Health Issues / Public News Service

A 2017 report in the New England Journal of Medicine found, among participants with coronary artery disease, fluctuation in body weight was associated with higher mortality and a higher rate of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 8, 2023

Post-holiday 'yo-yo' diets: risk factors for heart health

The holiday season is filled with recipes passed down from years before, and feasting with family and friends. But think again before you have …

A new KFF analysis of government data estimates nearly 1 in 10 adults - 9%, or roughly 23 million people - owe medical debt. This includes 11 million who owe more than $2,000 and 3 million people who owe more than $10,000. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 8, 2023

WA advocates take on sharply rising health care costs

Reports from the Insurance Commissioner's office and the state Attorney General reveal an analysis of what they call "the true costs of health care" i…

More than 2,000 patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities have received dental care in group home day center settings across North Carolina, according to Access Dental. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 8, 2023

Improving NC access to dental care for people with disabilities

Most people probably never give a second thought to their visits to the dentist, but not everyone can navigate this process with ease. People with …

The Peterbilt 520 EV, a fully electric garbage truck, made a test run in Portland, Ore., on Nov. 11, 2023. (scharfsinn86/Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 8, 2023

Heavy-duty trucks: Rolling toward electric power?

While lawmakers and environmental groups strive to lower vehicle emissions and the nation's carbon footprint, many truckers see unrealistic …

Research shows one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Research in Georgia receives boost for Alzheimer's treatments, cure

Research in Georgia is getting a boost to help enhance the lives of people living with Alzheimer's disease and provide better support. In Georgia…

If your flight is delayed this holiday travel season, experts recommended people with chronic health conditions pack or seek out airport vendors selling healthy snacks. They said it can help reduce the risk of a health problem during your trip. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Making holiday travel manageable for those with chronic health issues

Holiday stress is a concern for most people, but when you mix in travel plans and chronic health issues, those worries might be elevated. A …

A CARE Court treatment plan lasts up to two years and can assist with housing, medical care, addiction treatment, counseling, and more. (SB Arts Media/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

CARE Court program opens in California's largest county

The state's largest county has just opened the new CARE Court system, designed to get help for severely mentally ill people in Los Angeles. CARE …

In addition to accelerating global warming, methane emissions can cause or exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions. (Hihitetlin/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

New EPA rule expected to affect Texas oil industry emissions

A new rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency could reduce the amount of methane escaping from equipment in Texas oil fields. Last …

According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, more than 400,000 people nationwide received methadone as part of their addiction treatment in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Methadone prescription bill could ease restrictions for West Virginians

Senate lawmakers are soon expected to vote on the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, legislation introduced this year by Republican Sen…

An analysis of government data by the health policy group KFF estimates that nearly one in 10 adults, or roughly 23 million people nationwide, owe significant medical debt. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

KY advocates: It's time to bury medical debt

It's estimated that one in three Kentuckians struggles to pay medical bills, and the issue continues to be a driving factor in personal bankruptcy …

About 2.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease or colitis. (Rana/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 4, 2023

Crohn's, Colitis Awareness Week puts focus on 'invisible disease'

This week is Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week, shedding light on what some call an invisible disease. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are …

New Mexico aims for 'no hungry holidays' by doubling donations

Just a few days into December, food bank demand is high while some warehouse shelves are lean, and in New Mexico, a matching donation program this …

More than a third of Washington homes have gas-burning appliances such as stoves. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 4, 2023

Groups urge WA to warn about gas-burning health effects

The American Gas Association misled the public on the health effects of burning gas for decades. Now, a coalition wants the Washington State …

Gun safety advocates in New Hampshire are taking unique approaches to reducing the number of guns in their communities, including a Guns to Garden program, which recently accepted more than two dozen unwanted weapons, including an AR-15, and transformed them into tools and jewelry. (Adobe Stock)

NH gun-safety advocates advise services, bipartisan laws after deadly shootings

Gun-safety advocates in New Hampshire are urging Gov. Chris Sununu to back policies proven to reduce gun violence following a series of deadly …

