Choose physical therapy over painkillers

By Shannon Icenhour • Guest Columnist

Fall is almost over, but October was not just for trick-or-treating; it also represented National Physical Therapy Month. This year’s campaign was “Choose Physical Thereapy.” With advancements in the medical field, medications are readily available and often seem to be the easiest option to treat pain. However, the American Physical Therapy Association encourages you to seek physical therapy as a way to heal your pain, not just mask it.

Designer selected for $17 million health building

Southwestern Community College is gearing up to start work on a $17 million health sciences building, with its trustees last week spending hours listening to pitches from four different companies before selecting the firm LS3P to design the project.

Maggie Valley Wellness: Finding balance with a healthy mind and body

As a yoga instructor and a massage therapist, Candra Smith knows that staying healthy requires a sound mind and body, which is why her business — Maggie Valley Wellness Center — provides services for both. 

Commit to be fit: Franklin Health & Fitness helps community stay healthy

Franklin Health & Fitness has invested a lot in its community, and in return, the community has been able to invest in its health. 

Fitness by the numbers at 9Round

Enjoy working out like a fighter but hate getting punched in the face? Then a new fitness franchise concept in Clyde might just be the thing for you. 

Working toward relaxation: After years of renovation, Fusions Spa relocates to downtown Sylva

After 35 straight days on the job, Jeannine Sowers is sorely in need of a spa day. The irony of it is, she’s been at the spa all month. Actually, all year.

Surgery successful for WCU chancellor

fr belcherDavid Belcher may not have appeared at Western Carolina University’s commencement ceremonies last week, but the university’s chancellor was there in spirit after undergoing brain surgery May 4.

Wellness program promotes healthy living in Swain schools

lw swainSwain County schools are a little bit healthier following the conclusion of a trial wellness program this spring.

Reconnecting today’s kids with the outdoors is critical to their well-being

lw kidsoutsideThere’s something ingrained in our DNA, something seared into our psyche that triggers a primal sense of harmony when we escape four walls and venture into the great outdoors. Olga Pader feels that euphoria every time she steps out on a trail.

The importance of balance

lw abelwellnessBy Katie Reeder • SMN Intern 

Whether it is teaching a Pilates or karate class or performing massage therapy, much of the work at Abel Wellness revolves around restoring balance to the body.

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