Ask Joy – Health Connections Medical Content Editor
Alaska Articles December 19th, 2009December 11, 2009
A dose of health news
Steps to take before Cobra subsidy ends
Roberta Mason, age 63, of Turner, Me., in a few weeks will lose the federal subsidy for her Cobra health insurance premium, which has helped her afford coverage since she lost her job early this year. Continue reading article here.
Counting H1N1 deaths
Federal health officials said Thursday that almost 10,000 people had died of swine flu since April, a significant jump from mortality numbers released last month. Continue reading article here.
Timing your exercise routine
Check your watch. Could the time you exercise make you more efficient? Continue reading article here.
E-mail -joy@ktuu.com
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November 3, 2009
A dose of health news
H1N1 flu clinics – The Anchorage School District scheduled swine flu vaccination clinics for children at 17 elementary schools this week. See the schedule here. You can also find more information here.
Counting flu patients in Alaska hospitals – The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services is revising how it tracks hospitalized patients with influenza.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2009, the state of Alaska is asking hospitals to report the number of patients hospitalized with signs and symptoms (syndrome) of pneumonia and influenza, in addition to the number of people hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza infection. Previously, only patients with lab-confirmed influenza, either seasonal or H1N1, were counted in the report. Continue reading the DHSS press release here.
Drowsy Driving Prevention Week – The drowsy driving awareness campaign begins this week. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are caused by fatigued drivers, resulting in more than 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries. Read more here.
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October 27, 2009
Finding the H1N1 vaccine
Though the H1N1 vaccine is still not widely available, some states are doing a better job than others at keeping their public informed about where the limited supply can be found. Read more here.
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October 24, 2009
President declares swine-flu emergency
President Barack Obama declared the swine-flu outbreak a national emergency, easing the way for doctors and health-care facilities to respond more quickly to the growing number of sick people, the White House said Saturday. Read more of the Wall Street Journal article here. Check out our swine flu page.
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October 20, 2009
Lice and the new Anchorage School District policy
A story on anew school district policy got one of our viewers to write in with some advice for parents. Got something to share? Let us know!
Viewer e-mail
I recently heard a story on the news regarding lice and new policies within the school district.
One mom stated how much time, effort and money she put into getting rid of it.
Someone should ease parents’ minds by telling them about other options.
Unfortunately, I have had lots of experience with lice due to kids sharing helmets. I did learn a lot however.
Lice can’t live off the body for too long. If they get off (onto sheets, toys, pets, etc.) they will try to get back to the human host. Human lice can’t live on pets. If you treat the hair thoroughly and properly, you will get rid of them whether you clean, wash, vacuum or
not.
All you need to do to get the lice and the nits (eggs) out of the hair is to cover the hair with mayonnaise and then put a plastic bag over it (like a Carrs bag). Have the person sleep in it and wash the hair the next day. Pick through the hair with a lice comb to remove dead nits and lice. They will suffocate. Sometimes the nits are resistant, but
if you continue to do the mayo and plastic bag once a week for a few weeks, you can pretty much guarantee that you will get rid of all of them (even the ones that found their way back to you after being on the sheets or whatever).
The mayonnaise washes out easily and is good for your hair. If you buy it at Costco, it shouldn’t be a very expensive treatment. I bought the nix shampoo for the comb alone and threw away the shampoo. It is toxic anyway and doesn’t work as well.
I wish more people knew this and didn’t have to get freaked out over the idea of getting lice.
I don’t know if you can use this, but as I said, “I wish more people knew.”
- Cerena
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September 7, 2009
Swine flu and college campuses
Washington State University officials said more than 2,000 students are likely affected by the swine flu. Officials are watching the numbers and reminding students to take precautions and to stay home
if they have any flu-like symptoms.
In Alaska, UAA and other campuses continue to monitor swine flu activity in state and in the Lower 48. The CDC has issued guidelines specific to college campuses on how to keep H1N1 from spreading.
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August 11, 2009
Health care heating up
The debate over health care is playing out in town hall meetings across the country. In Alaska, health care town hallswill take place this month. Check out theresources below fortown hall schedules
and information.
Senator Murkowski – town hall schedule
Senator Begich- health care statement
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – How health insurance reform will benefit Alaska
White House – Health insurance reform reality check
Newt Gingrich – The Center for Health Transformation
Examining the health care debate
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July 7, 2009
Typing with care
My arm hurts. It’s what happenswhen you write one too many research papers, dissertation chapters and e-mails without taking neededbreaks and needed precautions. Iknow I really needed to make sure mywrists and arms — mywhole body in fact — were aligned properly. I know this. I’ve reported oncarpal tunnel syndrome before. However, reporting it and experiencing it can be two very different things. The sharp painand numbness forced me to stop typing too much. I type only alittle at a time, withplenty of breaks. I also do some exercises to help. Sonow I type with care …and hope others will too.
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June 16, 2009
A dose of health news
Health reform needs Alaska twist – How do we meet Alaska’s heath priorities while addressing national health care needs? Senator Mark Begich offers his perspective here.
