Health and Welfare

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.

Senator Baucus Voices Concerns Over Health-Care Reform Implementation

Molly Burchett and Institute for Rural Jouralism and Community Issues — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:16:47 +0000

Senator Max Baucus, who as Senate Finance Committee chair helped write the health-care reform law, has become the highest-ranking Democrat to publicly voice concerns about its implementation, saying he thinks it’s headed for a collision with itself. “I just see a huge train wreck coming down,” the Montanan told Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius during a budget hearing.

FDA to Block Generic Versions of OxyContin to Deter Abuse

Molly Burchett and Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:35:25 +0000

The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that it would block generic, crushable versions of OxyContin from coming to the market and approve the reformulated, non-crushable OxyContin, which deters abuse of the powerful painkiller.

Drug-Resistant Bacteria are Becoming More Common in Kentucky Hospitals

Molly Burchett and Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:28:56 +0000

Nightmarish, drug-resistant bacteria that cause deadly infections are becoming more common in Kentucky hospitals, and a leading legislator on health issues says they should be required to report each case. The state Department for Public Health and hospital officials are investigating the presence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, at Kindred Hospital Louisville, a long-term and transitional care facility.

Brain Training in Danville

Stu Johnson — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:21:19 +0000

Exercising your mind can help in coping with the stress at the workplace and at school. A pair of consultants in central Kentucky say ‘brain training’ techniques can help. A lack of sleep, little exercise, and poor diet can all negatively impact memory. But, an education consultant believes people can slow their mental decline. Carol Brown and her husband provide private tutoring services to students and professional. Brown with the for-profit Academic Success Center of Kentucky, says games can help.

House Bill 1 Slices Prescription Numbers

Rialda Zukic and The Daily News Bowling Green — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:45:29 +0000

Prescribed doses of opiate pain medication have dropped significantly since Kentucky House Bill 1 went into effect last summer. Lawmakers passed the bill during the 2012 legislative session in response to Kentucky’s prescription pill problem, which was blamed for about 80 drug overdose deaths a month.

Poll Shows Health Care Costs are a Burden for Many Kentuckians

Molly Burchett and Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:38:42 +0000

A recent statewide survey shows health-care costs are a burden for many Kentuckians, especially for those who are poor and don't have insurance and put off getting care they need because they can't afford it. More than 60 percent of Kentucky adults in the poll said high costs forced them or a family member living in their home to delay getting care in the past year. Not surprisingly, almost 90 percent of uninsured respondents reported going completely without care in the past year.

Recent Studies Highlight Suggestions for Preventing Childhood Obesity

Molly Burchett and Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:53:17 +0000

Kentucky ranks high in child obesity. Parents can make sure their children maintain a healthy weight with three simple suggestions highlighted in recent studies: Serve them meals on smaller, child-size plates, pay attention to what they watch on TV, and make sure they get enough sleep.

UofL Dean Says Walking Could Cut Health Care Costs

Molly Burchett and Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:49:34 +0000

Small changes in health behavior can have a huge impact on the public's overall health and well-being, and during National Public Health Week discussions last week, Dr. Craig Blakely, the new dean of the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences, talked about the important role played by public health in promoting healthy behavior, preventing disease and saving both lives and money.

Couch Burning Poses Health Hazards

Louisville Public Media — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:47:20 +0000

The University of Louisville’s men’s basketball team will play Saturday in the Final Four, and Metro Police are warning fans to celebrate without lighting couches on fire, as fans are sometimes wont to do. West Virginia University lays claim to the tradition of lighting a couch on fire after the local team wins the big game…or loses a game…or even plays any game…ever. But the trend has spread. Last year, there was a string of couch burning across Lexington after the Kentucky Wildcats advanced throughout the NCAA tournament, and sports-related couch fires have been spotted in Michigan, California and Texas.

Health Care Reform Seminars Will Address Impact on Business Owners

Molly Burchett and Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:09:56 +0000

To address possible confusion or concern of business people and the public about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or "Obamacare," health-care reform experts will address its impact on small and large companies across Kentucky at half-day seminars in Lexington and Louisville on May 8 and 9.