Health
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Health workers investigate massive illegal dumping case near Salt Lake landfill
Andrew Adams, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 11 - 9:56 a.m. | Save Story
Health workers on Tuesday confirmed they were investigating a massive illegal dumping case involving thousands of tires, among other discarded junk.
EPA bans 2 cancer-causing common chemicals
Lois M. Collins, Deseret News | Posted Dec. 11 - 9:12 a.m. | Save Story
The Environmental Protection Agency this week announced bans on two chemicals used in home and workplace settings that are known to cause cancer.
Death toll from contaminated infant IV feeding bags in Mexico rises to 17
Associated Press | Updated Dec. 11 - 8:46 a.m. | Save Story
Authorities in Mexico say a total of 17 children have died in central Mexico from suspected contamination of IV feeding bags, after four more deaths were confirmed.
Judge blocks Biden health care rule for DACA immigrants in some states
Daniel Wiessner, Reuters | Updated Dec. 10 - 11:31 a.m. | Save Story
A judge in North Dakota has blocked the Biden administration from requiring 19 Republican-led states to provide health insurance coverage to immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children.
Research limited on whether weighted blankets help you sleep better
Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 9 - 11:37 a.m. | Save Story
Weighted blankets are a popular choice to warm up in cold weather, but research on their effectiveness is limited.
Walking fundraiser to spread awareness about struggles of children with disabilities in Ghana
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 8 - 2:08 p.m. | Save Story
A Payson woman who adopted a girl from Ghana has started a nonprofit to help orphanages. They have a "virtual walk" — 7,084 miles, equal from Payson to Accra — to do just that.
Nearly 1 in 16 pregnant women use marijuana, despite health risks
Lois M. Collins, Deseret News | Posted Dec. 8 - 1:33 p.m. | Save Story
Close to 6% of pregnant women — about 1 in 16 — said they used marijuana during the last month, according to a national survey that found many did not associate use during pregnancy with health risks.
VA is funding first psychedelic-assisted therapy study since the 1960s
Collin Leonard, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 8 - 7:16 a.m. | Save Story
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced the funding of its own study into psychedelic-assisted therapy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans.
How poor air quality can impact your mental health
Emma Benson, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 7 - 10:31 p.m. | Save Story
If you're feeling less motivated or more tired than usual, you're not alone. This bad air quality doesn't just affect our physical health; experts say the inversion can also impact our mental health.
VA Caregivers Service Program offers support to area families
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 7 - 9:01 p.m. | Save Story
With the number of caregivers and aging veterans expected to increase, Veterans Affairs offers services to keep caregivers refreshed and renewed.
Should you blow your nose when you have a cold?
Lois M. Collins, Deseret News | Posted Dec. 7 - 8:33 a.m. | Save Story
Do you really need instructions for blowing your nose? According to a recent study, apparently you do.
Utah vision insurance company likely to shut down after rehabilitation efforts fail
Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 6 - 9:33 p.m. | Save Story
In a rare move, a Utah vision insurance company's operations were taken over by the state's insurance commissioner. Now, the insurance commissioner says it's time for the company to shut down.
12 ways to stay healthy this holiday season
Emma Benson, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 6 - 11:04 a.m. | Save Story
Intermountain Health experts have some helpful tips for you to stay mentally, physically and emotionally in shape this holiday season.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reverses decision to put a time limit on anesthesia
Devna Bose, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 6 - 9:04 a.m. | Save Story
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield says it won't tie payments to the length of time a patient went under anesthesia. The insurance giant is reversing a stated policy change after widespread outcry.
Photos: Utah Hockey Club players bring the fun to Primary Children's patients
Chuck Wing, Deseret News | Posted Dec. 5 - 10:05 p.m. | Save Story
Patients at Primary Children's Hospital got the exciting opportunity to play games and connect with a few of the Utah Hockey Club players Wednesday afternoon at the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus in Lehi.
