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From 2017 to 2019, Ohio ranked 46th among 50 states for pollution exposure, including exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Researchers link air pollution with dementia risk

Recent data ranks Columbus as the most polluted major city in the U.S., highlighting concerns about common pollutants, like smog and vehicle …

In 2021, an estimated 38.4 million people in the United States were living with diabetes, a disproportionate share of them Black or Asian, according to Policy Matters Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Insulin price gouging continues despite attempts to rein in the industry

Nearly one million Ohioans have been diagnosed with diabetes, but the cost of insulin continues to be a barrier for people needing the medication…

Toxic stress increases the risks for obesity, diabetes, depression and other illnesses. (Adobe Stock)

Psychiatrist explains links between toxic stress, poor health

The alarming rise in rates of diabetes, obesity, depression, and other chronic health issues has put the spotlight on toxic stress. Lawson Wulsin…

More than 80% of people with dementia in the United States live at home, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 60% of home-based patients are unable to routinely eat or prepare food on their own. (Adobe Stock)

Research: Meals on Wheels benefits people with dementia living at home

Meals on Wheels programs could be a powerful tool for addressing the needs of people living with dementia, according to a study from Ohio State …

State and local officials expect millions of people to view the April 8 eclipse, which will cut across the United States in a swath from Mexico and South Texas through the upper Midwest and Canada. (Adobe Stock)

Millions expected to view total solar eclipse across Ohio, North America

Excitement is building for a rare celestial phenomenon that has not occurred in the United States since 2017. On April 8, a total solar eclipse will …

Out-of-school suspensions contribute to Ohio's high chronic absenteeism rates, according to a new report from the Children's Defense Fund of Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Suspensions, expulsions on rise in Ohio schools, report finds

Ohio's Black students are more likely to face excessively harsh discipline practices such as expulsion and suspension, according to a recently …

According to the American Lung Association, children face special risks from air pollution because their airways are small and still developing, and because they breathe more rapidly and inhale more air relative to their size than do adults. (Adobe Stock)

Nurses voice support for new EPA light/medium vehicle air pollution rules

The Environmental Protection Agency has set new air pollution standards under the federal Clean Air Act for cars and light/medium vehicle models from …

A new survey of parents in predominantly Appalachian Ohio counties find most had positive experiences with a new social work model called Ohio Sobriety Treatment and Reducing Trauma. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Peer-mentor centered program helps Ohio families struggling with substance use

An evidenced-based social work model to help parents struggling with substance use stay connected to their children is offering hope to Ohio counties …

Research has linked school-based health centers to reduced absenteeism rates, reduced dropout rates, and increased graduation rates, according to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (Adobe Stock)

School-based health centers expand care access for Ohio kids

Children's advocates are pushing for the expansion of school-based health care to help improve health and learning outcomes for Ohio kids. Dr…

In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for White women, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio Black maternal mortality rates continue to spike

The number of Black mothers in Ohio who die during or following pregnancy continues to climb and health advocates said they hope to shine a light on t…

According to the National Institutes of Health, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. About 80% of women ages 40 to 60 have one or more risk factors for coronary heart disease. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Heart disease on rise among young women

Nationwide, heart-disease awareness among women has declined, particularly among Black and Hispanic women. This Valentine's Day, health experts are …

Ohio has around 15,000 children currently in foster care, according to state data. (Adobe Stock/Generated with AI)<br />

New Ohio children’s services model aims to promote family healing

A first-of-its-kind social work model aims to provide struggling Ohio families with personalized attention and resources. Mike Kenney - director of …

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the Justice 40 Initiative's policy plan includes increasing job energy resiliency and energy democracy and decreasing environmental exposure for disadvantaged communities. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

USDA's climate action fellows to help Ohio farmers/small businesses access clean energy funds

Ohio will soon get a dedicated person to help farmers, ranchers and other landowners apply for federal grants to help fight pollution and climate …

Around 1.1 million Ohioans have received the updated COVID vaccine that became available in September, according to the Ohio Department of Health. (Adobe Stock)

Ohioans lag on vaccines as COVID, flu, RSV cases rise

Nationwide and in Ohio, cases of COVID, influenza and RSV are on the rise, but health experts say Ohio lags when it comes to the number of residents …

In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, nearly three times higher than the rate for white women, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio clinics work to raise awareness of Black moms’ mental health

Research shows the number of Black women experiencing postpartum depression could be as high as 44%. Ohio clinics are working on ways to better …

By 2030, more than 1 in 5 Americans will be at least 65 years old and by 2050, the number of people aged 60 and older globally is expected to double to more than 2 billion. (Cala Serrano/Adobe Stock)

Older adults and climate advocacy

While scientists say extreme climate changes are happening more frequently, a new study aims to link aging adults to its risks and their potential to …

