Lisa Lefler, Western Carolina University’s director of culturally based native health programs, tells Xpress that physical health is intrinsically tied to the nature, spirit and relationships with others and ourselves.
New Stories
Health checkup: Getting outdoors
Danny Bernstein, an avid hiker, hike leader and outdoor writer speaks with Xpress on the benefits of maintaining a schedule, setting goals and healthy eating that benefits the body and brain.
Parents of toddlers navigate masks, day care and feelings
Katie Ford, a family therapist, says it’s too early to tell if the societal shifts spurred by COVID-19 will have long-term effects on children born into this world. But she stresses that it’s more important than ever to validate kids’ feelings and let them know they’re not alone.
WNC mental health providers warn of ‘doomscrolling’
When Tiffany Schultz finally quit Facebook, it came after years of unease with the division and negativity she saw there. She joined the social network in 2006 but says she “had not been a very big fan of Facebook for a while. … I saw it as a necessary evil after moving from Wisconsin,” the […]
Health checkup: Community support and emotional intelligence
Jamie Brazell, a local AASECT-certified sex therapist and group practice owner of Out of the Woods Therapy, shares her thoughts with Xpress on the perks of a rotating playlist, the need for community to combat loneliness and the importance of emotional intelligence.
Around Town: Asheville artists bring signs of hope to former Vance Monument site
Will art murals return to Vance Monument? Also, ARTSVILLE Collective opens in the River Arts District, signs of spring appear in gallery show and astrological gardening workshop, and more!
Local veteran finds purpose through music and friendship
Longtime friends Jeremy Boger and Kevin Rumley discuss their musical bond, as well as their upcoming show that benefits the Western North Carolina Veterans Treatment Court Foundation.
What’s new in food: 900 Degreez Artisan Pizza heats things up in Asheville
900 Degreez Artisan Pizza, a new food truck, brings a unique look and menu to Asheville. Also: Forestry Camp reopens, Zadie’s Market hosts new dinner series; and plenty more!
From CPP: Forest Service unveils long-awaited plan for WNC
The U.S. Forest Service offered four alternative management plans for the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests in 2020. It has decided to go with a fifth alternative.
What happened to my Plan A to buy a house in Asheville
“So, looking for a home? Consider building your own — it’s good development that helps you and increases the city’s housing supply, a key element for improving housing affordability.”
Letter: Weigh the costs of all-day masking for kids
“It’s uncomfortable, inhibits learning and impairs social interaction and growth (consider how many of your favorite memories involve people’s faces — all of them?).”
Local volunteers provide ‘emotional first aid’ for tragedy victims
Deaths, injuries and fires are all in a day’s work for emergency service workers. They may also be part of a shift for Trauma Intervention Programs of WNC volunteers, who provide emotional first aid to family, friends and bystanders after traumatic events. This is the message that Hendersonville Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Justin Ward […]
Letter: Overlooked and steps from being homeless
“I’ve had the chance to observe and talk with many, many teenagers and young adults in their early 20s who don’t fit the above scruffy/dirty stereotype, yet are perennially just a few drug incidents or financial disasters away from homelessness.”
From NC Health News: At Hinds’ Feet Farm, people with brain injuries can just be
One of just three day centers for people with brain injuries — and the only one in all of western North Carolina — Hinds’ Feet Farm in Asheville shows the benefits of holistic community-based services.
City schools get failing grade for closing Asheville Primary
“If we’d had an inclusive process, there could have been a viable solution.”