WNC Wellness review: UNCA campus health centers opens in April (and more)

In this week’s WNC Wellness review: Asheville-area March blood drives; Pardee launches social network for nursing mothers; Blue Cross denies ill intent; Study reveals most plastics leach hormone-like chemicals; & more

Pre-existing medical conditions now covered through Inclusive Health program:

[Inclusive Health] was created by the N.C. Legislature to provide an affordable option for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions who lack access to group coverage or other government programs like Medicare or Medicaid.” – [Asheville Citizen-Times] 

• Asheville-area blood drives in March:

The W.N.C. chapter of the American Red Cross asks the community to “donating the gift of life” and sign up to give blood at an area blood drive. See the press release below for a list of Asheville-area events and upcoming classes sponsored by the American Red Cross.” – [Mountain Xpress]

Pardee introduces Mom2Mom network:

Pardee introduces Mom2Mom, a social network for nursing mothers, led by nationally certified lactation consultant Joyce Maybin, RN, IBCLC, of the Pardee Center for Women’s Health. Maybin is also nationally certified in inpatient obstetrics and is a member of the International Lactation Consultants Association. The group will meet monthly to discuss breastfeeding topics and techniques.” – [BlueRidgeNow.com] 

• Blue Cross denies ill intent on health reform:

Consumer advocates are battling what they say is a blatant bid by North Carolina’s largest health insurer to undermine health reform in this state. The advocates claim that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina didn’t like the direction that some state lawmakers were considering for establishing a health insurance exchange. So the insurer, which is known for its lobbying clout, orchestrated a friendlier bill in the General Assembly and is trying to rush it through the legislature.” – [NewsObserver.com] 

Upcoming National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Regional Conference:

Our Western Regional Conference will be held on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College on Victoria Road, the Rhododendron Building, on Saturday, March 26 from 9 am – 5 pm.” – [NAMIWNC.org]

• Study: Most plastics leach hormone-like chemicals:

Most plastic products, from sippy cups to food wraps, can release chemicals that act like the sex hormone estrogen, according to a study in Environmental Health Perspectives. The study found these chemicals even in products that didn’t contain BPA, a compound in certain plastics that’s been widely criticized because it mimics estrogen.” – [NPR.org] 

• Opinion: Most health solutions aren’t medical, they’re social:

The companies that can find a business model around social solutions for the neediest, most costly patients, are the ones who will not only make a killing, but change the face of healthcare in the world.” – [the future well]

3D-printed skin could revolutionize treatment for burn victims:

Growing human skin may sound like science-fiction, but scientists from the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine are working on a way to do just that. Inspired by conventional printers and their cartridges, the research team believe that they could soon ‘print’ human skin which would transform the lives of wounded soldiers and burn victims.” – [Inhabitat.com]

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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