Health

A study last year suggested that regular marijuana smoking during the teen years can lead to a long-term drop in IQ. Now a new analysis is challenging that conclusion. Full story...

In a collaborative to better serve the communities in its seven-county region, New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) has expanded its AirLink program with the addition of a second helicopter. By stationing the EC-135 T2 helicopters in Onslow and Columbus Counties, providers will be able to cut response times and deliver critical care and air ambulance services to patients following a traumatic illness or injury. Full story...

The Associated Press has learned that suicides in the US military surged to a record 349 last year. That far exceeds the 295 American combat deaths in Afghanistan in 2012 and compares with 301 military suicides in 2011. Full story...

The best diet plan for overall health may not cost a thing. A new ranking of diets by U.S. News & World Report gives top honors for best overall diet to the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. Full story...

Health officials say flu is more widespread across the nation, but the number of hard-hit states has declined. Flu season started early this winter, and includes a strain that tends to make people sicker. Full story...