NCDHHS: Stay safe around water, heat and food this summer
Special to IFN RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reminds residents to enjoy outdoor activities safely this summer season. As warmer weather arrives, NCDHHS is sharing tips…
NCDHHS: New data shows historically low infant mortality rate, sharp decrease in overdose-related deaths
Special to IFN RALEIGH — The latest data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services shows major improvements in the health and well-being of people across the state….
NCDHHS shares prevention guidance as Legionnaires’ disease cases increase
Special to IFN RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is raising awareness of Legionnaires’ disease as cases have increased statewide and globally in recent years. North Carolina…
PHC Piedmont Urology recognized as UroLift Center of Excellence
[caption id="attachment_127239" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Dr. Tao Cui is pictured with his team at PHC Piedmont Urology.[/caption] Special to IFN PHC Piedmont Urology is proud to announce that Dr. Tao Cui…
Health Beat: Pain specialist explains variety of treatment options
Special to IFN Is pain management possible without opioids? [caption id="attachment_126465" align="alignright" width="174"] Dr. Rob Theiss[/caption] Dr. Rob Theiss, physician at Iredell Pain Management, shares information on how to keep…
Health Beat: How to thrive in menopause
Special to IFN Dr. Rachel DiSanto, board-certified family medicine physician and Iredell Physician Network medical director, tackles the tough questions surrounding the dreaded “M” word — menopause. From symptoms to…
Health Beat: EmergeOrtho offers walk-in orthopedic urgent care for breaks, sprains and strains
[caption id="attachment_124087" align="aligncenter" width="600"] EmergeOrtho is located at 1425 Fern Creek Drive in Statesville.[/caption] Special to IFN When you or a family member gets hurt, knowing where to seek care…
NCDHHS provides guidance for health providers as measles cases increase
Special to IFN RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday announced 22 measles cases in North Carolina since late December 2025. As cases continue to rise…
NCDHHS: Measles cases continue to increase
Special to IFN RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is sharing resources and urging vaccination as measles cases increase across the state. The latest update to…
NCDHHS announces first pediatric flu death of 2025-2026 season
Special to IFN RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first pediatric flu-related death for the 2025-2026 flu season. A child in the western region…
Health Beat: Who will make decisions for you if you’re unable?
Special to IFN You don’t need a diagnosis to make a decision. Do you have an advance directive? [caption id="attachment_16862" align="alignright" width="179" class="popover-hover"] Allison “Bubba” Simmons[/caption] Advance directive is an…
Iredell Health System, Piedmont HealthCare bring advanced prostate treatment option to area
[caption id="attachment_118833" align="aligncenter" width="800" class="popover-hover"] Pictured (from left) are Dr. Tao Cui, Dr. Kush Patel, and Dr. Dominick J. Carbone Jr. with the new HYDRO Aquablation robotic system.[/caption] Special to…
NCDHHS urges North Carolinians to ‘Be Antibiotic Aware’
Special to IFN RALEIGH — To recognize and raise awareness of safe antibiotic use, Gov. Josh Stein has proclaimed the week of November 18-24 as North Carolina Antibiotic Awareness Week. The…
Iredell Health System offers low-dose CT screens for lung cancer
Special to IFN Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. with more Americans dying from it than any other type of cancer. With November being Lung…
Health Beat: How to escape an anxiety trap
Special to IFN The anxiety trap, often called the cycle of avoidance, happens when we avoid situations that can cause anxiety or emotional distress. Avoidance provides temporary relief before the…
All Ages, All Stages NC: NCDHHS marks progress toward an age-inclusive future
Special to IFN RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is celebrating one year of All Ages, All Stages NC, the state’s Multisector Plan for Aging. This…
NCDHHS and CHESS Health launch free mental health resource for veterans
Special to IFN RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), CHESS Health and Diamond Mind LLC have launched an initiative to provide specialized resources and services…
NCDHHS announces first flu death of 2025-2026 season, encourages residents to get annual vaccines
Special to IFN RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Wednesday announced the first reported flu-related death of the 2025-2026 flu season. An adult in the western part…
Health Beat: A conversation about suicide prevention
Special to IFN Every 11 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies by suicide. If you are struggling, or know someone who is struggling, Susan Tolle can help. [caption id=”attachment_113790″ align=”alignright”…
State health director’s Standing Orders allow pharmacists in N.C. to test and treat for flu
Special to IFN RALEIGH — State Health Director Dr. Larry Greenblatt has issued Standing Orders to allow pharmacists at retail locations in North Carolina to test and treat for influenza. Effective…
Piedmont HealthCare opens Women’s Imaging at Fern Creek
PHC Women’s Imaging at Fern Creek is located at 1424 Fern Creek Drive, Suite B, in Statesvillle. Special to IFN Piedmont HealthCare on Tuesday announced the opening of Women’s Imaging…
Health Beat: What to expect at a Wellness Check
Special to IFN [caption id="attachment_112549" align="alignright" width="200"] Nurse Practitioner Hannah Brown[/caption] A 2025 survey shows that an astonishing 90% of Americans have delayed seeking preventive medical care at some point….
