Health Issues / Public News Service

Texas families can keep up with vaccine records at ImmTrac2, the Texas Immunization Registry. (OmarMedina/Pixabay)

Friday, September 30, 2022

Winter is Coming: Is Your Child's Health Protected?

COVID upended many routines, including Texas parents getting kids in for regularly scheduled childhood vaccines. Data from the Texas Department of …

Family caregiving can be a struggle if the caregiver has to be away from the workforce to do it. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 30, 2022

Caregiving an Under-the-Radar Issue in OR Election

With the election a little over a month away, some say caregiving and long-term care are issues too big for candidates in Oregon to ignore. There …

The synthetic opioid Fentanyl was present in 93% of the drug-overdose deaths in 2021 for which a toxicology screen was performed, according to the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 30, 2022

Narcan Trainers Enlist Public’s Help in Preventing MA Overdose Deaths

At libraries, colleges and even movie theaters, more people in Massachusetts are learning how to prevent an opioid overdose death by administering …

According to the Recovery Ecosystem Index Mapping Tool, a little more than half of drug-related deaths between 2015 and 2019 in New Hampshire were white people with at least a high school education, ages 15-64. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 30, 2022

New Tool Maps Substance-Use Recovery Hotspots

A new tool is locating areas in the U.S. in need of robust recovery systems for people dealing with substance abuse. The Recovery Ecosystem Index …

A 2021 study in the journal Science found that fine particulate matter, one of the main pollutants produced by gas-burning vehicles, is responsible for 85,000 to 200,000 excess premature deaths per year in the United States. (Aleksandr Kondratov/Adobestock)

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Local Officials Call on Feds to Adopt CA Clean-Car Standards

Local officials concerned about climate change are calling on the Biden Environmental Protection Agency to adopt strict national clean car standards -…

Food insecurity among adults ages 65 and older living alone reached the highest rates in 20 years between 2020 and 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Millions of Older Adults Experience Food Insecurity

Some 35 million people in Wyoming and across the U.S. struggle to put food on the table, and older adults experiencing food insecurity face numerous …

Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River is located near the Oregon town of Cascade Locks. (RG/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 29, 2022

After Superfund Listing, Hard Work of Columbia River Site Cleanup Starts

A popular fishing site on the Columbia River for members of the Yakama Nation has been listed as Superfund site by the federal government. Now comes …

Pew Research reports 97% of American adults own a cell phone. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Lawsuit Alleges Cell Phones Responsible for Brain Tumors

Evidentiary hearings are underway in a Washington, D.C., courtroom this week, to decide if a massive lawsuit against the cellphone industry will be …

Researchers say long-term exposure to pesticides can result in a range of chronic health issues, including cancer. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 29, 2022

As New Trade Talks Evolve, Pesticide Concerns Enter the Discussion

The U.S. is talking with several nations as part of an emerging framework for trade policy. But in the Midwest, there are concerns about the ripple …

According to the Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey, one in seven Kentucky high school students reported having seriously considered suicide within a 12-month period. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Some KY Schools Offering Mental-Health Services Amid Youth Crisis

A pilot program launched by the Todd County School District and the county's local health department offers free mental-health case-management service…

Data from a national survey of adults found that excessive drinking increased 21% during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Sober October Highlights Health Benefits and Raising Money for Charity

Marylanders who want a new health challenge can participate in Sober October, which -- in addition to the sobriety pledge -- offers the chance to …

The fine print for most cell phones advises people to hold wireless devices away from the body; not to press it to their ear or carry it in a pocket. (insta_photos/Adobestock)

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Lawsuit Goes to Court Alleging Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors

Evidentiary hearings are underway in a Washington, D.C., courtroom this week, to decide if a massive lawsuit against the cellphone industry will be …

Studies show women of color who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest often have a poor prognosis, due in part to longstanding racist policies and poor access to health care. (9norg/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Lack of Training, Hesitancy to Perform CPR Put Latino Women at Risk

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation can save lives after a heart attack, but in some communities, too few people know how, or are hesitant to, perform the …

According to the Recovery Ecosystem Index Mapping Tool, 61.8% of drug-related deaths between 2015 and 2019 in the state of Virginia were white people with at least a high school education, ages 15 to 64. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

New Tool Maps Substance-Use Recovery Hotspots

As part of National Recovery Month, a new tool identifies different areas in the U.S. in need of a stronger recovery system for people dealing with …

