERA COUNTY – Influenza activity is increasing in California, including Madera County, according to the Madera County Public Health Department. Many areas are reporting patients who are critically ill with influenza, including healthy young adults. The primary strain of influenza circulating so far is the H1N1 strain, which emerged during the 2009 pandemic. This strain causes more illness in children ...

MADERA COUNTY – You probably never give much thought to ambulances – that is until you need one, or see one go screaming by and wonder where it might be headed. Fortunately, the folks at Sierra Ambulance give a great deal of thought and attention to making sure their vehicles are always ready to go at a moment’s notice.

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Health Department is offering Flu Vaccinations at various clinic sites throughout the county. Everyone is encouraged to Get the Shot, Not the Flu. There will be a $5 administration fee for each flu shot, but no one will be refused service if unable to pay. Flu shots are offered for persons 12 years of ...

Written by Dr. Adrian Buca Before a dental checkup, have you ever found yourself desperately brushing and flossing your teeth in hopes that your dentist won’t know you haven’t been flossing regularly? Flossing is so easy to forget about. Usually we think brushing is enough and that everything will work itself out at the next cleaning. Not so! Over time, ...

MODESTO – It’s estimated that one out of every eight people takes part in some kind of self-injury, and it’s even more common among people with mental illness. The most pervasive method of self-harm is “cutting.” Each person’s symptoms, causes and risk factors are different, though it may be possible to understand more about this painful problem one person at ...

NORTH FORK — If you’ve ever had the pleasure of massage therapy for any reason, you’re probably aware of how beneficial the process can be. It’s essential to overall well-being, believes Karen McAleece, who is certified as both a Structural Integrationist and and Swedish Massage Therapist. Her business, “Time to Align,” is located in the North Fork Center for Harmony.

There are many things to be said about children. They bring joy, enrichment, and many responsibilities in the parents’ life. I have a two and a half year old at home. Because of him my priorities in life changed, and I just can’t wait to get home and see him, to play with him. I enjoy all the words he ...