Health care workers wearing masks

Hospitals brace for COVID-19 cases, clamp down on visitors

Area hospitals have taken somewhat differing approaches to the question of whether to stop performing elective surgeries and other medical procedures. There are worries nationally about whether there will be enough personal protective gear like masks and gloves for health care workers, but hospitals in the Asheville area say they have good supplies for now.

Health roundup: Film highlights uninsured WNC residents

A new documentary film produced by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Medicaid Covers Us campaign highlights two Western North Carolina residents who lack access to health insurance. Also in this week’s health and wellness roundup: Plenty of news from AdventHealth Hendersonville, Pardee hosts a celebration of life and a new local wellness podcast.

Wellness in brief: Honoring pediatric cancer patients, boosting breast cancer research

A celebration of the courage of pediatric cancer patients at Well Played Board Game Café on Wall Street in downtown Asheville will collect new and unused Legos and the card game UNO for patients. Attendees can also create greeting cards and paint “kindness rocks” for patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., and Mission Children’s Hospital.

Wellness in brief: Food and beverage industry group offers addiction support

Ben’s Friends, a support group for food and beverage industry workers dealing with substance abuse and addiction, held its first meeting at 11 a.m. July 23 at Posana, 1 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. Meetings will continue weekly on Tuesdays at the same time and place. No registration is required. Founded in Charleston, S.C., in 2016 following […]

Wellness briefs: Women’s health report released, Yoga Festival returns

A new statewide report on women’s health was unveiled June 25 in Asheville. Mercy Urgent Care is now an in-network service provider for eligible veterans using Veterans Administration benefits. The Asheville Yoga Festival will be held Thursday-Sunday, July 25-28, and one-day passes and a discount for Buncombe County residents are now available.