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Feds make it easier for states to enroll poor under health law

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.

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May 18, 2013 | By | Reply More
West Nile virus tracking resumes; public asked to report dead birds online

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.

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CDC takes a closer look at kids’ mental health

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.

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May 16, 2013 | By | Reply More
CityClub: Washington businesses and health reform – with lessons from Massachusetts

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?

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May 16, 2013 | By | Reply More
Hepatitis B affects 1 in 12 Asians Americans and Pacific Islanders

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.

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May 16, 2013 | By | Reply More
Oklahoma’s “life-preserving” law raises questions for doctors

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.”

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May 16, 2013 | By | Reply More
Coverage problems could still remain for young adults

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.

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May 16, 2013 | By | Reply More
Washington state disciplines healthcare providers

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

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May 15, 2013 | By | Reply More
Docs, nurses disagree over expanded nurse roles

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.

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May 15, 2013 | By | Reply More
Doctors changing how they practice

Doctors changing how they practice

Physicians are experimenting with new business models and practice techniques in response to financial and lifestyle pressures.

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May 15, 2013 | By | Reply More
Learn about summer safety at “Safe Kids Day” events – May 18

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.

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Hospitals, testing companies face questions about value of community screenings

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.

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May 14, 2013 | By | Reply More
Attorneys general seek warning label cautioning pregnant women against using pain pills

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.

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May 14, 2013 | By | Reply More
Are tax revenue estimates from legal marijuana a pipe dream?

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.

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May 14, 2013 | By | Reply More
Monday’s health tip: De-stress through diet

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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May 13, 2013 | By | Reply More