Obama’s health plan needs spending controls, CBO says – The Washington Post reports President Obama’s plan to expand health care to the uninsured will likely mean more debt unless controls on spending are made. Read article here.
Disease spreads in rural communities too – During a disease epidemic, officials tend to focus on urban areas, where people are packed into close, viral-spreading quarters. A new study suggests that rural areas deserve just as much attention. Continue reading article here.
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June 2, 2009
A dose of health news
Twittering health – What are you doing? The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services is now answering that question via Twitter. DHSS is one of many health organizations now on the micro-blogging site. Check out the tweets on these health and medical related Twitter pages and sites.
The “ouchless” needle – Speaking of “micro,” researchers at Georgia Tech have developed the “microneedle.” The needle is designed to be so small and thin, patients won’t even notice when they get shots. Experts say the development will also make administering vaccines much easier in the future.
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May 22, 2009
A dose of health news
SPF 100 – How high is too high for sunscreen? Do you really need all that protection? Does it really work? Summer in Alaska is almost here and the answers could help you avoid that burn. Read more here.
Rethinking swine flu pandemic criteria – The World Health Organization is reassessing its pandemic standards in light of the swine flu scare. As of now, the different pandemic phases are related to the spread of the virus, not the severity. Read more here.
Massachusetts’ health care reform and Alaska – Will a Massachusetts’ health care model work in the Last Frontier? Neil Davis doesn’t think so. Davis believes following this model could make things worse. Read more here.
More Alaskans spending more money on health care – Some 135,000 Alaskans under age 65, most of them covered by insurance, are in families that will spend more than 10 percent of their pre-tax income on health care in 2009, according to the Alaska Center for Public Policy. Continue reading Alaska Journal of Commerce article here.
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May 5, 2009
A dose of health news
Palliative Care Symposium
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and its partners are holding the first international Telehealth Palliative Care Symposium today. Organizers hope to create an ongoing “virtual” palliative care community. You can find more information on the symposium here. You can also find information about the event on Facebook, Twitter and other social network sites.
Heart Run – Team KTUU
Scott Elnes provided these pictures of Team KTUU. Scott’s take on the Heart Run:
I was the leader of “Team KTUU” for the run. When I arrived Ifound out that all the members of the team were signed up for the timed event and I was signed up for the untimed. So I went ahead and ran the untimed event. When we got done, the timed group was still at thestarting line, so I decided to run itagain!I got a 10K run out of a 5K! 
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April 28, 2009
A dose of health news
Swine flu scams
The BBB is warning people about scams related to swine flu. The bottom line – don’t fall for them. Read more here.
State swine flu site
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has updated its pandemic flu site to include information about swine flu. Youcan find the site here.
Tracking health info
The Mayo Clinic has launched a new online health site to help familiesmanage their health information. The site is billed asa system that provides “interactive, personal guidance based on health information from Mayo Clinic experts.” It helps you keep track of your medications, shots, etc.
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April 27, 2009
Swine flu update
As of late Sunday, Mexico’s health secretary announced the number of suspected deaths in the countrywas 103, and the number of cases to more than 1,600.As of today, there have been 40 confirmed cases in the U.S.
Alaska’s chief medical doctor, Dr. Jay Butler said no cases have been found in Alaska so far. Watchor read the interview here.
The White House declared a public health emergency Sunday tofight the spread of the swine flu virus.
Additional resources
U.S. Homeland Security press briefing on swine flu
Alaska Section of Epidemiology
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April 26, 2009
Swine flu update
The Obama administration held a press conference today to discuss measures to protect the U.S. against swine flu.So far,this strain has sickened more than1,000 peopleandhas killed more than 80 people in Mexico since April 13. Health officials are investigatingreported cases in the U.S.
Resources
World Health Organization swine flu page(very busy site, everyone is linking to it)
Centers for Disease Control – on Twitter
White House briefing on swine flu
Breaking news updates – swine flu
Breaking news wire – on Twitter
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April 21, 2009
Health events
Preparations are underway for the annual Heart Run. Race day is Saturday, April 25. You can find more information about registration here. “Team KTUU” will take part in the run.
Our news director, Steve MacDonald is also getting ready for his own run. Steve joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) a couple months ago. The organization helps raise money for research, treatment and care for people with leukemia and lymphoma. Steve plans to run in the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon in June.
If you’re looking for other ways to celebrate spring, the Alaska Multiple Sclerosis Center is holding its second annual Spring Social and Tea. The event is Thursday, April 30 from 1-3 p.m. You can find contact information here.
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April 14, 2009
Alaska and allergies
The signs of spring breakup are here: It’s warmer, there’s more daylight, and soon, citywide cleanups will take place around the state.
The combination of all of the above, however, usually isn’t a good thing for allergy sufferers. I know. I’m one of them.
To help prepare, check out these great resources on Alaska’s allergy season.