Nearly 640,000 people were considered food insecure in Washington state in 2020, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (timonko/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

White House Convenes First Hunger Conference in 50+ Years

It's been more than 50 years since the White House held a gathering about the effects of hunger across the nation. In 1969, the White House held its …

About one in five adults in the United States has experienced some form of mental illness in a given year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. (Momius/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month in TN: 'You Are Not Alone'

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to spotlight this issue in Tennessee and across the country. Almost 1,300 …

Around 68% of Kentucky's total population has received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Boosters, Seasonal Flu Shots Can Prevent Illness this Winter

State health experts are warning the flu and COVID season could be severe, and are urging Kentuckians to stay on guard. With COVID restrictions …

About 18,000 Montana kids will experience the loss of a family member by the time they're 18. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

MT Hosts Conference on Supporting Grieving Children

A touring conference from the National Alliance for Children's Grief comes to Montana this week. The event will be in Whitefish on Tuesday. The …

Experts in end-of-life care urge families to discuss their wishes with loved ones before serious illness strikes. (Fotos 593/Adobestock)

Report: Inequities Persist in End-of-Life Care for Latinos

Latinos and other underserved communities face persistent inequities in end-of-life care, according to a new report from Compassion & Choices and the …

The Hispanic community in America represents 60 million Latinos - or one in five residents. (magazine.medlineplus.gov)

Report: Latino Families Should Prioritize End-Of-Life Conversations

End-of-life planning, hospice, medical aid in dying - all are difficult decisions, and a new report says Latinos and other underserved communities …

The Suncor Line 1 Rocky Mountain Pipeline Project would replace an existing 10-inch pipeline with a 16-inch pipeline. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Groups Petition Leaders to Halt Suncor Line 1 Pipeline

More than 40 environmental groups are urging federal regulators and Colorado's Congressional delegation to put a pause on a pipeline project under way…

Roughly 50% of small-business owners in the United States offer health insurance, but some worry about being able to keep it if costs continue to rise. (Adobe Stock)

Health-Care Subsidy Extension a Relief for WI Small Businesses

Average Affordable Care Act premiums in Wisconsin would have been 56% higher this year without temporary subsidies from the federal government…

IA Small Businesses Get a Lifeline with ACA Credit Extension

Average Affordable Care Act premiums in Iowa would have been 72% higher this year without temporary subsidies from the federal government, and small-…

Some 46% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, but research shows 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. (Orawan/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month: A Focus on 'Zero Suicides' in Georgia

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to shed light on what continues to be one of the toughest topics to discuss for many …

Trouble sleeping and insomnia are often overlooked symptoms of anxiety disorders. (Adobe Stock)

Treating Anxiety Not Seen as One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Expanded anxiety screenings could have a long-term positive impact on the health of Missourians, according to mental-health advocates. The U.S…

After a positive anxiety screening, an assessment from a mental-health professional can determine if a patient should be diagnosed with a specific anxiety disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Anxiety: Experts Say Don't Suffer in Silence

Expanded anxiety screenings could have a long-term positive impact on the health of Ohioans, according to mental-health experts. The U.S. Preventive …

Falls among adults age 65 and older caused more than 34,000 deaths in 2019, making it the leading cause of injury death for this group, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Risk of Falling Increases with Age; Prevention Tools Can Help

One in four Americans age 65 and older takes an unexpected fall each year. During Falls Prevention Awareness Week, experts are encouraging older …

Falls among adults age 65 and older caused more than 34,000 deaths in 2019, making it the leading cause of injury-related death for the age group, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Across MD, Community Workshops Help Older Residents Prevent Falls

One in four Americans age 65 and older take an unexpected tumble each year, and during Falls Prevention Awareness Week, experts are encouraging them …

Minnesota recorded 570 gun-related deaths last year, and a majority of them were listed as suicides. That's promoted calls for increased education about the safe storage of firearms. (Adobe Stock)

MN Report Amplifies Concerns About Guns, Suicide Link

For the second year in a row, suicides represent nearly 70% of all gun deaths in Minnesota. Those working to stop gun violence hope the new data …

The World Health Organization links indoor air pollution, including pollutants from burning natural gas, to increased chances of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. (Vladimir Semenov/Adobe Stock)

Groups Plead with Public Utilities Commission to 'Supercharge' Electrification

Nevada needs to move away from natural gas and toward clean energy - that's the view of climate action groups that spoke up on Tuesday at an open foru…

