The leaves are changing colors and temperatures are dropping. One thing that remains the same is the constant need for blood. The American Red Cross asks donors to “Give Something That Means Something” for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card useable toward gas, rent, food or tickets to your favorite concert or sporting event.

The “Give Something That Means Something” promotion, which runs from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, gives each person who presents to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross a chance to win a $1,000 American Express gift card.

At the upcoming Sept. 25 Ladies Night Out Program, the topic will be cardiovascular disease with Dr. Kit Helm as the guest speaker.

Cardiovascular disease, also called heart disease, generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or stroke. Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States and is also a major cause of disability.

The MedWest-Harris & Swain Foundation announces the upcoming 14th Annual Smoky Streak, to be held Saturday, Oct. 6 at Webster Baptist Church.

This yearly event, which includes a walk, 5K, and 10K, is supported by local businesses and individuals and is held to raise funds for early breast cancer detection. The funds raised also provide mammograms for underserved women in our community, and last year’s contributions helped provide early detection and follow- up procedures for over 90 local women.

Macon County Public Health will give flu shots on Wednesday, October 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jane Woodruff Building at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands and on Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Autumn Leaf Craft Show at the Fair Grounds in Franklin. No appointment is necessary at these two clinics.

Shots are also available during regular business hours at the Macon County Public Health Center on Lakeside Drive in Franklin. Appointments are needed for these shots and may be scheduled by calling 349-2081.