Author: Al Cross
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Health experts say not to ‘vape’ around children, because the secondhand aerosol (it isn’t vapor) from e-cigs isn’t safe for them
Evolving research shows that electronic cigarettes’ secondhand aerosol (it’s not vapor, despite what the industry says) is not without health risk, and experts warn users to not “vape” around children,...
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Michael Rust retires as head of Kentucky Hospital Association; Nancy Galvagni was appointed new president and CEO in May
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Michael T. Rust, who led the Kentucky Hospital Association for 24 years, has retired. Rust said it was a privilege to have worked for the KHA...
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Opinion: Politicians are playing with fire when they erode support for mandatory childhood vaccinations
OPINION By F. Douglas Scutchfield and Al Cross Public health is the nexus of science and politics. Unfortunately, the two frequently do not mix well. A recent example involving childhood...
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Jewish Hospital quits heart transplants; U of L says there’s less need for them, and can’t start a program of its own right now
Jewish Hospital is in downtown Louisville. —– Financially ailing Jewish Hospital, which was once a national leader in heart transplants but has done only one this year, says it is putting...
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OD deaths in Ky. dropped nearly 15% in 2018; officials credit many policy initiatives, but say ‘incredible challenges’ remain
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Kentucky saw a nearly 15 percent drop in drug-overdose deaths in 2018, the first decline since 2013, and almost three times the national decline...
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Opioid distribution database shows Ky. was 2nd for most legal pain pills per person between 2006-12; county-level data available
Washington Post map; click here to view the interactive version. —– Between 2006 and 2012, drug companies distributed 76 billion doses of prescription pain medicine, “enough pills to supply every adult and...
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State health department warns about danger of getting rabies, especially from bats; advises to never touch a bat
Photo from Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife —– By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Public health officials are reminding Kentuckians about the dangers of rabies exposure from bats and other...
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After receiving 600 public comments, health cabinet removes proposal to ban tattoos on scarred skin in updated regulation
WFPL photo —– By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News The state Cabinet for Health and Family Services has updated its requirements for tattoo studios in Kentucky, and they no longer prohibit tattoos on...
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In e-cigarette documentary, premiering on CNBC tonight, Juul CEO apologizes to parents of teenagers who vape
Juul Labs CEO Kevin Burns, left, and NBC reporter Carl Quintanilla tour a Wisconsin Juul facility. (CNBC photo) —– A new CNBC documentary exploring the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes, especially among teens,...
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Bevin touts Medicaid proposal, claims ‘hundreds of thousands’ in Kentucky ‘should be going to work and choose not to go to work’
Bevin spoke to reporters after his Chamber interview. (Photo by Jack Brammer, Lexington Herald-Leader) —– By Al Cross Kentucky Health News Gov. Matt Bevin gave a vigorous defense of his plan...