Author: Melissa Patrick
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Study finds a community awareness campaign increased uptake of low-dose CT scan, which can detect lung cancer early
A community awareness campaign in Eastern Kentucky about a low-dose CT scan that detects lung cancer early has increased uptake of the procedure and prompted individuals to consider quitting tobacco,...
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Ky. had biggest drop in uninsured low-income people, and in percentage of adults who passed up care because of cost
Kentucky had the largest drop in low-income, working-age people without health insurance, and the biggest decline in adults who passed up medical care due to cost, after the state embraced...
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Fewer teens are using drugs and alcohol than their counterparts did in the 1990s, nationwide and also in Kentucky
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News A new national study shows teen drug and alcohol use are at their lowest rates since the 1990s, a trend that is also seen...
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Surgeon general calls youth e-cigarette use a public health threat
image Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids The Office of the U.S. Surgeon General issued its first report on electronic cigarettes Dec. 8, calling them a “major public health concern” for youth....
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Ky. again No.1 in adult smoking: 25.9 percent, just ahead of W.Va.
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Once again, Kentucky ranks first for its adult smoking rates, barely inching ahead of West Virginia to take back the first place spot, according...
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Many Kentuckians on Obamacare have higher deductibles, fewer options and fewer providers; signup deadline extended to Dec. 19
Kentuckians who are signing up for health insurance through the federal exchange are not only facing higher prices and fewer plan options, they are also finding fewer doctors and hospital...
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Rep. Tom Burch, ousted as House Health and Welfare chair by Republican takeover, gives the gavel to Rep. Addia Wuchner
Rep. Tom Burch By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News FRANKFORT, Ky. – After 30 years as chair of the House Health and Welfare Committee, Rep. Tom Burch of Louisville is out, due...
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It’s never too late to stop smoking, study finds; Kentucky offers help at 1-800-QUIT-NOW
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News It’s never too late to reap the health benefits of quitting smoking, a new study finds. “Even participants who quit smoking as recently as...
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Baby Boomers’ number: 4.8% of older adults in U.S. used marijuana in 2013, up from 2.8% a decade ago
As the number of older adults using marijuana increases, researchers say more information is needed to determine the effects of the drug on seniors. “Given the unprecedented aging of the...
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Got a virus? You don’t need an antibiotic but you might get one; Kentucky leads the nation in outpatient antibiotic prescriptions
Antibiotics don’t cure illnesses caused by viruses, and can even cause “dire consequences” when used inappropriately, so it’s important to take them only when necessary, says a news release from the state Cabinet...