Author: Al Cross
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Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise, even as funding to prevent and treat them is declining
Health officials are worried about this strain of gonorrhea that resists antibiotics. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention photo) — “Health officials are tracking record-breaking rates of sexually transmitted disease,...
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2017 Kentucky law to allow mentally ill to be ordered into treatment under certain circumstances isn’t being used
Faye Morton, left, joined other supporters of Tim’s Law, named for her son, to push for it in 2017. (Photo: John Cheves, Herald-Leader) — “Nobody is using a heralded 2017 state law that...
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Op-ed aims to inform adults about dangerous new e-cigarettes that writers say are aimed to hook a new generation on nicotine
Photo by The Sentinel-Echo, London, Ky. — In an effort to inform Kentucky adults about the dangers of the latest electronic cigarette devices, called mod-pods, Ben Chandler and Dr. Pat...
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Another reason to not ignore hearing loss: Study shows it will likely cost you more in health-care expenses
Medical News Today photo — Untreated hearing loss in older adults affects more than just their ability to communicate. It can also increase their health-care expenses. A Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School...
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Study finds genes linked to body’s use of cholesterol and fat, and risk for heart disease, also increase the risk for Alzheimer’s
A study of more than 1.5 million people found that some of the genes that increase the risk for heart disease also increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. It might...
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Kentucky has a high premature birth rate, but two programs are reducing it; one stresses home visitations; the other uses data analysis
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News One in nine Kentucky babies are born prematurely, one of the nation’s highest rates – so high that the March of Dimes gave the state a...
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Beshear sues 9th opioid maker, says it makes him the most aggressive attorney general, based on number of suits
Filing his ninth lawsuit against a maker of drugs that have contributed to the opioid epidemic, Attorney General Andy Beshear said “This lawsuit makes Kentucky the most aggressive state in...
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Federal officials re-approve state’s plan for changes in Medicaid; gradual rollout could start April 1, but more litigation looks likely
Gov. Matt Bevin welcomed President Trump to Lexington on Oct. 13. (Photo by James Crisp for the Courier Journal) — By Al Cross Kentucky Health News Federal health officials have again...
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Ky. has 78 confirmed flu cases and 2 deaths from it this season; there’s no cure, so officials advise shots for all over 6 months old
Kentucky is one of three states under an influenza threat defined as “regional,” with confirmed cases in 11 of the state’s 17 regions. During the 2018-19 flu season, Kentucky has...
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Weather preparedness tips for hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning and food safety
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News As the full brunt of winter approaches, the state Department for Public Healthoffers tips on cold-weather preparedness to prevent hypothermia, carbon-monoxide poisoning and unsafe food...