The equine-human bond underpins U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jake LaRue’s own healing journey. Working with horses and other veterans “is what keeps me sane,” he says.
The art of singing the national anthem at McCormick Field
Chuck Killian, Amanda Gentry and David Bradley share their experiences singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Asheville Tourists games.
Gardening with Xpress: Soil bacteria and nutrients ensure successful bean plants
Taking a few simple steps this summer, from seeds to soil tests, will prevent potential issues in growing green beans.
Help Asheville Bears closes after spending $2 million calling attention to injured animals
The grassroots nonprofit grew out of one family’s crusade following the 2019 discovery of a bear they’d named Peaches that was suddenly missing a limb.
From CPP: Future of Mission Health could hinge on what happens over the next month
The deadline for Dogwood Health Trust to deliver its opinion to the N.C. Attorney General’s office about whether HCA breached its Asset Purchase Agreement is fast approaching. And just one week remains until the contract expiration date of Mission Health’s nurses.
Longer growing seasons mean more allergy issues for WNC
Asheville-area health professionals are seeing itchy, sniffling allergy sufferers up to nine months of the year.
Trout hatchery renovation could impact local tourism
A renovation expected to begin next year at the 67-year-old Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery in Brevard will diminish upcoming trout stockings in local rivers by two-thirds. However, the effect that renovation could have on tourism and businesses that rely on anglers is difficult to determine.
One writer’s quest to understand the Blue Ridge Parkway
Part of its appeal is its uniqueness. The park is the road; the road is the park. Unlike other sites, where car access was at some point fitted into an already stunning landscape, the entirety of the Blue Ridge Parkway itself was fabricated with the intention of being the park.
Panel discussion addresses history of harm reduction in Asheville
“I was brought to a room at one point as a county employee, with major county and city staff, and basically told to shut up,” Amy Upham, who worked as opioid response coordinator for Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services (BCDHHS) from 2019-21, told an audience at Pack Memorial Library last week.
Wellness roundup: Whooping cough cases rise in Buncombe County
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory tract. Symptoms begin with a mild cough that worsens into severe coughing fits, which can lead to vomiting in young children.
Report, conference address Buncombe’s aging population
By 2041, it is predicted that adults ages 65 and older will comprise one-quarter of Buncombe County’s population.
Gardening with Xpress: Wet spring sprouts mold in all the wrong places
A rainy spring brings molds and rot into the gardening mix. That’s OK, there are ways to ward them off.
Protecting wildlife from selfie culture
“It is interesting to me that anybody would think it’s OK to just walk up and grab a bear cub and not be concerned about where mama is,” says Appalachian Wildlife Refuge co-founder Savannah Trantham said. “If she had been close by, I think that you probably would have seen a different outcome.”
Mission’s urology services loses physicians; Asheville Urological Associates gives up privileges there
Mission Hospital faces an exodus of urologists, and five physicians from a local urology group refuse to practice at the HCA Healthcare-owned hospital, potentially reducing the number of specialists in the system to two by summer.
Hospitality workers reveal health care struggles in new survey
Less than one-fourth of Asheville hospitality workers in a recent survey have paid sick leave, and 85% have gone to work sick.
Judge’s backing of AdventHealth over Mission Health for new Weaverville hospital keeps pressure on HCA
The decision is the latest development in a series of legal battles HCA is fighting related to North Carolina, including several over its management of Mission Health.
Why I volunteer: A chance to learn something new
James Cassara, a volunteer at the YMCA of Western North Carolina, discusses the local nonprofit’s many services.
Why I volunteer: ‘This is truly where Jesus shows up’
Nancy Tabel, a volunteer at Haywood Street Congregation, discusses the church’s efforts to address hunger and homelessness in Western North Carolina.
Laps and Naps saves senior cats
“We’re helping people as much as we’re helping cats, though it isn’t what we first set out to achieve,” says Nancy Gavin, cofounder of Laps and Naps, a local nonprofit serving senior cats.
Why I volunteer: Giving back to the Appalachian Trail
Sarah Jones Decker, a volunteer at Carolina Mountain Club, discusses the joys of being outside with like-minded hikers.
New study explores connections between craft and community health
Artist Luis Alvaro Sahagún Nuño, student Kerstan Nealy and professor Ameena Batada reflect on their experiences with the project.