Health and Medicine
In conjunction with a new coalition called the Roanoke Foodshed Network, Carilion Clinic is bringing back the Fall Harvest Festival:
For many years the Annual Health Focus Salem Distance Run was held in the heat and and humidity of August, but now its a fall event with a course that originates and finishes at the Salem Red Sox ballpark. There’s still time to sign up, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
Dr. Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie. Carilion Clinic photo.
Expect the “flu season” this year to be more severe than in the past few years – in part because most are no longer masking for COVID-19. There is now a higher-dose flue vaccine for those 65 and older. Dr. Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie is the medical director for infection prevention and control at Carilion Clinic; he urges everyone to get the shot now – including younger people that may transmit influenza to family and friends, even if they exhibit no symptoms.
Dr. Cynthia Morrow/VDH-VT photo
With the typical flu season looming and advisements about updated COVID vaccines that address the Omicron variants, some may want to head for their doctor’s office or a local pharmacy to make sure they are up to date. WFIR’s Gene Marrano with that story:
Horizon Behavioral Health’s Bedford location has opened a new onsite pharmacy in partnership with Genoa Healthcare. Spokespeople from both organizations say the site has improved the community’s adherence to medication regimens. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with details:
Photo Credit: Horizon Behavioral Health Facebook Page
Friendship, a local senior living and healthcare provider, has announced a new acquisition that will expand its reach and offerings in the Valley. Friendship President and CEO, Joe Hoff, says that their longstanding management of the facility, now dubbed Friendship Salem Terrace, means that the transition will require minimal effort for maximum results. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with more:
Just days after a Roanoke minor died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound, Carilion and community experts will be coming together to conduct a virtual town hall addressing the mental health effects of gun violence on parents and children. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, September 20 from 12:00 – 1:15 PM. Dr. Paula Wolfteich, Director of Carilion’s Center for Grief and Healing, says the information session will give caregivers a chance to learn how to meet the needs of children traumatized by violence, as well as a chance to ask questions of civic leaders and trauma experts: