Patients of Angel Medical Center’s Primary Care in Franklin will now have to get familiar with a new location, new faces, and even a new practice altogether.

In a letter sent from Angel Primary Care's physician, Alexander G. Borun, to current patients, he announced that not only would he be leaving the practice, but that Angel Primary Care would be relocating to the site of the former location for Pediatric Associates of Franklin, and also that the practice would be merging with Riverview Medical Associates expected to be completed by the end of August.

Borun describes the transitional period as “an exciting time for Angel Primary Care.” He also explained that the move is intended to allow the practice to provide patients with better service and more provider options by joining forces with another strong primary care office.

Ward off the annual flu by getting a flu vaccination.

As easy as getting in your car and driving to the back of the hospital, and not having to leave your car, simple, right?

Drive through flu clinics will be on Friday, Sept. 23, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost will be $25, cash, check, credit or debit card and Medicare Part B Insurance.

Cardiologist Laura Verde, MD, has joined the practice of Cardiologist Earl Haddock, MD, in the Sylva office of Asheville Cardiology Associates, PA. Appointments for Dr. Verde are now being accepted; she will begin seeing patients in mid-September. For more information or to make an appointment, call 828-586-7451. The practice is located at 80 Healthcare Drive in Sylva.

Dr. Verde completed her cardiology fellowship, internal medicine residency and internship at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. She is a graduate of the medical school Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas de Santos in Brazil, where she also completed an internal medicine residency, and she earned a Master of Science in Clinical Research from Campbell University, Research Triangle Park.

MedWest Health System is hosting a free community health screening for aging adults with balance and mobility issues.

“Prime Time” takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 22 in the gym at MedWest Health & Fitness Center, 262 Leroy George Dr., in Clyde. The event will feature a series of simple assessments to determine a person’s risk for falls or other accidents, and tips for improving strength and balance and preventing accident-related injuries.

“If someone is having trouble hiking or keeping up with their friends, if they feel out of balance or dizzy when they get up from a chair, if they don’t feel like going outside because they’re afraid of falling -- this event is for them,” said Dr. Chuck Nettles, director of rehabilitation services for MedWest.