By KELLEY GARDNER

Perspective is everything, wouldn’t you agree?

I don’t like diets, never have. I do like feeling vibrant and energetic all day long. Years ago, when eating 5-6 small healthy meals a day became the mantra for stabilizing blood sugar and maintaining energy throughout the day, I was delighted. I’ve never been fond of actually feeling hungry. It was too often quickly followed by grumpiness. Truthfully, the only time I wasn’t prone to grazing was while asleep. Read the full story

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined.

This is great progress, however there are still women who do not take advantage of early detection and others who do not get regular screening mammograms and clinical breast exams. According to the American Cancer Society, there is expected to be an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women this year, along with 2,140 new cases in men. Read the full story

The Lake Norman Multiple Sclerosis Support Group is now meeting on the third Friday of every month at Davidson United Methodist Church. The next meeting is Friday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. at the church, 233 S. Main St., Davidson. This month, Dr. Thor Borresen of Mecklenburg Neurology will speak on gillenya, and then lead a discussion. He is a neurologist and works with patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Free.

Commissioner Margo Williams talks about the CDC grant at Friday's announcement. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Updated Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, 10:16 p.m.
By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

The Town of Davidson has received a three-year, $350,000 grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control to begin regular studies of how planning and policies affect public health, and to develop what town officials are calling “healthy community” initiatives.”

The town is one of a half-dozen places across the country – and by far the smallest community – to share a total of $8.4 million, or $2.8 million a year for three years, in the Health Impact Assessment to Foster Community Design grant program. Other grants went to the San Francisco Department of Public Health; the Massachusetts Department of Public Health; the Oregon Department of Human Services; the Douglas County Health Department in Omaha, Neb.; and the Baltimore City Health Department. Read the full story

On Wednesday the Lucky Hearts Campaign donated 32 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and 13 AEDs to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

AEDs cost about $1,500 each, and the donation allows CMS to place a device in each elementary school that does not currently have one. Grants and donations from multiple organizations already have provided at least one AED at each CMS middle school, high school and some elementary schools. Read the full story

Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus and other illnesses.

It’s tick and mosquito season, and with that comes the threat of disease. A report on National Public Radio this week warned that budget problems have forced some states to trim funding for mosquito research and disease prevention.

Here in Mecklenburg County, health experts say there a many things we can do at home to prevent illnesses spread by mosquitoes or ticks. Read the full story

American Red Cross

HUNTERSVILLE – As individuals in the Southeast begin to prepare for the possible impact of Hurricane Irene, the American Red Cross is urging immediate blood donations prior to the storm’s arrival.

“It’s the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster,” stated Joyce Brendel, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We are still working to stabilize the blood supply after our summer shortages. If people will donate blood immediately, before the storm, then blood will be available in the aftermath should conditions prohibit people from traveling or coming to blood drives.” Read the full story

Dr. Kathy Weeks urges parents to ask about vaccines.

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center

MOORESVILLE - One of the top questions new parents ask their family physicians is whether they should vaccinate their infants. To vaccinate or not is a major topic in today’s society. What was once seen as miraculous is now questioned exhaustively. Fear of potential complications has trumped a proven method for preventing diseases. But immunizations in the U.S. have an incredibly safe track record, doctors say. Read the full story

Last year's Run to Victory. (Derek Hill Photography)

RANDLEMAN, N.C. – The 6th annual Run To Victory will be held on Sept. 24, with the hopes of warmer weather and even more participants. 1,000 athletes are expected to run, walk and wheel through Randleman, N.C. in support of Victory Junction, a camp for chronically and seriously ill children.

Both the half marathon and 5k events begin and end at Victory Junction this year, starting at 7 a.m. Post-race festivities include a pancake meal at the camp’s Fuel Stop and an award ceremony for participants.

“It’s amazing to think of the continued support we have received for this event each year,” said Kyle Petty, Founder and Vice Chairman of Victory Junction Camp, in a statement. “Our community, camper families and volunteers are like no other and that’s the reason this event is so successful after six years. It’s an event that not only helps us see more campers, but helps us stay in touch with our community and our donors.” Read the full story

Carolinas Medical Center University hosts a Family Fun Day at Northlake Mall this Saturday.

Parents and children are invited to the free event, which will celebrate health, wellness and preventative care. The event includes:

• Free screenings
• Helmet give-aways and safety information
• Arm casting for children
• Child safety ID kits
• Physician referrals
• Games and prizes

Read the full story