Annual suicides by non-elderly Hispanic adults increased by nearly 36% from 2010 to 2020, while the rate for Hispanic women spiked by 40%, according to a study by the University of New Mexico. (pttcnetwork.org)

Study: Hispanic Suicide Rate Increasing, Highest in Southwest

A study by New Mexico State University shows the number of suicides among U.S. Hispanics is on the rise, in part because they are buying more guns…

In Tennessee, more than 800,000 people are facing hunger, and more than 230,000 of them are children. (Africa Studio/AdobeStock)

Advocates Calling on Congress for Better Investment in Kids

Advocates for children's well-being are in Washington, D.C. today, calling on lawmakers to invest in kids. The Save the Children advocacy summit is …

New technology can pinpoint methane sources to within 15 feet, and using a high-resolution imagery, can connect plumes to individual pieces of equipment. (Adobe Stock)

New Maps Expose Methane 'Super-Emitter' Sites

A new study mapping methane pollution across five oil and gas production basins in states including Colorado found a small number of sites account for…

North Carolina is one of 12 states that have not expanded Medicaid, worsening the burden on already scarce rural health-care providers. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Decades of Progress, Health-Care Challenges Remain in Rural NC

As state lawmakers continue negotiations over Medicaid expansion, advocates say decades of funding community-based initiatives have helped create …

Persons with health insurance in Gwinnett County including children make up 82.3% of the population, meaning 17.7% are uninsured. (Gwinnett Coalition)

Gwinnett Coalition Improves Health-Care Access For Residents

Gwinnett County's uninsured population of 15.6% is slightly higher than the state rate of 15.3%, according to 2020 U.S. census data. Renee Byrd-…

According to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap report, nine out of 10 counties with the highest food insecurity rates are rural. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Innovation Lab Aims to Spur Creative Solutions to End Child Hunger

A new initiative is providing funding to individuals and grassroots groups across the Commonwealth with creative solutions to reduce hunger among rura…

Federal health officials say falls result in more than three million injuries each year that require an emergency-room visit. (Adobe Stock)

Helping Older Populations Reduce Their Risk for Falls

From COVID infections to dangerously hot weather, older South Dakotans have had a lot of warnings the past couple of years to adhere to. But experts …

Children of color are more likely than white kids to experience the death of a parent, as are children living in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Conference on Grieving in Lincoln to Focus on Supporting Kids

Nebraska is one of six states participating in "No Child Grieves Alone," a series of regional conferences aiming to help communities recover after the…

Wildfires near farms in Whatcom and Skagit counties have made work in the fields hazardous for workers. (Alfredo Juarez)

Amid Wildfires, Heat, WA Farmworkers Call for Greater Protections

Washington state farmworkers are facing harsh conditions in the midst of wildfires and late-summer heat. They're calling for greater protections from …

According to data from Connecticut's Public Health Department, one in nine adults in the state reported having poor mental health for 14 days or more in a month. Meanwhile, one in six adults in the state has been diagnosed with depression. (Adobe Stock)

CT Aims to Keep People Safe During Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which spotlights the issues in Connecticut and across the U.S. Although suicide rates in …

Children ages 5 to 17 miss nearly two million school days in a single year due to dental-health problems, according to the Healthy Schools Campaign. (teeth.org.au)

Health Screenings Seen as Important Factor for Student Success

School students across Wisconsin are still getting settled as the new academic year unfolds. And experts say it's important to get them in for a …

Research shows around a quarter of Americans find it difficult to afford prescription drugs because of high out-of-pocket costs. (Adobe Stock)

Biden’s Insulin Cap is a Start, But WV Residents Can’t Afford Other Prescription Meds

The Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden last month caps the cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors who have Medicare…

According to a 2021 report, about 80% of residents in the mostly immigrant-populated city of Chelsea were deemed essential workers, meaning they had to continue working during the less knowledgeable early days of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

New Internship Program Focused on Immigrant Health

A new internship program is looking to investigate health disparities among Massachusetts' immigrant population. The Immigrant Scholar Internship …

Nearly 20 million Americans may have received inaccurate diagnostic test results, according to a Pew poll. (totojang1977/Adobe Stock)

WA Senator Sponsors Bill to Provide More Oversight for Medical Lab Tests

Accurate lab tests are crucial for medical treatment, and Congress is considering a measure to provide more oversight. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.…

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, So chances are you or someone you know has been affected. (Arisha Ray Singh/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month an Opportunity to Address Stigma

