Lyme disease affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States each year. Despite its increasing prevalence, there are many lingering myths about this tick-borne illness. Also known as the “great imitator,” Lyme disease often affects more than one system in the body and can trigger a wide range of symptoms that may mimic other […]
Summer offers many opportunities for weekend fun – especially this long holiday weekend. It’s become tradition to spend this time under the sun and in the water, welcoming the arrival of the warm weather. But with this celebrating comes an increased risk for injuries, so making safety a part of your summer weekend plans is […]
By Tom Neal, RN, MBA, MHA, CEO and CNO of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital As we learn more about how to live safely during a time of pandemic, I’ve heard some people declare that they’re grateful for the fact that the outbreak didn’t occur in the winter, when it was cold. I understand that, because it would […]
By Carolyn Comeau North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper put a stay-at-home order into effect in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. It was lifted on May 22, to many outdoor enthusiasts’ and athletes’ reliefs. This meant that citizens could again enjoy the outdoors with more frequency, while observing social distancing etiquette. Even though […]
Little ones look adorable holding those sparklers. Unfortunately, fireworks can lead to accidents for children, including burns and other injuries. This Fourth of July, take a little extra precaution to have a safe and happy event: Find a substitute for sparklers. Little arms are too short to hold sparklers, which can heat up to 1,200 […]
By Cheri Hinshelwood Are these balance issues preventing you from enjoying spring? • Unsteady gait • Inability to stand from a seated position without pushing up on furniture • Walking around the house holding onto furniture • Using a cart at the store to steady yourself • Becoming inactive or deconditioned • Using shower chairs, […]
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 Benjamin Heyen, MD, Primary Care Worried about cold or flu impacting your exercise regimen? It can be frustrating when you’re feeling under the weather and don’t have the energy to work out. And sometimes, that cold weather may increase your motivation for a cozy night in instead of making it to the gym or […]
By Beverly Hopps, WNC Safe Kids In just 10 minutes, your car can heat up by 20 degrees. Children are more vulnerable to heatstroke than adults – a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster. When a child is left in a hot vehicle, their temperature can rise in a quick and deadly manner. […]
By Beverly Hopps Did you know that properly fitted helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45 percent? It’s a true, hard fact, yet less than half of children age 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet. Like we were here to tell you that, yes, sunscreen is cool, wearing […]