Gov. Stein announces issuance of Standing Orders to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines
Special to IFN RALEIGH — To increase access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for those who so choose, Gov. Josh Stein on Friday directed the State Health Director Dr….
Health Beat: Free lactation services available through Iredell Health System
Special to IFN Rhea Lamb, a registered nurse and international board-certified lactation consultant at Iredell Memorial Hospital, is on a mission to get families off to the best start possible…
Health Beat: When should you keep your child home from school?
Special to IFN With a new school year comes new illnesses. A recent study from the CDC shows that more than two-thirds of children missed at least one day of…
Health Beat: How to be an antimicrobial steward
Special to IFN Antibiotics, if used appropriately, can be a powerful tool to combat bacterial infections within the body. As with any medication, if misused, they can do more harm…
Health Beat: Is sleep apnea preventing you from living your best life?
Special to IFN Have you ever been accused of sawing logs while you sleep? Do you sometimes wake up more tired than when you went to bed? [caption id=”attachment_110103″ align=”alignright”…
HEARTS Sacred Grounds event planned for August 16 in Statesville
Special to IFN The public is invited to attend the third HEARTS Sacred Grounds, an annual exploration of the burial grounds of the enslaved in the Piedmont region, on Saturday,…
NCDHHS announces first West Nile virus case of 2025
Special to IFN RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has announced the state’s first case of disease associated with West Nile virus in 2025. The case…
Health Beat: Taking action early can make a difference for Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers
Special to IFN More than 55 million people worldwide are living with some form of dementia. Being a caregiver for someone with this disease can feel like uncharted territory. Ben…
Health Beat: A conversation about men’s health
[caption id="attachment_107172" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Dr. Anthony Elkins is a family medicine physician at Iredell Primary Care[/caption] Special to IFN “I’m not sick, so I don’t need a doctor.” “I don’t…
Health Beat: Hypertension is a silent killer
Special to IFN [caption id="attachment_106927" align="alignright" width="166"] Dr. Harlan Hicks[/caption] High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is known as the silent killer. It can go undetected for years while…
Health Beat: Practicing mindfulness can help reduce your stress levels
Special to IFN Seventy percent of adults identify as having chronic stress. Does that sound like you? [caption id="attachment_105203" align="alignright" width="175"] Sara Neal[/caption] Nurse and yoga instructor Sara Neal, who…
Health Beat: What you need to know about prescription drug safety
Special to IFN Prescription drugs are a great help to many if used as prescribed. Unfortunately, the CDC estimates more than 1.5 million emergency room visits each year are caused…
Health Beat: What you should know about tobacco use
Special to IFN Did you know tobacco use is the leading cause of most preventable deaths in the United States? Although the health risks are widely known, nearly 20 percent…
Health Beat: Know the risks of colorectal cancer and how to get screened
Special to IFN Many people shy away from discussing topics like colonoscopies and gastrointestinal concerns. This is part of the reason why colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer…