health

Hospitals, Health Department Voice Concerns, but MCOs Say Groups Aren't Engaging With Them

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:48:10 +0000

Representatives of the state's health department and various hospital executives say almost two years later they are still having payment issues with Medicaid managed care organizations.

Detecting Vision Problems in Early Childhood

Kate Lochte — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:57:01 +0000

Terri Long is one of several volunteers with the Murray Lions Club who are trained to perform FREE vision screening tests for children ages 6 months to 6 years, catching vision problems that could impede education and worse, cause death. So far the Murray club has screened over 1,000 kids. Long says that she can make appointments for day care centers and schools who want to provide this FREE screening for their children upon parent notification and approval. Her phone number is 270-436-5588. Her e-mail address is: tflong@wk.net.

UCLA Longevity Center Director Advocates Brain Health to Prevent Alzheimer's

Kate Lochte — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:15:03 +0000

Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine and author, Dr. Gary Small is going against the widely accepted theory that Alzheimer's disease is an unavoidable consequence of aging. Dr. Small's argument is to be found in his book, The Alzheimer's Prevention Program. The core elements in his seven day plan include memory training, food that promotes a healthy brain, the importance of aerobic and strength exercise, managing stress and maintaining strong emotional connections.

Former Murray Banker Joins National Board of Directors of Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

Kate Lochte — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:54:11 +0000

In 1994 the surprising diagnosis that their two-year old son Will had type -1 diabetes drew Harold and Kelly Doran of Murray to the Diabetes Research Institute. Harold Doran joined the Institute’s National Board of Directors in 2005 and was appointed its chair last year. Doran tells Kate Lochte how a surprising diagnosis in 1994 led his family to the Institute and their support for it.

Illinois Hold HIV/STD Conference

The Associated Press — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:13:41 +0000

The Illinois Department of Public Health is opening its annual conference on HIV and sexually transmitted diseases with a "Save Lives, Condomize" giveaway campaign. Public health department director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck says condom use decreases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and new HIV cases. The two-day public health conference will draw hundreds of health care providers, educators and advocates statewide. Participants will trade information and develop strategies to prevent the spread of the HIV virus, AIDS and other STDs.

Kentucky Facilities Did Not Receive Meningitis Tainted Steroids

Shelly Baskin — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:52:29 +0000

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report shows that Kentucky medical facilities did not receive tainted steroids responsible for a fungal meningitis outbreak that has killed 11 people in the US. However, the Kentucky Department for Public Health reports that five Kentuckians have been diagnosed with the illness after receiving the epidural injections in Tennessee medical facilities.

MSU Alumna Finds Insomnia Relief Listening to BBC World Service

Kate Lochte — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:09:51 +0000

Murray State Alumna Jo Dortch is a retired math teacher living in Paducah. She stays active with charities like the Laurel Foundation and The Empty Bowls Project. She’s a WKMS contributor. She brought her experience to our attention.

Health Food Education Funding Moved from PACS to Health Departments

Angela Hatton — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Around $5 million in nutrition education funding is changing oversight agency. The Pennyrile Allied Community Services Executive Director Judy Peterson says state officials informed the office in July that as of October 1 funding for that program would go to local health departments.

State Nutrition Services Branch Manager Fran Hawkins says the state’s 59 local health departments will teach young children healthy eating habits. Hawkins says it makes sense to run the program through the health departments, rather than PACS.

Beshear Appoints Team to Evaluate Veteran Health Policies

Josh James (KPR) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:23:52 +0000

Over the past three years, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has reported a dramatic jump in the number of veterans in search of mental health services. In Kentucky, the outbreak of prescription drug abuse is also taking a toll. To better coordinate local, state, and federal agencies that deal with veteran’s health, Governor Beshear has appointed a team of health and military specialists to reevaluate the state’s policies. Retired Col. David Thompson heads up the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs.

Indiana Cantaloupes Linked to Ky. Salmonella Outbreak

Angela Hatton — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:19:44 +0000

State health officials have traced a strain of salmonella that’s affected many people in western Kentucky to Indiana-grown cantaloupes. State laboratory tests found a match between the strain and melons grown in southwestern Indiana and sold in Kentucky grocery stores.