Health

Free flu vaccines available across Shelby County

Submitted by Kelsey Jacobson, Digital Content Director / WMCTV.COM

Thursday, January 10th, 2013, 4:58pm

Free flu vaccines available across Shelby County

As the flu spreads across the country, Shelby County health officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated as we approach the peak of the flu season.

The Shelby County Health Department says even though the flu is hitting the country hard, it is not too late to get vaccinated. The add that the vaccine is safe, effective and recommended for anyone six months old or older.

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Bike facilitates help to change Memphis' image

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Saturday, December 29th, 2012, 4:04pm

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Flu season in Mid-South early, forcing several schools to shut down

Submitted by WMCTV Web Staff

Thursday, December 6th, 2012, 2:18pm

Flu season in Mid-South early, forcing several schools to shut down

Flu season is attacking the Mid-South early this year, forcing several schools to shut their doors until next week.

Both Tennessee and Mississippi are listed at the top for the hardest hit states in the nation.

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Planned Parenthood participates World AIDS Day testing events

Submitted by Joan Carr, Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012, 4:53pm

Planned Parenthood participates World AIDS Day testing events

Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region is participating in two World AIDS Day observances this Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1.

On Friday, Nov. 30, Planned Parenthood will be providing free HIV testing and prevention counseling at a World AIDS Day event hosted by State Representative G. A. Hardaway and Mayor A C Wharton at Memphis City Hall.

It is 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

On Saturday, Dec.1, Planned Parenthood will be providing free HIV testing and prevention counseling at the Faith and AIDS Conference at Christ Missionary Baptist Church.

It is from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region is a leading agency in HIV education and prevention services in the Mid-South.

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Wright Medical buys Nashville company

Submitted by Lyle Bontrager on Monday, November 19th, 12:05 pm

Wright Medical Group is in the process of purchasing one of Nashville's largest bio-tech firms, BioMimetic Therapeutics Inc., as part of a deal worth $380 million.

The Nashville Tennessean reports that BioMimetic is developing a new bone graft product which is now under final FDA review. If the deal goes through, BioMimetic will be able to tap into Wright's established sales network to eventually help sell its new Augment Bone Graft product. Wright Medical is a global medical device company, recording more than $500 million in revenue.

Both companies say they believe that Augment will eventually be approved and on the market.

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2013, pending regulatory approvals.

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What’s New in Medicare for 2013 event set for Whitehaven Community Center

Submitted by Steve Crain, WMCTV.com

Thursday, November 8th, 2012, 12:25pm

What’s New in Medicare for 2013 event set for Whitehaven Community Center

Media Alert provided by Windsor Health Plan

Medicare beneficiaries can learn about 2013 Medicare Advantage changes and the extra benefits offered in Windsor Health Plan Medicare Advantage plans at an education event on November 15 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Whitehaven Community Center, 4318 Graceland Ave.

The event is free and open to the public as space allows. Current Windsor Health Plan members are welcome. Guests do not need to RSVP.

Windsor Health Plan offers a variety of Medicare Advantage plans as well as chronic and dually eligible special needs plans.

Now through December 7 is the only time many Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the 2013 calendar year.

If you have questions about the event, you can call Timena Toliver at 901-725-8832.

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Memphis among the top five for birthrates

Submitted by Lyle Bontrager on Tuesday, October 23rd, 8:10 am

Memphis has the fourth-highest birthrate among the 100 largest US markets, according to a recent study.

The top 16 markets are all in the south and west. Leading the list is Provo, Utah, with a rate of 87 births per 1,000 women. Memphis came in fourth with a rate 54 births per 1,000 women. By contrast, Knoxville, TN ranked third from the bottom of the list, with 39 births per 1,000 women.

The top five cities in birthrate, in order, were: