News

  • Breast Cancer—Be Aware and Take Action

    October 01, 2023

    Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed nationally every October to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer, and to provide education regarding the most common symptoms and associated risk factors for the disease. By staying informed and taking preventive action to fight breast cancer, we can help to minimize the effect this disease has on women in our communities. 

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  • Understanding Prostate Cancer

    September 01, 2023

    Prostate cancer is a condition often heard about, but perhaps seldom fully understood. In recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning this common form of cancer.What is the prostate?The prostate is a gland that is only found in men, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It…

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  • Harris Regional Hospital & Swain Community Hospital Announces New CEO: Former CFO Takes the Helm

    August 09, 2023

    Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, Duke LifePoint hospitals, are pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Hindman as the new Chief Executive Officer. Hindman has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the hospital system and will now transition into the role of CEO, effective immediately.

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  • Swain Family Care Welcomes Dr. Joseph Murcko

    July 28, 2023

    “I personally understand the challenges of being a patient,” shares Dr. Murcko, “and I hope to nurture a caring and therapeutic physician-patient relationship with each visit. I chose a career in medicine because I have a passion for helping others live the healthiest version of their lives. I believe that we can reach our greatest potential in our relationships, jobs, and interests when we have optimized the health of the body, mind and soul. I hope to work together with my patients to help them achieve their best health.”

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  • Harris Regional & Swain Community Hospital Names 2023 Mercy Award Winner

    June 23, 2023

    Missi has been employed as a registered nurse at our hospitals since 2017. She came to us as new graduate and nursing leadership quickly determined she was an invaluable asset to our healthcare team. Missi's passion and her desire to learn and grow in the nursing field was evident. Within a year of hire she was selected as recipient of the Daisy Award after receiving a touching nomination for the compassionate care she provided for a Hospice patient and providing much needed reassurance for the family members during this very difficult time.

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  • Good Health Starts Today - 4 Tips to Men's Health Month

    June 01, 2023

    We get it – it’s tough to make time for an appointment. But regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential for managing your health. Most men report only visiting a healthcare professional when they feel sick, but many of the serious conditions that affect men don’t show symptoms early...

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  • Swain Family Care Welcomes Russell McAlvain

    June 01, 2023

    "I wanted to dedicate my life to helping and serving others. I will always have patient's best interest in mind and be considerate of their situation as we navigate their medical journey together. I will always take their opinions and needs into consideration and be open and honest regarding their healthcare," McAlvain says.

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  • Stroke Awareness and Mental Health Tips That May Improve Your Wellness

    May 04, 2023

    Suffering from a stroke can be deadly. In fact, stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. But did you know that 80 percent of strokes are actually preventable? And high blood pressure is the most important controllable risk factor. So, always know your numbers and talk to your primary care provider about how to lower and keep your blood pressure at healthy levels.

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  • Mental Health Month

    May 01, 2023

    It’s important to understand that mental health conditions are actually quite common. According to statistics published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness, and one in 20 adults experiences serious mental illness. So, if you are struggling to maintain good mental health, know that you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re suffering from a mental health condition. Seeking professional help and treatment can make a positive difference in your overall health and quality of life.

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  • Harris Pediatric Care Welcomes Dr. Carmen Nations

    March 06, 2023

    Dr. Carmen Nations was raised in Cherokee, NC. She received her medical degree from University of Utah School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Nations completed her residency at East Tennessee State University Pediatrics, and later went on to serve hospitals and practices in Cherokee, Sylva, and Western Carolina University. She has a strong passion for ACEs and specifically global education around resiliency, Adolescent health, Down Syndrome and Down Syndrome Advocacy. 

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  • National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Is It Your Time for a Colonoscopy?

    March 02, 2023

    The 80s and 90s were a legendary time for cinema, with the release of some of the most well-known movies to date, including Thelma & Louise, Forrest Gump, Clueless, Space Jam, Titanic and the list goes on. But if these renowned pieces of pop culture were introduced to the big screen during your teenage years, it might be time to consider a different kind of screening…

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  • National Nutrition Month: Five Tips to Help You Fuel for the Future

    March 02, 2023

    March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign driven by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that focuses on the importance of making informed food choices, developing sound eating habits and maintaining regular physical activity. This year’s theme is “Fuel for the Future” – a great reminder that the food and drinks you consume today…

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  • National Heart Month: Four Easy Ways to Show Your Heart Some Love

    February 01, 2023

    We often associate the month of February with hearts because of Valentine’s Day. However, there is another reason we should think of hearts in February – it’s American Heart Month, a designated time to advocate for cardiovascular health and raise awareness about heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person dies every 34 seconds from heart disease, making this disease the leading cause of death for both men and women of most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.

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  • New Year, New You: Four Tips for a Healthy Start to 2023

    January 01, 2023

    New Year, New You: Four Tips for a Healthy Start to 2023 The beginning of a new year symbolizes a fresh start and, for many of us, it provides a renewed focus on our overall health and wellbeing. That’s why so many of us set New Year’s resolutions intended to improve our wellness. Turning the page on the calendar gives us a chance to turn the page on old…

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  • ‘Tis the Season to be Healthy: Maintaining Your Physical and Mental Well-Being During the Holidays

    December 08, 2022

    The holiday season is finally here, ringing with the joy of visiting family and friends, attending festive parties, exchanging gifts, sharing delicious meals and giving back to charitable causes. It’s “the most wonderful time of the year” as they say. Unfortunately, though – for many of us – this time of year often means more stress and…

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  • Flu Season is Here: Step One? Getting Vaccinated

    November 30, 2022

    Flu season has arrived. Lasting from late autumn to as late as May – and peaking between December and February – the season typically brings millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths. This 2022-23 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expecting flu viruses to circulate along…

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  • Swain Community Hospital Welcomes Dr. Jonathan Dean

    November 20, 2022

    Dr. Dean is originally from Pensacola, Florida. He obtained his medical degree at Florida State University College of Medicine and underwent surgical training at Atlanta Medical Center and Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, FL. Dr. Dean practices the full range of general surgery with an emphasis on minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic and cutting edge robotic techniques.

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  • Suicide Prevention: Knowing the Signs & Getting Help

    September 06, 2022

    One of the most troubling aspects of suicide is it can impact people of all ages, groups and backgrounds. Suicide and suicide attempts also affect the health and well-being of friends, loved ones, co-workers and the greater community. When people die by suicide, their surviving family and friends can experience a range of difficult emotions, like anger and guilt, and may even have thoughts of suicide themselves.

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  • Jean Sprinkle Named Mercy Award Winner

    July 20, 2022

    Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital recently announced that Jean Sprinkle, RN, has been recognized as the facility’s 2022 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

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  • Summertime Safety: How to Keep Cool and Healthy All Summer Long

    June 20, 2022

    by Dr. Bradley McAbee, Physician  School’s out and that means one thing: summer is officially here! As the days grow longer and brighter, many of us will be taking full advantage of summer, whether its enjoying backyard barbeques, lazy days by the pool or even the occasional fireworks display. No matter how you choose to enjoy your summer, it’s important to stay alert and protect yourself and your family from potential threats to your health and safety.

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