Health

Senior with Sickle Cell organizes blood drive

Submitted by Frances Weller, WECT News anchor

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012, 8:55am

Bryan Ballard, a senior at Laney, organizes blood drive for his senior class project from his hospital bed

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – While most high school seniors are counting down the days until their Thanksgiving holiday break, Bryan Ballard, 17, is planning a blood drive---from his hospital bed.

The Laney High School senior has sickle cell anemia. Last June, he had to be hospitalized for the genetic blood disorder. He needed six units of blood to survive. So when it came time to decide on a senior class project, he didn't have to think long. His personal experience inspired him to organize a blood drive.

Bryan is calling his project The Sickled Life.

Tuesday, November 20, Bryan's senior class project will come to life when the Red Cross pulls up to Hanks Chapel Church in Wilmington. There, Red Cross volunteers will accept blood from donors supporting Bryan's mission.

The blood drive will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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CFPUA moves into Zone 6 of flushing program

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer

Thursday, October 25th, 2012, 12:12pm

CFPUA moves into Zone 6 of flushing program

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority will continue its comprehensive system flushing program Thursday night.

According to a news release , utility crews will move into Zone 6 and begin flushing section 6A (see picture above).

Flushing is conducted Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.

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Join a flash mob to raise awareness about Cystic Fibrosis

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Friday, October 19th, 2012, 8:48am

Join a flash mob to raise awareness about Cystic Fibrosis

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – There will be a flash mob Sunday afternoon at Mayfaire Town Center to raise awareness and educate the community about cystic fibrosis.

The event is in honor of Jozie who was born with cystic fibrosis a year ago. She will be celebrating her first birthday.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is searching for a cure that will impact more than 70,000 people around the world.

Click here to learn the dance to participate in the flash mob at 4 p.m. in front of Regal Mayfaire Cinema’s fountain.

An optional rehearsal will take place at Techniques in Motion School of Dance in the Monkey Junction area.

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Students can get flu shot at school

Submitted by Heather Setzler, Executive Producer, Theater/Arts Reporter

Monday, October 15th, 2012, 3:20pm

NEW HANOVER CO., NC (WECT) - The New Hanover County Health Department is working with the county school system to provide the flu vaccine to middle and high school students.

Health Department staff will administer the vaccine at each middle and high school during October on the following dates:

October 16 - D.C.

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Take yoga, T’ai Chi classes at Cameron Art Museum

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012, 4:37pm

Take yoga, T’ai Chi classes at Cameron Art Museum

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The Cameron Art Museum is offering yoga and T’ai Chi classes for both beginners and those with experience, according to a news release.

T’ai Chi classes are held Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Yoga classes are held Thursday from noon to 1 p.m., Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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Store hosting pink hair extension fundraiser for people, pets

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012, 3:53pm

Store hosting pink hair extension fundraiser for people, pets

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop and the Tata Sisterhood of the Cape Fear are hosting a pink hair extension fundraiser, according to a news release.

The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The extensions will be available for both dogs and people, with proceeds going towards the Tata Sisterhood.

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What's going around: Doctors have seen confirmed flu cases

Submitted by Kim Kopka Ratcliff, News Anchor, Carolina in the Morning

Monday, September 24th, 2012, 2:05pm

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – It's the time of year to start thinking about getting vaccinated from the flu.

Health experts say flu seasons are unpredictable and recommend the vaccine for anyone over six months old.

The flu season typically starts in October, but doctors at Cape Fear Pediatrics in Wilmington and Hampstead have already seen a few confirmed cases of the flu this year.

Here's a helpful reminder – flu symptoms are typically more severe than the common cold and can suddenly appear.

Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches and pains, a severe headache, weakness, loss of appetite, sore throat, coughing, sneezing and chest pains. These symptoms can last 1-2 weeks.

If you want to avoid the flu, now is the time to get vaccinated.

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