Health and Medicine
G Marrano photo
Healing Strides in Franklin County celebrated some imaging changes – and emerging from coronavirus restrictions – with a ribbon cutting today. That includes equine therapy and other mental health services that do not include riding one of the horses on the Healing Strides 22-acre farm just off US 220. Young says mental health therapy may be more important than ever right now as people deal with the pandemic’s impact. The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce co-hosted the ribbon cutting event. Carole Young is the Healing Strides CEO – she says the name is the same, but a new logo features a person hugging a horse, and their updated tagline is “horses inspiring hope”:
A typical below-the-knee prosthetic leg can cost 5 to $10,000 or more. But “Hope to Walk” is making them for less than 100 dollars each – and now they are using a virtual 5k race next weekend to raise funds for more legs. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has the story
Del. Sam Rasoul
Roanoke Delegate Sam Rasoul says he has tested positive for COVID-19. Rasoul’s Facebook page says he and his family are recovering and completing their isolation period. He’s the second federal or state lawmaker from the Roanoke Valley to publicly acknowledge being COVID-19 positive.
According to the latest numbers released this morning from the Virginia Department of Health there are 29 new probable or confirmed coronavirus cases being attributed to the Roanoke Valley. State health officials report 14 new cases in Roanoke City, 12 new cases in Roanoke County, and 3 new cases in Salem. Numbers in Botetourt County remain the same.
The Virginia Department of Health won’t be making “blanket statements” on whether schools should stay open or close down if a student tests positive for the coronavirus. And COVID safety plans are still in flux, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
The Virginia Department of Health is conducting four free drive-up COVID-19 testing events this week and next in the Roanoke Valley. It starts today at the Botetourt County Health Department in Fincastle from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Dr .Molly O’Dell is Director of Communicable Disease Control for the state health department’s district that covers the Roanoke Valley, and while she wonders aloud if this is the best use of resources, she says there is a benefit for many who get tested, even if they are not currently showing any symptoms. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more:
07-21 COVID Testing Wrap1a-WEB
Future testing schedule:
July 23 — Northside Middle School 5:00-7:00 pm
July 28 — Roanoke City Health Department 5:00-7:00 pm
July 29 — Craig County Health Center 5:00-7:00 pm
According to the latest numbers released this morning from the Virginia Department of Health there are 8 new probable or confirmed coronavirus cases being attributed to the Roanoke Valley. State health officials report 6 new cases in Roanoke City, and 2 new cases in Roanoke County. Coronavirus numbers in Botetourt County and Salem remain the same.
As Virginia steps up the enforcement of wearing face masks, Carilion Clinic has some guidelines for what types of masks or face coverings work best and are most comfortable. WFIR’s Rachel Meell has the story:
For more information from the CDC on face masks, click here.
The record in Roanoke for consecutive days of 90 degrees or better – 22 – could be broken on Thursday. Its at 19 today and Roanoke City Fire-EMS wants residents to stay safe. That means wear light, loose-fitting clothing, stay indoors when possible, cut down on outdoor activities – and don’t leave children or pets in cars. Fire-EMS spokesperson Kristen Perdue also says people – and pets – need to stay hydrated. Check often on those at high risk says Perdue.
Virginia Republicans say they intend to address public education when the General Assembly reconvenes next month in special session – even if Governor Northam has not called for any consideration on that subject. Republicans say any steps that keep students out of school for any number of days puts them at a permanent disadvantage behind those schools that teach in person every day. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones: