“Surreal. Unimaginable,” said Scott Vuncannon, attempting to describe the ordeal he went through last summer. A former Boy Scout, 58-year-old Scott was more than prepared when he and his dog, Boone, set out on the Ellicott Rock Trail in the Nantahala National Forest on a sunny day last August. But even the most experienced hiker […]
By Sam LaRose People usually associate concussions or head injuries with sports, like soccer, football or basketball, but concussions can happen during recreational activities for fun too. It’s that time of year here in the mountains for western North Carolinians’ favorite outdoor activities – hiking, canoeing or rafting down the river, biking and more. Whether […]
By Charles Letizia, Public Health Epidemiologist Measles is increasing at an alarming rate across the country. Although western North Carolina hasn’t had any confirmed cases, we remain vulnerable due to below-average immunization rates in the area. Current hot spots are New York, Washington and Michigan. There have been five confirmed cases in eastern Tennessee, which […]
By Gabriel Cade, MD The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has designated April as Alcohol Awareness Month. Alcohol is, of course, one of the most visible and accessible drugs in our society. Despite a growing understanding of the health risks and dangers of alcohol abuse, more Americans than ever before consume alcohol on […]
Spread cheer this holiday season – not germs! We hope you have a happy and healthy holiday – but if you find yourself in need of medical care this Christmas, New Year or any day in between, don’t think twice! With Mission Health, you can get care online or in-person – even during the holidays. […]
A little more than a year ago, Jana Watts, MD, found herself a patient in critical condition in her place of work. Jana walked into the Mission Hospital emergency room and was on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) less than twenty-four hours later suffering from sepsis. As her condition deteriorated, every tool […]
Winter weather with a chance of snow or freezing rain is in the forecast. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to being prepared and being well during colder and wintry weather, including when and where to seek care if you find yourself caught in a snowstorm. 1. Have an emergency […]
By Samantha Kappalman It took two years of planning to host the FEI World Equestrian Games in Mill Spring, North Carolina, earlier this year, and only a matter of minutes for plans to change course when Hurricane Florence made landfall. Mission Health and the Mountain Area Healthcare Preparedness Coalition (MAHPC) participated in planning for the […]
We hope you have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday with good food and good company. Whether you’re spending the holiday waiting for family to arrive, in the kitchen preparing for a feast or cozying up by a fire, the holiday brings friends and family together – and also brings the challenge of finding the […]
By Robin Jones – Manager, Mission Stroke Program Strokes cause about 1 in 19 deaths in the US each year, making it the third leading cause of death for women and the fourth leading cause of death for men. Strokes are also a leading cause of serious long-term health conditions and disability in America. Catching […]