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to shed light on a what has been a highly taboo and stigmatized topic. The Centers for …

In 2016, the FDA issued a safety warning on risks associated with ovarian cancer screening tests, including false negatives could result in delayed treatment. (Adobe Stock)

NC Lawmaker Pushes for FDA Regulation of Clinical Blood Tests

Congress is considering legislation to place more oversight on diagnostic lab tests currently not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration…

Pickleball, one of the events at this weekend's Virginia Senior Games, has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, according to Forbes magazine. (Bob/Adobe Stock)

Hundreds to Compete at Virginia Senior Games This Weekend

Experts say part of the secret to living a long and healthy life is to keep moving, which is one of the goals at this week's Virginia Senior Games in …

A new statewide poll in South Dakota showed a majority of likely voters, including 94% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans, don't want the state to hinder implementation of Medicaid expansion if voters approve the idea this fall. (Adobe Stock)

Latest Poll Shows Continued Support for Medicaid Expansion in SD

New poll results released today showed a majority of South Dakota voters support the expansion of Medicaid. This fall, South Dakotans will be asked …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2022 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2022 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 22 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app

PNS Daily Newscast - September 30, 2022

2022Talks - September 30, 2022

The Yonder Report - September 29, 2022

Health

Winter is Coming: Is Your Child's Health Protected?

Caregiving an Under-the-Radar Issue in OR Election

Narcan Trainers Enlist Public’s Help in Preventing MA Overdose Deaths

New Tool Maps Substance-Use Recovery Hotspots

Local Officials Call on Feds to Adopt CA Clean-Car Standards

Millions of Older Adults Experience Food Insecurity

After Superfund Listing, Hard Work of Columbia River Site Cleanup Starts

Lawsuit Alleges Cell Phones Responsible for Brain Tumors

As New Trade Talks Evolve, Pesticide Concerns Enter the Discussion

Some KY Schools Offering Mental-Health Services Amid Youth Crisis

Sober October Highlights Health Benefits and Raising Money for Charity

Lawsuit Goes to Court Alleging Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors

Lack of Training, Hesitancy to Perform CPR Put Latino Women at Risk

New Tool Maps Substance-Use Recovery Hotspots

White House Convenes First Hunger Conference in 50+ Years

Suicide Prevention Month in TN: 'You Are Not Alone'

COVID Boosters, Seasonal Flu Shots Can Prevent Illness this Winter

MT Hosts Conference on Supporting Grieving Children

Report: Inequities Persist in End-of-Life Care for Latinos

Report: Latino Families Should Prioritize End-Of-Life Conversations

Colorado Groups Petition Leaders to Halt Suncor Line 1 Pipeline

Health-Care Subsidy Extension a Relief for WI Small Businesses

IA Small Businesses Get a Lifeline with ACA Credit Extension

Suicide Prevention Month: A Focus on 'Zero Suicides' in Georgia

Treating Anxiety Not Seen as One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Anxiety: Experts Say Don't Suffer in Silence

Risk of Falling Increases with Age; Prevention Tools Can Help

Across MD, Community Workshops Help Older Residents Prevent Falls

MN Report Amplifies Concerns About Guns, Suicide Link

Groups Plead with Public Utilities Commission to 'Supercharge' Electrification

Study: Hispanic Suicide Rate Increasing, Highest in Southwest

Advocates Calling on Congress for Better Investment in Kids

New Maps Expose Methane 'Super-Emitter' Sites

Despite Decades of Progress, Health-Care Challenges Remain in Rural NC

Gwinnett Coalition Improves Health-Care Access For Residents

Innovation Lab Aims to Spur Creative Solutions to End Child Hunger

Helping Older Populations Reduce Their Risk for Falls

Conference on Grieving in Lincoln to Focus on Supporting Kids

Amid Wildfires, Heat, WA Farmworkers Call for Greater Protections

CT Aims to Keep People Safe During Suicide Prevention Month

Health Screenings Seen as Important Factor for Student Success

Biden’s Insulin Cap is a Start, But WV Residents Can’t Afford Other Prescription Meds

New Internship Program Focused on Immigrant Health

WA Senator Sponsors Bill to Provide More Oversight for Medical Lab Tests

Suicide Prevention Month an Opportunity to Address Stigma

NC Lawmaker Pushes for FDA Regulation of Clinical Blood Tests

Hundreds to Compete at Virginia Senior Games This Weekend

Latest Poll Shows Continued Support for Medicaid Expansion in SD