Health Issues / Public News Service

As part of Connecticut's Plan on Aging, more funding has been allocated to bolster senior center programs. This is to help provide services for the state's growing older population, which is set to increase by 57% by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

'We Welcome Everyone': CT Senior Centers Rebound Post-Pandemic

As Connecticut and the rest of the U.S. leave the COVID-19 pandemic behind, senior centers are welcoming back participants they have not seen in a …

Data from the Prison Policy Institute shows that of the approximately 1 million inmates in state prisons across the United States, one in eight, or 13%, is older than 55. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Grant Awarded to Study Improving Health Care for Imprisoned Seniors

Longer sentences handed out for major crimes in Michigan and other states over the past few decades mean a larger portion of people in state and feder…

A new measure in this year's report shows many older adults spent more than 30% of their income on housing. (Adobe stock)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Report: IN Struggles Turning Around High Early Death Rate

Indiana ranks closer to the bottom of U.S. states where you will find healthy seniors living than the top, according to a new report. …

According to the report, there was a 14% increase among Nevada seniors accessing high-speed internet between 2016 and 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Report: Nevada Ranks Low for Overall Senior Health

Nevada has received an overall score of 43 in the nation for the health and well-being of its seniors in the state. According to the United Health …

According to 2022 data, more than 126,000 North Dakotans have insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

ND Issues Medicaid Renewal Plea After Thousands Disenrolled

North Dakota officials are urging people receiving health coverage through a key public program to stay on top of their renewal if they are still elig…

In 2022, Save the Children reached nearly 900,000 children in the United States and distributed more than 5 million meals. (AdobeStock)

Monday, June 5, 2023

Summer Break is Broken for Many Rural Tennessee Kids

An advocacy group is expanding summer learning opportunities for families in the Volunteer State. In Tennessee and across the country, isolation and …

From left: Angela Hayes, Vivian Lasley-Bibbs, Dr. Patricia Bautista-Cervera and Kelly Taulbee at the Kentucky Immunization Summit held May 10. (Amber Malott)

Monday, June 5, 2023

Push to Get KY Kids Back on Track for Routine Vaccinations

Two regional pediatric immunization symposiums are being held this month in Morehead and Owensboro, where experts will share strategies to promote …

Wisconsin is among the handful of states that have yet to formally adopt expanded postpartum health coverage through Medicaid. So far, nearly 40 states have done so. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 5, 2023

WI Budget: Renewed Push to Include Expanded Postpartum Health Care

Wisconsin policymakers have less than a month to adopt a new state budget. Advocates for extending postpartum health coverage through Medicaid hope …

Late-stage Alzheimer's patients generally need around-the-clock assistance with daily living tasks like eating and bathing. An estimated 6.7 million older Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 5, 2023

Alzheimer's Diagnoses Expected to Rise as IN Population Ages

Stress and normal aging often are blamed for a misplaced cell phone, car keys or the words to a familiar song. But these also could be the warning …

47% of Mainers who have hospital-related medical debt are not aware that hospitals in Maine are required to provide medically-necessary care for free to residents who meet certain income guidelines. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Monday, June 5, 2023

Majority of Mainers Concerned with Medical Debt, Rising Healthcare Costs

Most Mainers believe they are one medical emergency or illness away from financial disaster, according to a new survey. The non-profit Consumers …

A 2019 report from the New York State Comptroller's Office found almost 85% of green jobs were in increased demand. A 2022 report found there are 35,700 workers in New Jersey's green economy. (Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ Offshore Wind Farms Grow Job Opportunities

Offshore wind in New York and New Jersey is becoming a large contributor to job growth. New York's offshore wind investments are slated to create …

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)

Despite Challenges, Report Has Clues to Boost Rural Mental Health Care

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

Nebraska was one of 10 states to further restrict abortion access in the 2023 legislative session. At least 48 bills were passed involving restrictions for LGBTQ+ individuals. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Plaintiffs Speak Out in Suit Against Controversial New NE Law

A new Nebraska law is now the subject of a lawsuit filed in the District Court of Lancaster County. In its amended form, Legislative Bill 574 …

About 20% of Americans living in rural areas, or about 6.5 million people, have been diagnosed with some form of mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Address Rural-Urban Mental-Health Care Gap

A new report underscores the challenges of getting mental health treatment when living in rural areas, like much of Montana. The Bipartisan Policy …

