Health Issues / Public News Service

According to the American Heart Association, men having a heart attack might experience nausea or vomiting and shortness of breath, along with chest pain or pressure. Women might experience fainting, indigestion and extreme fatigue with chest pain or pressure. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, February 3, 2023

Heart Month: Learn Difference Between Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attack

February is National Heart Month, and doctors want Virginians to understand heart health a bit better - specifically, heart attacks and cardiac …

Friday, February 3, 2023

Body Positivity Movement Helps Improve Body Image, Alleviate Shame

By Gabes Torres for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service, reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

In Georgia, the birth rate in 2023 is just over 12 births per 1,000 people, a 2.25% decline from 2022. (Pololia/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Groups Work to Improve Maternal, Infant Death Rates in GA

Preventing maternal and infant mortality in Georgia is a top priority for health care providers in the state. Georgia already has the nation's …

While mortality rates for pregnant women have decreased globally, they continue to rise in the United States, with Black women three times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women. (Inez/Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Report: Women’s Rights a Canary in Coal Mine for Democracy

By Jennifer Weiss-Wolf for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Projections indicate that by 2030, nearly 40% of all Americans living with Alzheimer's will be Black or Latino. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Black History Month: Shining a Light on Alzheimer's Disparities

With Black History Month underway, Wisconsin researchers and support groups are highlighting the disparities in cases of Alzheimer's disease…

Clinics providing abortions in Minnesota have reported a surge in patients since neighboring states were given the legal path to enact bans. It has fueled broader concerns about access to the procedure, as well as reproductive care. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

New Law Could Add Clarity to Reproductive Care in Rural MN

Reproductive rights advocates are cheering Minnesota's new law centering around abortion access. Supporters predict it could help in other ways for …

The electrical malfunction that causes cardiac arrest is known as arrhythmia. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

AZ Heart Specialist Explains Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest

February is American Heart Month, and an Arizona expert said it is important to know the signs of a heart attack versus cardiac arrest. Dr. Wilber …

The CDC recommends schools, businesses and public gathering places keep an artificial external defibrillator available. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Doctors: Know What to Do for Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest

February is American Heart Month, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the number one cause of death in …

From 2019 to 2020, the U.S. saw a 6% increase in deaths from cardiovascular disease. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Report: Heart-Related Deaths Increased During Pandemic's Onset

The U.S. saw a surge in cardiovascular-related deaths during the first year of the pandemic, and voices from South Dakota's health community hope it …

Eye-care professionals say limiting screen time before bedtime, using blue light-blocking filters on your devices, and wearing blue light-blocking glasses can all help protect from potential health risks. (Pixabay)

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Blue Light Exposure: Understanding the Risks

With the increasing use of digital devices and computers in daily life, we're all exposed to more and more blue light. They may be convenient and …

According to Dr. Janet Lee, an ophthalmologist at Shepherd Eye Center, some of the most important risk factors include age, nearsightedness and a family history of glaucoma. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

NV Ophthalmologist Encourages Eye Exams as National Glaucoma Awareness Month Ends

As National Glaucoma Awareness Month comes to a close, one Nevada ophthalmologist wants to remind people to get their eyes and vision checked. Dr…

Callers to the newly launched Abortion Legal Hotline at 833-309-6301 can leave specific call-back or messaging instructions and someone will call or message that person back within two to three business days to gather information about the caller's legal questions. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

MA Launches Free Legal Advice Hotline Regarding Abortion Care

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has announced the launch of a new hotline for abortion-care providers and people seeking confidential lega…

Nearly half of all Hispanic-Americans live in counties that frequently violate ground-level ozone standards. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Public Health Benefits of Limiting Oil, Gas Methane Pollution

The public has until February 13th to weigh in on new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce methane pollution at oil and gas…

In 2022, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health insurance is $22,463, while the average cost of self-only coverage is $7,911, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Fix Opens Options for Households with Costly Employer Health Coverage

Many Kentuckians who have affordable employer health coverage for themselves but not for their dependents and spouses now qualify for financial assist…

Rural hospitals in Medicaid expansion states are 62% less likely to close, in large part because expansion reduces the burden of uncompensated care, when patients without insurance can't pay for services. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 30, 2023

Lawmakers Consider Expanding Health Coverage for 19,000 Workers

A bill that would expand Medicaid coverage for some 19,000 Wyoming workers who earn too much to qualify for standard Medicaid, but can't afford …

Anyone can get lung cancer from radon, including people who have never smoked. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

NC Officials Encourage Testing for Radon

As January comes to a close so does Radon Action Month, but officials want North Carolinians to test for the poisonous gas this winter. Radon is a …

Eye doctors warn that kids who spend excessive time on laptops, cell phones and tablets could end up with vision problems as adults. (Marco/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 30, 2023

Protecting the 'Eyes of Texas' in the Age of Digital Overload

It is not a pandemic yet, but eye doctors worry the constant use of digital devices could eventually result in long-term health problems for many …

Exposure to methane from oil and gas wells is known to cause health problems, including asthma, along with higher rates of leukemia, lymphoma and cancer. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

Stronger Federal Methane Rules Would Benefit NM Residents, But When?

New Mexico residents have two weeks to submit written comments to the Environmental Protection Agency about its proposal to implement stronger standar…

In a national survey, Michigan was ranked 27th among the 50 states for its cost, access and quality of long-term care supports and services. California was ranked first. (Flickr)

MI State of State: Whitmer Promises Seniors Tax Breaks, Better Care

In her fifth State of the State address this week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer emphasized policies designed to put more money in Michiganders' pockets…

According to research from the American Federation of Teachers, there were 55,000 fewer registered nurses employed in the U.S. in 2021 than in 2020. This was the first decrease in five years. (Adobe Stock)

CT Groups, Unions Call for Public-Health Reforms

Health-care professionals and advocates in Connecticut have said it will take sweeping reforms to bolster the state's flailing public health system…

From February 2020 to November 2021, the number of workers in nursing homes and other care facilities dropped by 410,000 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

Critical Number of Rural IA Nursing Homes Close

Health-care professionals say low pay and a worker shortage have led a dramatic number of nursing homes in rural Iowa to close their doors. They hope …

Both drafty and well-sealed homes can have a radon problem. (Adobe Stock)

Marylanders Encouraged to Test for Radon

January is National Radon Action Month and officials are encouraging Marylanders to test their homes. Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the …

In the past year, consumers saw the biggest inflation hike in 40 years, which took a bite out of grocery budgets. (Adobe Stock)

SD Enters Debate Mode on Grocery Tax Repeal

A South Dakota legislative committee has begun discussions on a plan to repeal the state's grocery tax. It has been a politically divisive issue …

About 400 fatal crashes happen each year as a direct result of texting and driving nationally, according to Sensiblemotive. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Lawmakers Push for Drivers' Hands-Free Cellphone Use

Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill which would dramatically reduce the use of cellphones in vehicles. Right now, it is illegal in Iowa to send or …

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes provisions to lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare coverage, including those who take insulin, which went into effect this month. (Sebra/Adobe Stock)

New Changes to Medicare Set to Benefit Georgia Seniors

Big changes are underway for Medicare participants, after historic legislation put them in motion this month. More than 1.8 million Georgians who …

The primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease are hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history and advanced age. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Hypertension: A Silent Killer in Communities of Color

About 45% of Black Americans have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, compared to 31% of white Americans. Now, a new program in Southern …

In a recent survey, 62% of Washingtonians said they've experienced at least one health care affordability burden in the past year. (grzejnik1981/Adobe Stock)

WA Lawmakers Look to Tackle Staggering Health Care Cost Increases

Lawmakers in Olympia have introduced a host of measures to address one of the biggest issues facing Washingtonians: rising health care costs…

Research shows that cooking with natural gas can emit toxic fumes such as methane and nitrogen dioxide into the home and the atmosphere. (malkovkosta/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Warning on Gas Stove Emissions Sparks Controversy

The health risks associated with gas-burning stoves have caused a recent stir and fears of a government ban on the appliances, but a Michigan …

South Dakota's dual-credit program allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn credit toward a diploma, while racking up college credits ahead of schedule. (Adobe Stock)

SD Plan: More Students Could 'Make the Grade' in Career Readiness

Like other states, South Dakota has a program allowing high school students to take courses offered at universities and technical colleges. Now…

