The Southern Nevada Health District’s Clinical Services programs will be closed the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 7 due to a staff meeting and training session. All services will resume at 1:30 p.m.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting a 19 percent increase in flu activity in Clark County over the same period last year. To date, there have been 31 confirmed cases and one flu-related death in an adult over the age of 65.

The 39th World AIDS Day is Thursday, Dec. 1. The Southern Nevada Health District, the Southern Nevada HIV Consortium, and community partners encourage everyone to learn his or her HIV status.

The Great American Smokeout debuted in 1976 as an opportunity for smokers to give up the habit for just one day with hope the decision would lead to a permanent change. This year, the American Cancer Society has designated Thursday, Nov. 17 as the Great American Smokeout. The Southern Nevada Health District encourages smokers in the community to participate and to commit to a long-term plan to quit for good.

The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, in collaboration with Union Contra la Diabetes, will hold a health fair called Celebrando tu Salud during American Diabetes Month.

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States with approximately 9.3 percent of the population impacted. That translates to about 29.1 million Americans who have diabetes with 8.1 million of them undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association (2015).

How many servings of fruit and vegetables do you need, and how many are you actually consuming? The Southern Nevada Health District’s newest app, Half My Plate, can assist.

As flu season approaches, the Southern Nevada Health District is reminding everyone that in addition to getting a flu shot, keeping your hands clean is an important step you can take to stay healthy and stop the spread of germs.

The Southern Nevada Health District’s LGBT tobacco prevention program CRUSH and the organizers of the 2016 PRIDE Festival are pleased to announce this year’s two-day festival will be smoke-free. In addition to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vaping products will not be allowed at the festival.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting its first flu-related death in Clark County for the 2016-2017 season.

The Southern Nevada Health District encourages the Valley’s Hispanic residents to learn their HIV status and to get tested as part of National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Saturday, Oct. 15.

A fear of falling is a real fear for many older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 734,000 people were admitted to the hospital after treatment in an emergency department in 2013, and 25,500 older adults died from unintentional falls. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults.

Flu season is around the corner. The Southern Nevada Health District’s flu vaccine clinics will begin Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Disasters and emergencies are, by nature, unpredictable. That does not mean people cannot be prepared. September is National Preparedness Month and the Southern Nevada Health District encourages families, businesses, schools, and other community members to create preparedness plans and to learn about the types of emergencies that can occur in our community.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting its first human case of St. Louis Encephalitis in Clark County since 2007.

The Southern Nevada Health District’s Environmental Health Division conducted an investigation regarding the distribution of packages of Sea Port Products Corp.’s bay scallops, which are currently linked to a hepatitis A outbreak in Hawaii. To date, the Health District is not investigating any cases of hepatitis A associated with the current outbreak.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting its first human case of West Nile virus in Southern Nevada in 2016. The individual, a female over the age of 50, was hospitalized with the more serious neuroinvasive form of the illness and has since been released.

Rushing around to prepare for back to school? Parents and guardians don’t need to wait until the last minute to check immunizations off the list. The Southern Nevada Health District is urging everyone to beat the back-to-school rush by bringing their pre-schoolers, kindergartners, and 7th graders for mandatory vaccinations to one of the Health District’s public health centers.

What is the CHIP? It is more than an acronym. It is the first, multi-agency Community Health Improvement Plan and serves as a template to address health disparities in Southern Nevada. It is a collaborative effort of government agencies, health care providers, non-profits, and academia; a document focused on three priority areas with measures for success.

National Farmers Market Week is August 7 – 13. In an effort to encourage all Southern Nevadans to visit local farmers markets and access seasonal fruit and vegetables as part of a healthy diet, the Health District and its partner Wholesome Wave are continuing a nutrition incentive program launched in March for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.

The Southern Nevada Health District and the Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) announce the grand opening of the Aroma Café, operated by an individual who is visually impaired, inside the Health District’s main facility located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd, on August 4, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. The event will feature speakers from the Health District and DETR.

The Southern Nevada Health District’s Vector Surveillance Program has identified the first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes of the season. One West Nile virus submission pool totaling three mosquitos was identified in the 89032 ZIP code. Additionally, a horse in the 89021 ZIP code has tested positive for West Nile virus.

The Southern Nevada Health District will begin offering Food Handler Safety Training Card services to the public at Henderson City Hall, 240 Water Street, Henderson, NV 89105 on Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Services will be available Monday – Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Southern Nevada Health District’s Vector Surveillance Program has identified a sharp increase in St. Louis Encephalitis-positive mosquitoes since it first reported positive mosquito pools earlier this month.

The Southern Nevada Health District and AIDS Healthcare Foundation today launched an HIV/STD mobile testing unit to coincide with National HIV Testing Day.

The Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging dads who smoke to celebrate this Father’s Day by quitting.

The Health District’s Vector Surveillance Program has identified St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE)-positive mosquito pools in the 89104, 89120, 89146, and 89191 zip codes.

The Southern Nevada Health District will be closing its Henderson Public Health Center located at 520 E. Lake Mead Pkwy., Henderson, NV, 89015, on Friday, June 24, 2016.

The days of triple digit temperatures are here and the Southern Nevada Health District reminds visitors and residents alike to stay safe and healthy this summer. An excessive heat watch is in effect later this week and daytime temperatures are expected to reach 110 degrees during the weekend. There are actions that everyone can take to stay safe during the summer.

Are you at risk for hepatitis? May is Hepatitis Awareness Month.

This Mother's Day, the Southern Nevada Health District encourages moms to give the gift of health to themselves and their children by quitting tobacco use.

The Southern Nevada Health District is seeking public input on its Community Health Assessment. A Community Health Assessment identifies a community's health-related needs and strengths, as well as the resources available to address and improve health outcomes. The completion of the draft assessment was a collaborative effort that included a number of community organizations and individuals.

The Southern Nevada Health District has expanded its family planning services with a new clinic at the 280 S. Decatur Blvd. public health center. Services at the new Decatur location include pregnancy testing, birth control, emergency contraception, health assessment, gynecological examination, reproductive health counseling, heath education, and referrals.

The Southern Nevada Health District announced its 2016 Public Health Heroes, recognition given to individuals or organizations whose efforts positively affect the health and well-being of the community. This year’s Public Health Heroes, Dr. Narbeh Ghazarian and Sara McCrea, were honored at today’s Southern Nevada District Board of Health meeting.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the third confirmed case of Zika virus in a Clark County resident. The patient is an adult female who recently traveled to the Dominican Republic.

Measles, mumps, pertussis, chickenpox . . .these childhood illnesses are not eradicated. National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 16-23, is an opportunity to remind parents to check their tots' vaccine status. The Southern Nevada Health District, Immunize Nevada, and the Junior League of Las Vegas have teamed up to present the Community Baby Bash Immunizations & Health Fair, from 9 a.m. – noon, on Saturday, April 16 at the Health District's main public health center, located at 280 S. Decatur at Meadows Lane. This free event will offer no cost childhood immunizations for Vaccines For Children-eligible babies and toddlers.

It is STD Awareness Month, and the Southern Nevada Health District is offering free rapid HIV testing 8 a.m. – noon, Monday through Friday through the end of April.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the second confirmed case of Zika virus in a Clark County resident. The patient is an adult female who recently traveled to Brazil.

The Southern Nevada Health District's Laughlin Public Health Center is moving to a new location on Monday, April 4, 2016, at 55 Civic Way, Laughlin, NV, and will be conveniently co-located with services offered by Clark County. The office will be closed on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 through Friday, April 1, 2016 to accommodate the relocation.

The Southern Nevada Health District has received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that a Clark County resident has tested positive for the Zika virus. The patient is an adult male who recently traveled to Guatemala.

March 24 is World TB Day, the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced he identified M. tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for one of the world's most dreaded diseases. Today, tuberculosis affects approximately two billion people worldwide. This year's theme is Unite to END TB.

The Southern Nevada Health District is hosting a briefing of the 2016 Nevada County Health Rankings today. The Rankings are released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI) and measure the health of nearly all counties in the nation and rank them within states. The briefing will be held at the Health District's main facility at 280 S. Decatur Blvd., from 11 a.m. -2 p.m. in the Red Rock Conference Room.

It's time to kick some butt(s)... Wednesday, March 16 is national Kick Butts Day, a nationwide initiative, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to stop tobacco use by children and young adults.

The Southern Nevada Health District was recently awarded grant funding from Wholesome Wave to support nutrition incentive programs and to increase access and affordability of fruits and vegetables for more than 120,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households in the Las Vegas Valley.

A briefing of the 2016 Nevada County Health Rankings. The County Health Rankings are released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI).

The Southern Nevada Health District is hosting an open house at its newest public health center at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. at Decatur and Meadows Lane from 10 a.m. to noon today, Tuesday, March 8.

The Southern Nevada Health District has identified a 128 percent increase in reported syphilis cases in Clark County since 2012 and is now considering the increase to be an outbreak for early syphilis cases.

Just as those New Year’s resolutions are starting to wane, the Southern Nevada Health District is launching its annual 10-in-10 Challenge, the online program that helps participants both cut and burn more calories. The free program kicks off Monday, Feb. 22 and participants can sign up on the Get Healthy Clark County website, Get Healthy Clark County 10-in-10 Challenge. The program is also available in Spanish on www.VivaSaludable.org.

Sunday, Feb. 7 marks the 15th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to encourage African-Americans to learn their HIV status.

Love your heart . . . love your loved ones . . .heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Nevada and across the country. To commemorate American Heart Month, the Southern Nevada Health District is joining the national Million Hearts™ campaign to prevent more than one million heart attacks and strokes in the United States.

The Southern Nevada Health District reminds people with diabetes that self-management is crucial to staying well and keeping the disease in check. To assist, the Health District offers a free, diabetes self-management program called Care4life, which can be accessed online or via mobile phones making it a convenient and easy option for diabetes self-management.

Walk Around Nevada with the Southern Nevada Health District's latest app. This free, online program helps participants increase physical activity by virtually logging 1,442 miles as they walk around the state.

The Southern Nevada Health District has moved to its new public health center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd. at Decatur and Meadows Lane. However, due to unforeseen delays some services will be impacted longer than previously expected.

People who quit smoking reap benefits just 20 minutes after they put out their last cigarette when their heart rate drops back to normal. It is one of the most common resolutions people make and from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27, Dr. Daliah Wachs is hosting an event called New Year – New Lungs to encourage Southern Nevadans to give up the habit.

The Southern Nevada Health District is moving from its current location at 330 S. Valley View Blvd. to its new public health center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd. at Decatur and Meadows Lane. Services will be impacted Friday, Jan. 22 and Monday, Jan. 25. All services and clinics will be available at the new location starting Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 8 a.m.

The Southern Nevada Health Districts counter for Individual Sewage Disposal Systems (septic), Liquid Waste Haulers, and Mattress Refurbishing clients formerly located at 330 S. Valley View Blvd. has relocated to the district offices at 333 N. Rancho, Suite 450. The counter is open Monday Friday, 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. (Closed 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. for lunch.) Appointments are required to submit applications. Please call (702) 759-0660 to schedule an appointment.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting its first flu-related deaths in Clark County for the 2015-16 season.

For people with diabetes, self-management is crucial to staying well and keeping the disease in check. The Southern Nevada Health District offers a free, online diabetes self-management program called Care4life, which can be accessed online or via mobile phones.

World AIDS Day is Tuesday, Dec. 1. This year’s theme is ”Getting to Zero” – zero deaths, zero discrimination and zero new cases. The Southern Nevada Health District and its community partners encourage everyone to get tested to learn his/her HIV status.

The most recent edition of “The Perspective,” the Southern Nevada Health District’s quarterly e-newsletter, is now available on the health district’s website, www.SNHD.info. Each issue provides a public health perspective on a particular topic.

Thanksgiving is practically here and with it comes the excitement and energy of the holiday season. Whether the bird is big or small there are a few tips to help make the holiday healthy and happy.

The Great American Smokeout debuted in 1976 as an opportunity for smokers to give up the habit for just one day with hope the decision would lead to a permanent change. This year, the American Cancer Society has designated Thursday, Nov. 19 as the Great American Smokeout. The Southern Nevada Health District encourages smokers in the community to participate and to commit to a long-term plan to quit for good.

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States with approximately 9.8 percent of the population impacted. That translates to about 29.1 million Americans who have diabetes with 8.1 million of them undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association. In Nevada, 9.6 percent of adults have diabetes, according to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS 2013).

The switch back to Standard Time this Sunday, Nov. 1 is the perfect opportunity for Southern Nevadans to check their family emergency stockpiles, change batteries in radios, replace expired food items, rotate items in the kit, update family information, determine if there are any items that are missing or start to put a family kit together. The Southern Nevada Health District has information about emergency preparedness as well as a calendar to help develop a family kit on its Emergency Preparedness pages.

The Southern Nevada Health District encourages the Valley’s Hispanic residents to learn their HIV status and to get tested as part of National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Saturday, Oct. 17.

Fruit, vegetables, physical activity . . . three keys to good health and the message that more than 10,000 Clark County School District elementary school kids will take to heart in the 9th annual UNLV Coaches Health Challenge. This year’s Challenge kicks off at 9:15 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13 at McCaw STEAM Academy, 330 Tin Street, Henderson, NV 89015 with Lady Rebels’ basketball coach, Kathy Olivier.

The Southern Nevada Health District is hosting a graduation for mothers and children graduating from its Nurse-Family Partnership Program today. The ceremony will take place from 1p.m.-4 p.m. at Nevada Partners, 710 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89030.

The Southern Nevada Health District, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the local office of the FBI are requesting information regarding potential patients/victims who may have received unlicensed dental or medical services at a facility located at 4928 E. Monroe Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada 89110.

Have you spent the entire year sticking to your resolution to adapt healthy eating habits, to lose weight, or exercise more during 2015? The holidays are right around the corner but that does not mean you have to ruin a year’s worth of good habits. For the 6th year, the Southern Nevada Health District’s free, web-based program, the Get Healthy Holiday Challenge kicks off Mon., Oct. 12. Participants can get tips to enjoy a stress-free, healthy holiday season.

If an older adult suffers a fall, the resulting injury can mean a loss of independence and a serious impact on quality of life. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults; each year, one in three older adults will fall and every 15 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. Falls are preventable and they are not an inevitable part of aging, according to the National Council on Aging.

The weather is finally cooling off and that means flu season is right around the corner. This year, the Southern Nevada Health District’s flu vaccine clinics will begin Monday, Sept. 21 at all locations.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting a case of West Nile virus in a male over the age of 50 who has the more serious neuroinvasive form of the illness. This is the first human case of West Nile illness in Clark County in 2015.

The most recent edition of "The Perspective," the Southern Nevada Health District’s quarterly e-newsletter, is now available on the health district’s website, www.SNHD.info. Each issue provides a public health perspective on a particular topic. This edition’s theme is PreparAThon! 2015 and highlights a variety of emergency preparedness information and resources, visit http://southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/newsletter/enews/201509/index.html

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are continuing an investigation of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Poona infections potentially linked to imported cucumbers from Mexico and distributed by Andrews & Williamson Fresh Produce.

The Southern Nevada Health District will offer young men an opportunity to receive reproductive health services at its Men's Health Center located inside its East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd. The center will open Tuesday, Sept. 15. The Men's Health Center will offer services by appointment each Tuesday and Thursday. Clients can call (702) 759-0900 to make an appointment or for more information. All services are confidential and will be offered on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Southern Nevada kids can join the POP (Power of Produce) Club at the fresh52 Farmers & Artisan Market starting Sat. Sept. 12 to learn about local farming, participate in tastings and other educational activities as ways to expose them to more fruit and vegetables. Participating kids will receive a voucher they can use at the farmers market to make their own produce choices. The program will run through October or as long supplies last.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Poona infections potentially linked to imported cucumbers from Mexico and distributed by Andrews & Williamson Fresh Produce.

Where is the gas shut-off at your house? Do you know how to turn the water off? Is the fuse box above your neighborhood's flood plane? If your family is separated in an emergency, who is the out-of-town contact everyone can call to report in? If an emergency or natural disaster occurred today, are you and your family prepared to be on your own for a few days or weeks?

The Southern Nevada Health District’s vector control program continues to identify West Nile positive mosquitoes throughout Clark County. To date, no human cases of West Nile have been reported. The health district reminds Southern Nevadans that even though school is back in session, the weather is still warm and mosquito activity continues.

The most recent edition of "The Perspective," the Southern Nevada Health District's quarterly e-newsletter, is now available on the health district's website, www.SNHD.info. Each issue provides a public health perspective on a particular topic. This edition's theme is Be Cool Hot Topics for Healthy Summer Fun. To view the newsletter, visit http://southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/newsletter/enews/201508/index.html

The Southern Nevada Health District Teen Pregnancy Prevention Forum begins this morning at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. The forum is designed to highlight the health district's Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program's activities and accomplishments of the last five years.

The Southern Nevada Health District offered a preview of its future home today. Its newest public health center will be located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. The centrally-located facility is currently undergoing renovations to accommodate the health district’s clinics and services with an estimated grand opening in early 2016.

Due to the increase in rain and flooding activity, the Southern Nevada Health District is recommending that residents in the Laughlin, Nevada region assess the areas surrounding their home for standing water in order to eliminate breeding sources for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can spread potentially serious diseases such as West Nile Virus and West Nile Encephalitis. West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes have been reported in Clark County. To date, no human cases have been reported.

Does your 7th grader still need a pertussis booster? Is your kindergartner's shot record up-to-date for school? The Southern Nevada Health District is urging parents to beat the back-to-school rush by bringing their pre-schoolers, kindergartners, and 7th graders for mandatory vaccinations at one of its conveniently located public health centers. For information, contact the health district's immunization clinic, (702) 759-0850 or visit www.SNHD.info.

There’s an app for that too! The Southern Nevada Health District has launched its restaurant inspection grade app for smart phones. The health district’s mobile app can be downloaded through the Apple Store for iOS devices: http://apple.co/1HtUdZV or from Google Play for Android by visiting: http://bit.ly/1FUa69Y. For additional information, visit the Southern Nevada Health District website, snhd.info/apps.

National HIV Testing Day is Saturday, June 27. The annual event is an opportunity for everyone to learn his or her HIV status. The Southern Nevada Health District encourages all Southern Nevadans to get tested.

Step into a local food establishment and one of the first items visible is a health district inspection grade card. An "A" grade is good, a "B" less so. A health district inspector uses specific food safety criteria to review the facility’s food handling practices with demerit scoring related to the risk of foodborne illness (FBI). Simple. Right? Maybe not. The topic of grading and scoring food establishments versus a pass/fail system was debated at the Association of Food & Drug Officials annual conference in June.

The Southern Nevada Health District recently launched its newest online program, the Road to Diabetes Prevention, a free six-session program to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The program is self-paced and includes optional activities and available resources in the community. While it is open to anyone, the Road to Diabetes Prevention program is recommended for people who could have pre-diabetes.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first West Nile positive mosquitoes of 2015, collected in the 89011, 89012, 89027, 89107, 89123, 89128, 89134 and 89146 zip codes. To date, there are no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Clark County

The Southern Nevada Health District kicks off its 3rd annual Soda Free Summer Challenge today to encourage children and adults to choose water or other healthier beverages and reduce or eliminate sugary drinks.

The triple digit temperatures have arrived and the Southern Nevada Health District reminds visitors and residents alike to stay safe and healthy during the summer. The health district reminds parents about the ABCDs of drowning prevention, sun and heat safety, tips to prevent mosquito bites, and information about swimming safely to prevent illness.

Fruit, vegetables, physical activity . . . a trifecta for good health. More than 10,000 Clark County School District elementary school children took this information seriously during their participation in the 8th annual Coaches Challenge program. A UNLV head coach will visit each of the five winning classrooms to congratulate the students for their efforts and to encourage them to make healthy choices and to be physically active.

The Southern Nevada Health District and the Regional Trauma Advisory Board (RTAB) launched a new website for the Southern Nevada Trauma System to coincide with National Trauma Awareness Month. In addition to the website, www.SouthernNevadaTraumaSystem.org, its companion Twitter site, @SNVTraumaSystem is also now available.

The Southern Nevada Health District with the support of community partners, including the UNLV School of Nursing, UNLV School of Community Health Sciences, Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican, University of Nevada School of Medicine, and United Way of Southern Nevada have launched the Healthy Southern Nevada website. This first-of-its-kind website is a source of community health information and population data available to planners, policy makers, and community members to use as a tool for conducting community assessments, strategic planning and community health improvement and advocacy activities. The website can be found at: www.HealthySouthernNevada.org.

The Southern Nevada Health District announced its 2015 Public Health Hero, recognition given to individuals or organizations whose efforts positively affect the health and well-being of the community. This year’s Public Health Hero, Rosita Castillo, was honored at today’s Southern Nevada District Board of Health meeting.

Measles, mumps, pertussis, chickenpox . . .these childhood illnesses are not eradicated. National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 18-25, is an opportunity to remind parents to check their tots’ vaccine status. The Southern Nevada Health District, Immunize Nevada, and the United Way of Southern Nevada have teamed up to present the 4th Passport to Immunizations and Health Fair, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, April 18 at the health district’s main public health center, 330 S. Valley View Blvd., at the corner of Meadows Lane. This free event will offer no cost childhood immunizations for Vaccines For Children- eligible toddlers, dental and vision screenings for children, and family resources information. Parents should bring their children’s immunization records.

Each year, it is estimated that there are 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. That is more than the entire populations of Hungary, Cuba, The Netherlands, Guatemala or the Czech Republic. April is STD Awareness Month and the Southern Nevada Health District encourages Valley residents to discuss their sexual health with their health care providers and their partners. Information, testing and treatment is available at the health district’s Sexual Health Clinic, 400 Shadow Lane, Ste. 106, (702) 759-0702.

It’s time to kick some butt(s)… Wednesday, March 18 is national Kick Butts Day, a nationwide initiative, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to stop tobacco use by children and young adults.

Batteries . . . first aid kit supplies . . . blankets . . . medications . . . Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 8. It’s the perfect opportunity for Southern Nevadans to check their family emergency stockpiles, change batteries in radios and flashlights, replace or rotate food items in the kit, update any family information including medications, or determine what items might be missing. Still don’t have a family kit put together? The Southern Nevada Health District has information about emergency preparedness as well as a calendar to help develop a family kit on its website, www.snhd.info/php