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Kids Count Kentucky Data Book released with new details about children’s health
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS This year’s Kids Count Kentucky Data Book looks at the impact of adverse childhood experiences, focusing on the power of supportive community environments and positive childhood experiences in improving the health of the commonwealth’s children. “We emphasize each year that what gets measured, gets changed, and this year, I’m…
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Health advocates say Amendment 2 would take money from school-based health and nutrition programs
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS LEXINGTON — Health advocates gathered in Lexington Oct. 16 to voice strong opposition to Amendment 2, saying if passed it would divert money away from much-needed school-based health and nutrition programs that are proven to improve student outcomes. Amendment 2 is a question on next month’s ballot that asks…
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42 state attorneys general call for surgeon general’s warning on social media platforms
BY MELISSA PATRICK KY HEALTH NEWS Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that Kentucky is part of a bipartisan coalition of 42 attorneys general who are calling for federal legislation to require a surgeon general’s warning on social media sites, similar to what is on cigarette and alcohol containers. “As state Attorneys General, we sometimes…
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Every household can get four free COVID-19 tests through the mail starting in late September
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS Starting in late September, the federal government will relaunch its at-home COVID-19 test program that makes every U.S. household eligible for four free COVID-19 tests to be sent directly to their home. The test, which can be ordered from COVIDTests.gov at the end of September, will detect the current…
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FDA approves first at-home test for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection on the rise
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS As cases of syphilis continue to increase across the nation and in Kentucky, the announcement of a new at-home syphilis test that was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is timely. “The rise in syphilis infection rates is a serious and alarming public health concern,” Dr.…
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Updated COVID-19 vaccines approved; recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older
BY MELISSA PATRICK KY HEALTH NEWS As the number of COVID-19 infections grows in Kentucky, two updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that are designed to better protect against the most recent strains of the virus. “We are very excited to see the latest COVID boosters approved,”…
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Men’s Health Month a reminder to schedule preventive screenings
BY MELISSA PATRICK KY HEALTH NEWS Men’s Health Month in June is a reminder for men to think about their health and consider making some screening appointments that could lengthen, or even save, their lives. Why is it so important for men to take care of themselves? For one thing, on average in the United…
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UK hosts national meeting to raise immunization rate for vaccine against cervical and other HPV cancers, in which Kentucky leads U.S.
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS Kentucky leads the nation in the rate of cases of and deaths from cervical cancer, a disease that is largely preventable by a vaccine. The vaccine targets the human papillomavirus, which can cause cancers of the cervix, genitals, anus, neck and head. Kentucky also leads the nation in cancers…
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Lottery system will determine who gets 48 licenses for retailers and 10 for processors of medical cannabis in 11 Kentucky regions
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS Gov. Andy Beshear gave an update on the medical cannabis licensing program Thursday after signing this year’s medical cannabis bill into law the day before. “We have worked hard to create a safe system that limits or eliminates abuse while still providing relief to that veteran suffering from PTSD…
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Flu shots limit infection rates, which are still elevated in Kentucky
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS The Kentucky Department for Public Health still considers hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses high and says flu activity remains elevated. Health officials say the best way to protect yourself from these viruses is to stay up to date with your vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that…
Tag: Melissa Patrick