Toys can excite children, worry parents as more children are hospitalized
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 5 - 9:01 p.m. | Save Story
Small pieces of toys cause more and more problems in children each year, which can, in extreme cases, have fatal consequences.
Supreme Court hears arguments in transgender rights case
Andrew Chung and John Kruzel, Reuters | Updated Dec. 4 - 2:59 p.m. | Save Story
Conservative Supreme Court justices signaled on Wednesday their willingness to uphold a Republican-backed ban in Tennessee on gender-related medical care for minors.
The Festival of Trees inspires Utahns to give back during its 54th year
Shara Park, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 4 - 11:05 a.m. | Save Story
The Festival of Trees opens on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. Visitors to this long-running holiday tradition will be greeted with row after row of beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
E. coli outbreak tied to McDonald's Quarter Pounders has ended, CDC says
Ananya Mariam Rajesh, Reuters | Updated Dec. 3 - 1:08 p.m. | Save Story
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday that the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers is over and the investigation has been closed.
New study shows air pollution increases inflammation in Utahns with heart disease
Shelby Lofton, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 3 - 12:03 p.m. | Save Story
A new study shows that air pollution from winter inversions and summer wildfires can seriously harm Utahns with heart problems.
Children can have arthritis, and these Utah teens want to spread the word
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 3 - 6:21 a.m. | Save Story
Gabby and Sophia Rond are among the nearly 30,000 children in Utah diagnosed with arthritis. The sisters have found that it is important to educate everyone about their disease.
Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers in Utah, at least 18 other states
Lois M. Collins, Deseret News | Posted Dec. 2 - 9:50 p.m. | Save Story
At least 68 people in 19 states have salmonella believed linked to bulk American whole cucumbers, which are being recalled.
Kearns boy gets to Make-A-Wish 12 years after heart transplant
Arianne Brown for KSL.com | Posted Dec. 2 - 10:02 a.m. | Save Story
Brayden Hansen may not remember what it was like to get a heart transplant, but on Nov. 1, he made memories that will last him a lifetime.
Biden has AIDS Memorial Quilt at White House to observe World AIDS Day
Josh Boak, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 1 - 8:24 p.m. | Save Story
President Joe Biden on Sunday had the AIDS Memorial Quilt spread on the White House South Lawn to observe World AIDS Day.
Man reunites with St. George Marathon runners who stepped in to save his life
Emily Ashcraft, KSL.com | Posted Dec. 1 - 1:13 p.m. | Save Story
An emergency room doctor and two nurses happened to be in the right place at the right time when a Millcreek man experienced a cardiac arrest.
Want green eyes, not blue? Doctors say procedure could be risky
Lois M. Collins, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 30 - 10:32 p.m. | Save Story
Born with brown eyes but secretly always loved the look of gray eyes? Want to change your hazel eyes to green? There are risks for people who want to undergo an eye-changing treatment, some doctors warn.
Study reveals 'strong genetic connection' between period pain and depression
Kristen Rogers, CNN | Posted Nov. 29 - 6:09 p.m. | Save Story
Up to 90% of girls and women who menstruate experience pain during their periods. For some, that pain is severe and linked with symptoms of depression, which are often thought to be a result of the intense throbbing or cramps.
Antibiotics cost-effective, safe surgery alternative for kids with appendicitis
Lois M. Collins, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 28 - 6:36 p.m. | Save Story
Treating children who have uncomplicated acute appendicitis only with antibiotics is both cost-effective and safe compared to having surgery, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
The UK debates legalizing assisted suicide
Hanna Seariac, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 28 - 9:27 a.m. | Save Story
The United Kingdom may become the next country to legalize assisted suicide.
Thanksgiving leftovers: What to keep, when to toss and how to stay healthy
Leah Ingram, Associated Press | Posted Nov. 28 - 7:47 a.m. | Save Story
Ask most Americans about Thanksgiving and they'll likely tell you that one of the best parts of the holiday isn't so much the original meal but enjoying the leftovers afterward. However, food isn't meant to last forever.
