Summer 2011 GEM

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Service Awards, Retirements,New Hires, Promotions, & more

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Summer 2011

pages 3 and 9

Get HealthyWellness

Program

In a new waypage 4

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2 • greenville employee messenger • Summer 2011 Summer 2011 • greenville employee messenger • 3

Dear City Employees:On June 9, 2011, the City Council adopted the annual budget ordinance that officially made changes to the second year of the two-year budget adopted in 2010. Due to the continuing impact of poor economic conditions, more changes were required to the budget than in previous years.Of interest to City employees were several changes that involve salaries and benefits. The adopted budget includes funding to implement the recently completed classification and compensation study, a one and one-half percent across-the-board salary adjustment, an increase in contributions to the State Retirement System, an increase in the employer contribution to the self-funded health insurance program, and additional payments for retiree health insurance. One position was eliminated from the budget and three new positions were approved (two of these are primarily grant funded.)The approved budget again contains no increase in the property tax rate. The City has not increased the tax rate in ten years. All other taxes and fees were also retained at existing rates with no increases.My presentations to the City Council throughout the budget review process stressed the lack of growth in City revenues. All revenue sources have remained basically the same with very little growth for the past three years. This lack of revenue growth reflects a national trend. Like most other government agencies, the City has had to adjust our spending to accommodate the lack of new revenues. I appreciate the efforts of all City employees in this effort. I also emphasized during the budget process that the two-year budget that began on July 1, 2012 may prove to be the most difficult budget that the City has experienced. Pitt County is in the process of re-evaluating all property for the 2012-2013 budget year. Preliminary information from Pitt County indicates that for the first time total property values will decrease. Since the property tax is the City’s largest revenue source, this decline in values could have a significant impact on next year’s budget.Sincerely, Wayne Bowers City Manager


Congratulations to Alvaro Elias (PD) on becoming a U.S. citizen on July 22, 2011

Trial Period: August 15, 2011- January 31, 2012

Bradford Creek Golf Wellness Program (call the Pro Shop)- Employees of the City of Greenville and GUC play free if they walk the course- Must have a tee time after 2:00 PM daily or times established by the Golf Pro- Employee ID badge must be shown- Every employee playing a round of golf must sign in and indicate the agency they are from and how many holes of golf they are playing

Gym Wellness Program (call Recreation & Parks at 329-4567)- South Greenville Gym (Howell Street), Boyd Lee Gym, Eppes Center (City of Greenville and GUC Employees)- Reservations must be made at Jaycee Park between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM weekdays with your ID badge- The Basketball Court Reservation times are available after normal hours of operation (Call 329-4567 to reserve 2 weeks in advance with payments made to Recreation & Parks) - If you have 3 - 5 employees to play, then it’s a half-price rental fee. (Employees Only) - If you have more than 5 employees to play, the �rst hour is free, then half-price after that. (Employees Only)- Employee ID badge must be shown to the gym attendant on duty and employees must sign in indicating which agency they are from and how many employees are playing and the amount of court time requested- Interested in creating some League Play between the City and GUC? Call Frank Salvato at 329-4493.

Golf & GymWellness Program

Congrats to Diertra Crandall (RP) for being named the The 2011 Special Olympics North Carolina Area Coordinator of the year.

Congrats to Gwen Turnage (CD) on her appointment to President of the International Association of Administrative Professionals, Greenville Chapter.

Congrats to Sylvia Brown (CD) for submitting the winning name of The Association of Housing Counselors’ newsletter: Housing Counseling Today!


New Pay Options by Jennifer Banks (HR)Setting money aside for your retirement or special rainy day fund just got a little easier! You may now have your paycheck direct deposited into multiple banks, credit unions, and/or other financial institutions. You may designate a specific dollar amount to be deposited into up to two different institutions or accounts and your remaining net pay deposited into a primary account (total of up to three different accounts or institutions).Some advantages of multiple direct deposit:

Safe, simple, and extremely convenient • Deposits are made automatically without any • effort on your part (after your authorization form has been submitted and processed)No charge to you for this electronic deposit • service Encourages saving…you can designate part • of your pay to go directly to your savings account(s)

If you would like to take advantage of this

new service, simply complete the direct deposit authorization form (document #893624) and return it to the Human Resources Department. You may enroll at any time. Your completed form, however, must be received by the HR Department 10 working days prior to the scheduled payday to be effective for that payday. For example, your form must be received on or before Friday, 9/2/11, in order for your pay to be split between multiple accounts on the 9/16/11 pay date. You do not need to complete a new direct deposit authorization form if you do not want to make any changes to your direct deposit. Please call Cecilia Cutler at 329-4490 or Robin Edwards at 329-4492 if you have any questions.