A known risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intraocular, or internal eye, pressure. (Nicholas Felix/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Eye Screenings Recommended for Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. It is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and anyone can have it, so a Pennsylvania expert said it is one …

National health spending is projected to reach $6.2 trillion by 2028, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

Task Force Makes Recommendations for NC Public Health

The North Carolina Institute of Medicine is making new recommendations to improve public health in the state. The suggestions focus on expanding …

Stigma continues to be one of the biggest barriers for addressing mental health, and telehealth provides a confidential option. (Adobe Stock)

Post-Pandemic Telehealth Visits Remain High for Mental Health

The use of telehealth has dropped since its peak during the height of the COVID-19 public health emergency, but more Coloradans continue to opt for …

Unlike other states, which decided on this issue through ballot initiatives, medical aid in dying was legalized through the state Supreme Court in Montana. (CameraCraft/Adobe Stock)

MT Bill Aims to End Medical Aid-in-Dying Options

A bill in the Montana Legislature would roll back access to medical aid-in-dying options at the end of someone's life - access that has been guarantee…

Anyone can get lung cancer from radon, including people who have never smoked. (Adobe Stock)

Officials Encouraging Missourians to Test for Radon

January is National Radon Action Month, and officials are getting the word out. Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the natural breakdown of …

The U.S. oil and gas industry emits 16 million metric tons of methane annually, which has the same near-term climate impact as 350 coal-fired power plants, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Rules Would Target Flaring at WV’s Oil, Gas Wells

Under proposed rules from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, oil and gas well operations across the nation would be required to strengthen …

Unburned gas from stoves and building pipelines collected in the greater Boston area contained twenty-one different hazardous air pollutants known as volatile organic compounds, including benzene, which increases risks for asthma, cancer, and other illnesses. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ventilation Key to Reducing Health Risks from Gas-Burning Stoves

The health risks associated with gas-burning stoves have caused a recent stir and unfounded fears of a government ban on the appliances, but …

Studies show a variety of dental conditions such as untreated decay and tooth loss can cause a profound impact on self-esteem in adolescents. (pixabay)

Oral Hygienist Highlights Dangers of Dental Disorders in Children

Dental hygienists are trying to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene, noting dental pain is one of the most common reasons for school …

In 2021, the total cost of the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was around $113 billion. The significant increase from the previous year's total of $79 billion was in large part the result of extra pandemic-related benefits. (Adobe Stock)

IA Lawmakers Propose Severe Restrictions for Food Assistance

A Republican-backed bill in the Iowa Legislature seeks to put strict new limits on which foods people could buy at the grocery store using public-assi…

Cases on workplace injuries can sometimes turn contentious. (Freer/Adobe Stock)

Under Bill, WA Workers Could Record Med Exams in Injury Cases

Washington state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would address some workers' concerns about the thoroughness of medical exams performed in worke…

The Oregon Nurses Association represents about 15,000 nurses across the state. (allexxandarx/Adobe Stock)

OR Nurses Push for Safe Staffing Levels

Oregon nurses say they are struggling under high patient loads, and they want state lawmakers to do something about it. The Oregon Nurses …

Child poverty rates worsened nationwide in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but improved slightly in New Mexico. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)<br />

Report: NM Child Well-Being Fared Better Than Expected During Pandemic

New Mexico's Voices for Children has released its latest Kids Count Data Book - noting some quality-of-life improvements despite COVID, but also …

Nearly one in five new mothers participating in Wyoming's Medicaid Pregnant Women Program lose their health insurance 60 days after giving birth. (Adobe Stock)

WY Lawmakers Consider Extended Health Coverage for New Moms

New mothers in Wyoming enrolled in the Medicaid Pregnant Women Program lose their health insurance 60 days after giving birth, but a new bill making …

Every four in a half minutes a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Elena/AdobeStock)

National Birth Defects Awareness Month in PA

This is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. Birth defects are common, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and they can …

Vitalant said it is seeing 20% fewer blood donations than before the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

AZ's Blood Supply Drops to Lowest Level in a Year

Arizona's blood supply is at its lowest level in a year. Vitalant is encouraging Arizonans of all blood types to donate blood, especially universal …

The requirement for the state to maintain continuous Medi-Cal health insurance coverage regardless of eligibility will end March 31. (Lordn/Adobestock)

