By Carolyn Comeau Michael Nakamura’s “can do” attitude is contagious, but until he signed on as a participant in Angel Medical Center’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, he was anything but energetic. “In 1999, I got diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, a disease that makes you struggle for air,” said Nakamura. “It got worse […]
By Trisha McBride Ferguson Winter weather means cooler temperatures and an increase in the occurrence of colds and influenza (the flu). For pregnant women and those breastfeeding, these common ailments bring special considerations. Knowing what to do if you catch a cold or the flu is important to keeping both mother and baby healthy. Safety […]
Looking for a tasty way to add greens to your diet? Try this quick, easy-to-make dish as a side for dinner or take it to lunch at work. Ingredients 1 bunch Swiss chard 2 cloves garlic, chopped pinch of red pepper flakes 1 Tbsp olive oil salt and pepper 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (or […]
By Cherry Odom, BSN, RN-BC Transylvania Regional Hospital (TRH) was selected as a 2019 Top 20 Critical Access Hospital, the fifth time in the last six years, and Blue Ridge Regional Hospital was named to the Top 100 Critical Access Hospital list. Michele Pilon, MS, BSN, RN, NE-BC, CEO and CNO of Transylvania Regional Hospital, […]
By Trisha McBride Ferguson For skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, winter sports make the months of colder temperatures more bearable. Speeding down the slopes brings a rush of adrenaline, a feeling of freedom — and all too often, injuries. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe on the slopes this season. Know the Risks […]
By Carolyn Comeau October’s pink ribbons signify Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but many aren’t aware that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It may get less press, but cervical cancer, which occurs when cells grow abnormally in the cervix, is a disease every woman should be mindful of. Prevention Is Key — and Easy Brian […]
By William Allen, MD Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual who was prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is not a clinical diagnosis, rather a term that includes a group of developmental disorders resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. There Is […]
By Evelyn M. Artz, MD About 17 percent of children and adolescents are obese. Overweight and obese children are at risk for weight-related problems as they grow. Part of providing excellent healthcare for children and adolescents involves discussing weight at doctor’s appointments. How Do We Define Obesity? Children and adolescents should have both their height […]
By Deanna Thompson Peggy Burns had a nagging pain above her right knee that gradually got worse. She saw doctors and tried physical therapy, but nothing brought lasting relief. “It got so bad I could not lift my kids,” the former special education teacher said, referring to her students. “It was hard even to walk […]
By Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing has become extremely popular over the last few years and is often performed to learn more about ancestry and health information. But digesting your own genetic information can be complicated and even misleading. After all, not all genetic tests are created equal. While DTC testing can […]
