Health seminars scheduled

MANALAPAN - The township will sponsor a three-in-one seminar aimed at keeping residents healthy and safe.

Scheduled for Oct. 17, the Manalapan Health Forum is offering three topics during an event for residents that will be held at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Symmes Drive.

Free registration will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Residents will be able to choose to attend one of the three presentations from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

"Avian Influenza: Will It Be the Next Flu Pandemic?" will be offered by Manal-apan health officer Dave Richardson and health educator Marcie Tyson.

Richardson said the seminar will feature the latest updates on avian flu and pandemic flu along with tips on how to protect the family's health as the 2006 cold and flu season gets under way.

The second topic will be "Beyond Terrorism: Preparing Your Family for Any Emergency."

This seminar will be presented by Gary McTighe, deputy director of the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management, and Manalapan police Sgt. Tim Kirkland, coordinator of Manal-apan's Office of Emergency Management.

Richardson said the presentation will feature "simple ways to prepare for all kinds of emergencies," including snow storms, power outages, severe weather events and "even a pandemic or terrorist attack."

The third seminar will be "Weighing In ... For Good Health." Richardson said this discussion will feature easy steps to incorporate into a family's life to improve diet and add physical activity.

Richardson said the evening will also feature health evaluations such as free blood pressure testing, cholesterol screening and information that will aid in the prevention of chronic disease and cancer. A raffle winner will receive a family emergency kit.

Printed information about all three topics will be available so that guests will be able to benefit from the two seminars they are not able to attend.