Guilford is a pretty healthy town, says Director of Health Dennis Johnson. That's why, when his department applies for state grants, it skips seeking money outside more standard health concerns such as cancer and heart ailments.

"Receipt of the grant is based upon health risks in our community," said Johnson. "Diabetes is low and heart attacks are low in town."

Recently, the health department received a $2,908 grant from the state to help reduce two things: smoking by youths and falls by seniors. It is the 10th year that the town has received such a grant, which varies in amount.

The grant money will be used for home safety assessments by VNA Community Healthcare in Guilford, said Johnson, which sponsors many events aimed at making the life of a senior citizen injury-free.

"VNA can go into one's home and check for safety hazards such as lack of grab bars in the bathroom, slippery scatter rugs, and overmedicating," he said.

For the smoking cessation program, the town has identified that young people are smoking, as a recent survey taken by teens has indicated.

"The American Lung Association has a very effective program," said Johnson.

The grant money will be used to hire a consultant from the association to provide a three-month course for interested residents. There will be a $25 fee per person for the course, said Johnson, which is intended for serious future "quitters."