Health Issues / Public News Service

The iconic New Mexico chili pepper is under threat from climate change as extreme heat and drought result in dwindling water supplies. (Wikipedia)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Climate Week Follows Unprecedented "Code Red" Predictions

SANTA FE, N.M. - A nonpartisan group of mothers and climate scientists is on a nationwide education campaign to engage more people about the effects …

According to the CDC, around 181 million Americans have received COVID-19 vaccinations. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Poll: 1 in 5 Unvaccinated Kentuckians Open to Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- One in five unvaccinated Kentuckians say they are open to getting the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a new poll from the …

Almost three-quarters of nursing homes said their workforce situation had worsened since 2020, according to a recent survey.(Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 20, 2021

How Ohio Became the No. 1 State for Nursing Home Assistant Shortages

By Savanna Strott for Eye on Ohio, The Ohio Center for Journalism Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Ohio News Connection. COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio …

Putting forward laws that limit reproductive health access puts business environments at unnecessary risk and limits women's economic potential, a new report finds. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Putting forward laws that limit reproductive health access puts business environments at unnecessary risk and limits women's economic potential, a new report finds. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Report: Limiting Abortion Access Costs Nation Billions

RICHMOND, Va. -- Curbing access to reproductive health-care services, including abortion, can have disastrous effects on economic well-being…

New Jersey and California were the only states to receive "C" grades in a new report on state prison systems' handling of COVID-19; most received lower marks. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 17, 2021

Report: MO Receives Failing Grade for Handling of COVID in Prisons

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - One out of every three people incarcerated in the United States has contracted COVID-19, and a new report shows how state …

Working Americans pay a higher tax rate on their wages than people who are wealthy pay for passive income gained through investments in stocks and bonds. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 17, 2021

Wealthy Coloradans Urge Congress to Raise Their Taxes

DENVER - Some 200 wealthy taxpayers and business owners, including 14 in Colorado, are asking Congress to raise their taxes. An open letter …

A new report spotlights the economic impacts of limiting a woman's right to safe and legal abortion. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Restricting Abortion Access Brings Big Financial Trouble

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Limiting women's access to abortion and other reproductive health care can have a devastating impact on state economies. According …

Financial assistance is available for Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington's new at-home medication abortion services. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Financial assistance is available for Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington's new at-home medication abortion services. (Adobe Stock)

Eyeing Trend, MD Provider Offers Abortion Drugs by Mail

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- As the Biden administration challenges a Texas law restricting abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, Planned Parenthood for …

Researchers say education, race and political ideology often are major factors in vaccine hesitancy. (Pixabay/pixunfertig)

Study: Vaccine Hesitancy is Predictable

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- A new study showed people who do not have a close friend or family member who has experienced a run-in with COVID-19 are more …

In 2018, there were an estimated 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. (TheHilaryClark/Pixabay)

PFAS: A Plague for Humans, Especially Firefighters

DALLAS -- Lawmakers and regulators are increasingly mobilizing behind efforts to crack down on so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated a…

In the first five months of 2021, five governors signed bills banning transgender individuals from sports in some capacity. (geralt/Pixabay)

TX Governor to Try Again to Ban Transgender Student Athletes

AUSTIN, Texas - As part of a special session called by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, legislators will try again next week to pass a bill requiring …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will stop the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on all food, citing specific risks to children and farmworkers. (Adobe Stock)

EPA’s Chlorpyrifos Ban Spotlights Future of Agricultural Pesticide Use

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Experts say most agriculture producers in Kentucky won't be affected by the Environmental Protection Agency's recent decision to ban …

The American Psychological Association reports 81% of Gen Z teens (ages 13-17) have experienced more intense stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.(Adobe Stock)

ARP Funds Could Help WV Schools Address Mental-Health Needs

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Degrading mental health among the nation's K-12 students over the past year and a half has alarmed health professionals. Experts …

The Washington Federation of State Employees began bargaining with the state on the terms of the vaccine mandate on Aug. 16. (Damir Khabirov/Adobe Stock)

WA's Largest Public Union Reaches Pact on Vaccine Mandate

SEATTLE - Washington state's largest union of public workers has reached an agreement with the state on Gov. Jay Inslee's vaccine mandate. The deal …

A recent poll finds 56% of Michigan voters have struggled to pay a medical bill, even while they had health insurance. (everythingpossible/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Michiganders Want More Affordable Health Care

LANSING, Mich. -- As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Michiganders are concerned about the quality of their health care, according to new research…

People in states where air quality plummets due to smoke from wildfires are advised to close windows, doors and vents. (folio flare-designer/Pixabay)

