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Fitness Spotlight - Fall Hiking

What's All the Talk About Gut Health?

You’ve probably noticed “gut health” is getting a lot of attention lately as it’s become a trending topic in social and mainstream media. This is because recent research has discovered links between gut health and our immune system, chronic illnesses (diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and some cancers) as well as mental health and neurological conditions such as ...

The Risk Factors and Signs of Colorectal Cancer

In March, we recognize Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women, and it's the second most common cause of cancer deaths when numbers for men and women are combined. It's expected to cause about 52,550 deaths during 2023. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is ...

Setting Goals for 2023

A new year is ushered in with a variety of emotions that often lead to innovative ideas and resolutions. Some commit to more exercise. Some commit to paying off debt. Some commit to weight loss. Having goals for things we want to do and working towards them is an important part of living. It gives us a sense of meaning and purpose and that we are making progress. Although, many of these ...

Men's Health Month 2022

June is Men’s Health Month. The following medical screenings are recommended for men from age 18 through adulthood. Men Aged 18-39* • Full Checkup with Height, Weight, Skin at least every 3 years • Blood Pressure Check Yearly • Blood Tests for Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Kidney Dysfunction at least every 3 years • Sexually Transmitted Diseases – both partners should ...

Bob Finds The Strength to Battle Cancer

Bob’s goals became a little different after he retired from a long, challenging career in furniture and sales. He became more involved in his church, started reading more books and began helping children learn to read. In 2017, his decision to visit Israel that would change his life forever, exploring biblical history and being exposed to vastly different cultures a world away. Bob returned ...

Bob Finds The Strength to Battle Cancer

Bob’s goals became a little different after he retired from a long, challenging career in furniture and sales. He became more involved in his church, started reading more books and began helping children learn to read. In 2017, his decision to visit Israel that would change his life forever, exploring biblical history and being exposed to vastly different cultures a world away. Bob returned ...

Brooke's Beautiful Journey to Motherhood

As the oldest girl among four children and 16 grandchildren, Brooke Wilcox spent most of her life taking care of kids. At age 20, she and her husband John decided to have a child of their own and sought the help of a midwife at Catawba Valley Medical Center Maternity Services. She had heard good things about the care available there and she liked the idea of experiencing childbirth as naturally as ...

Women Make History at CVMC

In March, we recognize Women’s History Month! Today, we would like to celebrate women making history within Catawba Valley Health System. For the first time since the inception of our organization in 1965, the top four leadership positions on our Medical Staff are all held by women. The positions are: Susan Nikrooz, MD, Past Chief of Staff Jamey Cost, MD, Chief of Staff Kathy Wilson, MD, ...

Retiring CEO Eddie Beard Honored with RISE Scholarship

HICKORY, NC—The Organizational Learning department of Catawba Valley Health System (CVHS) and Catawba Medical Foundation hosted a banquet December 12, 2022, at Catawba Valley Medical Center to award the first Eddie Beard RISE scholarship. Winner of the scholarship is Carley Land, a senior at Hickory High School. RISE, Robust Internship Student Experiences (RISE), is a semester long, ...

Vickie Scott Dedicates Her Life to Those in Need

Vickie Scott, now in her sixties, has dedicated her life to helping others in need. After years of mentoring young girls and providing them a shoulder to lean on, Vickie found that her volunteer work meshed perfectly with FaithHealth Catawba, so she joined the organization in 2019. FaithHealth Catawba is a dynamic partnership between the faith community, Catawba Valley Health System and other ...

The Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Known as the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease is associated with problems of severe memory loss, thinking, and behavior that interfere with a person’s everyday life. Alzheimer’s is the 6 th leading cause of death in the United States. It is a progressive disease that, as of now, has no cure. According to 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, North ...

Centering Pregnancy Group Resumes Post-COVID

Did you know that we recently resumed our Centering Pregnancy groups? Centering Pregnancy is prenatal care in a group setting with other women with similar due dates. During each Centering session, time is split between one-on-one care with a private midwife and group time where wellness topics are discussed among everyone, and the patient is empowered to be an integral part of her own care. ...

Brooke's Beautiful Journey to Motherhood

As the oldest girl among four children and 16 grandchildren, Brooke Wilcox spent most of her life taking care of kids. At age 20, she and her husband John decided to have a child of their own and sought the help of a midwife at Catawba Valley Medical Center Maternity Services. She had heard good things about the care available there and she liked the idea of experiencing childbirth as naturally as ...

Sick Child? Our Provider Moriah Specht Offers Parents 4 Nuggets of Advice

The following tips are for children 6 months or older –for infants under 6 months, parents are advised to contact their primary care provider (PCP) immediately. What can you do at home? You may treat your child at home if their symptoms are mild, such as, mild cough, fever less than 101˚, nasal drainage, mild sore throat, few episodes of vomiting or diarrhea (without abdominal pain or signs ...

A Special Halloween Treat

Nobody plans to spend time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a new baby – especially during a holiday. But for premature babies born at Catawba Valley Medical Center, Halloween brings a special treat for parents. A holiday seems like a natural time for parents to show off their new arrival, but when their baby demands around-the-clock care, nurses try to make the occasion as special as ...