Author: LocalHealthGuideEditor
Local blood donors needed
Blood centers across Washington state say the shortage shows no signs of letting up and donors are urgently needed
The latest on COVID-19 boosters
Boosters are important for keeping our communities safe, especially as COVID-19 cases increase across Washington. But it’s not always easy to track when you or a loved one is eligible for a first, or a second, booster. Here’s what you need to know.
WHEN CAN BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN FINALLY GET THE COVID VACCINE?
Public Health – Seattle & King County wants to ensure that families across the county can protect their children under 5 with COVID-19 vaccine soon after authorization for emergency use occurs.
Michigan Legislature Asks Court to Allow Enforcement of 1931 Abortion Ban
Michigan’s pre-Roe statute would expose health care professionals in the state to felony charges and fines for performing an abortion except to save the life of the patient. It also would criminalize advertising or selling medications to induce an abortion.
Washington tries new approach to curb record high number of traffic deaths
Traffic fatalities are at a 20-year high in the Evergreen State, and the Washington Traffic Commission has a new strategy to reduce the trend. The approach, known as proactive public safety, centers on public education to establish a culture of safe driving practices.
New Washington laws on guns, shooter drills, abortion take effect Thursday
Dovetailing with the hot-button issues of gun violence and abortion in the news recently, several bills passed by the Washington State Legislature this year will go into effect on Thursday.
More States Adding Medicaid Benefit for Doula Services
Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical and educational support to women before, during and after childbirth.
Why snacking could be damaging your health
But these days, people are eating more frequently than they ever have before – and often outside of meal times. New smartphone app data shows that we now have erratic eating patterns. Many of us are continually snacking rather than eating at defined times – which means we spend up to 16 hours a day in a “fed” state.
Do athletes really need protein supplements?
Protein and amino acids indirectly affect performance by building muscle to improve performance. But there is little evidence to suggest consuming extra protein directly aids physical performance in either endurance or resistance exercise.
Herd immunity was sold as the path out of the pandemic. Here’s why we’re not talking about it any more
As the pandemic progressed, herd immunity via vaccination moved further and further out of reach. In fact, based on what we know about currently circulating viral variants, today, herd immunity via vaccination is mathematically impossible.
Child Suicides by Poisoning Rose During Pandemic, Studies Show
Suspected suicide attempts by young people ages 6-19 reported to U.S. poison centers increased 27% between 2015 and 2020.
Got Long Covid? Medical Expertise Is Vital, and Seniors Should Prepare to Go Slow
Older adults who have survived covid-19 are more likely than younger patients to have persistent symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, muscle aches, heart palpitations, headaches, joint pain, and difficulty with memory and concentration — problems linked to long covid. But it can be hard to distinguish lingering aftereffects of covid from conditions common in older adults such as lung disease, heart disease, and mild cognitive impairment.
Mental Health Resource Guide
The Public Health Communications Collaborative has developed a new directory of resources to help you communicate about this important public health issue all year. Our guide spotlights resources for public health and health professionals, parents and caregivers, employers and employees, youth, and anyone who is looking for general mental health information and guidance on how to connect with a mental health professional.
How important is the COVID-19 booster shot for 5-to-11-year-olds? 5 questions answered
Naturally, many parents are wondering about the importance and safety of a booster shot for their school-age children. Debbie-Ann Shirley, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Virginia, answers some common questions about COVID-19 and booster shots in kids that she hears in her practice and explains the research behind why booster shots are recommended for children ages 5 to 11.
Washington part of multi-state Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter
Washington Department of Health OLYMPIA — Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is working with local and federal public health partners to investigate a case of Salmonella that is likely linked to consuming contaminated Jif® brand peanut butter products. The Whitman County resident,…