CINCINNATI (FOX19) - The public health message about getting a flu shot is drilled into us at this point, and this far into the season, everyone who wants one should have received one. 

Although the shot is usually effective, it does little to keep us safe from the bacteria and germs that cause other uncomfortable illnesses, like a cold or even pneumonia, which has made its rounds this season.

“Additionally with the cold weather, we’re beginning to ‘hide’ indoors, both at work and at home, surrounding ourselves with stale, warm air, which can carry germs, and putting ourselves in the center of germ hot spots that we may or may not recognize,” says Sri Murthy, MD, UC Health primary care physician who sees patients in West Chester.

Murthy says there are steps to avoiding illness this winter, and it starts with one simple habit.

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - Hoxworth Blood Center is celebrating National Volunteer Blood Donor Month by releasing a limited-edition 2012 winter T-shirt. These timeless editions are available once a year and only for blood donors as appreciation for their gift of life. All donors who give blood between Mon., January 9 and Sat., January 14, at a Neighborhood Donor Center will receive the shirt.

Since Hoxworth Winter T-shirts are extremely popular, appointments are highly recommended. Donations can be made at any of the eight Neighborhood Donation Centers, for more information visit www.hoxworth.org or call (513) 451-0910 to schedule an appointment.

Where to Donate:

Hoxworth Anderson
7715 Five Mile Road
Monday - Thursday Noon – 7:30pm
1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays 8:30am – 4pm

Hoxworth Blue Ash
9708 Kenwood Road
Monday and Friday 10:30am – 6pm
Tuesday and Wednesday Noon – 7:30pm
2nd & 4th Saturday 8:30am- 4pm

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - Hoxworth Blood Center is starting the New Year on a sweet note by celebrating January’s National Volunteer Donor Month. Every day for the month of January all donors at a Neighborhood Donor Center will be treated to freshly baked Otis Spunkmeyer chocolate chip cookies following their donation.

The month is A way to honor Hoxworth’s lifesaving donors for the contributions they make to the community.  To receive cookies of their own, people can make a donation at any of the eight neighborhood donor centers in the Tri-State area.  To schedule an appointment, visit www.hoxworth.org or call (513) 451-0910.

Donating blood is safe and easy. You must be at least 17 years old (16 with a signed parental consent) and in good health. You must weigh at least 110 pounds and bring identification to donate. It is recommended that donors eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within four hours before donating.