By Dr. Evan Ekman, Appalachian Regional Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center #AppOrtho

• The CDC says that 15 minutes of shoveling snow is a good form of "moderate" physical exercise.
• Avoid falls and the injuries that come with them by wearing waterproof shoes with proper traction.
• Be aware of and respect any medical conditions you may have... Heart disease? Back problems? Shoulder problems?

Blood Drive
Cannon Memorial Hospital
Thursday, March 13
1:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Make your appointment at www.redcrossblood.org and enter in the sponsor code: Cannon Hospital or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Donate and have a chance to win $1500 gift card! For more information, click here.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System asks that anyone sick with the flu or flu-like symptoms voluntarily refrain from visiting hospitalized family and friends, as well as those persons at the hospital for an outpatient procedure. It is also important that during this time of increased flu and flu like illness in our area, visitors 12 and under should refrain from visiting hospitalized family and friends.

Click here to learn more about the flu.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) conducted a community health needs assessment (CHNA) and developed an implementation strategy to address the health needs identified in the CHNA. ARHS helmed the assessment process with assistance provided by Watauga, Avery, and Ashe Counties. Data was collected from residents through surveys administered throughout the three counties, and interviews were conducted with key community leaders. This dual set of primary data was strengthened with secondary data from the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics and County Health Rankings to provide a clear picture of the health issues affecting ARHS’s community.

Click here to download a copy of the Community Health Needs Assessment

Has a nurse made a difference in your life? Share your story!

ARHS is proud to recognize our nurses with The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses, a national program that honors the compassionate care and clinical excellence our nurses bring to their patients every day. Nominations can be made throughout the year and The DAISY Award will be awarded quarterly.

Click here to find out more about The DAISY Award at ARHS and nominate a nurse.

Click here to learn more about The DAISY Award Foundation.