Health news
Details on Mission Hospital for Advanced Medicine
The public got its first detailed look at the Mission Hospital for Advanced Medicine when Mission Health unveiled a new website with renderings, real-time webcams, key stats and other information for the more than $400 million replacement project.
The new 12-story patient tower in Asheville will combine the older St. Joseph and Memorial facilities, consolidate the two Asheville campuses, and create 220 patient rooms, a significantly expanded state-of-the-art emergency department with 97 beds, consolidated operating, pre-op and recovery space along with interventional cardiology and radiology space that allows for true multidisciplinary, team-based interventional care with the very latest technology.
The project is expected to create 1,300 area jobs and is expected to be completed in 2019. www.missionfutureready.org.
NC prepares for Zika virus
State health officials continue to encourage North Carolinians to take preventive measures against mosquito bites and to stay informed of the risk of Zika virus infection before traveling to areas with local, active transmission, now including Miami, Florida.
Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infectious Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito, to date, has not been identified in North Carolina, according to a statewide survey of mosquito populations being conducted in conjunction with researchers at East Carolina University, North Carolina State University, Western Carolina University and experts at local health departments. Currently, 33 travel-related cases of Zika virus have been confirmed in North Carolina.
Symptoms of Zika virus include rash and red eyes. Less common symptoms include fever, joint pains and muscle aches. Only about one in five people infected with Zika virus will show symptoms. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is possible, and is of particular concern during pregnancy.
Free tired leg/varicose vein program offered
A free tired leg/ varicose vein educational program will be offered at 5 p.m. Thursday Aug. 25, at the Vein Center at Haywood Regional Medical Center on the 2nd floor.
The event is aimed at educating anyone who may be suffering from aching, cramping or burning pain in the legs, varicose veins, restless legs, discoloration or skin changes, numbness, tingling or pain in their legs after activities such as grocery shopping or a short walk up the stairs.
The program will be led by Dr. Al Mina, MD, FACS and Dr. Joshua Rudd, DO. Register for this session by calling 828.452.8346. Space limited, RSVP required.
Harris welcomes third general surgeon this fall
Dr. Joshua Pratt is joining Harris Surgical Associates, a Duke LifePoint physician practice, in September.
Pratt will join Dr. Billy Noell and Eric Reitz in providing expert surgical care to the region.
Pratt completed his residency in general surgery at Franciscan St. James Hospitals in Chicago where he served as chief resident. Pratt received his medical degree from the University of North Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth after graduating from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.
Harris Medical Associates is located on the third floor of Harris Medical Park, 98 Doctors Drive in Sylva.
828.586.3976.
Advance directives workshop offered Aug. 30
A workshop on advanced directives, sponsored by Haywood Regional Medical Center Hospice and Palliative Care and Haywood County Senior Resource Center, will beheld from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Senior Resource Center at 81 Elmwood Way in Waynesville.
When planning for an expected event, one can end up making multiple decisions, small and large, simple and complicated. Thinking and talking about your health care wishes at end of life can bring the same reassurance that comes from planning any other life event.
Participants are asked to bring along with them two forms of identification, one a photo I.D., name of their doctor and names, addresses and phone numbers of family members chosen as health care power of attorney or other designee.
828.452.5039 or 828.452.2370.
Angel Medical named acute stroke ready hospital
Immediately performing life-saving care at any time of the day for people suffering from stroke is among the abilities that earned Angel Medical Center a national certification.
The medical center garnered the Advanced Disease-Specific Care Certification for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital from the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
The certification recognizes hospitals equipped to treat stroke patients with timely, evidence-based care prior to transferring them to a primary or comprehensive stroke center. AMC underwent a rigorous onsite review to assess its compliance with the Joint Commission’s Advanced Disease-Specific Care certification requirements.
Essential Tremor support group to meet in Sylva
International Essential Tremor Foundation Support Group will hold a meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Mission Community Church, 501 North River Rd., Sylva.
Learn about essential tremor (ET) and other movement disorders. The group serves individuals in Jackson, Macon, Swain and Haywood counties. Essential tremor is a neurological condition that affects 10 million adults and children. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it is a life-altering condition that causes rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, legs or voice; frequently impacting every day activities such as eating, drinking and writing.
RSVP to Ted Kubit at 828.631.5543 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Lessons in Mindfulness offered in Waynesville
A six-session anxiety and stress reduction workshop will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, Sept. 15 through Oct. 20 at 166 Branner Ave. Suite C, Waynesville.
The cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple), per session. Space is limited, registration required.
Contact Dodi Christiano, Licensed Professional Counselor at 703.609.9107.
Also:
• Harris Regional Hospital is seeking volunteers to assist in supporting patients under palliative care of hospice treatment and offering volunteer training sessions beginning in August. Multiple areas of opportunity are available and volunteers are free to choose how much time they will commit. 828.631.1702.
• Harris and Swain Hospitals welcome Chip Thompson, MD to the medical staff. Dr. Thompson will provide pain management services at the Swain and Harris Pain Centers beginning Aug. 22.
• Macon County Public Health is offering a program to help prevent Type II Diabetes. The program offers a fun group atmosphere. The group will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Macon County Health Department starting Sept. 15. It is offered for a one-time fee of $60 with scholarships available for those who qualify. 828.349.2455.
