Flu Cases 'Widespread,' Says Red Cross

Outbreaks are earlier than normal in the area.

The Red Cross said there's still time for folks to get flu shots and be protected against what is considered to be a more active than normal flu season.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said flu outbreaks are high for this time of the season, with "widespread activity" in Massachusetts. How do you prevent the flu? According to the CDC, in addition to getting the vaccine, you can: How do you know if you have the virus? Symptoms include: high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting and/or diarrhea (which is more common in children). When should you call the doctor? According to the Red Cross, if you think you have the flu, your doctor should be consulted …

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How You Can Help Victims of Hurricane Sandy

The New York Red Cross offers ways you can help friends and family devastated by the storm.

The New York Red Cross provided the following information with suggestions for helping those affected by Sandy's impact.

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TELL US: Are You Prepared for a Zombie Apocalypse?

The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts has launched a website to help residents prepare for an emergence of zombies.

Certainly in the spirit of Halloween, but more appropriate for the long-debated Mayan Apocalypse, the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts this week launched a new website that aims to prepare everyone for dealing with the potential rise of zombies, according to a report in the Metro this week.   The website, SavingZombies.com, provides readers with a count-down to the alleged "apocalypse" that some have suggested on the internet is predicted for Dec. 21 by the ancient Mayans (several resources have debunked the myth on the Internet, such as NASA.com; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, has released tongue-in-cheek "zombie warnings," but has also denied the existence of Zombies, according to The Huffington …

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Patch Facts

Five Things You Need to Know Today, June 29

Your daily dose of Patch knowledge.

Five Things You Need To Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section. 1. There will be a Friends of Norwood Center Meal Mob at The Sweeterie today at 1 p.m. Come for an ice cream, help support small business and your downtown. 2. Local author Anna Staniszewski will be signing copies of her children's novel, "My Very Unfairytale Life," at Monster Mini-Golf on Saturday, June 30. What does a book have to do with mini-golf? The main character is not only a magical adventurer. She's also a mini-golf enthusiast! Come anytime between 5-7 p.m. Book reading and craft fun are free! Glow-in-the-dark …

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Norwood Hospital Holding Red Cross Blood Drive

Norwood Hospital will be holding an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, March 2.

Norwood Hospital will be holding an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, March 2, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Abraham-Sieracki Conference Room. To make an appointment, please visit www.redcrossblood.org/ma, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or the Norwood Hospital blood bank at 781-769-4000 ext 12198. Appointments are not required but ensure you can make your donation in a timely fashion. The 264-bed Norwood Hospital provides emergency, cardiology, advanced surgical, endoscopic, psychiatric, OB/GYN and Children’s Hospital Boston pediatric services and is a member of Steward Health Care. Information about Norwood Hospital’s programs and services is available at www.Norwood-Hospital.org.  

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