Health Issues / Public News Service

Adult ticks are the easiest to identify, but nymphal and larval ticks are small and may be hard to identify. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Tick-Borne Illnesses Highlighted During Lyme Prevention Month

As Lyme disease Awareness Month draws to a close, levels of some tick-borne illnesses in Missouri are on the rise. While Lyme infections in Missouri …

Michigan reached a historic low in teen pregnancies in 2020, at just over 12 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19. (Nicholas Felix/peopleimages.com)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

MI Women's Health Needs Begin in Adolescence

The need for Michigan women to prioritize their health doesn't stop when National Women's Health Month ends this week. One expert said it is time to …

A 2022 report from the New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging found that transportation and safe affordable housing have been top concerns for older residents in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

NH Ranks Second in Nation for Senior Healthy Living

New Hampshire ranks second in the nation for healthy senior living, according to a new report. United Healthcare's 2023 Senior Report measures the …

Either the Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokia or Dr. Caitlin Bernard can appeal the Indiana Medical Licensing Board's decision in Marion County Superior Court. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Board Fines Indiana Doc for Speaking about 10-Year-Old's Abortion

An Indiana licensing board has fined a local physician $3,000 and handed her a letter of reprimand after she went public about a 10-year-old Ohio pati…

Physical inactivity in adults age 65 and older in fair or better health increased 6% between 2018 and 2021, according to United Healthcare's 2023 Senior Report. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

MA Makes Top Ten List of States for Senior Healthy Living

Massachusetts ranks tenth in the nation when it comes to healthy senior living, according to a new report. United Healthcare's 2023 Senior Report …

An aerial view of Roca, Neb. Some 37% percent of Nebraska's rural hospitals have lost some services, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. (Jacob/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Rural Nebraska Faces Outsized Impact of Governor's Budget Vetoes

Rural Nebraska could lose on two fronts if two of Gov. Jim Pillen's budget vetoes are allowed to stand. Pillen struck down a second year of …

According to the Children's Collaborative for Healing and Support, between 2017 and 2021, more than 5 million children nationally experienced the death of a parent. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

UT Pilot Program Aims to Support Grieving Kids

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joined the Children's Collaborative for Healing and Support last week to announce a pilot program in the state designed to …

The report also found that in 2021, 5.6 million adults ages 65 and older lived in poverty, a 10% increase since 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Report: AZ Ranks 30th for Health Status of Older Adults

Arizona has received an overall rank of 30th in the nation for the health and well-being of older adults in the state. According to the United …

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

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

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 …

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Social Media Growing Concern for Youth Mental Health

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are up among adolescents and young adults. Health experts warn social media is playing a role in declining mental …

Researchers found cities with the highest ParkScore rankings are healthier places to live based on the metrics of physical inactivity and mental health. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Wisconsin Does Well in Park Rankings

Two of Wisconsin's largest cities land in the top twenty in a new ranking for parks. The nonprofit Trust for Public Land has issued its annual …

More than 60% of rural counties lack a psychiatrist, and almost half do not have a psychologist, compared with 27% and 19% of urban counties, respectively. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Addressing Challenges to Behavioral Health Care in Rural Wyoming

A new report spotlights some of the challenges to accessing behavioral health care for the one in seven Americans who live in rural areas. Kendall …

Lawmakers have requested an analysis of the impact of an insurance mandate for kids' hearing aids from the California Health Benefits Review Program. The report is due June 7. (Peakstock/Adobestock)<br />

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Calls Grow to Require Insurance Companies to Cover Kids’ Hearing Aids

Groups fighting for children's health are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers to require insurance companies to cover hearing aids and related …

An American Hospital Association report revealed net losses in 2022 for some of the nation's largest nonprofit health systems were well above $1 billion, and in some cases, approached $2 billion. (AntonioDiaz/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Report: Hospitals Face Mounting Financial Pressures

The mounting financial pressures hospitals in Arkansas are facing are part of a national trend affecting people's access to care, according to a …

Pennsylvania adults with disabilities represent 11% of the population, in terms of mobility<br />and/or cognitive challenges. (Jesse B/peopleimages.com)<br /><br />

