Time for a flu shot
Following a surge of H1N1 cases, Alberta Health Services is calling on residents to get immunized with a flu shot.
H1N1 is a strain of influenza that 鈥渢ends to affect younger, healthier people more seriously,鈥� said Katheryn Koliaska, a medical health officer for AHS north zone. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the reason for the concern.鈥�
Canada saw a large number of H1N1 cases in 2009-10, and since then the flu shot has protected against that strain, as well.
鈥淭he flu shot has two benefits,鈥� said Koliaska, 鈥渙ne is you鈥檙e protecting yourself, and the other benefit is you鈥檙e protecting others around you. For example, babies under six months of age cannot get the flu shot, so if you get the flu shot you鈥檙e not passing influenza onto someone else who may get really sick.鈥�
As well as the flu shot, Koliaska reminds residents that there are basic things they can do to protect themselves and others. 鈥淲ash your hands before you eat or before you touch your face. Cover your cough and stay at home if you鈥檙e sick.
鈥淧retty basic, but a reminder isn鈥檛 a bad thing during flu season.鈥�
In Jasper, the flu shot is offered at Rexall, Pharmasave and at Community Health Services in the Seton Healthcare Centre.
Avalanche control on Highway 93
Parks Canada is undertaking avalanche control work along Highway 93 today, Jan. 9.
The work will take place between 12 noon and 4:30 p.m. between Parkers Ridge and Saskatchewan Crossing. During that time, that section of highway may be closed for one to two hour periods.
Avalanche control work is weather dependent, so plans may change based on additional snowfall or changing conditions.
For the most up to date information on road conditions and closures, check the AMA Road Report at www.ama.ab.ca or contact Jasper National Park鈥檚 Road Report Information Line at 780-852-3311. You can also find information at www.pc.gc.ca under the Road Conditions Report.
Money for food
Through two fundraising events, staff at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge raised $1,290 for the Jasper Food Bank last month.
In addition, the JPL Bellmen鈥檚 Auction donated another $800, bringing the total up to $2,090. The donation was made before Christmas to ensure each of Jasper鈥檚 residents had a full stomach over the holidays.
