LocalHealthGuide - Part 168

September 18, 2019 Genetics / Medical Tests

Fraud Alert: Genetic Testing Scam

Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries “free” genetic tests to obtain their Medicare information for identity theft or fraudulent billing purposes.

September 17, 2019 Radiology

Anyone can take a peak at millions of Americans’ medical images on the Internet

X-rays, MRIs and CT scans of millions of Americans are unprotected on the internet and available to anyone with basic computer expertise.

September 17, 2019 Lungs / Vaping

Vaping likely has dangers that could take years to identify

We don’t know what is in vaping devices, what the reported health effects actually mean, and, most importantly, why all these problems appeared so quickly.

September 17, 2019 Pregnancy / Women's Health

How pregnancy changes women’s metabolism and immune systems

Some changes are more obvious than others. We all know that women get a visible bump. But pregnancy can also change some of their key bodily functions.

September 17, 2019 Fitness / Weight Loss

Obesity Stigma And Yo-Yo Dieting, Not BMI, Are Behind Chronic Health Conditions, Dietitian Claims

We rate these claims as Mostly False.

September 16, 2019 Lungs

Two new cases of lung disease linked to vaping in Washington

Washington health officials confirm two new cases of severe pulmonary disease linked to vaping. Both are in Spokane County.

September 16, 2019 Drugs / Minorities

Purveyors Of Black-Market Pharmaceuticals Target Immigrants

The drugs were cheap, and the customers — mostly from Mexico and Central America — did not need prescriptions to buy them. But many are counterfeit.

September 16, 2019 Health Costs / Health Insurance

Air Ambulances Woo Rural Consumers With Memberships That May Leave Them Hanging

While membership programs promise customers will avoid out-of-pocket expenses, in reality the contractual fine print “isn’t as cut and dry.”

September 14, 2019 Child Health / Fitness

Coalition seeks to boost youth physical activity in King County

Fewer than one in five local youth (19%) engages in the recommended 60 min. of moderate activity, 7 days a week. That’s lower than the national average of 26%.

September 13, 2019 Biotechnology / Stem Cells

Stem cell treatments: Miracle cures or dangerous experiments?

Hype has led some to pay thousands of dollars for stem cell treatments that promise to cure ailments but that often don’t help and may harm patients.

September 13, 2019 Genetics / Kidney

Polycystic kidney disease, the most common genetic kidney disorder you’ve probably never heard of

For about half of people with this condition will eventually progress to kidney failure.

Picture of an elderly man's hands resting on a cane.

September 13, 2019 Aging / Disabilities / Hospitals / Seniors

In Search Of Age-Friendly Health Care, Finding Room For Improvement

For older adults, health care facilities can be difficult to navigate and, occasionally, perilous.

September 11, 2019 Lungs

First case of vaping-related lung illness confirmed in King County

The patient was hospitalized in August for fever, cough and shortness of breath, treated in the intensive care unit, released and is now recovering.

September 11, 2019 Diet / Nutrition

Will a vegetarian diet increase your risk of stroke?

Vegetarians and vegans shouldn’t see this study as a reason to change their diets.

September 11, 2019 Mental Health

‘Gravely Disabled’ Homeless Forced Into Mental Health Care

Facing increased homelessness with many with severe mental illness living on the street, cities and states are taking a fresh look at involuntary commitment.