Recently in Health Category

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise across the country, state and in Watauga County. In order to address this issue locally, the Watauga County Sheriff's Office invited medical professionals to a training seminar last week covering the most abused narcotics, current prescription forgery trends and regulations. More than 20 physicians, dentists, pharmacists, surgeons, and emergency room personnel attended. Sheriff Len Hagaman said they organized this training to create a partnership between their office and those working in the medical field and that communication is vital to addressing this issue. Sheriff Hagaman said another prescription drug drop-off initiative similar to Operation Medicine Cabinet would be held this spring.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week will be observed at Appalachian State University today through Friday with a series of activities to promote the development of confidence and self-acceptance. Activities on campus include mental health screenings and a Post-It note campaign where students write short messages about beauty and confidence and place them around campus for others to see.

For information on National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, contact Appalachian's Counseling and Psychological Services at 828-262-3180.

According to a long-running study, Breast cancer survivors who took aspirin after completing treatment were half as likely to die or have their tumors spread around the body compared with survivors who didn't take aspirin. Breast cancers produce more inflammatory chemicals than normal breast cells. Lab tests show that aspirin keeps breast tumor cells from growing and invading other tissue. A study in August also found that aspirin offered a potential benefit against colon cancer. Patients who are being treated for cancer usually are told to avoid aspirin because it can act like a blood thinner. That could be a problem for women who are having radiation and chemotherapy, which also lower the number of blood cells. For proof, doctors would need to conduct a "gold standard" trial in which doctors randomly assign one group of patients to take a aspirin, then compare their progress with patients randomly assigned to a placebo. Until then, breast cancer survivors should be cautious about aspirin and consult their doctors before taking it.

Disaster relief isn't the only thing the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross is up to this month, as they have a blood drive scheduled for Thursday afternoon. According to Red Cross officials, the blood drive will be sponsored by the Watauga High School HOSA Club in memory of Leigh Anne Cable. The drive will be held from 12:30 until 6:00 p.m. at Greenway Baptist Church in Boone. Residents can call Regina Alford at (828) 262-1611 to schedule an appointment. 

Health officials are recalling around 800,000 doses of children's H1N1 vaccine after tests showed they may not be strong enough to protect against the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified doctors about the recall today. The recalled doses are pre-filled syringes intended for children between six months to almost three years old. Officials said it is best for these children to get two doses that are spaced about a month apart. Officials don't think children need to be revaccinated.  The vaccines passed potency tests when they were first shipped, but tests indicated the potency weakened after shipment.

Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church gave a grant to High Country Healthcare Hospice so the Hospice can purchase up-to-date books and pamphlets on death, dying, and grief. According to the Hospice's Candice Cook, the new resources are available for check-out to anyone in the community.  A list of the books in the loaner library will be available at the High Country Healthcare Hospice office, your local library, and online at HighCountryHospice.org. The High Country Hospice works closely with the school system, the Council on Aging, area hospitals, healthcare providers, and community churches in providing information on death and dying as well as on grief support services.

H1N1 vaccines are free and plentiful and health officials are encouraging people to get vaccines in advance of the regular flu season. Local providers of H1N1 vaccine include the health department, CVS Pharmacy on N.C. 105 and, Walgreens on Blowing Rock Road in Boone. Children six months through nine years need two doses of the vaccine, and children 10 and older and adults need one dose of the vaccine. If taking the nasal vaccine for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, there is a four-week waiting period in between the vaccines. As of Nov. 16, 40.7 million H1N1 vaccines had been shipped, with another 7 million allocated and ready for distribution. Vaccine clinics are held during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The health department is located in the Watauga County Human Services Complex on the Poplar Grove Connector in Boone.

Maxim Health Systems will be holding an H1N1 "Swine Flu" vaccination clinic on Saturday November 14^th at Boone Mall from 12-4pm. They will have 300 doses of the H1N1 vaccine available for individuals classified as high risk; this includes pregnant women, children and young adults 10 years and older, people ages 25-64 with chronic health disorders, and caregivers of children under six months of age. The vaccination will be available for a cost of $15 and select health plans will be accepted.

Fight the fat this holiday from the convenience of your computer. The Eat Smart, Move More campaign is hosting an online weight-loss challenge to help motivate people during the winter holidays, when family celebrations often offer temptations with a high calorie count. The program runs from Nov. 23 through Dec. 31, though sign-up is already underway. Participants get a free weekly newsletter that contains healthy tips, recipes and other information to help the waistline. The online challenge is designed to provide support and weight-loss goals. A Holiday Challenge Blog on Facebook allows participants to interact and encourage one another. Beth Fornadley, health educator for the Appalachian District health Department, said the effort will allow people to track their own progress for six weeks rather than meeting for group weigh-ins or traveling to a support group. In North Carolina, two-thirds of all adults are obese or overweight. The state is fifth-worst in the United States for childhood obesity, and obesity is also related to higher health-care costs. Four of the 10 leading causes of death are linked to obesity.

Eat Smart, Move More promotes what the name implies--a more physically active lifestyle and better diet. The weight-loss challenge is at myeatsmartmovemore.com.

Flu vaccine supplies are currently scarce in the High Country, but more weekly shipments are expected as the flu season swings into full gear. In addition, H1N1 or "swine flu" vaccines should also be appearing in local health providers' offices by next week.The health department is partnering with Watauga County Schools to offer seasonal flu vaccine to 7th and 8th grade students whose parents give permission for the vaccine.

H1N1 was declared a pandemic, which means it is everywhere in the world. Symptoms are similar to those of the regular flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, and chills, but may also include diarrhea and vomiting. Most people recover in about a week. Officials also encourage good hygiene habits such as frequent hand washing, as well as staying home if sick.