News
Feds make it easier for states to enroll poor under health law
The Obama administration will simplify enrollment in Medicaid, the federal-state program for the poor, to handle the onslaught of millions of anticipated enrollees next year when the health care law expands coverage.
West Nile virus tracking resumes; public asked to report dead birds online
West Nile virus tracking and monitoring season is underway and an updated online dead bird reporting system is available for state residents to use. Dead birds can be the first sign that West Nile virus is circulating in a community.
CDC takes a closer look at kids’ mental health
Somewhere between 13 and 20 percent of kids in the United States experience some sort of mental illness. That adds up to millions of children suffering from disorders like ADHD, depression, autism and illicit drug use. The total annual cost of the illnesses?
About $247 billion a year.
CityClub: Washington businesses and health reform – with lessons from Massachusetts
What choices will local businesses face with the implementation of health care reform and what can we learn from Massachusetts’ reform experience?
Hepatitis B affects 1 in 12 Asians Americans and Pacific Islanders
While Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make up less than 5% of the total U.S. population, they account for more than 50% of Americans living with chronic hepatitis B.
Oklahoma’s “life-preserving” law raises questions for doctors
“There are situations where we cannot take that person to surgery because we think it’s certain death, but under this law, we’d have no choice . . . It asks us to violate our primary oath which is first to do no harm.”
Coverage problems could still remain for young adults
Starting next year, young adults will have more options for coverage in addition to their parents’ plans. But despite the expanded choices, some may continue to face problems commonly associated with their age group—coverage for mental health issues, substance abuse and maternity care.
Washington state disciplines healthcare providers
Washington State Department of Health takes disciplinary actions against health care providers, including suspensions and revocations of licenses, certifications, or registrations of providers in the state — May 15th update
Docs, nurses disagree over expanded nurse roles
Doctors and nurses also disagree whether nurse practitioners should be paid equally for providing the same health services. More than 64 percent of nurse practitioners agreed with the idea of equal pay, as opposed to less than 4 percent of doctors.
Doctors changing how they practice
Physicians are experimenting with new business models and practice techniques in response to financial and lifestyle pressures.
Learn about summer safety at “Safe Kids Day” events – May 18
The Washington State Safe Kids Coalition invites parents to take part in Safe Kids Day on Saturday, May 18. Local coalitions are holding several events across the state to help parents learn ways to keep kids.
Hospitals, testing companies face questions about value of community screenings
Screening programs don’t disclose that many of the tests for heart disease and stroke are not recommended for those without symptoms or risk factors.
Attorneys general seek warning label cautioning pregnant women against using pain pills
Nationally, about 13,500 infants were born with drug withdrawal symptoms in 2009, about one baby each hour, according to a 2012 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Are tax revenue estimates from legal marijuana a pipe dream?
Proponents of legalized recreational marijuana touted millions in taxes that could be collected. But don’t count that money yet.
Monday’s health tip: De-stress through diet
Alcohol, caffeine, and high-sugar foods can contribute to mood changes, excessive stress, and blood sugar disruption.
Foods rich in the vitamin B complex, on the other hand, may help you stabilize your mood and avoid stress, while those rich in antioxidants may help combat the free radicals released when your body’s stressed.
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