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NC National Forests Launch Digital Passes

NC National Forests Launch Digital Passes

Visitors to Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will have an easy new way to pay day use fees at several recreation sites this summer, the Forest Service said in a news release. A new online platform will allow visitors to pay day use fees from their phone or computer through Recreation.gov. The agency warns that some sites have limited cell phone reception, so passes should be purchased before heading to the destination.

To purchase a pass go to www.recreation.gov/sitepass/72611. Digital passes are available for the following sites:

  • Cheoah Point Beach: $5, open through 10/31
  • Dry Falls, Whiteside Mountain and Whitewater Falls: $3, open year round
  • Jackrabbit Mountain Beach: $5, open through 9/30
  • Roan Mountain: $3, open through 9/30

New research shows running just 50 minutes a week reduces risk of early death

New research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that running as little as 50 minutes per week can reduce your risk of an early death from cancer and cardiovascular-related events, Runner’s World reports. Researchers looked at a pool of 232,149 people to see whether running positively impacted cancer prevention and heart health. 

Meta-analysis showed that people who ran at least once a week had a 27% lower risk of all-cause mortality, 30% lower risk of cardiovascular-related death, and 23% lower risk of cancer mortality. The benefits are gained through just 50 minutes of running per week, either all on one day or split into shorter segments on several days throughout the week. 

Squirrel in Colorado tests positive for bubonic plague

Here’s some news we don’t really need right now: a squirrel found in Morrison, CO, just west of Denver, has tested positive for bubonic plague, according to Jefferson County health officials. The bubonic plague can be contracted by humans and pets if “proper precautions” aren’t taken, health officials said, noting that the squirrel is the first case of plague in the country this year. 

Humans can become infected with the plague from bites of infected fleas or direct contact with the blood or tissue of infected animals, The Hill reports. Cats can easily contract the plague. Dogs are not as susceptible, though they are often carriers of plague-infected fleas. 

Aerial view of sunset over Lake Chatuge in the Nantehala National Forest, North Carolina by. Eifel Kreutz courtesy of Getty Images

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