BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) - In keeping with a longstanding Brunswick County tradition, students from all elementary schools will compete this week in the 23rd annual Project Fitness.

Project Fitness, the brainchild of Nelson Best and Ron Champion, began in 1990 as a high school event.  Over the years the fun trickled into the middle and elementary schools.  While track and field has now replaced the event in secondary schools, the tradition continues each year for elementary students. 

The event is a fun field day that showcases the best of the best in the following fitness events: one-mile run, 800 meter run, 600 meter run, 400 meter run, 100 yard dash, 50 yard dash, the standing long jump, pull ups, flex arm hang, and 4 x 100 relay.  

Students compete in two age categories, 8-9 year olds and 10+.
The event begins at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 2 at South Brunswick High School.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A drug on its way to the Brunswick County health department could help prevent shingles, but it won't come cheap.

County commissioners approved a request from the health department for $14,000 to buy more doses of a drug called Zostavax.

The shingles vaccine
is approved for the prevention of shingles in individuals 50 years of age and
older. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the shingles
vaccine for adults aged 60 years and older.

The health department is receiving enough money to buy 70 doses of the drug.  Patients can purchase the vaccine for $200.

Health department officials say it's cheaper to buy from them than most pharmacies.