Green Star – tips on keeping the dust down
Alaska Lung Association – Anchorage air quality
The Weather Channel – Common allergy triggers in Alaska
Dr. Jeffrey G. Demain – tips to cope with allergies
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April 7, 2009
NewVA clinic gets ready to open in the Valley
Marcia from the Alaska VA Healthcare Systemand Regional Office sent us these pictures from the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The clinic opens Monday, April 13.
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March 31, 2009
Stimulus funding for Alaska health centers update
From DHSS:
It’s likely Governor Sarah Palin will be making a decision on stimulus money with regard to the Department of Health and Social Services this Friday April 3.
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March 29, 2009
Stimulus funding for Alaska health centers
Senator Lisa Murkowski announced 26 community health centers in Alaska would receive funding from $3.6 million in federal stimulus money. You can find a breakdown of the funding here.
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March 24, 2009
A dose of health news
Ash alert
Alaska’s chief medical officer, Dr. Jay Butler is advising those with pre-existing respiratory problems to stay indoors until the ash from Mount Redoubt settles. A mask is recommended if you need to go out.
The CDC, Alaska DHSS Epidemiology and USGS have many resources online to help answer your questions about the health hazards of volcanic ash.
Ash has already fallen in the Valley. Mat-Su Regional had this statement today:
As of 1 p.m. today, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center professionals have not seen any patients with ash related problems. However, we advise people to make sure they have protective masks on hand. Place the masks in your car, purse, pocket or anywhere they can be easily reached if needed. Mat-Su Regional Director of Cardiopulmonary Services, Dave Gilbert advised, “Special emphasis should be made to people with existing lung conditions. Although most people are aware of the dangers during the ash fall, problems may also occur when the fallen ash is disturbed as people resume daily routines. Cars stir up a considerable amount of ash, and this often creates respiratory problems.”
The health and safety of our patients, staff, volunteers and communities is very important to us.
For more information on Mat-Su Regional’s volcanic eruption emergency plan, click here.
Minor head injuries can be serious
Following the death of actress Natasha Richardson, Jill from the Alaska Brain Injury Network (ABIN) has asked us to post this link. Additional resources are available at the ABIN site and the Alaska Injury Prevention Center.
Virtual palliative care community
Christine from Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium is helping to coordinate an international telehealth palliative care symposium. The symposium will take place in May and is free. Learn more about palliative care here.
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March 17, 2009
A dose of health news
How safe are Alaska’s kids?
Results from a new federal review shows high scores in some areas, as well as areas that need improvement. See the DHSS press release and full report here.
Alaska’s Premed Summit
Students interested in becoming physicians can learn more about the process at this year’s Premed Summit at UAA. Here’ s a link to the registration form.
Healthy St. Patrick’s Day recipes
St. Patrick’s Day is not just about beer. See some traditional St. Patty’s Day recipes that are also good for you.
March Madness = Participant not spectator
The CDC is urging March Madness fans to not just watch, but also take part in all the activity. How?
What SCHIP means for health reform
Where does SCHIP fit into health care reform? Read what people are saying and contribute your own opinions.
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March 3, 2009
Adose of health news
Alaska eHealth goes to Washington, D.C.
Some of Alaska’s electronic health record experts will be in Washington, D.C. this week. They’re planning to discuss the privacy implications of electronic health records systems. Bruce Battensaid the group might meet with the president’s health care team. Fairbanks resident and director of the Alaska eHealth Network, Rebecca Madison is part of the group. Madison is urging Governor Palin and state lawmakers to make sure health technology stimulus funds reach Alaska. You can read her opinion here.
Iditarod re-start AMSC booth event canceled
The Alaska Multiple Sclerosis Center has called off its event. An e-mail explains:
“Due to poor booth location, zero electricity in the booth, and a shortage of volunteer participation, we are forfeiting our booth space this year.”
Growing teeth
A new discovery could help adults grow new teeth. Inspiration for the research came from sharks.
Daylight savings
This Sunday, it’s time to once again spring forward. What’s the best way to adjust? Check out these tips.
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February 24, 2009
Adose of health news
Health care for all Alaskans?
Remember SB 160? Well, it’s back. Senator Hollis French has re-introduced the Massachusetts-style health reform proposal for consideration. This time it’s known as SB 61. You can track the bill’s progress here.
Alaska’s childhood obesity
Are Alaska’s kids obese? Lori’s health report today is on childhood obesity. The story highlights a recent DHSS announcement.
Press release:
Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer will announce to the Anchorage School Board Monday that new height and weight measurements revel that the percentage of overweight and obese youth attending school in the Anchorage School District has leveled off since 2003.
“While this is certainly good news and gives us reason to be hopeful, Alaska’s children still face a significant problem with weight,” said Dr. Jay Butler, Chief Medical Officer with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. “Although the trend has stabilized, more than one out of every three students in the Anchorage School District is overweight or obese and that remains a challenge.”
You can download the rest of the press release here.
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February 17, 2009
Adose of health news
Bad oysters in Sitka?
From the DHSS press release:
Allowed: ktuu.com
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