By Karen S. Gorby, RN, MSN, MBA, CENP, FACHE The COVID-19 pandemic presented us with a public health crisis we’ve not seen the likes of in more than a century. The influenza pandemic of 1918 is the last time the United States, and the world, had to deal with the onslaught of a virulent virus […]
By Tonia W. Hale, DNP, MAOM, BSN, RN I don’t often give out advice to thousands of people at a time, but since I care deeply about our community and the wellness of its residents, my message this month is simple: If you haven’t already taken the COVID-19 vaccine, do it as soon as you […]
By Tom Neal, RN, MBA, MHA From a public health perspective, there is no more important step that the residents of the Highlands and Cashiers Plateau could take now than to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This simple act, along with continuing to practice the “3 Ws” — washing hands frequently, wearing a mask, and waiting […]
By Carol Wolfenbarger, MSN, RN, FACHE Our community has learned much about COVID-19 in the last year, and we’ve pivoted continuously as we acquired knowledge about how the virus spreads, its long-term effects for some, and the implications of contracting it if you live with a certain health condition, are 65 or older, or are […]
By Michele Pilon, MS, BSN, RN, NE-BC There have been many low points that our country has faced since COVID-19 arrived in the United States last year, from the early days of the pandemic when we didn’t understand much about the virus, how it was spread, or its effects, to the tragedy of more than […]
Preparation is key to making sure you can respond to a disaster safely and securely. Use the resources below to learn more about what you should do during a disaster and how you can respond if you have a specific medical condition. Emergency Information for Specific Disasters Information and resources from the American Red Cross […]
Water can overflow and flood for a slew of reasons, including excessive rain, ice melting from snowcaps, high sea levels and coastal storms. The water accumulation can be slow moving — or come on quickly — destroying everything in its path. “The vast majority of fatalities that we see during severe weather storms today are […]
Do you notice a bulge or have dull pain below the belt? You may assume that you have a pulled muscle, but your symptoms could signal a more serious problem. Normally, the muscles and tissue of your abdominal wall keep your organs safely tucked inside. But sometimes, a weak spot or tear in the muscle […]
“’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 […]
[Video transcript] On behalf of Mission Health and HCA Healthcare, I want to thank you for the service that you provide and the care that you deliver to our patients each and every day in western North Carolina. I hope you have a wonderful day. Happy Doctor’s Day to all of our doctors. Thank you […]