PA Starts on New 'Master Plan for Older Adults'

A new Master Plan for Older Adults is being developed in Pennsylvania. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Thursday, directing the …

In 2021, 5.6 million adults ages 65 and older lived in poverty, representing a 10% increase since 2019. (Adobe Stock)

New Report Shows Challenges Faced by Alabama's Older Adults

A new report cites a pressing need for better health-care support and better internet access for older adults in Alabama. The United Health …

The America's Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report shows challenges in Florida, including too few home healthcare workers to meet the needs of older Floridians. (Pixabay)

Highs, Lows for FL Seniors in Health Rankings Report

May is Older Americans Month, and a new report shows the Sunshine State is investing heavily in providing community support to help its older …

According to Virginia's opioid cost calculator, which tracks monetary impacts like lost labor, health care, crime, household costs, and state and federal costs, the state is facing a price tag of around $3.5 billion. (Adobe Stock)

VA Group Works to Address Opioid Crisis

As the opioid epidemic continues to take its toll, a Virginia group is working to keep people safe. The Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition in Roanoke …

ParkScore Rankings Name Washington D.C. Nation’s Best

The nonprofit Trust for Public Land has published its annual ParkScore rankings, and some area cities are high on the list. Washington, D.C.…

It's estimated a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday could remove federal protection from 80% of streams in the southwestern states. (USGS)

SCOTUS Narrows 50-Year-Old Clean Water Act, Affecting NM Rivers

Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling making it harder for the federal government to enforce clean-water rules has New Mexico environmental groups …

A wetland and marsh area at Chain O' Lakes State Park. Illinois' Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989 set a goal of no net loss of wetlands due to projects funded by the state. (GoodFreePhotos.com)

SCOTUS Lands Gut Punch to EPA Wetland Protections

A U.S. Supreme Court decision is shaking up the environmental community in Illinois and across the country. The high court ruled 5-4 on Thursday …

July 2022 was the hottest July since 1895 in Texas, according to Weather.com. (praewpailyn/Adobe Stock)

Texas Heatwaves are Coming; New Toolkit Available to Docs

Extreme heat kills about 700 people in the United States each year, but a new toolkit and weather alerts can protect folks in Texas and beyond…

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 …

A 2023 AARP report finds Connecticut's 420,000 unpaid family caregivers in Connecticut provided care valued at $7.2 billion in 2021. Nationally, these caregivers provided over $600 billion in care during the same period. (Adobe Stock)

CT Unpaid Family Caregivers Working In Strained Conditions

The ongoing healthcare workforce shortage in Connecticut and across the U.S. is straining unpaid family caregivers. A 2023 AARP report finds they …

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of stroke. Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Researchers Discover Better Stroke Treatment Options

Researchers at the University of Iowa are using one of the body's naturally occurring waste products to treat stroke, potentially lessening the …

Georgia is the 26th jurisdiction to decriminalize medical marijuana use. (Adobe Stock)

Cannabis Equity: The Importance of Reform and Access to Dispensaries

The rise of medical cannabis dispensaries in Georgia is highlighting the need for reform and equitable access. One of the state's first dispensaries …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer to get screened every two years. (Adobe Stock)

Mammography Among UT Women Ranks Below National Average

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Utah women. According to the Utah Women and Leadership Project at Utah State University…

According to MDVIP, excessive alcohol intake decreases the bacteria with anti-inflammatory activity and can result in intestinal damage. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Most Americans' Gut Health Poor

Two-thirds of adults are dealing with gut issues. A new survey from healthcare provider MDVIP found a majority of Americans aren't keeping their …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults do at least 2 hours and 30 minutes each week of aerobic physical activity that requires moderate effort. (TMdlungu/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Experts: Women's Health Month Prioritizes Health, Well-Being

May is National Women's Health Month, and experts are reminding women to prioritize their health and well-being. Brenda Shelton-Dunston, executive …

Oil and gas leasing are currently allowed on 90% of publicly-owned lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Seeks Coloradans' Input on New Public-Lands Rule Aiming for Balance

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is holding a public hearing today in Denver on its new rule, which aims to put conservation, protection of …

Advocates say Mental Health Awareness Month helps fight the stigma that is often associated with mental illness. (Adobe stock)

May in Indiana About More Than Racing

Ask Hoosiers to describe May in Indiana, and you'll likely hear about the Indianapolis 500, but this month is about more than racing. May is Mental …

The America's Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report shows strengths in Tennessee, including a low prevalence of excessive drinking, a high percentage of older adults with a dedicated health care provider, and low prevalence of severe housing problems. (InputUX/AdobeStock)

Report Ranks Tennessee Among Least Healthy States for Older Adults

May is Older Americans Month, and a new report shows the Volunteer State is among the bottom of states when it comes to caring for its most …

Virginia ranked 48th in Mental Health America's 2023 State of Mental Health report for youth mental health, which indicated higher rates of mental illness among the state's youth and little access to care. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Parents Worried About Student Mental Health

A recent survey from the National PTA found student mental health is a top-of-mind issue for parents across the U.S. The survey showed 72% of …

The world is home to 1.8 billion young people between ages 10 and 24, the largest generation of youth in history, who are increasingly aware of the challenges and risks presented by the climate crisis. (Adobe Stock)

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

The magnitude of climate change can feel overwhelming, creating a sense of so-called "climate grief" for some, but young climate activists say they …

A report from the Healthcare Association of New York State finds almost half of New York's hospitals reduced or eliminated services to mitigate staffing challenges, all while making sure critical services remain available. (Adobe Stock)

NY Budget Creates Wins, Losses for Hospitals in State

New York State's new 2024 budget provides some needed relief to hospitals. Along with a Medicaid rate increase, the budget includes $1.4 billion …

In 2022, Tennessee had close to one million K-12 students enrolled in nearly 1,906 schools in 148 school districts. (WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeSTock)

TN School Districts Urged to Focus On Mental Health Support

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and an education advocacy group wants school districts in Tennessee and across the country to focus on critical m…

Ideal Option's mobile clinic for substance abuse treatment is operating in the small eastern Idaho town of Rexburg. (Ideal Option)

Mobile Clinic Aids in Addiction Treatment in Rural ID

A mobile clinic is bringing drug treatment to rural Idaho. The organization Ideal Option's first treatment clinic on wheels is in Rexburg. Ideal …

At-home caregivers scored major victories in Olympia this year, including increased paid time off and retirement benefits. (SEIU 775)

WA Lawmakers Address Understaffed Caregiving Industry

Lawmakers guaranteed more than $760 million in their budget to boost wages and benefits for home care service providers. That means Washington …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls well-child visits

Contentious 2023 MO Legislative Session Saw Wins for Struggling Families

Although Missouri's 2023 legislative session was contentious and resulted in a historically low number of bills being passed, advocates for children …

28% of LGBTQ youth say they've experienced homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives while 14% of LGBTQ youth report being kicked out of their home or abandoned, according to the Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

NH House Rejects Controversial 'Parental Bill of Rights'

Advocates for the LGBTQ community are celebrating following New Hampshire's rejection of a so-called "parental bill of rights." Two Republicans cros…

Beyond wellness checks and important screenings, health experts recommend women take personal time to reflect or relax to keep the stress from building up. (Adobe Stock)

Women's Health Month: Adding Personal Wellness to Your To-Do List

As Women's Health Month continues, experts in Minnesota and elsewhere are reminding women to prioritize their well-being. The Centers for Disease …

ACLU Plans Lawsuit If TX Anti-Trans Bills Become Law

The culture war over transgender identity is spreading in GOP-led states, and Texas is among those passing the harshest laws. The Human Rights …

PFAS, the chemicals contained in firefighting foam, are known to be toxic and affect ground and drinking water at many current and former military installations. (jana/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: DoD's PFAS Spending Not Enough to Fix Escalating Backlog

New Mexico has eight military sites with known or suspected discharges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, also known as "forever …

A recent CDC survey found 13% of young girls attempted suicide in 2021. (Magryt/Adobe Stock)

