Health

Health: Conquering Physical, Mental, and Public Challenges

Care in the Community

September 19, 2017

Doctors, researchers, social workers, and other professionals at the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health work diligently to help people with severe mental illness. By providing comprehensive care that extends beyond traditional medical protocol, the center aims to help these individuals regain their independence and livelihood.

The Cure Code

July 18, 2017

When Fred Sanger figured out how to sequence DNA in 1975, the world changed — and so did UNC. As more and more scientists dove headfirst into the field of genetics, the university realized the need for a department dedicated to this cause. Since its founding in 2000, the UNC Department of Genetics has continuously made the top-five list of NIH program funding and has grown to include 80 faculty, who have taken the world of research and medicine by storm.

Striking a Balance

June 20, 2017

People with cerebral palsy (CP) are now living longer than they ever have before. But a longer life with CP can include more complex health issues that providers are struggling to accommodate. One physical therapist at UNC wants to change that.

Disruptive Driving

June 16, 2017

While car manufacturers and tech companies around the world work to make autonomous vehicles a reality, two UNC researchers are raising some important questions about the impacts — both positive and negative — that this massive change will have on our daily lives and public health.

Beyond City Limits

April 11, 2017

Why do some neighborhoods lack access to municipal services? And how does this affect families? UNC public health researchers delve into this topic by testing well water in Wake County communities located on the outskirts of cities.

The Nursing Pioneer

March 15, 2017

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting Elizabeth L. Kemble, founding dean of the UNC School of Nursing. After becoming dean in 1950, she recruited faculty, oversaw construction of a building and dormitories, and even handpicked the first class of students. She spent the next 18 years dedicating her life to this school, making it the first in the state to offer a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in nursing.

Without Warning: Why Do People Drop Dead?

February 16, 2017

In North Carolina, roughly 32 people die unexpectedly every day, their loved ones devastated not only by loss but the inability to say goodbye. To help prevent these tragedies, UNC cardiologists examine death certificates, medical records, and emergency medical services data  to determine which populations are at risk of sudden death, and why.

Seeking Solace through the Screen

February 9, 2017

Anonymous online chat therapy groups for people with bulimia nervosa prove just as effective as face-to-face meetings — a treatment form that could save both cost and lives. UNC researcher Stephanie Zerwas explains.