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Today’s Email Announcements

1) Living Healthy Program Begins July 8

Are you over the age of 60 and dealing with a chronic disease, such as asthma, diabetes, COPD, heart disease, arthritis, or fibromyalgia? If so, the Living Healthy program may be your answer for a better quality of life. The Living Healthy Program is a six week education group designed to help people like you learn how to live a healthier life with a chronic condition.  This free program will be held at the Harrill Senior Center on Tuesdays running August 18, 25, September 8, 15, 22, and 29.  Please call 265-8090 to register.  Limited space is available for people under the age of 60.

2) Telestroke Technology Now Available at Local Hospitals

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center recently partnered with Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) to provide Telestroke services at Watauga Medical Center and Cannon Memorial Hospital.

The Wake Forest Baptist Telestroke Network serves in approximately 24 counties in western North Carolina and southern Virginia. Its goal is to assist community hospitals in their efforts to prevent death and reduce disability caused by strokes. By collaborating with the Telestroke Network, ARHS now has access to 24/7 acute stroke experts via two-way real time video consultation. Thanks to this network, emergency room physicians are able to receive on demand consultation to help diagnose strokes, develop care plans and take action if necessary.

The majority of stroke patients enter the hospital through the emergency department where they are treated by a team of skilled nurses and physicians. Thanks to Telestroke technology, a robot known as RP-Lite® has joined the care team. The technologically advanced robot allows stroke expert physicians, located in the Wake Forest Baptist Stroke Center, to have remote access via two-way live video and audio capability with patients and the medical team at Watauga Medical Center and Cannon Memorial Hospital. In addition, the stroke experts at Wake Forest Baptist have access to the patient’s medical records and diagnostic test results.

 “The RP-Lite allows the Wake Forest Baptist stroke physicians to interact directly with patients, family members and hospital staff just as if they are standing at the bedside,” said Debbie Shook, Stroke Coordinator at ARHS. “Think of stroke as a brain attack – it is an emergency and every minute counts. Traditionally, the hospital would have to call in a neurologist to evaluate the patient which took time. Now, thanks to Telestroke, stroke patients can receive treatment much faster.”

Warning signs and symptoms of stroke include:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, usually on one side of the body.
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding language.
  • Decreased or blurred vision in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden, severe headaches.
  • Unexplained loss of balance or dizziness.

If you or someone around you notice one or more of these warning signs, seek immediate medical attention – Call 911.

Watauga Medical Center has earned and maintained The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for certification as a Primary Stroke Center since 2011.

 To learn more about The Stroke Center or Appalachian Regional Healthcare System visit www.apphrs.org.

3) Online Registration Opens Monday for ASU Community Music School

The Community Music School at Appalachian State University will hold  online registration for all lessons Monday, Aug. 3 through Thursday, Aug. 13.  Late registration, Aug. 14-15, will incur a $50 late registration fee.

The Community Music School provides non-credit music instruction for youth and adults in the local community as well as surrounding Western North Carolina counties. Instructors include faculty and students from Appalachian and performing artists with teaching expertise who provide outstanding musical training.

Director of CMS Laura Chu Stokes said, “In addition to instruction in violin, viola, cello, flute, trumpet, piano (individual and group) and Suzuki or traditional guitar, we’re excited to share new offerings including clarinet and trombone lessons, general music for homeschoolers and world drumming.”

The Appalachian Youth Chorale, a community youth choir comprised of third through eighth grade students with unchanged voices, is also continuing after a successful inaugural year.

Dr. William Pelto, dean of Appalachian’s Hayes School of Music, added, “The Community Music School provides all students, regardless of age or expertise, with opportunities to explore the lifelong skill of making music and to carry forward the joy that is music to their families and community. Music continues to be a vital art form, especially here in the High Country, and the CMS ensures its future development through exploration by our community’s citizens.”

Information including instructors, rates, policies and more is available at http://music.appstate.edu/about/community-music-school. Contact at stokeslc@appstate.edu for further information.

 4) Aug. 8 Programs on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater – Milepost 316

7 p.m. Night Flyers

The owl has long been a representation of intelligence and wisdom, but it also symbolizes death in some cultures. Come learn about this silent night flyer, and why it is associated with such a diversity of characteristics.

Approximately 45 minutes in length

 Crabtree Falls Campground Amphitheater- Milepost 340

7 p.m. COYOTES in our Midst

Coyotes are adaptable and resilient carnivores that have greatly expanded their range. Learn about this fascinating animal and what to do if you encounter one face to face.

Approximately 45 minutes in length

 

All programs are Free and open to the public

Special thanks to Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Eastern National, and FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway for their financial support of these programs.

5) Crafts on the Green at Fred’s on Saturday

Fred’s Mercantile, 501 Beech Mountain Parkway, will host its 34th annual Crafts on the Green event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1. Stop by to celebrate local and regional craftsmen and artists featuring pottery, art, fabrics, jewelry, furniture and other handmade objects. Enjoy food and live music. Call 828-387-4838 for more information.