WNC Wellness review: Health department retools to face the future

• Health Department retools to face the future:

“Amid tight budgets and tough economic times, the Buncombe County Health Department continues to implement major changes. ‘We’re in the process of redesigning and refocusing the work we do to really focus on the core public-health issues in our community,’ Health Director Alma “Gibbie” Harris reports.” – [Mountain Xpress] 

• Hubbs says Davis bill would block AMC-Mission merger:

“CEO of Franklin’s Angel Medical Center, Tim Hubbs, says that a bill recently introduced by N.C. Senator Jim Davis (R-Franklin), if passed, would block a planned affiliation agreement between the regional hospital and Asheville-based Mission Health Systems.” – [Macon County News] 

• Park Ridge Hospital now offering ‘Home Health’ services:

“Our trained professionals provide full-services to homebound, seriously ill, or injured patients who need skilled care in a four county area. Upon referral, a nurse or therapist visits with the patient to assess their needs to develop an individualized care plan. Under the direction of a physician, a care team will deliver the necessary services using the latest techniques to maintain or restore patient independence. ” – [Park Ridge Health]

• Modifying the workplace snack culture:

“Stephanie Nilsson, an assistant professor of health and wellness at UNC Asheville, said becoming a healthier workplace is not hard, but it takes listening to what employees want and strong support from those at the top. It also means not making drastic changes all at once, but easing into a world without doughnuts at morning meetings. ” – [Asheville Citizen-Times] 

• Dairy foods may actually contribute to osteoporosis:

“After poring over more than 1,200 studies conducted during the past 30 years, Lanou [

assistant professor of health and wellness at UNC Asheville]

and co-author Michael Castleman concluded that dairy foods and other high-protein animal foods actually contribute to osteoporosis by triggering calcium loss from bones. The real causes of osteoporosis, they say, are eating too much animal protein—including dairy foods—and not enough fruits and vegetables.” – [itbusinessnet.com]

• Asheville HeartStrings raises funds for Project Access:

“Tves, 63, of Swannanoa, is one of about 3,800 uninsured Buncombe County residents who were given financial support last year from Project Access. The nonprofit, run by the Buncombe County Medical Society, coordinates volunteer medical services from more than 650 health care workers in the area, giving a range of patients access to the health care they need.” – [Asheville Citizen-Times]

• Gluten-free diet found to improve digestive health:

“The research provides the first scientific evidence that gluten sensitivity is a true medical disorder characterized by an immune response and specific genetic markers.” – [Asheville Citizen-Times] 

• Yoga and Pilates may help ease some symptoms of multiple sclerosis:

“‘Many people with MS report benefits from yoga,’ she [Dr. Barbara Giesser, clinical professor of neurology] said, ‘including increased flexibility and decreased spasticity, and decreased fatigue.’” – [LA Times] 

• Tai chi exercises improve quality of life for people with heart failure:

“Tai chi combines flowing circular movements, balance and weight-shifting, breathing techniques and focused internal awareness. It has already been shown to be helpful with a number of medical conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), musculoskeletal diseases and fibromyalgia, the researchers noted.” – [Detroit Free Press] 

Please submit WNC health & wellness info to: mxhealth@mountainx.com