Today marks the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day. (Nito/Adobe Stock)

On World AIDS Day, NM activists say more money is needed for prevention

New Mexico activists are tapping today's World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, to announce they'll ask the State Legislature to provide more money for treatment …

Globally, an estimated 38 million people live with HIV. (Adobe Stock)

For World AIDS Day, one mother shares her son's legacy

Today is World AIDS Day, a movement to unite people and communities in the fight against HIV and AIDS. According to AIDSVu, in 2021, more than 11,00…

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 …

Respite for ME Grants, funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, provide caregivers up to $5,171 to access needed services and can be accessed through the state's five Area Agencies on Aging. (Adobe Stock)

Unpaid caregivers in ME receive limited financial grants

Advocates for unpaid family caregivers in Maine say they'll need continued support beyond the recently passed paid family and medical leave program…

Prior to the start of this 2024 open enrollment period, about 1.5 million more people enrolled in marketplace coverage nationwide from March to Sept. 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.<br />(STOATPHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Arkansans still have time to sign up before ACA enrollment deadline

In Arkansas and across the nation, open enrollment for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act ends on December 15 at midnight. The …

AARP estimates family caregivers in South Dakota provide a total of 74 million hours of unpaid care per year. (Adobe Stock)

Caregiver support in SD likely to receive legislative focus next year

South Dakota's next legislative session is right around the corner, and lawmakers are expected to take a close look at recommendations for enhancing …

According to the group West Virginians for Affordable Healthcare, around 30% of West Virginia residents have medical debt in collections. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV could lose hundreds of millions in Medicaid funding

Since West Virginia's Medicaid eligibility review began this spring, around 100,000 residents have been kicked off the rolls. Experts have said many …

More than 45,000 Washingtonians are diagnosed with diabetes each year, according to estimates. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Beyond Diabetes Awareness Month: Tips for managing disease at home

November has been Diabetes Awareness Month - but heading into the holidays, people who are diabetic know they can't lose their focus on keeping it in …

In 2021, 37% of people in the U.S. ages 18 and older used telehealth services at least once. (DC Studio/Adobe Stock)

'Champion' NE state senators helped lower insulin costs, strengthen telehealth

As of Jan. 1, insulin will become a lot more affordable for many Nebraskans, and those who have come to rely on telehealth visits are more likely to …

Poor mental health in adolescence is more than feeling blue. It can affect many areas of a teen's life. Youth with poor mental health may struggle with school and grades, decision-making and physical health, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Doctors increase mental health services to rural Iowa kids

Research shows two in 10 Iowa youth report they have considered suicide, and to confront the crisis, doctors and social scientists are using federal …

Ryan White died in April 1990. He is buried in Cicero, Ind. (Joe Ulery)

World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit

As World AIDS Day turns 35, the mother of an Indiana teen who became the public face of the disease is a reminder of the importance of never …

By some estimates, more than 15 million people covered through the ACA exchanges nationally, and 20 million insured by the Medicaid expansion would lose coverage if the Affordable Care Act was repealed. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Health care advocates push back on Trump’s threats against ACA

Advocates for affordable health care are speaking out to remind people what is at stake if the Affordable Care Act is repealed in the wake of recent s…

The PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene is closing this year. (Visitor7/Wikimedia Commons)

Home health, hospice nurses in OR call for union contract agreement

Nurses who care for patients in their homes in the Willamette Valley are pushing to get their union contract negotiations across the finish line…

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 …

KFF research suggests that Medicaid expansion has helped reduce disparities in coverage by income, age, marital status, disability status and, in some studies, race/ethnicity. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolinians gain greater access to health care with Medicaid expansion

Starting Friday, North Carolinians will have greater access to health care as the long-awaited Medicaid expansion is launched. Medicaid will …

Of more than 150,000 people evaluated, Idaho found only about 30,000 were eligible for Medicaid after extended protections went away this year. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Children lost health coverage in ID's Medicaid unwinding process

Idaho acted quickly to remove people from Medicaid after special COVID-19 protections expired in April, including health coverage for tens of …