Wildfires Make Outside, Inside Air Quality Unhealthy

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Smoke from the massive wildfires, along with the summer heat, is driving millions of Americans indoors. Experts advised people …

AARP surveys have shown that, nationwide, three in four people would prefer to age at home. (Satjawat/Adobe Stock)

Survey Aims to Better Understand Unmet Needs of IN Caregivers

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana officials are conducting a survey to better understand the unmet needs of caregivers across the state, which they say will …

The latest report by the world's top climate scientists confirms less than a decade remains to dramatically cut greenhouse-gas emissions from fossil fuels to avoid catastrophic impacts, such as those inflicted by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. (andrewtheshrew/Pixabay)

Report: Media Complacent in Not Linking Extreme Weather, Climate Change

AUSTIN, Texas -- New research suggests the nation's most trusted news sources are dropping the ball when it comes to helping voters in Texas and …

The Social Security program will only be able to make full payouts for the next 12 years, according to a new report. (larryhw/Adobe Stock)

Report: Pandemic Will Cause Social Security Funding Shortage

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The pandemic presents some future funding challenges to benefits for older Americans, according to the 2021 Social Security and …

More than 63% of Ohioans age 18 and older are vaccinated against COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

Vaccine Outreach a Catalyst for Improving Health Equity

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- COVID-19 vaccine outreach is serving as a catalyst for improving health equity in some of Ohio's lower-income communities. The …

According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, fentanyl was involved in 85% of drug overdoses in the state in 2020. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, fentanyl was involved in 85% of drug overdoses in the state in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

CT Addiction-Prevention Groups Seek Aid to Lower Fatal Overdoses

NEW LONDON, Conn. -- Addiction-prevention specialists in Connecticut are pushing for investments in substance-use disorder programs to combat the …

According to NAMI Rochester, 67% of young adults confide in a friend that they're struggling emotionally before telling any other person. (Adobe Stock)

NY Mental-Health First Aid in Spotlight for Suicide Prevention Month

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- September is Suicide Prevention Month, and New Yorkers are being asked to make use of training sessions that are available on how …

One way to reduce the amount of harmful wildfire pollution entering your home is to use air filters designed to capture harmful PM 2.5 particulates. (Adobe Stock)

Reducing Indoor Air Pollution as Wildfires, Ozone Send Kids, Others Inside

DENVER - During a summer filled with bad-air-quality-alert days across Colorado, children, people with respiratory illnesses and older residents have …

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of severe maternal illness, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and death, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (Adobe Stock)

Pregnant? Medical Experts Urge Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. -- Health professionals are concerned misinformation may be leading some people who are pregnant to choose not to get the COVID-…

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends schools have at least one full-time registered nurse available for students' health needs. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic, State Regulations Create Obstacles for NC School Nurses

WILMINGTON, N.C. -- As the school year gets underway, some school nurses are facing hurdles addressing students' health-care needs. Diane Parker…

Some seniors experiencing food insecurity collect too much in Social Security benefits to qualify for federal SNAP (food stamp) benefits, and must rely on a local food bank to tide them over. (Queen/Pixabay)

Albuquerque Food Bank Joins National Hunger Action Month

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The number of people struggling to put food on the table in New Mexico has decreased since the onset of the pandemic, but those …

In order to receive meals from the Feeding Our Communities program, about 120 cars line up every Thursday. (United Way of King County)

Breaking Cultural Barriers to Feed Communities

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - An organization in one Washington state city is bringing together diverse communities and breaking down barriers to food…

Research has found one hour of cooking can produce nitrous oxide levels that would be illegal if found outside. (avirid/Adobe Stock)

Air Quality Faces Dual Threats from Wildfires, Gas Appliances

PORTLAND, Ore. - Wildfire season has obvious effects on air quality outside, but hidden impacts on air quality also are lurking inside some homes…

During the pandemic, Community Health Centers in the U.S. reached 70,000 more elderly patients and a higher proportion of rural patients than they had before. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Centers Go Hyper-Local in Vaccination Outreach

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota's governor and health-care leaders want residents to take COVID-19 seriously to prevent the snowball effects of the …

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation report found many people enrolled in Medicare go without dental care. (Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Back Expanding Medicare to 'Treat the Whole Person'

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa, has introduced legislation to expand Medicare coverage to include dental, hearing and vision care…

Texas has enacted 26 abortion restrictions in the past decade, including the recent six-week abortion ban and a ban on all abortions that would go into effect if Roe v. Wade was overturned. (MarkThomas/Pixabay)<br /><br /> — Texas has enacted 26 abortion restrictions in the past decade, including the recent six-week abortion ban and a ban on all abortions that would go into effect if Roe v. Wade was overturned. (MarkThomas/Pixabay)