Trump nominates critic of COVID-19 lockdowns to reform NIH
Brigham Tomco, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 27 - 10:07 p.m. | Save Story
President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his administration's focus on disruptive reform with the selection of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as director of the National Institutes of Health on Tuesday.
Biden wants Medicare, Medicaid to cover weight-loss drugs
Lois M. Collins, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 27 - 6:48 a.m. | Save Story
The Biden-Harris administration wants to expand coverage of anti-obesity medications in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Biden to propose expanded Medicare, Medicaid coverage of obesity drugs, official says
Andrea Shalal, Reuters | Posted Nov. 26 - 1:02 p.m. | Save Story
President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed expanding coverage of anti-obesity drugs for millions on Medicare and Medicaid, which could cut out-of-pocket expenses for some by as much as 95%.
Listeria outbreak tied to Yu Shang Food leaves California infant dead and 10 people sick
Jonel Aleccia, Associated Press | Updated Nov. 24 - 10:48 a.m. | Save Story
U.S. health officials said a California infant has died and at least 10 other people have been sickened in an outbreak of listeria food poisoning tied to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
Fluctuations in blood pressure over time may be linked to higher sudden cardiac death risk
Laura Williamson, American Heart Association News, Associated Press | Posted Nov. 24 - 7:41 a.m. | Save Story
A new study suggests those with long-term fluctuations in blood pressure may face a higher risk for sudden cardiac death.
Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight
Jonel Aleccia, Associated Press | Posted Nov. 23 - 9:25 a.m. | Save Story
Why don't weight-loss drugs work for some people? There are many factors.
Health care workers badly needed in Utah's rural areas
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 22 - 7:11 p.m. | Save Story
Utah needs more doctors, especially in its rural communities. Utah Rural Health Week celebrates them and inspires others to work in those areas.
Upcoming Springdale event to rally support for southern Utah teen battling brain cancer
Jessi Bang, St. George News | Posted Nov. 21 - 4:37 p.m. | Save Story
A Springdale fundraiser seeks to ease the medical and travel costs for a southern Utah family following their 15-year-old son's brain cancer diagnosis.
CDC expects COVID and RSV levels to increase in coming weeks
Christy Santhosh, Reuters | Posted Nov. 21 - 7:47 a.m. | Save Story
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday it expects to see an increase in levels of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus in the country in the coming weeks, as is usual during the holiday season.
Heart procedure saves 500-plus lives in northern Utah
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 20 - 7:34 p.m. | Save Story
McKay-Dee Hospital has used a relatively new heart procedure that has saved 500-plus lives. Patients would have had to go to Salt Lake City if the Ogden hospital did not offer the procedure.
Weight-loss drug coverage rises among largest US employers, Mercer survey finds
Amina Niasse, Reuters | Posted Nov. 20 - 6:32 p.m. | Save Story
About 44% of U.S. employers with 500 or more employees cover drugs for weight loss in 2024, up from 41% in 2023, according to a survey from consulting firm Mercer released on Wednesday.
Audit recommends improvements to Utah's emergency medical transportation system
Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 20 - 5:04 p.m. | Save Story
A legislative audit recommends more local control of medical transport providers in Utah after complaints of poor care of patients while being transferred between facilities.
Trump picks Dr. Oz to run Medicare and Medicaid
Jasper Ward and Ahmed Aboulenein, Reuters | Posted Nov. 19 - 8:04 p.m. | Save Story
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he had chosen television personality and surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz to serve as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a wide-reaching agency with annual spending of $2.6 trillion.
What makes walking so great for your health and what else you need to do
Laura Ungar, Associated Press | Posted Nov. 19 - 9:32 a.m. | Save Story
Does 10,000 steps a day really matter? Doctors say it does, in addition to other exercises you need to add to your repertoire.
