Health and Welfare

Lexington Physician Leads American Medical Association

Rick Howlett Kentucky Public Radio — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:26:35 +0000

A Lexington doctor has begun her term as the new president of the American Medical Association. Dr. Ardis Dee Hoven was sworn in as the 168^th president of the physicians group at the AMA’s annual meeting this week in Chicago. Hoven, who is an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist, will spend much of the year traveling on behalf of the AMA.

Bedbug Summer Traveling in Kentucky

Stu Johnson WEKU News — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:36:44 +0000

As people take summer vacations, bedbugs also hit the road. The bedbug infestation is not waning. A national survey shows almost all pest management professionals encountered bedbugs over the last year. And with more people travelling and changing residences, University of Kentucky Entomologist Mike Potter says many pest control experts see a lot of activity during the summer.

Kentucky Dodges Much of Derecho

Stu Johnson WEKU News — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:51:10 +0000

Some portions of Kentucky could see stormy weather today, but it appears the threat of an unusual wind event has passed by the Commonwealth. It’s called a ‘derecho’ and wind speeds can reach upwards or one hundred miles per hour. Jackson National Weather Service Meteorologist Tony Edwards says such a blast of wind isn’t expected today.

State Seeks Assistants for Folks Buying Health Insurance

Stu Johnson and WEKU News — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:34:36 +0000

A call is going out for individuals to assist those uninsured Kentuckians looking at the federal health care law for coverage. The state is seeking both for profit and nonprofit entities to serve as ‘kynectors’ for the health benefit exchange. Carrie Banahan, Director of the state Health Benefit Exchange believes these individuals providing assistance will stay busy.

New OSHA App meant to Keep Workers Cooler

Stu Johnson and WEKU News — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:27:29 +0000

As they begin their day, outdoor workers in Kentucky and six others southeast states will stand down at construction and other work sites. The time will be spent stressing the dangers posed by summer heat. Bill Cochran with the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration says the voluntary break is not restricted to construction workers.

Nation's Attorneys-General Condemn Retailer

Charles Compton — Fri, 31 May 2013 15:36:59 +0000

Top prosecutors in 23 states, including Kentucky’s attorney general, are condemning a national retailer. Despite the criticism, Urban Outfitters continues to sell flasks and shot glasses that look like prescription pill bottles.

Study suggests noisy operating rooms distract surgeons, nurses

Stu Johnson and WEKU News — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:27:33 +0000

A hospital’s operating room can be a noisy, distracting workplace. There’s the hum of equipment, tones, beeps and conversations, that can all interfere with good communication. A University of Kentucky study looked into the kinds of sounds most often heard in the O-R.

Kentucky near bottom in senior citizen health

Mary Meehan and The Lexington Herald Leader — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:14:32 +0000

Kentucky ranks 45th out of 50 states when it comes to the health of senior citizens, according to a report issued by the non-profit United Health Foundation. Among all 50 states, Minnesota leads the nation for senior health, followed by Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Iowa. Mississippi ranks 50th, preceded by Oklahoma, Louisiana, West Virginia, Arkansas and Kentucky. Read more...

New Home for Diabetes Education Program

Stu Johnson WEKU — Tue, 28 May 2013 10:53:13 +0000

A diabetes education program offered at the Madison County Health Department is moving to Baptist Health Richmond Hospital. For seven years, the Health Department has been home to the Diabetes Center of Excellence Program. It’s a casualty of state budget cuts. But, Madison Health Department Spokeswoman Christie Green says the Richmond hospital is picking up the service.

Advertising Kentucky's Health Exchange

Kenny Colston KPR-Frankfort — Tue, 28 May 2013 09:58:33 +0000

Despite an ongoing lawsuit challenging its existence, the Kentucky Health Insurance exchange will start a new advertising campaign next month. The exchange will work like an online marketplace. Several different insurers will offer various plans. It will include Medicaid and Medicare.

Police Training for Pedestrian and Cyclist Crashes

Stu Johnson Weku — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:06:19 +0000

As summer approaches, more and more Kentuckians are likely to be out biking and walking. The latest law enforcement techniques for investigating pedestrian and cyclist incidents are being stressed to officers. A group of state and local police spent this week learning how best to conduct investigations involving vehicles and bicyclists or walkers. K-S-P Sargent Chad Mills is with collision analysis in the highway safety branch. Mills says motorcycle related crashes have been on the increase in recent years. He says motorists need to have even a keener sense when it comes to bike traffic.

