Health

Checkers set for "Pink in the Rink" to fight women's cancers

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012, 2:46pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – The Charlotte Checkers have announced the details surrounding the sixth annual Pink in the Rink, presented by Presbyterian Hospital, which will take place Saturday, Feb. 25 when the team hosts the Oklahoma City Barons.

The goal of the evening is to raise awareness and funds for the fight against women's related cancers, specifically breast cancer.

The beneficiaries of the night are Carolina Breast Friends, Susan G. Komen and Presbyterian Hospital's Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center.

The players will wear specialty pink jerseys and there will be a live post-game jersey auction to benefit the above mentioned charities. In addition, there will be a giveaway of pink Checkers beanies to the first 2,500 women through the door, an honoring of breast cancer survivors and the ice will be lit up pink during player introductions.

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National Wear Red Day is February 3rd

Submitted by Susan H.

Friday, January 27th, 2012, 5:21pm

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Go Red For Women is asking women to take action by participating in this year’s National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd. Women can wear red in support of the cause, learn more about their personal risk of heart disease, and register for a free red dress pin at GoRedForWomen.org or get involved with local events and the upcoming Go Red For Women luncheon on May 10, 2012.

For more information, please click HERE or call 704.208.5514.

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The Basics on Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Submitted by Susan H.

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012, 2:46pm

The Basics on Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

CHARLOTTE - This free workshop is sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Chapter and The Ivey, an adult daycare facility located in the SouthPark area of Charlotte.

If a loved one is dealing with memory loss or possible dementia, you probably feel overwhelmed and have many questions. How can you tell if it’s Alzheimer’s disease or something else? What are the benefits of early detection? Once you know the diagnosis, how will the disease progress?

Learn about the various forms of dementia, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease. Find out how the brain is affected by Alzheimer’s, how dementia is diagnosed and treated, the latest on current research, and what to do next after you learn the diagnosis.

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Major wreck depletes area blood supply, donors needed

Submitted by Alison Hill, Community Web Producer

Friday, December 23rd, 2011, 2:05pm

Major wreck depletes area blood supply, donors needed

American Red Cross officials say our area is experiencing a blood shortage after a serious wreck in the Asheville area depleted the blood supply.

The wreck happened Wednesday night when a tractor trailer slammed head on into a church van, sending more than a dozen people, including several children, to the hospital.

Next to time, blood can be the most important thing for a paramedic. And not just any type, but O negative - the universal type that can help any patient.

The supply of O negative blood in the Asheville area was short to begin with, and with so many crash victims in need of blood, officials had to pull from other regions, including Charlotte.

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Holiday related stress can lead to depression

Submitted by Sarah Batista

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011, 10:26am

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The holidays can be an exciting time, but for some people it's also overwhelming.

"There's a lot going on, there's a lot to do. I think we put extra pressure on ourselves to be perfect during the holidays," said Beverly Stoner, a license clinical social worker with Presbyterian Healthcare.

Stoner says the holidays can create anxiety and lead to depression.

Sometimes a job loss or the recent death of a family member can add to the holiday blues.

For others like high school senior Kiera Sandifur, fighting depression is an ongoing battle and family gatherings cause more stress.

"Sometimes they might want to fight it depends on what they came for," said Sandifur.

She's one of nearly 19 million Americans suffering from clinical depression at any given time.

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Checkers players, staff to grow moustaches for Movember

Submitted by Chris Dyches

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011, 11:51am

Checkers players, staff to grow moustaches for Movember

CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Checkers announced today that 20 players and several staff members, including team owner Michael Kahn, will grow moustaches in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Movember, the world-wide men’s health foundation.

The players were split into two teams, led by Checkers Movember team captains Chris Durno and Chris Terry, and will compete against each other to see which squad can raise the most money. Team Durno and Team Terry were chosen via a live draft at the Checkers offices Wednesday.

Picture and video updates on the teams’ progress and donation totals will be posted at www.gocheckers.com/movember throughout the month.

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Chili cook-off to benefit burn victims

Submitted by Alison Hill, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011, 1:57pm

SOUTHEND - Chili lovers are invited to tempt their taste buds at Dilworth/South End’s second annual Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, November 6.

Proceeds will benefit the Firefighter Burned Children's Fund, whose mission is to support, educate and assist burn survivors and their families through recovery.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat-eater, young or old, a spicy or sweet fan, this cook-off will have something for you.

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