Cabell County investigates Hepatitis A cases

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Health officials say four cases of Hepatitis A have been confirmed in Cabell County.

The Cabell-Huntington Health Department said Monday in a news release that it’s investigating the cases.

The health department said the cases are sporadic but didn’t provide details.

An alert issued earlier this month by the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health said several cases also were in Jackson and Wayne counties in October.

The virus can be spread through contact with fecal matter, eating uncooked foods that may have been contaminated during handling and use of unclean needles.

Its symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting and a yellowing of the skin or eyes. The virus is rarely fatal.

Big Brothers Big Sisters tree sale Saturday

Opening day for the 30th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Christmas Tree Sale is Saturday.

All Trees are freshly cut and are shipped from the best plantations in Virginia and Michigan. Back by popular demand are the White Pine, Scotch Pine and Fraser Fir varieties as well as beautiful wreaths.

Trees can be purchased from three area lots. In Huntington, at two locations: BB& T Bank, Sixth Avenue and First Street, and Eastern Heights Shopping Center, U.S. Route 60E; and in Ashland, at the Ashland Tennis Center, 13th Street and Oakview Road. Hours are weekdays from noon to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For additional information call 304-522-2191, 606-329-8799 or visit their website at www.bbbstristate.org

KDMC rehab center one of four in nation selected for L.E.A.P.

ASHLAND, Ky. — Recovery from stroke is a lifelong process.

That’s why a team of clinical professionals at King’s Daughters Medical Center is so excited to be chosen to implement a new four-part program titled L.E.A.P. (Lifelong Education and Advocacy Program). The KDMC team is one of four in the nation to be selected by the National Stroke Association to pilot the program.

The first session will be 5:45 p.m. Monday at KDMC’s Health Education Center (lower level of the Lexington Avenue parking facility). KDMC neurologist Henry Goodman, M.D., will facilitate the first session. There is limited seating, so reservations are required by calling Jo King at 606.408.7407.

Additional sessions are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 27; Monday, Jan. 31; and Monday, Feb. 28. Professionals taking part in the sessions to answer stroke survivors’ questions include neurologists, dietitians, pharmacists, rehab therapists and nursing staff.

The program’s four sessions will focus on: 1) Learning About Stroke; 2) Empowering Yourself-Recovery is a Lifelong Process; 3) Awareness-Communication, Intimacy and Self Esteem; 4) Positively Surviving.

“We want to encourage stroke survivors and their family members to learn as much as they can about stroke and recovery and the many resources available,” King said. “Be your own best advocate.”

KDMC is a locally controlled, not-for-profit, 465-bed regional referral center, offering comprehensive cardiac, vascular, medical, surgical, maternity, pediatric, rehabilitative, psychiatric, cancer, neurological, pain care, wound care and home care services. For additional information, visit us online at kdmc.com.