Health Care Access in Asheville is Top Notch

Posted on: May 20, 2008 by Whisper Mountain

It’s good to know that one of the nation’s leading heart hospitals is right here in Western North Carolina, at Mission Hospital. Mission Hospital is about a 40-minute drive from Whisper Mountain, and located in the heart of Asheville.

Mission is Known in Western North Carolina and Beyond

Mission Hospital is not just known in Western North Carolina, but is nationally recognized. The Heart Services department of Mission was voted one of the Top 100 best heart hospitals in the nation in 2007 by Thomson. This distinguished award was given to Mission Hospital’s Heart Services for overall outcomes for congestive heart failure, heart attacks, bypass surgery, angioplasties, and other coronary problems.

Mission Hospital Orthopedics: Best in the North Carolina Mountains

Mission is a widely renowned health care leader in Orthopedics as well. In 2006, U.S. News and World Report selected Mission Hospital as one of the top 50 Orthopedics hospitals. Many factors were taken into consideration, including death rates, Medicare discharges, complex procedures, number of nurses to patients, technology, and quality of care. The orthopedic nurses and physician staff agreed that teamwork had a great deal to do with the U.S. News and World Report ranking.

Patients treated at Mission Hospital remark on the quality of care, the professionalism of staff, and the facilities. In addition, there are a multitude of other health care resources surrounding the Mission Hospital district in Asheville, including dentists, women’s health care, chiropractors, dermatologists, cancer treatment, and more.

Asheville North Carolina: A Health Care Hub

Because Asheville is one of the largest cities in the Western North Carolina area, it is a hub for health care services. Many who live in the rural mountain communities surrounding Asheville rely upon Mission Hospital for high quality health care.

Southern Living Green Idea House Proceeds Benefit Mission Children’s Hospital

Whisper Mountain has a special relationship with Mission Hospital. From June 21 to October 12, 2008 the Southern Living Green Idea House will be open to the public for interpretive tours. The admission fee will be $5. A portion of the proceeds from the Green Idea House tour will be donated to Mission Children’s Hospital . Fifty percent of the proceeds from the Green Idea House will benefit children in need of health care. Volunteers from the Mission Hospital Foundation will greet visitors at the Green Idea House while it is open to the public.

The Southern Living Green Idea House  demonstrates home energy conservation. Solar panels, radiant heated floors, and a gray water system are some of the elements of green building technology that went into the Idea House. The three-bedroom 4 bath Green Idea House includes a separate barn with a two-car garage and a guesthouse. Southern architecture, interior design, and landscaping techniques are all incorporated into the Green Idea house.

Whisper Mountain Provides a Heli-Pad for Medical Emergencies

There are times when every second counts, and that’s during a medical emergency. Whisper Mountain has a heli-pad available for community use, should someone need immediate assistance. Once the helicopter is dispatched and airborne, the trip to Mission Hospital takes about 7-8 minutes by air.

The heli-pad is a great addition to Whisper Mountain because it provides peace of mind to residents and their guests. If a medical emergency should arise, the community has the heli-pad in place for faster transfer to one of the nation’s leading healthcare facilities.
In fact, Mission Hospital just did a survey among new residents and having emergency air transport was high on everyone’s list. Mission Hospital offers a service called MAMA – Mountain Area Medical Airlift.

Visit Hot Springs North Carolina for Relaxation and Renewal

Posted on: May 1, 2008 by Whisper Mountain

Hot Springs North Carolina

Hot Springs, North Carolina is one of the most pleasurable retreats in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This quaint mountain village features a hot spring that was used by Native Americans before settlement, and was cultivated by the colonists, then local businessmen who understood the attraction of mineral springs. A dip in the mineral springs is a delightful way to improve health, relax, and take pleasure in nature.

A Short History of Hot Springs Spas

At one time the town of Hot Springs in Madison County was at the peak of popularity. When the Buncombe Turnpike opened, Hot Springs was a superhighway for drovers and other merchants headed for Charleston and Augusta to sell their livestock and wares. Weary travelers rested at Hot Springs to take in the healing waters. Two elegant and well-known establishments, the Warm Springs Hotel in 1837, and then the Mountain Park Hotel in 1886 were both built in Hot Springs. Warm Springs Hotel burned in 1882, and the Mountain Park Hotel burned in 1920, after serving as an internment camp for Germans during World War I in 1917. Hot Springs Today Although Contemporary Hot Springs is changed, it is still a treasured vacation spot for locals and tourists. It’ situated on the French Broad River just north of Marshall, and not more than 20 miles from Whisper Mountain and only 33 miles from Asheville. Luxury hotels are no longer in fashion in Hot Springs. Still, there are many fine establishments where one can take a mineral bath right in the room or in one of the nearby tubs.

Mountain Magnolia B&B

Featured in Southern Living , This Old House and on HGTV, the Mountain Magnolia Bed and Breakfast is a quaint authentic mountain home in Hot Springs that was built in 1868. Guests may stay at the Mountain Magnolia, or they may dine there. Make reservations keeping seasonal hours in mind. In February and March, the Mountain Magnolia B&B is open Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 to 9 PM. Beginning in April dinner is available nightly. For the day visitor to hot springs, enjoy the private, outdoor tubs with renewed mineral water for each visit.

Visit the Hot Springs Spa website. Make reservations for the Spa in advance, especially during high season in the summer and fall, and on weekends. Hot Springs Spa is a wonderful retreat and it’s just a drive over the mountains from Whisper Mountain.

White Water Rafting and Kayaking in Hot Springs North Carolina

The mineral springs are just a portion of what Hot Springs has to offer to the day visitor. Because of its proximity to the French Broad River, Hot Springs is a great destination for white water rafting trips, kayaking, or fishing along the banks. Depending upon the water level, the white water can be as high as class 4 or 5 and a real challenge to any outdoor sportsperson. Hiking in Hot Springs North Carolina Some of the best hiking on the Appalachian Trail (AT) is in Hot Springs. In fact, Hot Springs is known as North Carolina’s Appalachian Trail town. There are numerous places inside and outside of Hot Springs where visitors will find backpackers taking a break from the demands of the AT. The Appalachian Trail intersects with the main road heading out of Hot Springs, towards Asheville. Whatever an individual’s choice for relaxation or outdoor adventure, chances are that Hot Springs, North Carolina is the place to be.