Health category, Page 120
Trump directs government to revamp care for kidney disease
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the government to revamp the nation’s care for kidney disease so that more people whose kidneys fail have a chance at early transplants and home dialysis. Trump said his order was intended to increase the supply of donated kidneys, make...
Patients fear losing health insurance if Trump-backed lawsuit to gut ACA prevails
Janice Nathan’s chronic medical condition dates to nearly a decade before the Affordable Care Act protected her from being denied insurance coverage because of it. Nathan, 62, a speech-language pathologist from Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, received a kidney transplant in 2001 while on an employer-sponsored health insurance plan. Three years...
Yes to sleep, no to sunburn — do these products really help?
Can some teas really help you sleep better at night? And is there a dietary supplement that can protect you from sunburn? While we are free to buy these products, they are worth checking out. Here goes: A close friend swears that his first cup of Sleepytime tea won’t be...
Health Happenings
Classes/programs • Breastfeeding Success class is planned 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday. The class will meet in Excela Westmoreland Hospital, 532 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg. Details: 877-771-1234 Meetings • Bariatric community meeting at 6-7:30 p.m. today, Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, 532 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg. Details: 877-771-1234 • Grief Without the Stigma...
Do you need a bone density test? Answer varies by age, gender
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’ve never had a fracture or bone health issues. Should I still get a bone density test? A: It depends. A bone density test uses a low dose of X-rays in a quick, noninvasive way to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals in a segment...
Teen odds of using marijuana dip with recreational use laws
New research suggests legalizing recreational marijuana for U.S. adults in some states may have slightly reduced teens’ odds of using pot. One reason may be that it’s harder and costlier for teens to buy marijuana from licensed dispensaries than from dealers, said lead author Mark Anderson, a health economist at...
CDC investigates salmonella outbreak linked to dog treats; 2 cases confirmed in Pa.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating after dozens of people across the country have contracted a multidrug-resistant form of salmonella believed to be linked to dog treats. The CDC reports 45 people in 13 states, including Pennsylvania, have been infected with the bacteria. No one has died,...
Diabetes remains prevalent in Western Pennsylvania despite steep drop nationwide
Pittsburgh doctors say Type 2 diabetes continues to be prevalent in Western Pennsylvania despite the findings of a new study that shows incidences of the disease are decreasing nationwide. The study was published in the health journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care in May. It shows a roughly 35%...
California wipes out $58.6 million in physician student debt — and helps poor patients get access to doctors
The state of California will be paying off $58.6 million in student loans this year for 247 physicians who, in exchange, committed to serve a greater percentage of the state’s poorest and frailest residents: those covered by Medi-Cal. “By removing the burden of student loan debt, this program will encourage...
CDC warns about ‘crypto,’ a parasite that can live for days in swimming poolsVideo
That clean, inviting swimming pool you’re jumping into this summer could be filled with a microscopic parasite that can live for days and wreck an immune system, federal health officials warn. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report recently about the increased number of outbreaks caused by...
Cancer-safe grilling: Add marinade, forget the hot dog and other tips
By all means, do grill for summer holidays. But you can cut your exposure to potential cancer-causing agents by tweaking the menu and method of cooking, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). Grilling and cooking meat at high temperatures can create several cancer-causing substances that are either...
Show of hands on immigrant health care belies a thorny issue
WASHINGTON — In one unanimous show of hands, Democratic presidential candidates moved the idea of full health insurance for people who are not legally in the United States into the political mainstream. That debate night moment last week symbolized the party’s move to the left heading a primary in which...
Dept. of Health issues cease and desist order to medical marijuana grower
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has ordered a Greene County medical marijuana grower/processor to discontinue most of its operations after a surprise inspection found numerous violations. The state told AGRiMED Industries of Carmichaels to cease and desist harvesting, cutting or destroying marijuana plants without a department inspector present. During the...
Study: E-cigarettes may damage brain stem cells
Puffing on electronic cigarettes can damage neural stem cells important to brain function, a new study says. E-cigarettes produce a stress response in neural stem cells, researchers at the University of California at Riverside reported in a study published in the interdisciplinary open-access journal iScience. E-cigarette users may think they’re...
Future is in doubt for cheaper versions of biologic drugs
They were the drugs that were supposed to save the U.S. tens of billions of dollars. Called “biosimilars,” they are near-copies of complex and expensive biologic drugs to treat cancer, rare diseases and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and colitis. But U.S. sales have been so limited that their future...
Can fish oil supplements treat depression?
Fish oil supplements may ease depression in some people. Some studies in adults suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help treat mild to moderate depression, but more research is needed. Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in brain function. People with...
Tanning beds raise risk for skin cancer
Dear Mayo Clinic: My daughter and her friends are all talking about going to a tanning bed. I suggested to my daughter that she get a spray tan instead, but I don’t think I’ve convinced her, since she’s under the impression that tanning beds are somewhat safe. Is there any...
Health Happenings – Jul. 2, 2019
Blood drives — Noon-6:30 p.m. Monday , Charter Oak Church, 449 Frye Farm Road, Unity — 12:30-6 p.m. Monday , First United Methodist Church of Irwin, 310 Oak St. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org; walk-ins welcome Classes/programs • YWCA Westmoreland County, 424 N. Main St., Greensburg are hosting these classes: —...
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh reports 12 cases of MRSA bacteria
Six newborn babies and six employees at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh have tested positive for the contagious bacterial infection MRSA, hospital officials said Monday. “The health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our highest priority,” UPMC spokeswoman Andrea Kunicky said in a statement. “We’re doing everything...
Why many older adults feel good about their health
A common myth about aging is that older adults are burdened by illness and feel lousy much of the time. In fact, the opposite is usually true. Most seniors report feeling distinctly positive about their health. Consider data from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey (the most recent available), administered...
Murrysville cycling group helps Monroeville man cope with Lyme disease
A decade ago, Greg Shogan of Monroeville went through a series of perplexing ailments. First, he got cat scratch disease, which lingered for a couple months before going away. “Shortly after that, my whole face went numb, and I saw everyone I could see and probably had about 20 brain...
Pennsylvania’s top health official stresses need for vaccinations
Pennsylvania’s health secretary emphasized the importance of vaccination in the wake of a national measles outbreak. “Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself from a number of serious, life-threatening diseases,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a statement. “Getting your vaccinations can help protect those...
Fisher Price recalls 71,000 inclined baby sleeper accessories
Fisher Price recalled about 71,000 inclined sleeper accessories included with all models of the Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yards. The company said in a statement it decided to recall the accessories after similar products had been linked to infant deaths. Fisher Price said there have been no reported...
What the UPMC-Highmark truce does and doesn’t mean for patients
A day after UPMC and Highmark reached a 10-year pact, patients across Western Pennsylvania are awaiting answers on precisely what the unexpected deal between the nonprofit health giants means for them. Patients who severed ties with longtime doctors are hopeful they can return to the physician teams who know them...
Nutrition and camping: The same rules apply
It’s always nice when things fall together. Especially on vacation. Our recent trip to a state park with dogs and horses in tow was a good example. After a few minor delays I won’t go into, we set out to ride and relax. Food? The same rules for nutrition (let’s...
