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 […]
“’Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free,’” proclaims the old Shaker hymn, “Simple Gifts.” And who wouldn’t like a little more simplicity? You can have it now by clearing out things that complicate your life. Start with these: Tune Out Media saturates our lives and can over-stimulate or even depress […]
By Timothy Layman, DNP As the Administrator of Clinical Operations at Angel Medical Center (AMC), I wanted to create a special message for March. This month we can see the promise of spring just a bit more clearly on the horizon, after enduring the cold and spending months inside. This year, however, our impatience for […]
If you’re feeling more energetic, happier and a little distracted these days, you’ve probably got spring fever. Romantics may be disappointed to find out that this pulse-quickening condition seems to be less about love and more about biology. Here’s why: Increased daylight tells our bodies to produce less melatonin (a hormone that makes us sleepy). […]
Asthma is a lung condition that can cause inflammation in your airways, making it difficult to breathe. If you’re having trouble getting — and keeping — your asthma under control, your doctor may recommend measuring your peak flow to help you better manage your condition. What Is a Peak Flow Measurement? “Peak flow is basically […]
Most cases of the flu are a nuisance — you’ll be on your back for a few days or weeks, and then you can return to your normal routine. But certain flu symptoms, like sudden dizziness, may signal a more serious medical problem, like sepsis or pneumonia. Make sure you know how to differentiate normal […]
Despite what you’ve heard, chicken soup won’t cure the common cold and a plate of oranges won’t prevent you from getting sick. But an overall healthy diet, along with other good-for-you habits, can help your whole body run the way it should. “There are no studies that show foods with vitamin C will prevent a […]
By Karen S. Gorby, RN, MSN, MBA, CENP, FACHE North Carolina is now seeing most counties across the state, including western North Carolina’s, in the “red zone,” meaning we’re experiencing extensive viral spread of COVID-19. We also know that “pandemic fatigue” is very real, and that we as human beings have a tendency to shut […]
By Tom Neal, RN, MBA, MHA Most people think of tobacco use when they think of lung cancer, but did you know that there’s another, lesser known culprit that’s responsible for 22,000 lung cancer deaths across the country each year? It’s the naturally occurring gas radon, which is created when uranium in rocks and soil […]
