WNC Wellness: From mental health to the rising flu activity

In this week’s WNC Wellness review: North Carolina’s new mental-health program launches; a case study of Chinese herbs for flu; first TIF surgery in NC performed at Pardee; flu activity in Asheville on the rise

North Carolina rolls out latest mental health program

North Carolina’s top health official declared the end of mental health reform on Friday with the rollout of the state’s newest approach to improving behavioral health services. In a conference call with reporters, Lanier Cansler, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services secretary, outlined the new Critical Access Behavioral Health Agency, or CABHA, that became operational Jan. 1. Under the new program, critical mental health services are provided to patients by a single organization with increased medical oversight.” — [Asheville Citizen-Times]

New year’s resolutions worth making (and keeping)

…And then a week or a month later, there’s another grand tradition: Breaking all those well-intended resolutions. Well, not this year! Xpress has tapped local resources and experts for some doable goals and simple steps to make them work. ” — [Mountain Xpress]

Video: First TIF surgery for GERD in North Carolina performed at Pardee Hospital

Daniel Timmerman, D.O., a local surgeon, performed North Carolina’s first Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure, or TIF, at Pardee Hospital. “The TIF procedure can significantly improve the quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Timmerman.” [insert video embed] — [Pardee Blog]

After first N.C. death, flu activity in Asheville on the rise

Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated following the state’s first flu death and an increase in people coming down with the virus. North Carolina health officials said a 15-year-old died Wednesday from complications of the flu, the first person in the state to die so far this flu season.” — [Asheville Citizen-Times]

Students can get free flu shots at NC clinics

An urgent care clinic franchise is offering free flu shots for school-age children and college students at its nine locations in North Carolina. Officials with Urgent Cares of America say all children age 4 and up and college students with their college IDs can walk into the clinic and get the shot as long as supplies last.” — [WRAL]

Case study: Chinese herbs for flu

Here’s a little story of a colleague who desperately emailed me earlier this month about an acute stomach flu, seeking suggestions” — [Asheville Center for Chinese Medicine]

Reminder: Arden Community Health Fair to provide free screenings for public

Park Ridge Health and the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church are partnering to offer free health screenings for the community at the 7th Annual Arden Community Health Fair on Sunday, Jan. 16, from 1 to 5 p.m., and Monday, Jan. 17, from 8 a.m. to noon. […] All screenings are free, open to the public and do not require an appointment. Free screenings will include: blood pressure, BMI, vision, bone density, prostate exams, skin cancer and oral cancer screenings, as well as breast exams, pap smears and foot examinations.” — [Park Ridge Health]

Please follow us on Twitter and submit WNC health & wellness info with the hashtag: #avlhealth or by e-mail: mxhealth@mountainx.com

 

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About Wade Inganamort
• Partner / Digital publisher @ Hukilau.us • Heavy reader, screenwriter, and information liaison currently enjoying the small-town life in North Carolina •

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