If there’s one word to describe singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, it would be persistent.

From humble and hardscrabble beginnings as a performer in dive bars and back rooms throughout the Midwest in the late 1970s and early 1980s to international acclaim just a decade later, Etheridge has remained a beacon of creativity and purpose throughout the decades — where now words like “legend” and “icon” tend to precede her name in the bright lights of show business. 

There seems to be more interest lately in non-alcoholic (NA) beverages.  These run the gamut from mixed drinks without alcohol (aka “mocktails”) to beer and wine that can be classified as NA when they have less than 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume). 

Western Carolina University is set to host the 14th Annual Rooted in the Mountains Symposium, a two-day event aimed at exposing attendees to the interwoven relationships between climate, health, traditional knowledge and the indigenous worldview.

Question: Does Milk Cause Mucus When You Have a Cold? 

After a spring lull, the coronavirus has returned with a vengenance, leading to a surge in Western North Carolina that experts didn’t expect. 

It’s the time of year in the Southeast when our backyard gardens may be full of zucchinis and of course, you can always purchase fresh zucchini at your local Ingles Market. 

In 2003 I had my gall bladder removed. It was one year following the birth of my youngest son. I was 33 years old. As an energy worker I am well aware that issues with a gallbladder are related to anger turned inward. The gallbladder is located in the solar plexus energy center, and it is where we move our energy out into the world. It’s mantra is I decidehow to direct my energy and in those days I did not feel like I could.

Since the state expanded Medicaid last December, 479,153 North Carolinians have signed up for full-coverage insurance and are already seeing the benefits. 

Question: I have diabetes…can I eat bananas?

Answer: Yes, someone with diabetes can eat a banana. Bananas are a good source of potassium and fiber.

Pizza often has a bad reputation and is considered unhealthy, but if you think about it, it’s just bread with sauce, cheese, and toppings – kind of like an open-faced sandwich! As is the case with many things, if you eat pizza in large quantities, and if your toppings are higher in calories then your pizza night may not be the best choice.