Category: Health News
Syphilis may be transmitted through semen, UW study suggests
The bacterium that causes syphilis, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, can be present in semen at high enough concentration to transmit the disease.
Continue reading
Fentanyl deaths rise in Washington State
In the first half of 2018, there were 81 deaths linked to fentanyl, versus 48 deaths recorded during the same time period last year, a 70% increase in deaths.
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
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
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
Most nursing homes not adequately staffed, report
Nursing home staffing dips far below average on some days and consistently plummets on weekends.
Continue reading