One in three Coloradans age 65 and older face significant housing cost burdens, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Ranks 3rd Nationally for Senior Health Outcomes

Colorado ranks third nationally when it comes to caring for its most vulnerable adults, according to a new UnitedHealthcare report. The strong …

This legislative session, Wisconsin Republicans have sought tighter caps on unemployment benefits, while adding more eligibility benchmarks. (Adobe Stock)

Veto Calls Grow Over Public-Aid Restrictions Proposed in WI

A coalition of Wisconsin groups is asking Gov. Tony Evers to reject bills it contends would make it harder for people struggling to get by to bounce …

A new petition calls on the FDA to analyze exposure to wireless radiation, especially children in modern classrooms equipped with routers and laptops. (Seventyfour/Adobeststock)

Advocates Call on FDA to Follow Law on Wireless Radiation

In 1968, Congress passed a law requiring the Food and Drug Administration to minimize people's exposure to wireless radiation, but the agency dropped …

Mental Health America's 2023 State of Mental Health found 214,000 New York children, about 16.03%, experienced at least one major depressive episode, an increase of 35,000 or 2.74% from 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: More Support Needed to Improve Youth Mental Health

Parents in New York and across the U.S. want to see schools improve kid's mental health, a recent survey found. The National PTA Survey showed 72% …

An Annie E. Casey Foundation report found the number of kids entering foster care because of behavior issues has declined from 49% in 2006 to 30% in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY Foster Kids Need Better Support

Foster children in New York and across the nation need better transition support once they age out, according to a new report from the Annie E…

Rates of mental and behavioral health challenges have increased broadly among women and children across the nation in recent years, according to the UnitedHealth Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Expert Stresses Importance of Health Care, Screenings for NC Women

As National Women's Health Month comes to an end, an expert emphasized the need for increased health care and screenings for women in North Carolina …

New Report Dives into Challenges, Solutions for Behavioral Care in Rural U.S.

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

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)

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 …

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 …

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)

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 …

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)

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 …

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

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 …

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)

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…

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)

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 …

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 />

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 …

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 $13-29 billion each year, according to the consulting firm Seed Scientific. (Adobe Stock)<br />$

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 …

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 …

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…

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.…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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 …

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Health

'We Welcome Everyone': CT Senior Centers Rebound Post-Pandemic

Grant Awarded to Study Improving Health Care for Imprisoned Seniors

Report: IN Struggles Turning Around High Early Death Rate

Report: Nevada Ranks Low for Overall Senior Health

ND Issues Medicaid Renewal Plea After Thousands Disenrolled

Summer Break is Broken for Many Rural Tennessee Kids

Push to Get KY Kids Back on Track for Routine Vaccinations

WI Budget: Renewed Push to Include Expanded Postpartum Health Care

Alzheimer's Diagnoses Expected to Rise as IN Population Ages

Majority of Mainers Concerned with Medical Debt, Rising Healthcare Costs

NY/NJ Offshore Wind Farms Grow Job Opportunities

Despite Challenges, Report Has Clues to Boost Rural Mental Health Care

Plaintiffs Speak Out in Suit Against Controversial New NE Law

Report: Address Rural-Urban Mental-Health Care Gap

Colorado Ranks 3rd Nationally for Senior Health Outcomes

Veto Calls Grow Over Public-Aid Restrictions Proposed in WI

Advocates Call on FDA to Follow Law on Wireless Radiation

Survey: More Support Needed to Improve Youth Mental Health

Report: NY Foster Kids Need Better Support

Expert Stresses Importance of Health Care, Screenings for NC Women

New Report Dives into Challenges, Solutions for Behavioral Care in Rural U.S.

Social Media Growing Concern for Youth Mental Health

Wisconsin Does Well in Park Rankings

Addressing Challenges to Behavioral Health Care in Rural Wyoming

Report: Hospitals Face Mounting Financial Pressures

MI Women's Health Needs Begin in Adolescence

Tick-Borne Illnesses Highlighted During Lyme Prevention Month

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

NH Ranks Second in Nation for Senior Healthy Living

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

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'

Highs, Lows for FL Seniors in Health Rankings Report

Texas Heatwaves are Coming; New Toolkit Available to Docs

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

VA Group Works to Address Opioid Crisis

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

SCOTUS Lands Gut Punch to EPA Wetland Protections

PA Starts on New 'Master Plan for Older Adults'

New Report Shows Challenges Faced by Alabama's Older Adults

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

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