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• Throughout the economic downturn, health care was generally thought of as one of the more stable industries to weather the storm.And while it still is faring better than other sectors, there are signs that health care is not entirely recession-proof.Hospitals in different parts of the state, including here in Brunswick County, have recently announced layoffs [...] Hospitals feeling layoff pains
• More than 490 people statewide were treated for heat-related illnesses between June 11 and July 17, state officials reported today.Most of the patients were young and middle-aged adults, according to the N.C. Division of Public Health.A heat advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. tonight and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday.Health officials said pointed out that [...] Hundreds in NC treated for heat illness
• According to a new report, the majority of North Carolinians support the bar and restaurant smoking ban, which went into effect at the beginning of the year.About 72 percent of adults surveyed said they supported the law, according to the poll results released this week by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Gillings [...] Survey: Majority of NC residents support smoking ban
• Be honest, when was the last time you washed your tote bag?Reusable shopping bags might be good for the environment, but potentially bad for your stomach.That is if there's lingering food borne bacteria like E. coli that can make you sick.Researchers at the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University recently found that large numbers [...] Earth-friendly grocery totes could be bad for your health
• The state's largest health insurer plans to cut its costs by 20 percent in the coming years.The News & Observer reported Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina intends to shave $200 million off its $1 billion budget by 2014.The savings are expected to come from not filling open positions, early retirements and streamlined [...] Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurer cutting expenses