A 2022 Compassion & Choices poll finds 57% of nurses support medical aid in dying, professionally, and 49% said they support it personally. (Adobe Stock)

Medical aid-in-dying bill sees stronger support in NY Legislature

Legislation to allow medical aid in dying bill has been introduced in New York State every year since 2015, and its backers say 2024 could be the …

Nationally only 26% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when survival rates are much higher. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: MD needs to do more for high-risk lung cancer population

The American Lung Association has released its annual State of Lung Cancer report - showing Maryland needs to do more for high-risk patients…

After her doctor retired in 2020, Albuquerque's Anne Withrow faced a long waiting list for transgender health care. (photo courtesy of Cecilia Nowell)<br />

NM's gender-affirming policy generates waitlists for health care

By Cecilia Nowell for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Serv…

The University of Connecticut is offering a program to prepare students to become licensed professional counselors. It combines a 600-hour internship where students combine clinical work with what they learn in class, as part of a move to develop a better pipeline into the behavioral health system. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT needs to bolster child behavioral health system

A report has found Connecticut could do more to strengthen its youth behavioral health system. Connecticut and the U.S. are facing an increasing …

In 2018, cigarette smoking cost Nevada $796 million in lost productivity from smoking-related illnesses and health conditions, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

NV community leaders call for stop on proposed menthol cigarette ban

Some community leaders in Nevada want the Biden administration to reconsider a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes. The Food and Drug Administration …

In 2022, about 29% of the people in Florida's prison system were age 50 or older, which is one reason their advocates are urging state lawmakers to ensure prison housing units are climate-controlled. (geralt/Pixabay)

Heat crisis in FL prisons: Lawmakers urged to add air conditioning

Florida lawmakers are being asked to use the winter months to swiftly install air conditioning in prison housing units before the return of scorching …

The latest KFF survey reveals one in six respondents say they can't afford to take time off work to get a COVID-19 vaccine, including more than one-third of Hispanic adults and one-in-five Black adults. (Lakshmiprasad/Adobe Stock)

COVID vaccine resources for older minorities in Tennessee

A new survey found 59% of Black and Hispanic adults reported they have already received the new COVID-19 vaccine or intend to do so. According to …

Eleven nonprofit organizations have been selected to receive funding from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky's Funding for Recovery Equity and Expansion program. (Ally Wells)

KY substance abuse groups focus on recovery equity and expansion

A new statewide program in Kentucky is providing addiction advocacy groups and recovery centers with flexible funding to focus on resource equity and …

The Data Resource Library was collaboratively developed by grantees and community partners to bridge the gap between data literacy, accessibility and capacity, creating an engaging and direct resource.(Adobe Stock)

NC groups create database to increase access for health equity

Organizations in North Carolina are stepping up to make data more accessible for those in need. Kate B. Reynolds, together with the North Carolina …

Seven in ten people in the United States will need long term care. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

'Sandwich generation' lauds WA's long-term care savings program

Washingtonians with kids and older parents in need of care are praising the peace of mind the state's new retirement savings program is providing them…

A detail from an illustration created by Hopelab depicts climate anxiety among youth. (Julie Tinker/Hopelab)

Research links climate-change impacts to depression in high schoolers

New research found natural disasters and pollution linked to climate change are contributing factors to high rates of anxiety and depression among you…

Between 2019 and 2021, North Dakota saw a decline in high-schoolers using e-cigarette-type products, mirroring national trends. (AdobeStock)

National tobacco use data show mixed results for teens

Cigarettes may not appeal to America's youth like they did in the 1960s, but a significant number still experiment with e-cigarettes. The Centers …

Midwives and other health staff are looking to unionize at 10 Legacy Health locations. (honcharr/Adobe Stock)

OR women's health clinic staff seek to unionize to improve conditions

Workers at Legacy's women's health clinics have announced their intention to unionize. About 60 nurse midwives and other health staff at clinics in …

State health officials say it can take an ambulance 30 minutes to respond in South Dakota's more remote areas. That's why the health department is working with the American Heart Association to spur more communitywide readiness plans for when a resident experiences a heart attack. (Adobe Stock)