Supreme Court Bows Out, White House Wades into TX Abortion Battle

AUSTIN, Texas -- President Joe Biden stepped into the abortion battle in Texas Thursday, tasking federal agencies to see what steps can be taken to…

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help identify and overcome cognitive distortions and replace them with new, more helpful thoughts. (Adobe Stock)

Tips to Avoid Common “Thinking Traps” While Adjusting to College Life

LINCOLN, Neb. -- As young adults across Nebraska leave home for college, psychologists are offering tips to avoid falling into common "thinking …

Since school started in Pennsylvania, the Department of Health says 5,000 students have tested positive for COVID-19. It's one reason for Gov. Tom Wolf's Sept. 7 mask mandate. (Gov. Tom Wolf/Flickr)

Mask Mandate Coming for All PA K-12 Schools, Child-Care Centers

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Face masks will be mandatory at all public and private K-through-12 schools in Pennsylvania, starting next week. Gov. Tom Wolf …

In a recent poll, Arizona voters said while they want some changes made to parts of the health-care system, they don't want to scrap it and start over. (Valerie Luzina/Adobe Stock)

Arizonans Tell Pollsters They Want Health-Care Costs Reduced

TUCSON, Ariz. - As the COVID-19 pandemic surges yet again, new research finds Arizonans are concerned about both the cost and the quality of their …

An analysis from McKinsey suggests the learning gap from COVID may result in students earning $49,000 to $61,000 less income over their lifetime. (Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Without Mask, Vaccine Mandates, Moms Choose Between Jobs, Kids’ Health

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. Magazine. Broadcast version by Lily Bohlke for California News Service. Reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News Service …

Nearly one in five Americans has an unpaid medical debt currently in collections. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Nearly one in five Americans has an unpaid medical debt currently in collections. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Expense Tops Coloradans' Health-Care Concerns

DENVER - Coloradans increasingly are concerned about rising health-care costs, according to a new poll. It found many Colorado families are …

In a Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation poll, nearly three in 10 healthcare workers said they were considering leaving the profession. (Adobe Stock)

SD Nurses: COVID Skepticism Eroding Trust from Patients

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota is confronting another COVID-19 case surge, and a statewide organization for nurses said the latest phase could take a …

Preparing for a doctor's visit is an important part of ensuring children feel comfortable there when they arrive. (Jaren Wicklund/Adobe Stock)

Guide Helps Kids of All Abilities Make Choices in Doctor's Office

MISSOULA, Mont. -- A doctor's office can be an intimidating place for children. A new guide from Montana can help kids of any ability advocate for …

A new poll shows that Nevadans favor policies to lower deductibles and prevent insurance companies from selling junk plans. (Volgariver/Adobestock)

New Poll Indicates High Anxiety About Health-Care Costs in NV

CARSON CITY, Nev. - The rising cost of health care is a top concern for Nevadans, according to a new poll. The survey, of 600 registered voters …

Missouri, Nevada, Illinois and Oregon are among the most recent states to update their HIV laws.(nito/Adobe Stock)

MO Makes First Update to HIV Criminalization Laws in 30 Years

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A bill that went into effect over the weekend makes the first reforms to Missouri's HIV criminalization laws since they were …

A recent poll finds 68% of Montanans have struggled to pay a medical bill, even while they had health insurance. (Valeri Luzina/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Montanans Eager to See Health-Care Costs Go Down

HELENA, Mont. - As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Montanans are thinking about the quality of their health care, according to new research. A poll …

Nearly three-quarters of Washingtonians say they're at least somewhat concerned about a surprise medical bill. (Valeri Luzina/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Washingtonians Seek Quality Health Care at Affordable Price

SEATTLE - The COVID-19 pandemic has put into sharp focus the quality of health care for Washingtonians. According to a new poll, more than three …

PM2.5 readings from PurpleAir monitors across North Carolina on the evening of July 4. Emissions from grills, fireworks and other household sources increase PM2.5 levels. (CleanAIRE NC)

EPA Using Low-Cost NC Sensors to Collect Air-Quality Data

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Environmental Protection Agency is now including data from a network of low-cost air sensors in North Carolina in its official …

Allowing teens to voice their opinions and have make decisions builds trust, experts say.. (AdobeStock)

Talking, Trusting Key to Easing Back-to-School Stress

COLUMBUS, Ohio - With new teachers, classmates and expectations, back to school is full of uncertainties and anxieties. Stressful transitions …

