WELLNESS IN THE FOOTHILLS

By Kayla Dovel November is here! The weather is getting cooler, the holidays are approaching, and many families are beginning to plan their Thanksgiving celebrations. Whether you are preparing a large holiday meal, bringing a dish to a family gathering, or enjoying leftovers at home, food safety should always be part of the plan. As we spend more time cooking, sharing meals, and gathering with family and friends, it is important to remember that unsafe food handling can lead

By Kayla Dovel Fall is here! The weather is getting cooler, leaves are changing, and many of us are spending more time indoors. It is also the time of year when respiratory illnesses, including influenza (the flu), become more common. As we head into fall and winter, it is a great time to take a few simple steps to protect your health and the health of those around you. One important step? Making sure you are up to date on your recommended vaccines. The Burke County Health De

By Samantha Simmons, MS “But Mom, I’m big enough to sit up front!” If you’ve ever heard this from your child, you’re not alone! As kids grow, they naturally want more independence—including moving out of their car seat, graduating from a booster seat, and eventually claiming the front passenger seat. But when it comes to riding in the car, growing up doesn’t mean it’s time to rush through the safety stages. The right car seat, the right fit, and the right seat in the vehicle

By Samantha Simmons, MS It's hard to believe that back-to-school season is already here! Before long, students will be walking through the school doors with new backpacks, fresh school supplies, and excitement for a new year of learning. As families prepare for the school year ahead, there's one important item that sometimes gets overlooked: making sure children are up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious

By Samantha Simmons, MS There’s nothing quite like the Fourth of July in North Carolina. The smell of burgers on the grill, neighbors gathering with lawn chairs, and the excitement of celebrating with family and friends are all part of what makes Independence Day so special. As families get ready to celebrate, a few simple safety reminders can help keep the holiday fun for everyone. While fireworks are a beloved tradition, they do send thousands of people to the emergency roo

By Samantha Simmons, MS Summer in North Carolina is all about making memories. It's afternoons spent splashing in the pool, weekends at the lake, family beach trips, and backyard gatherings with friends. As temperatures climb and more people head outdoors, it's also the perfect time to remember that a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is encouraging residents to make safety pa

By Samantha Simmons At Burke County Public Schools, students’ safety and well-being guide every decision. That commitment was evident during a recent Parent Night at Patton High School, where district leaders and public health partners came together to share resources, information, and practical ways families can support their children. The evening began with a presentation by Burke County Public Schools highlighting the systems and supports in place to support students. Dist

By Samantha Simmons, MS So, What Exactly Is Public Health? Every April, communities across the country celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW), a time to recognize the people, programs, and systems that quietly keep our families, neighbors, and communities healthy. Here in Burke County, April 6–12, 2026, gives us a perfect excuse to pause and think about what public health really means. Unlike a visit to your doctor, which focuses on treating individual health issues, pu

By Samantha Simmons, MS For many families, providing healthy meals is one of the most meaningful ways to care for loved ones and help children grow strong. But for others, access to nutritious foods, reliable nutrition information, or breastfeeding support can sometimes feel out of reach. Here in Burke County, families come from many different backgrounds and life experiences, and not everyone has the same access to the resources that support healthy nutrition. Programs like

By Samantha Simmons, MS Why Choking Awareness Matters Mealtimes and playtime are essential parts of childhood, offering opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. However, they can also present serious safety risks for infants and young children. Choking is one of the leading causes of injury-related emergencies in children under the age of four. Raising awareness about choking hazards, both food-related and non-food-related, helps parents and caregivers recognize ri

By Samantha Simmons The Awareness Gap For many people, cervical cancer is not something they think about until it directly affects them or someone they love. Because it often develops silently, without obvious symptoms in its early stages, cervical cancer can go unnoticed for years. Yet it is one of the most preventable cancers when awareness, screening, and prevention tools are used. Raising awareness is essential to protecting health, saving lives, and empowering individu

By Samantha Simmons and Christina Musumeci For many, the holiday season brings warmth, celebration, and connection. But for others, this time of year can intensify feelings of stress, loneliness, or grief. Here in Burke County, where mental health challenges affect individuals and families from all walks of life, it’s important to remember that the holidays don’t look or feel the same for everyone, and that’s okay. Why the Holidays Can Be Difficult Even though the season is o

By Christina Musumeci This holiday season, make sure to keep you and your loved ones healthy and happy by practicing safe food prep and storage. From turkey to stuffing to everything in between, all foods must be handled appropriately to avoid foodborne illness. Here are some simple tips for storing, thawing, handling, cooking, and reheating your turkey: Store 🧊 Keep your turkey frozen until you’re ready to prepare it. Avoid storing it in a cooler or outside in the snow, as

By Christina Musumeci October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remind ourselves of the importance of early detection and breast self-awareness. Awareness helps us become knowledgeable about the warning signs and the risk factors and take action. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, accounting for 1 in 3 of all new female cancers. However, when it’s caught early, breast cancer is far more treatable. T

By Samantha Simmons, MS Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year, with crisp air, colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, and warm...

By Samantha Simmons, MS As the days of summer begin to fade and the sound of school bells draws near, families all over Burke County are...

By Samantha Simmons, MS There’s something magical about a sunny day spent by the water. Whether it’s the neighborhood pool, a friend’s...

By Samatha Simmons, MS Ever wonder how restaurants are kept safe and clean? A recent conversation with Brooke Jarlson, REHS from the...

By Samantha Simmons, MS Summer is the season for sunshine, fresh air, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking your favorite trail,...

By Samantha Simmons Measles may sound like an illness from the past, but it remains a significant threat in today’s world. This highly...