Free assessments for thyroid function
Dr. Nancy Utter, naturopathic doctor at Durango Natural Medicine, will offer free thyroid health assessments from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
The thyroid gland is the master gland of metabolism as it controls energy production in every cell in the body. Poor thyroid function can cause fatigue, depression, weight gain, digestive problems and many other health issues.
To reserve a free assessment time, call 247-0737.
Health department touts flu vaccinations
San Juan Basin Health Department reminds residents that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine as flu activity usually peaks between December and February. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months old and older.
The health department encourages residents to receive their immunizations in their medical home with their primary care provider. Flu shots are a preventive care benefit for both children and adults covered under the Affordable Care Act, and for most people, the immunization will be free.
For more information, visit www.healthcare.gov/what-are-my-preventive-care-benefits.
The health department has a limited supply of specialized flu vaccine including high dose flu shots for seniors and preservative-free vaccine for pregnant women. Additionally, the health department can provide flu shots for eligible children and adults who qualify for federally supported vaccines if they are unable to receive them from their primary care provider.
Appointments are available in Durango from Tuesdays through Thursdays. To schedule an appointment, call 335-2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
Appointments are available in Pagosa Springs the first Thursday of every month. To schedule an appointment, call 264-2409 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Governor recognizes health department
Gov. John Hickenlooper has officially recognized the San Juan Basin Health Department for its work helping the La Plata County community “respond quickly and effectively” to the Gold King Mine spill.
Beginning the day of the Aug. 5 spill, health department employees were involved in emergency response efforts, from advising that water intakes be closed to coordinating the arrival of emergency resources from outside the county and providing the public health information to the community.
Hickenlooper commended the department for going “above and beyond what was expected” to keep the public well-informed during a challenging time.
Area blood drive announced
United Blood Services has announced its mobile blood drives for December.
Call 877-UBS-HERO to schedule an appointment, go to www.BloodHero.com or call Nancy Cumming at 970-701-9112.
In Cortez
Thursday, Dec. 3: Southwestern Cowbelles, First Methodist Church, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 515 N. Park
Friday, Dec. 4: Southwest Memorial Hospital, 1:30 – 5 p.m., 1311 N Mildred Road
Thursday, Dec. 17: Cortez Fire Protection District Bloodmobile, 4 – 6:30 p.m., 30 N Ash
Journal and Herald