It takes a village, or a community, to respond to heart scares

Today is National Rural Health Day - and in South Dakota, some smaller communities are trying to become more "cardiac ready." Across rural America…

Around 61 million people, nearly 20% of the U.S. population, lives in rural America and subsequently faces more health challenges than those living in more populated areas. (Robert Peak/Adobe stock)

American Heart Association of MO observes National Rural Health Day

On National Rural Health Day, the American Heart Association in Missouri spotlights efforts for healthier rural living. According to a Pew Research …

Federal data suggest at least seven in 10 people have lost their Medicaid coverage for procedural reasons, such as missed deadlines, paperwork lost in the mail, or slow processing by state agencies. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid’s 'unwinding' takes heavy toll on Texas children

More American children had health insurance during the pandemic than ever before. But now, as states are required to re-enroll those eligible for …

Panelists discuss the 33rd edition of Kentucky Youth Advocates County Data Book, which looks at how Kentucky kids are faring in terms of economic security, education, health, family and community. (Adobe Stock)

Report: KY faces workforce crisis in sectors that support children

New county-level data show Kentucky is facing a severe shortage of workers in sectors supporting children, including teachers, counselors, child care …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2023 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2023 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 23 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - December 8, 2023

2023Talks - December 8, 2023

The Yonder Report - December 7, 2023

Health

Post-holiday 'yo-yo' diets: risk factors for heart health

WA advocates take on sharply rising health care costs

Improving NC access to dental care for people with disabilities

Heavy-duty trucks: Rolling toward electric power?

Research in Georgia receives boost for Alzheimer's treatments, cure

Making holiday travel manageable for those with chronic health issues

CARE Court program opens in California's largest county

New EPA rule expected to affect Texas oil industry emissions

Methadone prescription bill could ease restrictions for West Virginians

KY advocates: It's time to bury medical debt

Crohn's, Colitis Awareness Week puts focus on 'invisible disease'

New Mexico aims for 'no hungry holidays' by doubling donations

Groups urge WA to warn about gas-burning health effects

NH gun-safety advocates advise services, bipartisan laws after deadly shootings

On World AIDS Day, NM activists say more money is needed for prevention

For World AIDS Day, one mother shares her son's legacy

Ohio marks World AIDS Day

Unpaid caregivers in ME receive limited financial grants

Arkansans still have time to sign up before ACA enrollment deadline

Caregiver support in SD likely to receive legislative focus next year

WV could lose hundreds of millions in Medicaid funding

Beyond Diabetes Awareness Month: Tips for managing disease at home

'Champion' NE state senators helped lower insulin costs, strengthen telehealth

Doctors increase mental health services to rural Iowa kids

World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit

Health care advocates push back on Trump’s threats against ACA

Home health, hospice nurses in OR call for union contract agreement

For beginning nontraditional farmers, stress is a constant

Ohio sees coverage losses as Medicaid unwinding continues

North Carolinians gain greater access to health care with Medicaid expansion

Children lost health coverage in ID's Medicaid unwinding process

Medical aid-in-dying bill sees stronger support in NY Legislature

Report: MD needs to do more for high-risk lung cancer population

NM's gender-affirming policy generates waitlists for health care

Report: CT needs to bolster child behavioral health system

NV community leaders call for stop on proposed menthol cigarette ban

Heat crisis in FL prisons: Lawmakers urged to add air conditioning

COVID vaccine resources for older minorities in Tennessee

KY substance abuse groups focus on recovery equity and expansion

NC groups create database to increase access for health equity

'Sandwich generation' lauds WA's long-term care savings program

Research links climate-change impacts to depression in high schoolers

National tobacco use data show mixed results for teens

OR women's health clinic staff seek to unionize to improve conditions

It takes a village, or a community, to respond to heart scares

American Heart Association of MO observes National Rural Health Day

Medicaid’s 'unwinding' takes heavy toll on Texas children

Report: KY faces workforce crisis in sectors that support children