Prioritizing Mental Health During Women's Health Week

To wrap up Women's Health Week, doctors are urging women to take stock of their mental health. Dr. Sharon Eloranta, medical director at the …

According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 2.8% (14,400) high school students smoke in Virginia. The percentage of high schoolers who use e-cigarettes is 14.3%, slightly higher than the percentage of adults who smoke, 12.4%. (Adobe Stock)

VA Groups Aim to Reduce Youth Tobacco Use

Virginia groups are using different methods to warn young people about the dangers of smoking. Along with tobacco-free parks, the state has taken …

South Dakota officials say their new program, which gives rural EMS crews access to telemedicine inside an ambulance, is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Telemedicine in Motion: SD's Rural EMS Crews Go High-Tech

People might picture a defibrillator or stretcher when they think of a first responder. But what about an iPad? South Dakota says a new program …

Adults with ADHD often cope with difficulties at work and in their personal and family lives related to ADHD symptoms. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Drug Shortage Leads Some to Alternative Treatment Options

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in Tennessee and across the country there is a shortage of medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperac…

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 …

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Health

Tick-Borne Illnesses Highlighted During Lyme Prevention Month

MI Women's Health Needs Begin in Adolescence

NH Ranks Second in Nation for Senior Healthy Living

Board Fines Indiana Doc for Speaking about 10-Year-Old's Abortion

MA Makes Top Ten List of States for Senior Healthy Living

Rural Nebraska Faces Outsized Impact of Governor's Budget Vetoes

UT Pilot Program Aims to Support Grieving Kids

Report: AZ Ranks 30th for Health Status of Older Adults

Dangers of Fracking Wastewater Put Spotlight on 'Halliburton Loophole'

Social Media Growing Concern for Youth Mental Health

Wisconsin Does Well in Park Rankings

Addressing Challenges to Behavioral Health Care in Rural Wyoming

Calls Grow to Require Insurance Companies to Cover Kids’ Hearing Aids

Report: Hospitals Face Mounting Financial Pressures

PA Starts on New 'Master Plan for Older Adults'

New Report Shows Challenges Faced by Alabama's Older Adults

Highs, Lows for FL Seniors in Health Rankings Report

VA Group Works to Address Opioid Crisis

ParkScore Rankings Name Washington D.C. Nation’s Best

SCOTUS Narrows 50-Year-Old Clean Water Act, Affecting NM Rivers

SCOTUS Lands Gut Punch to EPA Wetland Protections

Texas Heatwaves are Coming; New Toolkit Available to Docs

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

CT Unpaid Family Caregivers Working In Strained Conditions

Iowa Researchers Discover Better Stroke Treatment Options

Cannabis Equity: The Importance of Reform and Access to Dispensaries

Mammography Among UT Women Ranks Below National Average

Survey: Most Americans' Gut Health Poor

Experts: Women's Health Month Prioritizes Health, Well-Being

BLM Seeks Coloradans' Input on New Public-Lands Rule Aiming for Balance

May in Indiana About More Than Racing

Report Ranks Tennessee Among Least Healthy States for Older Adults

Survey: Parents Worried About Student Mental Health

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

NY Budget Creates Wins, Losses for Hospitals in State

TN School Districts Urged to Focus On Mental Health Support

Mobile Clinic Aids in Addiction Treatment in Rural ID

WA Lawmakers Address Understaffed Caregiving Industry

Contentious 2023 MO Legislative Session Saw Wins for Struggling Families

NH House Rejects Controversial 'Parental Bill of Rights'

Women's Health Month: Adding Personal Wellness to Your To-Do List

ACLU Plans Lawsuit If TX Anti-Trans Bills Become Law

Analysis: DoD's PFAS Spending Not Enough to Fix Escalating Backlog

Prioritizing Mental Health During Women's Health Week

VA Groups Aim to Reduce Youth Tobacco Use

Telemedicine in Motion: SD's Rural EMS Crews Go High-Tech

Drug Shortage Leads Some to Alternative Treatment Options

In Ohio, Abortion Rights Fuel Fight Over Ballot Measures