Author: molly_burchett
-
FDA changes painkiller labels to warn expectant mothers, after 2,500% growth in number of Ky. babies born addicted to drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Tuesday drug-safety labeling changes and new post-market study requirements for all extended-release and long-acting opioids, and Kentucky political leaders applauded these measures to...
-
UK researcher calls for change in state law to allow syringe exchange program to curb hepatitis C epidemic in Eastern Ky.
Despite the benefits associated with syringe- or needle-exchange programs in preventing the spread of hepatitis C, Kentucky law still prohibits them, and a researcher from the University of Kentucky is...
-
State health-insurance exchange plans to make smokers pay 40 percent more for coverage; varied interests, observers object
By Molly Burchett Kentucky Health News Supporters of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act have touted its goal to provide health insurance to all Americans without discrimination, such as...
-
Teen use of e-cigarettes doubles in past year but may equal nicotine patches in helping smokers to quit or cut back
E-cigarettes use battery-operated products that turn nicotine and other chemicals into vapor to be inhaled by the user. Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, may actually benefit smokers who want to quit...
-
Kentucky has nation’s first statewide, comprehensive plan for diabetes prevention; 10 percent of us have the disease
Kentucky leads the way in the fight against diabetes and towards improving health for future generations of Kentuckians by becoming the first state to legislatively require a statewide, comprehensive action...
-
As heroin use increases in Kentucky, new report shows its strong connections to abusers of prescription pain medicines
Kentucky’s law-enforcement agences, policymakers and public-health advocates have taken serious measures to curb the state’s rampant prescription drug abuse problem, and recent state and national news stories suggest that the...
-
Join high schoolers around the state on Sept. 19 in taking the ‘It Can Wait’ pledge not to text while driving
In preparation for its national day of action, the “It Can Wait” campaign teamed up with state legislators in four schools across Kentucky to increase awareness about the risks of...
-
UK’s Gill Heart Institute joins Appalachian Regional Healthcare to advance specialty heart care in Eastern Kentucky
Appalachian Regional Healthcare, the Appalachian Heart Center and UK HealthCare’s Gill Heart Institute announced a new collaboration to deliver cardiovascular care to Eastern Kentuckians, which will extend the UK’s sub-specialty care...
-
Judge OKs Medicaid expansion and health insurance exchange
A judge upheld Gov. Steve Beshear’s decisions to expand Medicaid and set up the state’s health-insurance exchange under federal health reform, but his adversaries say they will continue to fight...
-
Ensure children’s eye safety during fall sports season
Children are back in school, playing sports, and parents can take precautions to ensure their children’s eye safety as they compete. Although many parents are unaware of the risks posed...