Nationwide, Black adults had higher prevalence of high blood pressure and were less likely to have their blood pressure under control compared with white adults, according to data from United Health Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More Ohioans struggling with chronic diseases

The number of Ohioans living with kidney disease has jumped by 60%, and arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions are on the rise, according …

According to the Ohio Hospital Association, untreated congenital syphilis can have harmful complications for a pregnancy, including miscarriage, low birth weight or premature birth. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio sees surge in congenital syphilis cases

By India Gardener / Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. In Ohio, the rate of …

According to the advocacy group Kids in Danger, there were 100 children's product recalls in 2022, the highest number since 2013. (Adobe Stock/Generated with AI)

Experts: Parents should do homework on smart toys for kids

The "smart toy" market is now a more than $16 billion industry, and is expected to double by 2027. This holiday season, experts are warning parents …

More than 30 states have expanded Medicaid coverage for new moms to one year after childbirth, according to the group KFF. (Adobe Stock)

WIC funding cuts could worsen Ohio maternal, infant health

Food banks in Ohio say proposed cuts to the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants, and Children would be devastating for …

Black Americans represent 13% of the U.S. population, but 40% of people with HIV. Latinos represent 18.5% of the population, but 25% of people with HIV, according to HIV.gov. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio marks World AIDS Day

Today marks the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day. LGBTQ+ advocates in Cleveland have organized events that include educational seminars, HIV …

The stress of farming is compounded for racial and other minorities, a new study suggests. (Adobe Stock)<br />

For beginning nontraditional farmers, stress is a constant

Women, LGBTQ, and minority farmers in Ohio face compounding stressors, according to a study from Ohio State University. Researchers surveyed and …

States on April 1 began ending Medicaid coverage for people found ineligible or whose redetermination can't be completed for procedural reasons, a process known as Medicaid unwinding. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio sees coverage losses as Medicaid unwinding continues

More Ohioans are at risk for losing their health coverage through Medicaid because of procedural errors, according to a recent analysis. Federal rule …

Harmful chemicals including lead, particulate matter, pesticides, and phthalates added to plastics, impair brain development in children. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio children are being harmed by toxic chemicals

Children of color and from low-income families in Ohio and across the nation are not only exposed to more dangerous toxic chemicals including lead…

Forensic nurses are trained to provide consultation testimony for civil criminal proceedings, courtroom testimony, and to intersect with the legal system in ways other health care professionals typically do not. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Forensic nurses offer trauma-informed care

Sexual assault survivors in rural Ohio may have to travel hours to get a forensic exam. During National Forensic Nurses Week, Ohio advocates say …

Climate Change meteorologist Lauren Casey said Halloween pumpkins may rot sooner in the warm October temperature. (climatecentral.org)

Climate extremes have some OH families rethinking their Halloween

Tropical Storm Tammy has sprung back to life over the weekend, sending spooky fears of high winds for trick or treaters along the Eastern Seaboard…

In 2022, more than 2,593,000 children lived in Ohio, according to the Annie. E Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New advisory board helps Ohio parents increase advocacy

Ohio parents say they're concerned about the childcare crisis, mental health and gun violence, among other issues that have prompted some to join a …

Ohio drug-related deaths rose between 2015 and 2021. In May 2020, there were 574 drug overdose deaths, the most of any month during that period. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates consider best uses for OH opioid funds

Ohio community advocates are evaluating how funds from the OneOhio plan should be used. The OneOhio plan uses the $2 billion awarded to the state …

Aimee Clemson-Rich was recently honored with the 2023 PCSAO Child Advocate of the Year award. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio caseworkers strive to keep families together, reduce trauma for kids

The opioid crisis continues to plaque communities across Ohio, and according to the state Department of Job and Family Services, more than 3,000 Ohio …

About one in four women, and nearly one in 10 men, have experienced sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Support for OH domestic violence survivors for substance use, mental health

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in the last few years, Ohio has seen an increase in both the number and severity of …

Climate change board games emphasize teamwork and group success. Either all players win together, or no one survives. (dvande/Adobe Stock)

Board games help players understand climate change

By Debra J. Rosenthal for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection for the Public News Service-Conversation …

The Student Assistance Program in some Ohio schools connects students with tools in order to remove obstacles to learning, and is now incorporating mental-health resources. (Rosalie Murphy/Kent State NewsLab).<br />

Ohio schools experiment with 'sensory rooms,' post-pandemic

By Nathalia Teixeira for Kent State News Lab.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration…

In 2023, nearly two-thirds of Medicare enrollees are in individual plans that are open for general enrollment, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tips for Comparing Healthcare Plans This Enrollment Season