Farm Tractors and Cars Getting Along

Stu Johnson and WEKU News — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:08:56 +0000

Kentucky’s economy remains steeped in agriculture related professions. Sometimes the rural way of life intersects with an urban traveler. Farmers across Kentucky are trying their best to get equipment into the fields. Sometimes, it requires a trip down a roadway. Triple A reports in 2012 there were 192 collisions in Kentucky involving farm equipment. Bluegrass Triple A Spokesman Christopher Oakford says slow moving tractors have a legal right to use the roads.

Bluegrass Red Cross Vehicle Heading to Oklahoma

Stu Johnson, WEKU and Stu — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:22:35 +0000

Two Central Kentucky Red Cross volunteers are heading out today to Oklahoma to assist in tornado relief work. Recovery efforts are continuing today in the town of Moore where many of the casualties are children. Red Cross Spokesman Winn Stephens says the two volunteers are taking a Red Cross emergency response vehicle to the tornado site. Russ Hoff of Lexington and Ramona Hibbard of Manchester are traveling to Oklahoma with the Red Cross vehicle. Stephens says the two are expected to be there for ten days to two weeks.

State Police on Lower Blood Alcohol Limit

Stu Johnson — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:26:05 +0000

State police again promise have patrols on Kentucky’s highways this holiday weekend, and, as always, they’ll be watchful for drunk drivers. And, there’s a move afoot that tightens restrictions on drivers who also drink.

Kentucky Care for Foster Children Diverse

Stu Johnson — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:03:05 +0000

The numbers tell part of the story. 71-hundred children need foster homes but there are only four-thousand such residences in Kentucky. And, State Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Teresa James says some of those foster parents hope to adopt a child...and then leave the system. “We have some of our homes are actually considered foster to adopt. These are individuals who want to be foster parents, but are saying to us when they come in ‘we might also be interested in adoption, if children have had their, if their parental rights have been terminated and children are free for adoption,” said James.

Tea Party Activist Sues over Medicaid Expansion

Kenny Colston and Kentucky Public Radio — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:08:27 +0000

Tea party activist David Adams is again suing Gov. Steve Beshear. This time it's over the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare. The lawsuit aims at stopping Beshear from expanding Medicaid in Kentucky.

Land deal for HealthFirst clinic raises questions

Mary Meehan and Lexington Herald Leader — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:02:34 +0000

Most agree a $11.7 million public health clinic that could help thousands of poor people get medical and dental treatment would be positive for Lexington. But opinions vary dramatically about benefits of the land deal between developer Ted J. Mims and HealthFirst Bluegrass to locate the clinic at 496 Southland Drive. The project is the focus of an audit announced Tuesday by Lexington Mayor Jim Gray and state Auditor Adam Edelen. They cited concern over $250,000 in fees and rent that have been paid by HealthFirst for the clinic with few tangible results. Read more...

Old Clark hospital dismantled 'piece by piece'

Rachel Gilliam and The Winchester Sun — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:08:13 +0000

The dismantling of the old Clark Regional Medical Center has begun, and should take about six months, according to Jen Algire, CEO of the Clark Regional Foundation for the Promotion of Health. “The building’s basically going to be dismantled piece by piece,” Algire said. Read more...

Hepatitis B cases Increase

Terry DeMio and The Kentucky Enquirer — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:33:09 +0000

Northern Kentucky Health Department is offering vaccines to people at high risk for hepatitis B as the region fights a rise in diagnoses of the disease. Those who qualify will receive a series of three vaccines over six months at a low cost, thanks to a Kentucky Department for Public Health grant, said Joyce Rice, epidemiology manager for the NKY Health Department. Read more...

Investigation of Jefferson County social services concluding

Beth Musgrave and Lexington Herald Leader — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:22:22 +0000

An internal investigation into one of Kentucky's largest regional child protection and social services office should conclude in coming weeks, said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Audrey Tayse Haynes. Haynes told the Lexington Herald-Leader editorial board last week that she asked the cabinet's Office of Inspector General to look at the Jefferson County Department for Community Based Services, which handles child and adult protection and other programs, such as food stamps. Read more...

