WNC Wellness review: fourfold whooping cough increase; Wingate pharmacy expands to Hendersonville

Buncombe County sees spike in whooping cough cases:

Four times as many cases of whopping cough have been reported this year compared to the average each year, according to Buncombe County health officials.” – [FOX Carolina] 

• Council on Aging of Buncombe County gets grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield:

The Council on Aging of Buncombe County received a $100,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation. The group will use the money to continue its work of assisting and linking senior adults and their families with community resources to enhance quality of life.” – [Asheville Citizen-Times]

NC moving against alcoholic energy drinks:

State regulators took steps this week to speed the removal of alcoholic energy drinks from store shelves. The N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission voted on Thursday to allow retailers to return the drinks to wholesalers for refunds and to begin drawing up rules to enhance the commission’s ability to regulate alcoholic beverages that also contain stimulants.” – [Asheville Citizen-Times] 

• CDC and ADA advise against using fluoridated water to reconstitute infant formula:

A new study in the Journal of the American Dental Association finds once again that, contrary to what most people have been told, fluoride is actually bad for teeth. Exposure to high levels of fluoride results in a condition known as fluorosis, in which tooth enamel becomes discolored.” – [mercola.com]

• Wingate expanding its pharmacy school to Hendersonville:

Wingate University is planning to reinstate a bachelor of science in nursing degree by 2012 and is expanding its pharmacy school to Hendersonville in fall 2011. Officials, who announced the changes Thursday, said they’re responding to projected shortages in health care personnel nationally. ” – [Charlotte Observer]

• Horton named Dean of Allied Health & Public Service Education at A-B Tech:

Dolly Horton has been named Dean of Allied Health and Public Service Education at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. She has served as interim dean of the division since August.” – [Asheville Citizen-Times]

• Pardee celebrates Diabetes Awareness Day:

Pardee Hospital hosted a Diabetes Awareness Day on Wed., Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at the Pardee Health Education Center located in the Blue Ridge Mall. Attendees of this free event were able to learn about diabetes and how to manage the disease.” – [Pardee Blog]

Depression common among college students:

For many students, the end of the semester can be overwhelming with the amount of work due and finals approaching. UNC Asheville’s counseling and health centers can help students overcome depression and anxiety that often occur this time of year.” – [The Blue Banner]  

Please follow us on Twitter and submit WNC health & wellness info with the hashtag: #avlhealth or by email: 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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