a href=“mrogers@unca”Staying active mentally and physically is a key to good health at any age, but one local program has even more reason to celebrate: This month, the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement at UNCA marks the 25th anniversary of its Leadership Asheville Seniors program.
Launched in 1986, the program enlists retirees who want to discuss pressing issues with community leaders in distinctive venues around Asheville and Buncombe County. Each year’s program consists of nine daylong sessions focused on a such topics as education, the economy, health care, the environment, government or the arts. Leaders in these fields share the scope of their work, discuss the greatest needs and explain how citizens can get involved. Newcomers and longtime residents alike gain perspective on how they can contribute their diverse talents and expertise to benefit the community.
More than 700 graduates of Leadership Asheville Seniors have gone on to serve Asheville and Buncombe County as volunteers and advocates. Program participants will gather in mid-November for a special celebration at UNCA’s Reuter Center.
Next year’s Leadership Asheville Seniors class begins in August 2012. For more information, contact Michelle Rogers at 250-3871 or mrogers@unca.edu.
Diamond Brand raises money for breast-cancer awareness
This year’s edition of Diva Night, an annual fundraiser sponsored by Diamond Brand Outdoors, raised $1,000 for Mission Hospital’s Ladies Night Out breast-cancer awareness program. Barbecue dinners and winter hats were sold at the Halloween-themed event to benefit the cause.
The Oct. 27 gala also featured a costume contest, discounts, prizes, giveaways and entertainment, including live music by the Naughty Pillows and a fashion show highlighting the outfitter’s new fall/winter clothing.
“Diva Night was an incredible evening of fun and entertainment, but most importantly it was a great show of generosity, as our attendees contributed $1,000 to Mission Hospital in the name of breast-cancer awareness,” noted Sarah Merrell, Diamond Brand’s marketing manager. “All of our nearly 300 ladies in attendance can take pride in knowing that they played a part in funding this important work.”
Studies document Southerners’ poor health
The South may be known for its hospitality, but there’s really no polite way to say this: The region’s collective health is “going south.” According to “A Fragile Nation in Poor Health,” a new study by TeleVox, Southerners tend to be in denial about the state of their personal health. Only 5 percent of those surveyed admitted to being in poor health, and more than half said they considered themselves healthy or very healthy.
Yet in Forbes’ annual Unhealthiest States ranking, the states whose residents evidence the least healthy behaviors are concentrated in the South. The worst ARE Kentucky, Louisiana, Alabama and Arkansas, with Mississippi coming in dead last for the 10th consecutive year.
And the TeleVox study found that 82 percent of Southerners surveyed admitted they don’t strictly follow treatment plans they’ve been given by their doctors.
— Send your health-and-wellness news and tips to mxhealth@mountainx.com.
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