Sitting too much linked to heart disease –– even if you work out, according to new study
Madeline Holcombe, CNN | Posted Nov. 18 - 3:03 p.m. | Save Story
Sitting at your desk all day may put you at greater risk for heart disease — even if you work out in your spare time, according to new research.
A look inside the Utah medical examiners office
Lois M. Collins, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 18 - 6:17 a.m. | Save Story
Dr. Deirdre Amaro, Utah's chief medical examiner, and some of her staff gave local reporters a tour of the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner in Taylorsville.
Provo-based nonprofit helps paralyzed Boise resident become certified scuba diver
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 17 - 7:10 a.m. | Save Story
Boise resident Nathan Ogden, who has been paralyzed for 20 years, got help from Provo-based Just Breathe Adaptive to gain scuba diving certification.
Even an hour more exercise can reduce risk of common heart rhythm problem, study shows
Lois M. Collins, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 16 - 1:01 p.m. | Save Story
Study used Fitbit data to show activity decreases risk for atrial fibrillation.
Navy didn't understand well-documented risks posed by fuel tanks, watchdog says
Audrey Mcavoy, Associated Press | Posted Nov. 15 - 10:17 p.m. | Save Story
A U.S. military watchdog says Navy officials lacked sufficient understanding of the risks of maintaining massive fuel storage tanks on top of a drinking water well at Pearl Harbor, where spilled jet fuel poisoned more than 6,000 people.
New FDA rules for TV drug ads: Simpler language and no distractions
Matthew Perrone, Associated Press | Posted Nov. 15 - 5:42 p.m. | Save Story
New rules require drugmakers to be clearer about explaining the risks and side effects of prescription drugs. The new guidelines are designed to do away with practices that downplay or distract viewers' attention from risk information.
'Very grateful': 2 years later, Clinton 12-year-old recounts heart transplant experience
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 14 - 9:03 p.m. | Save Story
Two years after undergoing a heart transplant, 12-year-old Jabri Fox says she's a changed person, cognizant that life is full of risks and unknowns.
Utah Red Cross to celebrate 30th anniversary of 'Friends' TV show with call for blood donations
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 14 - 5:13 p.m. | Save Story
Red Cross of Utah begins a blood drive next week celebrating the 30th anniversary of the beloved television series "Friends." Donate blood, and you get some "Friends" swag.
Trump selects Robert F. Kennedy Jr to lead top US health agency
Stephanie Kelly, Reuters | Posted Nov. 14 - 3:07 p.m. | Save Story
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday he has selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, the United States' top health agency.
76 hand-quilted works on display to raise funds for Primary Children's Hospital
Emily Ashcraft, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 14 - 11:33 a.m. | Save Story
The Holiday Quilt Show and Auction this weekend is raising funds to purchase an ultrasound imaging machine to help diagnose and treat unborn babies at Primary Children's Hospital.
VA looking for volunteer drivers
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 14 - 8:46 a.m. | Save Story
The VA in Salt Lake City is desperately seeking drivers to bring veterans back and forth to the hospital for medical appointments. The organization estimates it is missing 1,200 ride requests each year.
Advocates ask lame-duck Congress to extend downwinder compensation before end of year
Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com | Posted Nov. 13 - 9:02 p.m. | Save Story
Advocates for those exposed to radiation from mid-century nuclear tests are asking the lame-duck Congress to expand and reauthorize compensation to downwinders.
US overdose deaths are down, giving experts hope for an enduring decline
Mike Stobbe, Associated Press | Posted Nov. 13 - 10:58 a.m. | Save Story
Drug overdoses in the U.S. appear to be continuing to trend down, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a new report Wednesday, but some caution remains.
FDA lifts clinical hold on Novavax's combo COVID-flu shot
Bhanvi Satija, Reuters | Posted Nov. 11 - 8:33 p.m. | Save Story
The Food and Drug Administration has lifted its clinical hold on a late-stage trial of Novavax's COVID-influenza and its standalone flu vaccines after identifying a safety concern.
