Technologically-connected students and their peers can be exposed to any tragic occurrence at any time, so a mass shooting at a faraway school can create terror and panic all the same.
No ‘cookie cutter approach’ for students with autism
“It takes resources to serve kids [with autism],” notes David Laxton, spokesperson for an advocacy organization called Autism Society of North Carolina. “It also takes training for the teachers and collaboration with families and other folks that are involved in those students’ lives.”
Kids stuff: Self-expression is key!
Emma Berger-Singer, owner of Asheville Kids Yoga & Art, discusses the benefits of yoga for young children.
Mental health respite offers place to recharge
It provides a safe, homelike environment where individuals can slow down and recharge — ideally tempering their current mental health struggles into a more manageable state.
Local cyclist relives his 62-day ride in new book
In January, Wayne Aho self-published Journey of Discovery: A Narrative of Loss, Aging, Training and What’s Important: 62 Days on the TransAmerica Trail.
Wellness roundup: VA debuts ambulance for veterans
The Veteran Medical Transport ambulance for Charles George VA Medical Center will provide transportation between facilities and after hospitalization.
Therapists discuss resources for coping with birth-related trauma
As many as 1-in-5 women experience mood changes or anxiety after experiencing trauma while giving birth, with roughly 9% being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to Postpartum Support International.
Green in brief: Duke Energy completes Hot Springs microgrid
The microgrid includes 2 megawatts of solar panel capacity and 4.4 MW of battery storage. Those resources are enough to power the entire town for an extended period if its connection to the main grid is disrupted.
How to date mindfully in Asheville
Mindful dating “means taking a break from the casual ‘swipe right or left culture’ and … thinking about what you truly want in a partner and reflecting on patterns and habits that may be keeping you from finding that person.”
New meal prep program targets community health
“I wanted to address food insecurity with those who had Type 2 diabetes or hypertension and do something similar to Hello Fresh or Blue Apron, but with food pantry food,” Simuel says.
WTF: Fentanyl test strips
North Carolina criminalizes the possession of drug-testing equipment as drug paraphernalia. The state defines paraphernalia as “all equipment, products and materials of any kind that are used … [for] testing, analyzing … or otherwise introducing controlled substances in the human body.” But the state also exempts the possession of fentanyl test strips “for personal use.”
Area fitness centers emerge from COVID-related downturns
For many local gyms and workout facilities, which saw membership plummet in 2020 and 2021, things took a positive turn in 2022. Most say they are at or near pre-COVID numbers. But virtual offerings, outdoor exercise and smaller exercise classes introduced during the pandemic are likely to stick around.
Health checkup: The evolution of the local vitamin and herb scene
Bill Cheek, co-owner of Nature’s Vitamins & Herbs discusses popular products, the need for kindness and the importance of getting outdoors.
Health checkup: Yoga and music
Whitney Shroyer, co-owner of Purna Yoga 828 and a local DJ, discusses self-care, music’s role in health care and the respect he has for the history and tradition of yoga.
Health checkup: Balance and joy
Chad Johnson discusses bringing the body into balance, misconceptions about acupuncture and cultivating joy.
New and established dance studios and classes help locals stay fit and feel great
Despite pandemic setbacks, Asheville still offers a wide range of adult dance classes that get feet tapping and spirits soaring. Here’s a look at some new studios and classes on offer, as well as why local instructors and students find dance so fulfilling.
Health checkup: The foundation of healthy ecosystems
Author Laura Lengnick discusses our individual and collective health, healthy ecosystems and the power of silence.
Health checkup: Misconceptions about sex therapy
Jenny Shealy, a local sex therapist, discusses the importance of understanding pleasure, misconceptions about sex therapy and the joys of connecting with nature.
Health checkup: Making time for exercise
Fabrice Julien, an assistant professor of health and wellness at UNC Asheville, discusses making time for physical activities and the benefits of exercise on a person’s mental health.
Sunrise Recovery opens drop-in center
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, the organization saw 14,000 peer interactions. In 2022, its peer interactions more than doubled to 33,000.
Health checkup: Offering spiritual guidance to student athletes
Kelsey Davis, director of Blue Ridge Service Corps and Campus Missioner at Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina – Asheville, discusses her role of providing collegiate athletes spiritual guidance and the challenges athletes face.