WNC Wellness review: NC State says reactor leak isn’t a public threat

NC State says reactor leak poses no public threat:

North Carolina State University says a small water leak in the liner of its nuclear research reactor doesn’t pose a risk to public health, a university statement said Thursday. […] ‘Our facility is leaking at about 10 gallons an hour,’ the statement added. ‘Even though this does not present health risks, we want to be on the safe side and make sure the public knows the situation.’” – [CNN] 

Lake Lure seeks health services:

With an aging baby-boomer population and only one doctor, Lake Lure officials have reached out to Pardee and Park Ridge hospitals for help providing medical care to the town’s residents and summer swell of tourists. Pardee Hospital officials said in May that they would study the feasibility of opening some kind of medical practice or clinic in the town. Lake Lure officials also met with Park Ridge Health officials in June to explore more options.” – [BlueRidgeNow] 

• N.C. ranked 14th most obese state in the nation:

In the eighth annual report from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released Thursday, the state maintained its rate of 29.4 percent obesity. The number of obese adults in Buncombe County has been holding steady over the past few years. A little more than 20 percent of adults in Buncombe County and about 28 percent of adults in Western North Carolina are obese, according to the latest state statistics.” – [Asheville Citizen-Times] 

N.C. working to enhance state’s health:

N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Lanier Cansler offered a report about DHHS Excels, a strategic plan that aims to help all North Carolinians attain optimal health and well-being, including older adults. The plan will make use of public funds and offer services and support to individuals and families.” – [Rocky Mount Telegram] 

Davidson Parks and Recreation Department recently created and filled a position it hopes will further the town’s goal of becoming a healthier community. Leslie Willis, 35, will serve as the town’s first healthy living/wellness supervisor. Willis, who previously worked as director of recreational services for Missouri Southern State University, will spend most of her time developing programs and activities that encourage residents to engage in wellness activities. ‘The town is looking for overall wellness, not only the fitness aspect of it,’ said Willis. ‘That includes nutritional, social, spiritual, environmental too.’” – [Charlotte Observer] 

Children exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes face a higher risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, other behavioral problems and learning disorders, a new study finds. The research doesn’t definitively prove that tobacco smoke can harm children’s brains, and it doesn’t say how much smoke is too much. However, it does add to the evidence that children may be especially vulnerable to the effects of smoke exposure. ” – [HealthDay] 

Please submit WNC health & wellness info to: 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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