Ohio experts say understanding a health care plan's benefits and comparing plans are critical for ensuring people have the coverage they need and keep…

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing standards to regulate HAP emissions from five unmeasured fugitive and intermittent particulate sources that currently are not regulated. (Clive Winward/Wirestock Creators/Adobe Stock)

EPA's Last Call on Comments About Rules for Blast Furnaces is Today

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Ohio have not been updated in years. The Environmental Protection Agency …

An estimated 2.4 million people work on farms and ranches nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Census of Agriculture. (Diego/Adobe Stock)

Ohio Falls Short in Protecting Outdoor Workers from Heat

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest/Report for America and Eva Tesfaye, Harvest Public Media for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by …

La cobertura de Medicaid durante las primeras etapas de la vida, incluso antes del nacimiento, est� relacionada con mejores resultados de salud para la pr�xima generaci�n, seg�n un estudio publicado en American Economic Review. (Adobe Stock)

Número alarmante de niños han perdido la cobertura de Medicaid en OH

A medida que avanza la revisión de la elegibilidad de los niños a Medicaid, los expertos están preocupados por la cantidad de niñ…

Twenty of the derailed train cars at East Palestine contained hazardous chemicals. (Adobe Stock)

Study Seeks Participants to Examine Health Impact of East Palestine Disaster

Researchers in Ohio are working on a new project looking at the health impacts of the February East Palestine train derailment. The Healthy Futures …

Massive Canadian wildfires, which began in May, have since sent much of the eastern United States indoors because of air-quality advisories. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Unclear on Whether Hazardous Air Quality Will Persist This Fall

By Leah Shephard/for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. On several days this summer, Ohioans awoke to their homes and neighborhoods …

In 2021, in the wake of the COVID outbreak, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a national state of emergency in children's mental health. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's Foster Care Crisis Forcing Hundreds of Kids to Sleep in Offices

By Cathy Candisky for the Public Children Services Association of Ohio.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Public Children Services …

In Ohio, 13 of 88 counties are maternity-care deserts, affecting approximately 97,000 women, according to data provided by March of Dimes. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Maternity Care Becoming Harder for Ohioans to Access, Experts Say

By Leah Shepard / Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. In Ohio, 13 of 88 counties …

According to the National Partnership for Dental Therapy, 70 million people across the United States live in areas without enough dental providers. (Adobe Stock)

Dental Therapists Could Help Close Oral Health Gap in Rural Ohio

Dental therapists are licensed to provide cavity fillings and other basic dental care, and health care providers in Ohio say authorizing their …

Between 8 million and 24 million people nationwide are expected to lose Medicaid coverage during the unwinding of the continuous enrollment provision, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

OH Expects 280K Residents Will Likely Lose Medicaid Coverage This Year

Ohio's Medicaid rolls saw a nearly 800,000-person boost during the pandemic, swelling to a total of 3.6 million, but the number is expected to drop …

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Ohio pedestrian fatalities were 17% higher in 2021 than they were in 2020. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Pedestrian Crashes Drop, but OH Drivers, Walkers Should Stay Cautious

By Nathalia Teixeira / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. According to the Ohio …

In 2021, some 53% of working adults ages 25 to 54 were parents, and more than a third of those parents had young children, according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe stock)<br />

Child Care Crisis a Barrier to Economic Mobility for Ohio Families

Ohio ranks 29th among states in overall child well-being, according to the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Book. Child care …

$By 2025, estimated health damages caused by methane leakage during fracking would cost $13-29 billion each year, according to the consulting firm Seed Scientific. (Adobe Stock)<br />$

Dangers of Fracking Wastewater Put Spotlight on 'Halliburton Loophole'

A law known as the "Halliburton Loophole" is under growing scrutiny. It exempts oil and gas companies from revealing the chemicals they use in the …

Adults ages 65 and older make up approximately 16.8% of the U.S. population, or more than 55.8 million adults, and are estimated to comprise 21% of the population (73.1 million) by 2030, according to a new report from UnitedHealthcare. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More of Ohio’s Older Adults Living in Poverty

By 2030, more than one in five Americans - more than 73 million people age 65 and over - will be of retirement age, as the last of the Baby Boomer …

Nineteen states have passed laws banning or restricted abortion since the overturning of Roe versus Wade in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

In Ohio, Abortion Rights Fuel Fight Over Ballot Measures

By Belle Taylor-McGhee for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Nationwide, around 1.7 million current Medicaid enrollees would not meet work or reporting requirements and could lose coverage if work requirements were implemented, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation analysis. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Medicaid Work Requirements May End Up Costing Taxpayers

House Republicans continue to push Medicaid work requirements in negotiations over the federal debt ceiling. In Ohio, one group said work …

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OH: Health