Spelled K-Y-N-E-C-T, Pronounced "Connect"

Kenny Colston and Kentucky Public Radio — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:40:22 +0000

Kentucky's new exchange for people on the market for healthcare now has a name and a website. It'll be called Kynect—pronounced "connect." People can access it at kynect.ky.gov. A phone line will be running in August. Kynect will be fully operational in time for October open health insurance enrollment.Once running, Kynect will help Kentucky residents or employers find and compare prices for health insurance coverage. It's part of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Child-protection panel studies Toddler's Death

Beth Musgrave and Lexington Herald Leader — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:50:02 +0000

More could have been done to prevent the death of 2-year-old Watson Adkins, said members of a panel reviewing deaths from child abuse in Kentucky. Watson, who was removed from his home and placed with a maternal aunt, was later found dead at his aunt and uncle's home in Floyd County in September 2011. Gladys and Jason Dickerson have been charged in his death and are scheduled for trial in August. Read more...

Medicaid expansion could change Kentucky's course, big time

Al Cross and Kentucky Health News — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:15:57 +0000

"Today we change the course of Kentucky's history." It is not often that a public official can say such a thing with a large measure of credibility, but Gov. Steve Beshear legitimately raised that hope Thursday, as he announced that he would expand Kentucky's Medicaid program under federal health reform. If Beshear's vision is fulfilled, Kentucky will no longer have one of the unhealthiest populations of any state, a change that will make it more attractive to employers, and any Kentuckian who wants health insurance will be able to get it.

Data Shows Cost of Care Varies at Lexington Hospitals

Linda J. Johnson and Cheryl Truman and Lexington Herald-Leader — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:46:41 +0000

Costs for various types of major medical care at Lexington hospitals — including treatment for heart attack, joint replacement and kidney failure — varied wildly in data provided by the federal government this week. The numbers, released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, gave American consumers their first look inside the pricing structures of hospital stays, figures often seen for the first time when a bill arrives. Lexington hospital officials said that consumers should approach such figures warily because of the complexity of the pricing models and the fact that consumers do not pay "sticker price" for their medical procedures.

Kentucky Businesses Prep for Healthcare Reforms

Stu Johnson, WEKU — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:26:17 +0000

Kentucky businesses, both large and small, are running out of time to prepare for new federal health care regulations. In just over seven months, the so called ‘pay or play’ provision kicks in. Starting next year, employers with more than 50 workers are required to provide health insurance coverage or risk penalties. Kentucky health care lawyer Vicki Yates Brown says such a policy may not result in immediate employee reductions. But, she says it could impact future hiring.

Data Shows More Than 5,000 Childrens' Products Contain Toxic Chemicals

Louisville Public Media — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:15:24 +0000

New data from popular toy and children’s clothing manufacturers submitted to Washington State shows that more than 5,000 of them contain traces of at least one toxic chemical. These products are sold by national manufacturers that also operate in Kentucky.

One of Kentucky's Largest Mental Health Agencies Files for Bankruptcy

Molly Burchett and Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:39:34 +0000

The decision of Seven Counties Services Inc. to file bankruptcy to avoid paying into the Kentucky Employee Retirement System has created a "no win" situation for the state, and the issue may add yet another obstacle for Kentuckians to get the mental health care they need.

West Virginia Pushes for Breakfast Programs in Schools to Improve Health

Molly Burchett and Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:22:46 +0000

Breakfast has been said to be the most important meal of the day, and it can be important in fighting obesity. Policymakers in West Virginia are pushing for breakfast food programs in schools through public-private partnerships, and a new report says similar programs could save $41 billion in federal dollars long-term by preventing obesity. Does this make sense, and does it make sense for Kentucky?

April 27th is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Molly Burchett and Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:18:40 +0000

Dump your unwanted prescription drugs this Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which in the past has coordinated with local law enforcement to haul in more than than 2 million pounds or 1,018 tons of prescription medications.

Poll Says Kentucky is the Third Most Stressed-Out State

Louisville Public Media — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:03:00 +0000

Misery loves company, after all. Kentuckians are the third most stressed out people in the U.S., trailing only West Virginians and Rhode Islanders, says a new poll from Gallup. In 2012, 44.8 percent of Kentuckians told Gallup that they'd experienced stress the previous day. Kentuckians also are the second least likely to experience enjoyment. Rhode Island topped that list.