Health

Memphis cyclist raises money for charities one ride at a time

Submitted by Danielle Wilburn on Friday, June 8th, 12:32 pm

(WMC-TV) - One Mid-South man has decided to take his love for cycling to the web. Michael Lander is a longtime Memphis resident who spent over two decades in the military. After his military career Lander decided to return to school to finish up his degree in journalism.

During the spring 2012 semester Lander’s web publishing class required a blog as a final project. As a result, this non-traditional student chose to create a “Memphis Cyclist” website.

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Lifeblood throws weeklong party to increase donations

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Thursday, June 7th, 2012, 3:24pm

Lifeblood throws weeklong party to increase donations

Lifeblood is gearing up for a week-long blood donation event – Donor Fest 2012 – in which the non-profit organization hopes to garner 1,500 units of blood, saving up to 4,500 lives.

The need for blood is incredibly high in the summer while blood donations are typically low.

The event begins this Monday June 11 at all six of Lifeblood’s neighborhood donor centers, which will be open until 8 p.m. all week.

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New vending machines put stop to unhealthy snacks

Submitted by Danielle Wilburn on Wednesday, May 30th, 1:54 pm

(WMC-TV) – One vending machine company is doing its part to tackle the problem of obesity. Fresh Healthy Vending Café is giving businesses in the Mid-South the opportunity to offer healthier snacks in their facility. Amy Israel and William Pollack have purchased the healthy vending franchise and are in the process of selecting locations in the Memphis area for the machines.

This vending company started in 2010 and is based out of San Diego. Fresh Healthy Vending is recreating the idea of a typical vending machine by filling them with healthy, natural and organic food and beverage options. They call it the “future of vending.”

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Health officials offer water safety tips

Submitted by Jeramia Trotter, WMCTV.com

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012, 11:11am

Health officials offer water safety tips

(WMC-TV) – As the mercury continues to climb, more people will be headed to the pool. And while swimming can be fun, it can also be very dangerous.

“We want all of our Shelby County constituents to be safe around swimming pools while having fun,” said Dr. Tyler Zerwekh, administrator of Shelby County Health Department, Environmental Health Services Bureau. “Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental injury-related death in children ages 1-14.”

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Whooping cough outbreak not current concern for Shelby County

Submitted by Jeramia Trotter, WMCTV.com

Thursday, May 17th, 2012, 4:13pm

Whooping cough outbreak not current concern for Shelby County

(WMC-TV) – Shelby County health officials say Mid-South parents shouldn’t be concerned by the recent whooping cough outbreak in the western United States.

There were three cases of whooping cough reported last year in Shelby County and there have been five cases confirmed this year, according to the health department.

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Shelves empty at Lifeblood

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Monday, May 14th, 2012, 5:40pm

Lifeblood is in critical need of both blood and platelet donors.

The warmer months are traditionally low donation times, and this year is no exception.

“We have depleted our inventory of O+ units, and all other types are low,” said Jennifer Balink, vice president of donor relations for Lifeblood. “We need everyone to get involved today; hundreds of patients’ lives depend on volunteer blood donors.”

In addition to being out of whole blood units, Lifeblood is also in need of platelet donors.

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National Women's Health Week good time to get check-up

Submitted by Joan Carr, Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region

Friday, May 11th, 2012, 11:47am

National Women's Health Week good time to get check-up

Women—it is time to prioritize your health! As part of National Women’s Health Week (May 13-18, 2012), Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region is urging women in the Mid-South to schedule preventive checkups, including breast cancer screenings, pelvic exams, and, if recommended, a Pap test.

“The health of women affects our families, our partners, and our communities,” said Tarsha Elliott, RN, BSN, Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region’s Director of Clinic Services. “As we honor our mothers this week, we should also take the time to encourage them, and all the women in our lives, to schedule the regular checkups they need to live longer, healthier and happier lives.”

Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region offers a wide range of preventive health services, including lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control, diagnosis and treatment of precancerous cervical conditions, breast exams, the HPV vaccine and STD testing and treatment.