April is Public Health Month, and to raise awareness about the important role public health plays in our lives, Macon County Public Health will recognize a “Public Health Hero” in the month of April.

Citizens may nominate community volunteers for this award by completing the short nomination form found at http://www.maconnc.org/publicnotices.html.

We would like to hear your stories about people who have made a difference in the health of our community, so nominate a deserving volunteer by March 31.

As chronic disease rates are rising throughout the country, so is the need for education and motivation for healthy lifestyle changes. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is an essential component of comprehensive health care.

Individuals with a variety of conditions and illnesses can improve their health and quality of life by receiving medical nutrition therapy. During an MNT visit, registered dietitians counsel clients on behavioral and lifestyle changes required to impact long-term eating habits and health.

Macon County Public Health is now offering MNT services to children, young adults ages 20 and under, pregnant and postpartum women, and to those with diabetes.

Macon County could have a one-stop public health clinic.

Right now residents have to go when the individual clinics are scheduled, such as family planning, prenatal, child health, cancer, immunizations.

But thanks to a LEAN initiative from Southwestern Community College and a grant from the Cherokee Preservation Fund, that could change.

At the upcoming March 22 Ladies Night Out program, the topic will be Overcoming Depression and Stress Reduction.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, major depression affects more than 15 million American adults.

Depression occurs twice as frequently in women as in men, for reasons that are not fully understood. Major depression can significantly interfere with an individual’s thoughts, behavior, mood, activity, and physical health.