Centers for Disease Control calls it a “public health problem”

The total lifetime estimated financial costs associated with just one year of confirmed cases of child maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse and neglect) is approximately $124 billion, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Read the full story

Runners have a variety of theories about winter training, such as the idea that you burn more calories in cold weather or it’s easy to get dehydrated. Triathlete magazine interviewed John Castellani, a physiologist at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Natick, Mass., so help separate the truths from the lies.

LINK: “Does Winter Running Burn More Calories?”

Neti pots have become a popular remedy for colds and sinus congestion, but health officials are warning people to use them properly in the wake of recent deaths.  For some, the thought of rinsing one’s nose is enough of a deterrent from using a neti pot. But the problem is not the idea of washing your nose – it’s what kind of water you use. In two widely reported cases  last year people used tap water, instead of distilled or sterilized water and wound dying of of water-borne brain-eating amoeba. Read the full story

It’s that time again – time for sweets, treats, and holiday indulgences, followed by New Years resolutions. Looking ahead to January, consider signing up for one of the many health and fitness classes offered by the Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department, including:

• Dance N’ Shed and Pilates -  Register now for our Monday evening sessions, beginning Jan. 9.
• DancinKids – Register now for dance classes for children ages 2-12, to begin the week of Jan. 12.
• Tai Chi – Register now for the next eight-week sessions of this ancient exercise form, held on Thursday or Saturday mornings beginning Jan. 12.
• Boot Camp – Register now for this six-week outdoor fitness program packed with fun and energizing activities.  Saturday morning sessions begin Jan. 14.
• Couch to 5K - Participants will be put through a running workout and learn proper warm-up techniques in this six-week session, beginning Monday, Jan. 16.

All classes will be held at  at Bailey Road Recreation Center.

The Counseling Center at Davidson United Methodist Church is (from left) the office dog Sam, John Rowe, office manager Cherie Welborn, therapist Shannon White and therapist Claudia Barnes. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Since 1997, the Counseling Center at Davidson United Methodist Church has occupied a small brick house next to the church on South Main Street in Davidson that once served as the church’s parsonage. But the counseling center reaches far beyond its name and location, according to director John Rowe.

“A lot of people assume that because the Counseling Center is located on church property that our counseling services are only for members of DUMC,” Mr. Rowe said.

Rather, he said, the center’s mission is to serve the whole Lake Norman community. Referrals come from as far away as Charlotte, Concord, Lincolnton, Denver, and Statesville. Read the full story

Researchers at the NC Research Campus in Kannpolis are seeking to understand and treat a wide range of diseases. (N.C. Research Campus photo)

KANNAPOLIS - Ada Jenkins Center on Davidson’s West Side has become a community partner of the the MURDOCK Study, a major effort at the N.C. Research Institute in Kannapolis to collect data and better understand diseases. Meanwhile, Duke University researchers leading one of those studies are recruiting people with multiple sclerosis from across the region. Read the full story

By JULIE ROSE
WFAE

State health officials have determined an outbreak of E. coli that sickened at least 27 and caused several hospitalizations did in fact start at the North Carolina State Fair. It wasn’t a food vendor, but rather a livestock exhibit that led to the outbreak.
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Mosquito. (Centers for Disease Control)

For years, public health officials have been looking for a way to control malaria, particularly in Africa where it affects millions of people annually. Now scientists say an experimental vaccine appears to help protect children against the deadly malaria parasite, the Washington Post reports.
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HUNTERSVILLE — The American Red Cross and Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q are teaming up for the “Giving Blood IS a Big Deal” promotion through the end of the year. From now through Dec. 31, all presenting blood and platelet donors at the Charlotte or Huntersville Donor Centers will receive a coupon for a free Big Deal Combo at Sonny’s Bar-B-Q. Read the full story

By MADELEINE DICK-GODFREY
DavidsonNews.net

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection, and at Davidson College, two women’s organizations have planned events to support the cause. Beginning on Oct. 24, the women of Connor Eating House and the Sigma Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha offer various events that increase awareness about prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer. Read the full story