Tuition Reimbursement Programby Gerry Case (HR)Did you know it’s possible the City will pay for you to go back to school?If you want tuition assistance/reimbursement, please remember that you must submit an application PRIOR TO TAKING THE COURSE. A copy of the course description should be attached. Your department head and Human Resources (HR) will then review and approve/

disapprove of the tuition assistance before you take the course. If you are in a degree program, an application is to be completed for each semester/quarter; one

initial application does not work for the entire curriculum. Applications submitted

after taking the course will not be accepted.Once the course is successfully completed, turn

in your grades and receipts to HR in order for them to reimburse you for all or part of the eligible costs.

The application form is in document #89665 (an on-line version is on the HR page of COGNET under the Human Resources Forms link - document 16 on the list)The ETAP Policy is in document #84421. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO READ THE POLICY CAREFULLY.Our educational tuition assistance program is a very popular benefit available to City employees. If you’ve been thinking about going back to school or just taking a couple of courses, consider taking advantage of this valuable program. For questions, please call Sharon Warner at Ext. 4496.

CITY OF GREENVILLE DIRECT DEPOSIT AUTHORIZATION FORM

**PLEASE PRINT** Name

Last 4 digits of Social Security # Telephone #

Type of Transaction: New Change account number(s) and/or financial institution(s) Change amounts

Important: Do not list the GUCO Credit Union below. Employees interested in setting up a GUCO Credit Union savings account

must do so directly through the GUCO Credit Union.

PRIORITY #1 DIRECT DEPOSIT Check the “Balance” box if you would like to have all of your net pay deposited into one account. If you wish to split your net pay

between multiple accounts, enter the dollar amount to be deposited into account #1.

Name of Financial Institution Type of Institution

Bank Savings & Loan Other Credit Union

Type of Account Checking Savings

Balance (100% of net pay) or Deposit a fixed amount of: $ Routing Number

Account Number

PRIORITY #2 DIRECT DEPOSIT If you wish to split your net pay between 2 accounts, provide information for second financial institution and check the “Balance”

box. If splitting between 3 accounts, provide information and enter the dollar amount to be deposited into account #2.




Deposit a fixed amount of: $_______________ (Provide $ amount only if you will have 3 direct deposits; otherwise check “Balance” box.) Balance

Routing Number Account Number

PRIORITY #3 DIRECT DEPOSIT If you wish to split your net pay between 3 accounts, provide information for third financial institution and check the “Balance”

box. Any remaining balance (after deposits are made to accounts #1 & #2) will be deposited into this account.




Balance

Routing Number Account Number

IMPORTANT NOTICE: You MUST attach a voided blank check or correspondence from your financial institution that

includes your name, account number, routing number, and type of account for each account listed.

By signing below I authorize the City of Greenville to credit my account with the financial institution(s) named above. I

understand that direct deposit is mandatory and this authorization will remain in effect until I submit a change form. I understand

that I must maintain an open account(s) to which my pay will be deposited. If funds to which I am not entitled are deposited to

my account(s), I authorize the City of Greenville to direct the financial institution(s) to return said funds. In the event that I

change accounts and/or financial institutions, it is my responsibility to complete a new authorization form. I

understand that failure to promptly complete a new authorization form may cause a delay in receiving my total net pay.

I understand that changes to account information must be received by the HR Department 10 working days prior to my

regularly scheduled payday to be effective for that payday.

Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________


Fire/Rescue Employee of the Year by Shannon Terry (FR)The Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce recognized Lt. Greg Hardee as the 2011 Greenville Fire/Rescue Employee of the Year. Lt. Hardee was selected because of his involvement in numerous professional activities and academic successes that hold clear benefits for the community served by Greenville Fire/Rescue. In December 2010, he graduated from Davidson Community College with an AAS in Emergency Medical Services. This was in addition to numerous technical classes and certifications he obtained over the last year. As a new member of the State’s Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team, he has agreed to rapidly deploy to hazardous materials incidents with this elite team of hazardous materials professionals. As an active member of the Urban Search and Rescue team (USAR), his most recent USAR deployment was the response

to Greene County‘s tornado destruction this Spring. The Greenville Fire/Rescue Department is very honored to be recognized by the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce for the professional emergency services we provide.

Firefighters Relief Fund ScholarshipsEach received a $2000.00 award

Ashley “Brenna” Owens (ECU) Parents: Chuck & Lisa Owens

Savannah C. Winters (ECU) Parents: Steven Winters & Kathy

Tripp

Casi E. Strickland (Campbell University)

Parents: Stephen & Toni Strickland


United Way Campaign by Dale Mills (PD)Our United Way Employee campaign has passed its midpoint this month with a great deal of fun and employee fellowship still to follow. I am very excited about the charisma and effort our committee has put into making this a great campaign. The committee is made up of representatives from each City department. They meet monthly to brainstorm ways to raise money for the United Way of Pitt County through employee participation. The great ideas are so many this year that you will surely want to be a part of the action.Ice Cream at City Hall made a cool return this summer. Committee members sold ice cream in the lobby of City Hall on Wednesdays in June and July. The annual hot dog sale expanded this year with hamburgers available for purchase as well.The committee held Payday Bonus Fridays on both paydays in August. They were 50/50 raffles with tickets for $1 each; 50 percent of the proceeds

go to the United Way; the winner gets the other 50 percent. E m p l o y e e pledge forms will be distributed in the month of September.

This is where our greatest opportunity is – with the employee. A golf tournament is scheduled for September 9, 2011 at Bradford Creek. Victor Long from Public Works will be distributing more information about this event soon. Also in September, employees will have the opportunity to pay $10 to wear jeans to work each Friday in the month of September. The boat raffle is our largest attraction this year. With only 1000 tickets being sold at $5 each, it is sure to be a barn burner event. It is scheduled to be raffled off at the annual Chili Cook-Off on October 19, 2011. The Chili Cook-Off is our largest event with a friendly competition among City employees

Printing ServicesDoes your department need printing done or do you know where to request printing services for your department?Look no further because the Financial Services Department’s Purchasing Division is the place to go for printing needs like business cards, letterhead, envelopes, brochures, multi-part NCR forms, and receipt and inspection books. The printing services are outsourced to various vendors and the cost of the print requests depends on the type of printing your department requests, quantity and the outsourced vendor. If your department would like to request printing services, you should do the following:

1. Complete a Print Request Form (Document #852127). The form is also listed in COGnet under the Purchasing Division link.

2. Submit your Print Request Form to Wanda House, FS/Purchasing Division.

Upon receipt of the Print Request Form, Wanda will obtain quotes from vendors. After evaluating the quotes, Purchasing will work with the department to select the best vendor.After your print request is complete, the Stores Clerk will let your department know your print request is ready for pickup. If you have any questions about our printing services, please call Wanda House, Stores Clerk, at Ext. 4461 or Angelene Brinkley, Purchasing Manager, at Ext. 4462. They will be glad to assist you with all of your printing needs.


for bragging rights of who makes the best chili. I warn each participant that the Fire/Rescue Department takes this chili title seriously and will often become a little upset when their title is in jeopardy. This year we will be giving 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies. We realize that the economy has a great deal of improving to do, but its times like these when the community’s needs are the greatest. The City of Greenville is steadfast that the United Way continues to be the best distribution point to many charitable organizations.I can assure you that your money is hard at work trying to improve the community. Ask your department representative about the tour we took in April to various facilities (from the homeless shelter to the family violence shelter) that the

United Way helps fund. Our job is to raise the money and entrust the United Way to continue to distribute the money where needed. If you are an avid giver to a specific organization, that option is still available to you. If you cannot give by payroll deduction, a onetime gift of any amount is appreciated.November will mark the end of the campaign for us. Each city employee who gives will have the opportunity to attend a celebration

and enjoy some refreshments at City Hall to thank them for their support. We will also have a drawing for assorted prizes. It’s simple to get an invitation to this great time of fellowship and to get your name in the drawing for these great prizes; all you have to do is give through payroll deduction or a one-time gift to the campaign.

Classification and Compensation Study by Gerry Case (HR)For more than a year, the City and GUC have undergone a comprehensive Classification and Compensation Study to ensure that employees are classified and paid fairly and the City and GUC are competitive for recruiting and retaining employees.On May 10, 2011, the City Council directed the Waters Consulting Group to meet with employees and provide a position review process. The review process allowed employees to have the placement of their positions reviewed if they were not satisfied with the recommended placement. Waters’ consultants reviewed the Requests for Review and submitted their recommendations to the City Manager. The Waters Consulting Group presented a Classification and Compensation Study briefing to City Council on August 22, 2011. At

that meeting, City Council voted to approve the Classification and Compensation Study recommendations, adopt the new pay plan, and authorize implementation of the pay plan retroactive to July 2, 2011.The pay for those employees whose pay was below the minimum of the new salary grade has been raised to the minimum of the new salary grade. No employee’s current salary was reduced as a result of the study. In order to address potential pay compression issues, the City Council also approved time in position (TIP) adjustments based on .5% per year for eligible employees whose pay is at or near the minimum of the new salary grade.New job descriptions have been prepared by Waters and will be issued to departments for review in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please contact Human Resources if you have any questions or concerns.


Wanted: Water by Barbara Avery (RP)Water is a critical element of the body – accounting for up to 75% of your body’s weight. Adequate hydration is a must for the body to function properly. Dehydration is a subtle problem that affects many of us. It occurs when your body loses more water than it takes in. The effects show up initially as thirst. Some other effects of include diminished mental and physical efficiency, light headedness, nausea, and muscle cramps.With summer in full swing, the probability of becoming dehydrated becomes much greater. It doesn’t matter if you’re exercising, working in the yard, or just out and about.The safest approach to prevent dehydration is to make sure you’re

drinking water before you even head outside. Monitor your fluid loss during hot weather, illness or exercise, and drink enough liquids to replace what you lost.

Your best bet is to drink water – from the tap or from a bottle. Need a sport bottle to refill with tap water? Head over to City Hall and pick up a free GTV9 water bottle perfect for bicycling, working out, or taking with you to a ball game.Sports drinks are good if you’re very active outside or working out; they can replace your electrolytes and help reduce cramping. They can contain a lot of sugars and things you don’t always need, so use them sparingly. Whatever you do, just make sure you drink enough water during the summer and all year-round.

...pictures of employees working through and after Hurricane Irene.

In the next GEM...


Wellness Cycle ProgramWant to get in some exercise but you’re not into treadmills? Don’t like the ellipticals or want to do weights? Stationary bike leave you wanting more? Don’t own a fun way to ride the new greenway?Now (well, probably by the time this GEM comes out) you can check out a bike from City Hall to get healthy.The Bicycle Post donated the women’s bike during the Bicycle Safety Week events back in May. A few weeks ago, CIGNA donated money to pay for half of another bike (for a man’s bike that wasn’t pink) while GTV9 paid for the other half.Interested in checking a bike out? See Christine Wallace (CMO), the receptionist at City Hall. She will walk you through the process of checking out the bikes.

Human Resources has come up with a list of rules for you to follow while riding the bike, so you must read through the instructions, watch a safety video, and wear the proper clothing (like a helmet).Complete rules and procedures are available on COGnet.

The Community Development Department’s Housing Division staff poses in front of a rehabbed home at a CDBG week celebration and open house in West Greenville. Pictured are (l to r): Mike Watson, Scott Eaton,

Betty Moseley, Linda Mims, Sandra Anderson, Gloria Kesler, Karen Gilkey, and Sylvia Brown.


Free rides on GREAT!YOU can ride the GREAT buses FREE!

