Category: Health News
Wildfire smoke is becoming a nationwide health threat
Wildfire smoke contains toxic compounds can lead to lung irritation, cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and even death.
First Flu Death in Pierce County of 2018-2019 Season Reported
A Pierce County man in his 40s died Oct. 22 in the hospital from flu-related complications. He had chronic health concerns that increased his risk for complications.
VA Adding Opioid Antidote To Defibrillator Cabinets For Quicker Overdose Response
The VA is adding naloxone kits to AED cabinets in its buildings across the country, an initiative that could become a model for other health care organizations.
I can’t sleep. What drugs can I (safely) take?
Long-term regular use of medicines to promote sleep should be avoided, as initial effectiveness declines over a few weeks and dependence, side effects increase.
Itchy mouth? It could be an allergy.
Does your mouth itch when you eat certain fruits and vegetables? You may be having an allergic reaction to proteins related to tree, grass and weed pollen
Humans gave leprosy to armadillos – now they are giving it back to us
There are millions of armadillos in the southern US, and people interact with them in a variety of ways. The animals’ leathery carapaces are fashioned into purses and boots; some are kept as pets; and some get eaten.
Drink, drank, drunk: what happens when we drink alcohol in four short videos
The process of how ethanol gets from the glass into your brain is not straight forward. Let’s take a look at what happens after that first sip of alcohol.
Red States May Be Ready to Expand Medicaid — In Exchange for Work
Critics argue that work requirements would cause many with chronic health conditions to lose health insurance, making them less likely to ever hold down a job.
Most nursing homes not adequately staffed, report
Nursing home staffing dips far below average on some days and consistently plummets on weekends.
The U.S. Targeted Breastfeeding Abroad. Here at Home, It’s Another Story.
The Trump administration tried to remove pro-breastfeeding language from a WHO resolution. But in the US breastfeeding has become accepted.
Health officials confirm measles case in Snohomish County
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
When will I get my new Medicare card?
You may have heard that we started mailing out new Medicare. Hang tight you might get your card at a different time than friends or neighbors in your state.
More Nurse Practitioners Now Pursue Residency Programs To Hone Skills
A growing cadre of nurse practitioners — typically, registered nurses who have completed a master’s degree in nursing — are now adding up to a year of clinical and other training, often in primary care.
Father’s And Son’s Injuries Lead To The Mother Of All Therapy Bills
Father and son suffered serious hand injuries. Both needed surgery and occupational therapy. But insurance paid for just a fraction of those OT bills, and the family owed more than $8,500.
Geriatric Assessments Could Fine-Tune Cancer Care For Older Adults
In a move to improve cancer care for older adults, the American Society of Clinical Oncology is recommending that all patients age 65 and older receive a geriatric assessment when considering or undergoing chemotherapy.