In this week's WNC Wellness review: UNC study on the benefits of tai chi; "The Asheville Project" diabetes initiative to be adopted and expanded; the traditional Chinese medicine solution to flu prevention; chemicals in fast food wrappers show up in human blood; and more. (Every week, Xpress posts an online round up of wellness news gathered by Wade Inganamort from a variety of sources in Western North Carolina. Here’s a sampling of his latest tidbits, which you can find on mountainx.com.)
Cancer is top killer in NC, but heart disease still more fatal in Asheville area: “Cancer is now the leading cause of death in North Carolina for the first time in at least a decade, but more people in the mountains are still dying from heart disease, according to newly released state data." — Asheville Citizen-Times
UNC Study: Tai chi relieves arthritis pain, improves reach, balance, well-being: “The study found that there are significant benefits of Tai Chi for individuals with all types of arthritis, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, said Leigh Callahan, PhD, lead author.” — UNC Healthcare
Asheville Project diabetes initiative to be adopted and expanded by the American Pharmacists Association Foundation:
“The APhA Foundation – chosen as one of four initial partners – will adapt and expand the evidence-based care model successfully utilized in three innovative diabetes initiatives — the Asheville Project, the Patient Self-Management Program for Diabetes and the Diabetes Ten City Challenge — to 25 communities heavily affected by diabetes." — pharmacist.com
The traditional Chinese medicine solution to flu prevention: “Prevention means staying healthy. Keeping your body in optimal condition so that the immune system is strong and can prevent the virus from gaining the advantage in the fight. The TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) strategy for wellness highlights preventative care and intervening early, before disease takes hold." — Asheville Center for Chinese Medicine
Asheville company clears the air: “A company based here has launched a line of air-purification units for home use that company officials say is a vast improvement over existing technology. Unlike other air purifiers that rely on pulling dirty air in and pushing clean air out, the Otwo unit made by Sgblue, Inc. uses an electrically charged surface of water to nab airborne pollution." — Asheville Citizen-Times
Pardee to offer prostate exams and screenings: “Seth Novoselsky, M.D., of Pardee Urological Associates, will offer prostate exams and PSA blood tests at the Pardee Health Education Center in the Blue Ridge Mall on Fri., Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. until noon and 1-4 p.m. The exams are free and the PSA blood tests cost $10.” — Pardee blog (blog.pardeehospital.org)
Asheville Dental Care gives sugar-free candy for Diabetes Month: “During the month of November, Dr. Robert Powell and his team will give away sugar free Lifesavers and life-saving tips about diabetes. Their goal is to draw attention to this life-threatening disease and its connection to oral health.” — Asheville Citizen-Times
Chemicals in fast food wrappers show up in human blood: “Chemicals used to keep grease from leaking through fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags are migrating into food, being ingested by people and showing up as contaminants in blood, according to new research at the University of Toronto." — Environment News Service
Please follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/mxwellness) and submit WNC health and wellness info with the hashtag #avlhealth or by e-mail (mxhealth@mountainx.com).
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