Here’s how the free benefit works:Go to City Hall and see Human Resources on 1. the first floor to pick up your free bus pass.Show your pass and City photo I.D. to the bus 2. driver when you want to ride.Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!3.

You get FREE unlimited rides on GREAT through the end of the year. Ride to work or anytime you need a ride.Program notes:• Pass available only to full-time City employees and is not transferable.• Bus schedules available at Public Works, City Hall, or online at www.greenvillenc.gov.• Contact Human Resources at 329-4490 if you have questions.

great | Safe | Reliable | Free

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Open enrollment for your health insurance and other benefits is coming up soon. To get you prepared and give you more information about your benefits, Human Resources has developed a Benefits Guide for you.Keep an eye out for it in the coming weeks!

C i t y o f G r e e n v i l l e , N C

Employee Benefits Guide


Annual BenefitsOpen Enrollment Fair

& Flu ClinicOne Stop Shopping for all your Benefit Needs. Please mark your calendar for one of the dates below and make any change to your benefit selections or make your

2012 Flexible Spending Declaration. Flu Clinic - For CIGNA Card Holders and Covered Dependents 18 years and older

• Tuesday, September 27, at Police & Fire Rescue—Training Room C, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

• Wednesday, September 28, at Public Works—1500 Beatty Street, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Benefit Open Enrollment Fair— Annual Open Enrollment for changes or addi-tions to your Health, Dental, Life and Long-term Disability plans. Flexible Spend-ing Accounts will need to be declared for the new year at this time.

• Monday, October 17—Police & Fire Rescue Training Rooms, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Tuesday, October 18—Greenville Housing Authority Meeting Room, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Wednesday, October 19—Department of Public Works Auditorium, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

• Thursday, October 20—Jaycee Park Auditorium, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM You can come to any one of the above-mentioned locations. Come and meet the ECU Cheerleaders , Pee Dee the Pirate Mascot, or the ECU Dance Squad. Vendors will have give-aways and drawings for valued prizes. Enrollment opportunities that will be at the fair are:

• CIGNA—Medical, Dental and Wellness• CIGNA—Biometric Screening • North Carolina Supplemental Retirement 401(k)• Flexible Benefit Administrators (FSA) - you must declare your savings

amount for 2012 • Mark III—Life and Long-term Disability Insurance• ICMA-RC North Carolina 457 Deferred Contribution Program


Congratulations to:Congratulations to:

Patrick House CD 5Michael Most PW 5Denisha Harris FS 5Kenneth Jackson PW 10John Kay F/R 20Ronnie McLean F/R 20Charles Peaden F/R 20Tony Dixon PW 35

May Dept. Years July Dept. Years Kristin Gibson F/R 5Seth Laughlin CD 5Mark Smith PW 10Dean Foy RP 15Benjamin Moore RP 15Billy Leavy PW 15Samuel Walker PW 25Richard Allsbrook PD 25

June Dept. Years Corey Clemons PW 5Eric Carter PW 5William Anderson PD 5Geraldine Teel PW 15Rick Jackson PW 15Sandy Edmundson CD 25

Service Anniversaries May to July 2011

George Strickland (FR) on the death of his father

James Ormond (FR) on the passing of his mother-in-law

Paul Ahearn (FR) on the death of his fatherEric McLawhorn (PW) on the passing of his

fatherChris Newkirk (FR) on the death of his

grandmotherKaren Braxton (PW) on the passing of her

motherCarolyn Horton (PD) on the death of her sister

Bill Little (CAO) on the passing of his father-in-law

Charles Peaden (FR) on the death of his mother

Felix Harris (PD) on the passing of his grandmother

Gwen Turnage (CD) on the death of her fatherHenry Best (FR) on the passing of his sisterChoyou Gardner (FS) on the death of his

grandfatherTo the family of Franklin Barrow (PW – retired)To the family of Eileen McInerney (FS)

Our CondolencesOur Condolences May to July 2011

Jonathan Edwards (CMO) and his wife Brittaney on the birth of their daughter, Bella

Johnnie Butler (PD) and his wife, Kim, on the birth of their daughter, Kyndall Grace Butler