State Projects Millions Could Lose Medi-Cal as Renewals Start Back Up

Starting in April, an estimated 2-3 million people could be dropped from Medi-Cal, the state's health insurance program for low-income people…

Those behind a new report calling for a more robust behavioral health workforce say that, as with other professions, the pandemic has placed a lot of strain on provider networks around the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health Crisis: Report Offers Clues in Beefing Up Care Network

Most South Dakotans live in federally designated mental-health professional shortage areas, and a new report recommended steps Congress and other …

Those behind a new report calling for a more robust behavioral-health workforce say like other professions, the pandemic has placed a lot of strain on provider networks around the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Mental-Health Workforce Has Capable Help Waiting in Wings

Like many other states, Minnesota has its share of provider gaps when it comes to mental-health care, and a new report cited steps Congress and other …

Under Colorado's clean air law, major polluters including coal mines are required to obtain and comply with air pollution operating permits. (WildEarth Guardians)

Deadline for State to Act on Coal Mine Air Pollution Permit Back in Court

Environmental groups are headed back to court this Friday in hopes of setting a clear deadline for Gov. Jared Polis' administration to start reining …

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Health

Heart Month: Learn Difference Between Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attack

Body Positivity Movement Helps Improve Body Image, Alleviate Shame

Groups Work to Improve Maternal, Infant Death Rates in GA

Report: Women’s Rights a Canary in Coal Mine for Democracy

Black History Month: Shining a Light on Alzheimer's Disparities

New Law Could Add Clarity to Reproductive Care in Rural MN

AZ Heart Specialist Explains Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest

Doctors: Know What to Do for Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest

Report: Heart-Related Deaths Increased During Pandemic's Onset

Blue Light Exposure: Understanding the Risks

NV Ophthalmologist Encourages Eye Exams as National Glaucoma Awareness Month Ends

MA Launches Free Legal Advice Hotline Regarding Abortion Care

Public Health Benefits of Limiting Oil, Gas Methane Pollution

Fix Opens Options for Households with Costly Employer Health Coverage

Lawmakers Consider Expanding Health Coverage for 19,000 Workers

NC Officials Encourage Testing for Radon

Protecting the 'Eyes of Texas' in the Age of Digital Overload

Stronger Federal Methane Rules Would Benefit NM Residents, But When?

MI State of State: Whitmer Promises Seniors Tax Breaks, Better Care

CT Groups, Unions Call for Public-Health Reforms

Critical Number of Rural IA Nursing Homes Close

Marylanders Encouraged to Test for Radon

SD Enters Debate Mode on Grocery Tax Repeal

Iowa Lawmakers Push for Drivers' Hands-Free Cellphone Use

New Changes to Medicare Set to Benefit Georgia Seniors

Hypertension: A Silent Killer in Communities of Color

WA Lawmakers Look to Tackle Staggering Health Care Cost Increases

Consumer Warning on Gas Stove Emissions Sparks Controversy

SD Plan: More Students Could 'Make the Grade' in Career Readiness

Eye Screenings Recommended for Glaucoma Awareness Month

Task Force Makes Recommendations for NC Public Health

Post-Pandemic Telehealth Visits Remain High for Mental Health

MT Bill Aims to End Medical Aid-in-Dying Options

Officials Encouraging Missourians to Test for Radon

New EPA Rules Would Target Flaring at WV’s Oil, Gas Wells

Ventilation Key to Reducing Health Risks from Gas-Burning Stoves

Oral Hygienist Highlights Dangers of Dental Disorders in Children

IA Lawmakers Propose Severe Restrictions for Food Assistance

Under Bill, WA Workers Could Record Med Exams in Injury Cases

OR Nurses Push for Safe Staffing Levels

Report: NM Child Well-Being Fared Better Than Expected During Pandemic

WY Lawmakers Consider Extended Health Coverage for New Moms

National Birth Defects Awareness Month in PA

AZ's Blood Supply Drops to Lowest Level in a Year

State Projects Millions Could Lose Medi-Cal as Renewals Start Back Up

Mental Health Crisis: Report Offers Clues in Beefing Up Care Network

Report: Mental-Health Workforce Has Capable Help Waiting in Wings

Deadline for State to Act on Coal Mine Air Pollution Permit Back in Court