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Healthy Happenings: WIC supports moms and children
BY DOROTHY DILLON The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program helps pregnant women, new moms and young children eat well, stay healthy and thrive. Through WIC, families receive healthy foods, nutrition guidance and breastfeeding support—all designed to give children a strong start. Benefits can be used at local stores, and the WIC Shopper app makes…
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Two infant deaths in Kentucky tied to whooping cough
FRANKFORT — Two infants in Kentucky have died from whooping cough—or pertussis—marking the first deaths linked to the disease in the state since 2018, health officials said Friday. Neither of the infants nor their mothers had received the recommended vaccinations during pregnancy or early infancy, according to the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH). Officials…
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Healthy Happenings: Family Fun Wellness Fair – A Community Celebration of Health and Fun
BY DOROTHY DILLON The Martin County Health Department is excited to invite the community to our Family Fun Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 31 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Martin County Library. This free event is packed with exciting activities, performances, wellness resources and giveaways for all ages. The fair will feature…
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Experts: Loss of federal mining program could harm workers, researchers
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE Loss of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Mining Program will reverse decades of progress in preventing disease, injury and death among miners, experts said. Around 150 researchers are expected to be laid off next month, effectively shuttering the program. Steve Schafrik, associate professor of mine engineering…
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Poll: Belief in false measles claims correlated with lower vaccination rates
BY JENNIFER SHUTT Kentucky Lantern WASHINGTON — Americans are increasingly unsure what to believe about measles as an outbreak spreads throughout the country, according to a survey released Wednesday by the nonpartisan health research organization KFF. The poll shows that nearly a quarter of those asked believe a commonly repeated false claim that getting a child…
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Free webinar about red meat allergy; Kentucky ranks among top states for condition
BY JORDAN STRICKLER UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY In response to rising concerns and increasing numbers of individuals impacted by Alpha-Gal Syndrome, also known as red meat allergy, the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment will host a free statewide webinar on May 29. Alpha-Gal Syndrome is triggered primarily by bites from the…
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Healthy Happenings: WIC Shopper app is a must-have
BY DOROTHY DILLON If you are a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participant, the WIC Shopper app is a must-have tool to make shopping for WIC-approved foods easier and stress-free. With just a few taps, you can: Using the WIC Shopper app helps ensure you are getting the right foods…
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Healthy Happenings: HANDS is here to help
BY DOROTHY DILLON Parenting comes with big changes—HANDS is here to help. The HANDS Program is a free support program for families from pregnancy until their child turns 3 years old. To participate, you must enroll during pregnancy or before your baby reaches 3 months old. Unlike WIC, the HANDS program is NOT income-based. With…
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UK research uncovers hidden health effects of disrupted sleep, circadian rhythms
BY ERIN WICKEY UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY The University of Kentucky’s Julie Pendergast and a team of researchers are exploring how disruptions to the body’s natural circadian rhythms and sleep impact health. “Overwhelming evidence suggests that irregular circadian and sleep patterns, such as inconsistent bedtimes, wake times and eating schedules, are linked to increased risks of…
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Bill to provide free feminine hygiene products in schools fails again, despite need
BY ELLA DENTON KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS For more than 30 years, Kentucky lawmakers have filed bills to provide free access to feminine hygiene products for elementary and secondary students. And every year, including this one, those efforts have failed. Samantha Sams, head principal of Second Street School in Frankfort, told Kentucky Health News that she…