Scott Eaton (CD) and his wife on the birth of their son, Hudson Scott Eaton

Paul Armstrong (PD) and his wife, Melissa, on the birth of their son, Easton Reid Armstrong

Jeremy Anderson (FR) and his wife, Jennifer, on the birth of their daughter, Macy Claire

Gwen Turnage (CD) on the birth of her grandson

New FamilyNew Family May to July 2011

and to

GraduationsGraduations May to July 2011

Catrice Randolph (PD) completed her Masters of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix

Matthew Brown (son of Christine Clift (PD)) graduated from NC Wesleyan College with a B.A. in Justice Studies

Kevin Taveirne (FR) for marrying Julie Meyer on June 8, 2011

FAMILY NEWS


New Employees May - July 2011New Employees May - July 2011

Personnel TransfersPersonnel TransfersSgt. Nick Lucas to Patrol Bureau, Platoon CSgt. Mike Ross to Investigation Bureau,

Gang UnitSgt. Tara Stanton to Patrol Bureau, Special

OperationsOfficer Scott Lascallette to Patrol Bureau,

Traffic Safety Unit

Theresa Basden (PD) Billy Colon (PW) Carlos Colon (PW) Kinsey Holton (PW)

Jason Monroe (PW) Gary Outlaw (PW) Gail Owens (IT) Chris Padgett (CD)

Laura Searfoss (CD) John Steigerwald (PW) Jeremy Stokes (IT) Dana Tabron (PD)

Rodney Wood (PD)


May to July 2011


RetirementsRetirements May to July 2011

Computer FairOn Wednesday, August 3, computer vendors helped City employees hold the first-ever Computer Fair for City employees. The Fair, held in conjunction with the Employee Computer Purchase Program, was an opportunity for employees to see the wide variety of computers, printers, and other computer components.62 employees attended and had the opportunity to learn about the City’s Computer Purchase Program as well as the latest and greatest in the computer world. IT employees were even on hand to help answer general questions about technology.10 employees won either gift cards or vouchers towards the purchase of a new computer.This event was such a success that it will likely be held next May or June as people begin the shopping process for computers for the next year’s cycle of the Computer Purchase Program.

Protecting Yourself Against the FluDid You Know?Influenza, or “the flu,” is a set of highly contagious respiratory viruses that affect5-20% of the United States population each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In any given year, 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu-related complications (pneumonia and secondary infections), and about 36,000 of those suffering complications will die.

How is it transmitted?The flu is transmitted from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. People may also become infected by touching surfaces with flu viruses on them and then touching their mouth or nose. A person with flu can pass on flu from 1 day after infection (before one even feels sick), until 5-7 days after becoming sick.

What are symptoms of the flu?Many viruses circulate during the winter months that can make us sick, but the flu has a distinct and sudden onset with severe symptoms such as:

Prolonged high fever HeadacheExtreme fatigue

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. However, good healthhabits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and

prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

_________________________________________________________________________Clinic Date, Time and Location

_________________________________________________________________________Contact

Muscle achesSore throatDry cough

Clinic Date, Time and Location

Contact

Protecting Yourself Against the FluDid You Know?Influenza, or “the flu,” is a set of highly contagious respiratory viruses that affect5-20% of the United States population each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In any given year, 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu-related complications (pneumonia and secondary infections), and about 36,000 of those suffering complications will die.

How is it transmitted?The flu is transmitted from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. People may also become infected by touching surfaces with flu viruses on them and then touching their mouth or nose. A person with flu can pass on flu from 1 day after infection (before one even feels sick), until 5-7 days after becoming sick.

What are symptoms of the flu?Many viruses circulate during the winter months that can make us sick, but the flu has a distinct and sudden onset with severe symptoms such as:

Prolonged high fever HeadacheExtreme fatigue

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. However, good healthhabits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and

prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

_________________________________________________________________________Clinic Date, Time and Location

_________________________________________________________________________Contact

Muscle achesSore throatDry cough

Clinic Date, Time and Location

Contact

Flu ShotsTuesday, September 27, 12 noon - 5 p.m., Police & Fire-Rescue Training Room

Wednesday, September 28, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Public Works Assembly Room

Documents

Summer 2011 GEM