Nearly 60% of Washingtonians have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

As Vaccine Misinformation Persists, Site Helps WA Union Members

SEATTLE -- Accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine can be elusive, prompting the Washington State Labor Council to set up a website to answer …

In a new poll, 59% of voters in Pennsylvania say they're stressed out about not being able to afford their monthly premiums for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: PA Voters Want Lawmakers to Help Keep Health-Care Costs Down

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvanians are growing more concerned with the affordability of their health care, according to a new poll. More than 600 …

Total spending by health-insurance companies to pharmacies in Colorado increased from $2.9 billion to $3.2 billion between 2017 and 2019, even after accounting for drug manufacturers' rebates to insurance payers. (Adobe Stock)

Drug Rebates Linked to Rising Prescription Drug Costs

DENVER -- The costs of prescription drugs continue to rise in Colorado and across the U.S., according to a new report from the Center for Improving …

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' forecast predicts the highest growth in COVID cases in the next month will be in children under 17. (Adobe Stock)

As COVID ICU Beds Fill, AR Health Pros Encourage Vaccinations

BENTON, Ark. -- Gov. Asa Hutchinson said COVID ICU beds in Arkansas are full as the Delta variant continues to surge in the state. Arkansas health …

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Health

Climate Week Follows Unprecedented "Code Red" Predictions

Poll: 1 in 5 Unvaccinated Kentuckians Open to Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

How Ohio Became the No. 1 State for Nursing Home Assistant Shortages

Report: Limiting Abortion Access Costs Nation Billions

Report: MO Receives Failing Grade for Handling of COVID in Prisons

Wealthy Coloradans Urge Congress to Raise Their Taxes

Report: Restricting Abortion Access Brings Big Financial Trouble

Eyeing Trend, MD Provider Offers Abortion Drugs by Mail

Study: Vaccine Hesitancy is Predictable

PFAS: A Plague for Humans, Especially Firefighters

TX Governor to Try Again to Ban Transgender Student Athletes

EPA’s Chlorpyrifos Ban Spotlights Future of Agricultural Pesticide Use

ARP Funds Could Help WV Schools Address Mental-Health Needs

WA's Largest Public Union Reaches Pact on Vaccine Mandate

Poll: Michiganders Want More Affordable Health Care

Wildfires Make Outside, Inside Air Quality Unhealthy

Survey Aims to Better Understand Unmet Needs of IN Caregivers

Report: Media Complacent in Not Linking Extreme Weather, Climate Change

Report: Pandemic Will Cause Social Security Funding Shortage

Vaccine Outreach a Catalyst for Improving Health Equity

CT Addiction-Prevention Groups Seek Aid to Lower Fatal Overdoses

NY Mental-Health First Aid in Spotlight for Suicide Prevention Month

Reducing Indoor Air Pollution as Wildfires, Ozone Send Kids, Others Inside

Pregnant? Medical Experts Urge Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

Pandemic, State Regulations Create Obstacles for NC School Nurses

Albuquerque Food Bank Joins National Hunger Action Month

Breaking Cultural Barriers to Feed Communities

Air Quality Faces Dual Threats from Wildfires, Gas Appliances

Community Health Centers Go Hyper-Local in Vaccination Outreach

PA Groups Back Expanding Medicare to 'Treat the Whole Person'

Supreme Court Bows Out, White House Wades into TX Abortion Battle

Tips to Avoid Common “Thinking Traps” While Adjusting to College Life

Mask Mandate Coming for All PA K-12 Schools, Child-Care Centers

Arizonans Tell Pollsters They Want Health-Care Costs Reduced

Without Mask, Vaccine Mandates, Moms Choose Between Jobs, Kids’ Health

Poll: Expense Tops Coloradans' Health-Care Concerns

SD Nurses: COVID Skepticism Eroding Trust from Patients

Guide Helps Kids of All Abilities Make Choices in Doctor's Office

New Poll Indicates High Anxiety About Health-Care Costs in NV

MO Makes First Update to HIV Criminalization Laws in 30 Years

Poll: Montanans Eager to See Health-Care Costs Go Down

Survey: Washingtonians Seek Quality Health Care at Affordable Price

EPA Using Low-Cost NC Sensors to Collect Air-Quality Data

Talking, Trusting Key to Easing Back-to-School Stress

As Vaccine Misinformation Persists, Site Helps WA Union Members

Poll: PA Voters Want Lawmakers to Help Keep Health-Care Costs Down

Drug Rebates Linked to Rising Prescription Drug Costs

As COVID ICU Beds Fill, AR Health Pros Encourage Vaccinations