Category: YOUR HEALTH
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Kentuckians use too many antibiotics; we’re No. 1 in the nation, and a campaign has started to reduce inappropriate use
Kentucky has the highest rate of antibiotic use in the United States, and the University of Louisville School of Medicine is trying to do something about it. The school’s Department of Pediatrics has mounted...
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State officials defend handling of hepatitis A outbreak as an additional warning is revealed and legislators voice concern
Health Secretary Adam Meier (center) led a March 1 news conference on hepatitis A. Sen. Ralph Alvarado (left) and Sen. MorganMcGarvey (right) have want to examine the state’s response to the outbreak. (Facebook Live image) — By Melissa Patrick...
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Surge by a stronger strain of the flu is another warning that the season for the disease is not over; shots still available and useful
“Though influenza activity typically peaks by February’s end, the flu season isn’t over – and a harsher strain called H3N2 has increased in circulation both nationwide and in Kentucky,” reports Caroline Eggers...
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Studies show that volunteer work helps your health; Kentucky’s level of volunteerism depends on how you measure it
Most Kentucky adults are involved in some community activity, broadly defined, but the state ranks below average, 36th, in the latest state-by-state ranking of volunteerism. “Volunteering can improve a community’s health and...
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Ambulance runs for rural patients are 76% longer when their hospital closes, and for seniors, it’s 98% longer, study finds
When a rural hospital closes, it’s logical to assume that patients in its former service area will spend more time in ambulances getting to an emergency room farther away. A University...
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Tobacco-free schools bill is in trouble in the House; sponsor, a Republican, can’t get enough of her party’s members to be for it
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News A bill to make all Kentucky school properties and events tobacco-free is in trouble in the state House, prompting advocates to mount a rescue...
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Ky. officials rejected infectious-disease chief’s plea to move faster against hepatitis A outbreak, now nation’s largest and deadliest
As part of a package of stories about Kentucky’s hepatitis A outbreak, which is the “worst this century, sickening nearly 4,100 and killing 40,” Laura Ungar and Chris Kenning of...
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Poll finds those with dental insurance are more likely to visit the dentist, and insurance often depends on income
Nearly 60 percent of Kentucky adults saw a dentist in the past year, but 26 percent said they delayed dental care because it cost too much, according to the latest...
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This year’s influenza vaccine is more effective than last year’s; there’s months left in flu season, and shots are available
Flu vaccinations are easy to get. (Photo from Livestrong.com) — This year’s flu vaccine is more effective than last year’s and up to three months remain in the current flu season,...
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Gov. Matt Bevin says he would support a medical marijuana bill; prospects for that are better in the House than in the Senate
Gov. Matt Bevin greeted Lincoln County citizens before his forum in Stanford. (Photo from The Interior Journal) — Gov. Matt Bevin said he would be “happy” to sign a bill that would...