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NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

A bill broadening so-called conscience protections and the number of employers who can refuse to provide contraception services in health insurance coverage has been approved by a North Carolina House committee.

The bill approved Wednesday allows any medical professional to refuse to participate in an abortion and allows any business to refuse to provide contraception coverage on religious or moral grounds.

The bill expands so-called conscience protections beyond doctors and nurses to include people such as pharmacists and technicians.

The contraception provision expands existing law that exempts religious organizations to any private or nonprofit company.

The bill also outlaws health care plans that include abortion services from future online marketplaces of private plans offered under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Opponents say the bill tramples women's rights.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

Second Harvest Food Bank needs your vote!

Second Harvest Food Bank needs your vote!

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is hoping the public can help them click their way to a grant from Walmart by voting for them in the "Fighting Hunger Together" initiative.

This initiative is a national campaign where money is awarded to programs that get the most votes for their innovative and effective programs that help alleviate child hunger. The public will decide what organization will receive the grants through a voting campaign at www.facebook.com/walmart that includes more than 300 different hunger relief organizations from across the country.

The more votes a Feeding America food bank or partner agency gets, the better chances they have of winning the money.

The campaign kicked off April 1, and ends 11:59 pm ET on April 30.

NC Operation Medicine Drop a success

NC Operation Medicine Drop a success

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin asked North Carolina to clean out its medicine cabinets, and people throughout the state answered the call. From March 17 to 23, more than 250 Operation Medicine Drop events were held in 74 counties across North Carolina to provide people with a way to safely dispose of expired and unneeded prescription and over-the-counter medications.

As a result, more than 12 million doses of medications were safely collected and destroyed.

“The only way we could have had success like this, and ultimately protect our children, is when North Carolinians come together and responsibly dispose of their medications,” said Goodwin.

AG announces student contest to fight prescription drug abuse

AG announces student contest to fight prescription drug abuse

North Carolina high school students can help fight prescription drug abuse and overdose deaths by entering a video contest sponsored by Attorney General Roy Cooper and the NC Department of Justice.

To educate young people about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, Cooper is partnering with the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, the North Carolina Parent Resource Center, and the Governor’s Institute on Substance Abuse to sponsor a student video competition.

Cooper is asking students to create public service announcement videos on the topic of teen prescription drug abuse.  All students enrolled in grades nine through 12 in North Carolina are eligible to enter.  

Success measured in feet: Thorlo thriving

Success measured in feet: Thorlo thriving

ROCKWELL -  A local textile company is seeing a lot of success these days, one foot at a time. The company is called Thorlo, they have locations in Statesville and Rockwell.

What makes these socks special?

It's a padded, activity specific sock made by a company celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Using its own designs and even proprietary yarns, Thorlos have built quite a following.

"This product makes such an impression on people that they talk about it. It's probably the only sock in the world that people talk about," owner James L. Throneburg told WBTV. "They can always explain their first experience with Thorlo."

People talk about the comfort, Throneburg says there's more to it.

"I've turned it into a health issue," the Statesville native said.  "All of your activities, your mobility, your ability to be mobile starts with your feet. No foot, no mobility, no health, period, end of report."

Park Ranger explains Earth's water cycle

Park Ranger explains Earth's water cycle

The Lake Norman State Park is inviting the public to learn about water this weekend.

The ranger-led program tells the story of water, from source to destination, with activities to demonstrate its endless cycle on Earth.

Nature lovers can join the fun at the Lake Norman State Park, located at 159 Inland Sea Lane in Statesville, Saturday February 23, at 2 p.m.

The cost is free, and the program is open to all ages. Pets are not allowed.

For more information, call the Park at 704-528-6350.

American Heart Association celebrates National Wear Red Day

American Heart Association celebrates National Wear Red Day

The American Heart Association (AHA) is inviting the public to show its support on National Wear Day.

The Association's 'Go Red for Women' program celebrates the energy, passion and combined power that women possess to wipe out heart disease and stroke, through education and action.

According to the AHA, the death rate for women has dropped in the last ten years. Furthermore, awareness has gone up from 22% to well over 50%.

Those who wish to show their support can wear red on Friday, February 1.

Donations are also encouraged, and can be made through the Association's website.

For more information on the Go Red for Women program, call 800-242-8721.