Community News

 

DENVER, CO – January 9, 2023 – A recent United Nations’ report finds that the Earth’s protective ozone layer continues to heal slowly. The scientists predict that a full recovery will be in about 2040 except over the South Pole where it should heal by 2066. The report was presented on January 9th at the American Meteorological Society conference in Denver. At this rate, 2 million persons are saved from developing skin cancer every year. The United Nations performs a scientific assessment of the ozone layer every four years.

The Earth’s atmosphere protects us from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays which has been linked to skin cancer, cataracts and crop damage. The protective ozone layer in the stratosphere, between 10–25 miles above the Earth’s surface, absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet-B radiation. However, in 1985, scientists published a paper identifying the depletion of the ozone layer over the South Pole and speculated that this was due to increased levels of halogenated hydrocarbons. This group of gases was commonly used in fire extinguishers, refrigerants and as propellants in aerosol cans. Halogenated hydrocarbons are very stable chemically and remain in the atmosphere for years. In the 1970’s, U.S. chemists found that these chemicals would react with the sun’s harmful rays to produce a chlorine atom which causes the breakdown of large amounts of ozone in the stratosphere.

The United Nations mobilized its member countries to address this potential worldwide health crisis in order to protect human health. In 1987, 46 signatories and 198 nations, signed an international treaty called the Montreal Protocol. Its purpose is to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of chemicals that are responsible for ozone depletion. Every nation in the world has agreed to stop producing these ozone-depleting chemicals. Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated that “perhaps the single most successful international agreement to date has been the Montreal Protocol.” This was the first international treaty to address the world’s commitment to global environmental protection. It has become a big ecological victory for humanity. In a prepared statement, World Meteorologic Organization Secretary-General Petterl Taalas said that “Ozone action sets a precedent for climate action.”

 

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Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

ASHEVILLE, NC – January 18, 2022 – There has been a surge of respiratory disease as people spend more time indoors during the winter months and due to an increase in indoor gatherings and travel during the holidays. The CDC reports that the community level for Buncombe County is medium for the week ending January 9th. Most of the counties in North Carolina are high. Most of the counties in the U.S. are at a low level with almost 14% of the counties at a high level down from almost 20% last week.

The Buncombe County COVID-19 metrics are on the North Carolina COVID Dashboard. Data from the week ending on January 7th indicate:
• Last week’s total cases are down 10% from the previous week.
• 68% of the total population have received their initial vaccination series.
• 30% of people with their initial vaccination series have had the updated booster. Unchanged from last week.
• The seven-day daily average of COVID-19 hospitalizations has increased by 32% since last week, and of ICU patients increased by 33% from the previous week.

An updated COVID-19 booster is now available for eligible persons 6 months and older. It is more effective at protecting against severe illness and death from the new variants. Eligible persons must have the initial vaccination series and be at least 2 months after any prior COVID-19 shots. The CDC advises delaying the booster 3 months for people who recently had COVID or after a positive COVID test if they were asymptomatic.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends:
• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and the updated booster.
• People with any COVID symptoms should get tested
• People who are positive for COVID-19 or do not feel well should stay home

For a county at a medium community level, like Buncombe County, the CDC recommends:
• If you are at high risk for getting sick, wear a high-quality mask in a public indoors space and take additional precautions.
• If you plan being with someone at high risk for getting sick, consider self-testing for COVID-19 infection and wear a high-quality mask when indoors with them.

Vaccination sites and testing sites can be located through the North Carolina and Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services.

The updated booster shot is available at the Department of Public Health Coxe Avenue vaccination clinic, pharmacies, community health centers and rural health clinics.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

ASHEVILLE, NC – January 11, 2023 – Americans enjoy watching televised sporting events; however, during this NFL season, viewers have been watching the drama of two injured football players, Tua Tagovailoa (a quarterback for the Miami Dolphins) and Damar Hamlin (a safety for the Buffalo Bills). Tagovailoa has been battling the effects of 3 concussions since September 25th. On January 2nd, Hamlin had a severe cardiac arrest from commotio cordis, a rare but frequently fatal condition that can occur after blunt trauma to the chest. Both players are now recovering from their injuries. No one knows if they will ever play again.

Many injuries are sport-specific and may be related to contact. Acute musculoskeletal injuries are common in all sports and are the most recognizable injury. Traumatic brain injuries, like concussions, are less common, associated with collision and contact sports, and are more frequently diagnosed. Post-concussive syndrome may include headaches, dizziness and ‘brain fog’. Repeat injury may increase the risk of developing long-term neurologic impairment like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Injuries to the heart like commotio cordis are rare; fewer than 30 cases a year are reported. However, they are more frequently recognized. Survival rates are better with immediate access to treatment with an automated external defibrillator (AED). Following resuscitation, the athlete will need an evaluation for underlying heart conditions and cardiac damage.

Rules can lessen the risk of injury in organized sports.
• Protective equipment should include the most effective high-tech helmets for football players. Chest wall protectors for youth baseball and hockey players and age-appropriate baseballs and pucks have been recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.
• There are penalties for injury-threatening physical contact in games.
• Screening physicals are required.
• Trained medical personal are at every high school, college and professional sporting event.

The medical team must have the ability to take care of musculoskeletal, brain and heart injuries in order to expedite care and improve outcomes. The frequency and severity of concussions can be reduced through early detection and screening. Having an athlete resume sports too soon after a concussion can result in brain damage. With the rising awareness of sports injuries like commotio cordis, there is a movement for the medical team to have a well-equipped CPR cart with an AED when they are at a sporting event and including attendance at youth baseball and hockey games where these injuries are more likely to occur.

