-
After son’s overdose death, mother seeks investigation of Vivitrol’s use in Kentucky
by Deborah Yetter, Kentucky Lantern November 18, 2024 Striving to stay sober, Hal Pyzyna succeeded for nearly a decade until the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020 — the stress causing him to relapse into drug use, said his mother, Kristine Pyzyna. She hoped he would get help through a court diversion program that in 2022 referred…
-
Treatment and prevention of childhood obesity starts at home
BY DR. SAMIR SOFTIC and DR. AURELIA RADULESCU UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY In the United States, one in five children are obese. (In Kentucky, that rate is closer to one in four.) Obesity is a chronic disease with many contributing factors, including family history, access to healthy foods, hormonal and metabolic conditions and even environmental factors…
-
From the health department: Join us for a breastfeeding class Thursday
Join the Martin County Health Department’s HANDS Program for a Breastfeeding Class on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. Enjoy lunch, win exciting prizes and discover the many benefits of breastfeeding. We would love to have all new mothers attend. Breastfeeding provides numerous advantages for both mother and baby. It supports the baby’s healthy growth…
-
Five ways to make more informed health care decisions during open enrollment
BY DR. GARY GROSEL Amid this year’s open enrollment season for health benefits, it is a good time to take stock of your current health status and coverage needs. Whether you have health benefits through an employer or government-sponsored programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, it’s important to understand your plan options and how to…
-
‘Overwhelmed and frustrated,’ Louisville woman sues to overturn Kentucky’s abortion ban
by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky Lantern November 12, 2024 LOUISVILLE — A pregnant woman who wants an abortion is suing in Jefferson Circuit Court to challenge Kentucky laws banning the procedure, the American Civil Liberties Union announced Tuesday. The plaintiff, identified by the pseudonym Mary Poe in the lawsuit, said in a statement that “ending my pregnancy…
-
Big Sandy Health Care shines spotlight on community health workers during Diabetes Awareness Month
PRESTONSBURG — As November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, Big Sandy Health Care is celebrating the vital role that Community Health Workers (CHWs) play in helping patients manage diabetes. Through tailored support, ongoing education and compassionate care, CHWs empower patients to take charge of their health and improve their quality of life. Community Health Workers are…
-
Healthy Happenings: Join us for the first Pink Party–a community event to honor Breast Cancer Awareness
BY DOROTHY DILLON Martin County Health Department We’re thrilled to announce that we’re bringing programs like this back to the Martin County Health Department, and we’re even more excited to start with the Pink Party! This is more than just a gathering—it’s a powerful opportunity to learn, connect, and stand together as a community in…
-
UPIKE receives $2 million ARC grant to launch preventive health clinic
PIKEVILLE — The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) has received a $2 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to advance its mission of serving the region. The funding is part of the ARC’s $68.2 million POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which supports economic diversification and revitalization efforts in Appalachian…
-
Memory loss is common in many adults
Here is a common scenario as many of us age: You get up from watching television in the living room and go into the kitchen, but you forget why you went in there! I’ve heard this from many different people. Memory is a funny thing. I wonder how I can remember things from grade school…
-
Martin County Health Department revives Diabetes Prevention Program, offers free classes and A1C testing
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Health Department is bringing back its diabetes prevention and control program, offering residents new resources to combat the widespread disease. “We’re rolling out several new initiatives,” said Health Department Director Eric Mills. “And we’re excited to have Lakean Meade join us as the new diabetes program…