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

CINCINNATI, OH – January 2, 2023 – At the Monday Night Football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills on January 2nd, Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin tackled Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins who had caught a pass. After getting up, Hamlin collapsed backwards from a cardiac arrest. Within seconds, Buffalo’s medical staff performed cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore normal heart rhythm. He was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further medical care. Hamlin was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition.

There has been much speculation about the cause of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest. Some reasons may be congenital or traumatic. Most cardiac arrests in young people are due to a congenital heart condition. Many medical specialists have speculated that Hamlin sustained commotio cordis, a rare but serious condition that can occur after blunt trauma to the chest, because it appeared that Hamlin slammed his chest into the shoulder of Higgins as he made the tackle. The force must be strong enough and occur at a very specific moment between heart beats to have an effect on the heart. These factors can cause a harmful disruption of the heart rhythm resulting in the loss of the ability of the heart to pump blood to the body, depriving the body, including vital organs like the brain, from getting oxygen. Cardiac resuscitation within minutes is essential to keep the person alive. Any delay of more than 3 minutes increases the risk of death to nearly 100%.

Commotio cordis is more common when the chest is struck by a ball or a puck, as in lacrosse, baseball or hockey. This injury occurs more frequently in young people; the average age is about 15 years old. The heart may be at more risk in young athletes because of a thinner chest wall than in older participants.

As told to CBS Sports, Dr. Aaron Baggish, a cardiologist from Massachusetts General- Brigham Hospitals and sports cardiology specialist, “as a fan who also happens to be a doctor, I’m cognizant of the risk these athletes assume when they decide to play these sports, and I support their decisions to do so, but it’s always sad when something like this occurs.” He hopes that medical teams “need to be ready for the unexpected catastrophe.”

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

ASHEVILLE, NC – January 11, 2022 – Cases and hospitalizations are rising in Buncombe County, North Carolina and the country. There is a surge of respiratory disease as people spend more time indoors during the winter months and due to an increase in indoor gatherings and travel during the holidays. The CDC reports that the community level for Buncombe County is medium for the week ending January 2nd. Last week the community level was low. Most of the counties in North Carolina are high. Most of the counties in the U.S. are at a medium level with almost 20% of the counties at a high level.

The Buncombe County COVID-19 metrics are on the North Carolina COVID Dashboard. Data from the week ending on December 31st indicate:
• Last week’s total cases are 470, up 21% from the previous week.
• 68% of the total population have received their initial vaccination series.
• 30% of people with their initial vaccination series have had the updated booster.
• The seven-day daily average of COVID-19 hospitalizations has increased by 47% since last week, and of ICU patients increased by 50% from the previous week.

An updated COVID-19 booster is now available for eligible persons 6 months and older. It is more effective at protecting against severe illness and death from the new variants. Eligible persons must have the initial vaccination series and be at least 2 months after any prior COVID-19 shots. The CDC advises delaying the booster 3 months for people who recently had COVID or after a positive COVID test if they were asymptomatic.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends:
• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and the updated booster.
• People with any COVID symptoms should get tested
• People who are positive for COVID-19 or do not feel well should stay home

For a county at a medium community level, like Buncombe County, the CDC recommends:
• If you are at high risk for getting sick, wear a high-quality mask in a public indoors space and take additional precautions.
• If you plan being with someone at high risk for getting sick, consider self-testing for COVID-19 infection and wear a high-quality mask when indoors with them.

Vaccination sites and testing sites can be located through the North Carolina and Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services.

The updated booster shot is available at the Department of Public Health Coxe Avenue vaccination clinic, pharmacies, community health centers and rural health clinics.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

UNITED STATES – January 1, 2023 –  At the beginning of every new year, many Americans decide to be healthier by making lifestyle changes. This involves giving up bad habits and starting good routines. Popular resolutions include starting an exercise program, losing weight and eating a healthier diet. Health clubs are pretty busy at this time of year. However, as the year progresses the gym isn’t as crowded as many people lose their commitment to being healthy.

Here’s a list of resolutions that will get you healthier this year:

• Lose weight & keep it off – The CDC estimates that about 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese. Losing weight can lower the risk of developing chronic health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The best plan is to lose about 1-2 pounds per week.

• Eat a healthy diet – For starters, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and full of vitamins and minerals. Eat a rainbow of colors for a balanced diet. 

• Sit less & stay active – Walking is a good start. Use the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Have an annual check-up – See your primary care physician each year. The sooner health issues are identified, the sooner treatment can start and be most effective. Don’t forget that preventive screenings are covered by health insurance.

• Reduce stress – Chronic stress is very harmful to your health and well-being. Taking care of yourself can help maintain good mental and physical health. Breathing exercises, going for a walk and listening to music can help.

• Get more sleep – This is a good time to rest and recharge. Getting enough sleep can boost your immune system to better fight disease and help with emotional wellness. Having some time for relaxation before bedtime and having a quiet place to sleep can help you get to sleep. 
• Stop smoking – Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Even using smokeless tobacco puts you at higher risk to develop cancer of the mouth. Both lead to nicotine addiction which makes quitting a difficult thing to do because of the tobacco cravings.

You can succeed by turning your New Year’s resolutions into healthy new habits. Some tips for success are:

• Set specific & realistic goals
• Monitor your progress
• Celebrate small successes
• Be aware that you don’t have to live healthy 100% of the time

Congratulations on making healthy New Year’s resolutions! Staying the course will result in a healthier YOU in 2023.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour