Category: Public Health

A Closer Look At Your Health: How healthy is your heart?

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A Closer Look airs at 6:50 a.m. most Tuesdays on KBOI News Radio 670. This is a transcript of the segment from Feb. 16. 

February is the month of the heart, in more ways than you might think. We all know about Valentine’s Day, but did you know that it’s also American Heart Month? Nationally, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. In Idaho, it is the second leading cause of death for men and women, after cancer. It’s a close second, though, and the statistics are alarming: 1 in 31 women dies from breast cancer each year, but heart disease kills 1 in 3.  Continue reading “A Closer Look At Your Health: How healthy is your heart?” →

A life-and-death call

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Photo of Jennifer Brown and Shane Write, communications specialists.
Communications specialists Jennifer Brown and Shane Wright are shown in the dispatch center at the Idaho State EMS Communications Center.

Communication specialists Jennifer Brown and Shane Wright at the Idaho State EMS Communications Center were extremely busy one January morning as they managed the work associated with a major snow storm that snarled up traffic and made travel difficult around the state.

They were dispatching snowplows, deicers and sanding trucks statewide, as well as relaying reports of vehicle slide-offs and crashes to law enforcement. They also were getting ready to announce the closure of Idaho 21 in what’s commonly called “avalanche alley.”

But just then, an urgent call came in from the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office. It was an Emergency Medical Dispatch, which meant someone was having a medical emergency on the end of that call. State EMS communication specialists are trained to use predetermined medical protocols to dispatch correct resources to an emergency and to give medical instructions to victims and bystanders before first responders arrive and take over. Continue reading “A life-and-death call” →

Oregon confirms its first travel-associated case of Zika virus this year

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The Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division has confirmed that a person in Oregon has been diagnosed with a travel-associated Zika virus infection. The adult woman contracted the virus in an affected country outside the United States and has recovered. There is no danger to the public.

This is the first laboratory-confirmed case of Zika in Oregon in 2016. Before this, three Oregonians have had travel-associated Zika confirmed since 2014. Oregon is first of Idaho’s neighboring states to report a Zika case this year.  Continue reading “Oregon confirms its first travel-associated case of Zika virus this year” →

What you need to know about the Zika virus

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Pregnant women and anyone else planning to travel someplace warm and tropical this winter should check travel advisories to see if their destination is included in a list of countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific islands. Several countries are experiencing an outbreak of Zika virus, which is a concern among public health officials.

What is Zika virus?

It is a virus transmitted through the bite of the same kind of mosquito that spreads dengue and chikungunya viruses. This mosquito species is fairly common throughout the world, so outbreaks are likely to continue. People not planning a trip to one of the countries listed in the travel advisory can rest easy: The mosquito that spreads the virus is not found in Idaho.  Continue reading “What you need to know about the Zika virus” →

Getting screened for cervical cancer is most effective way to find it early

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Cervical cancer is not an easy subject to discuss, but getting screened regularly for it is important for all women because that is the most effective way to find the disease early so it can be treated. It is highly treatable when it is found early enough, and it’s associated with long survival and good quality of life.

Who does cervical cancer affect?

Cervical cancer most often affects women over the age of 30. About 12,900 women will be  diagnosed with cervical cancer this year in the United States and about 4,000 women will die from the disease. In Idaho, there are an average of 44 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed each year, and an average of 14 women die of the disease.  Continue reading “Getting screened for cervical cancer is most effective way to find it early” →

High radon levels can put your health at risk

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Nearly 40 percent of Idaho homes tested for radon showed unsafe levels, which can cause serious illness for people. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It is a naturally occurring gas that you can’t see, smell or taste.

“Radon is definitely a big problem because it’s so prevalent,” said Jim Faust, Radon Program manager at the Department of Health and Welfare. “The good news is that it is a fixable problem. Every home in Idaho should be tested so we can protect ourselves and our families.”  Continue reading “High radon levels can put your health at risk” →

Holiday stress? Give yourself a break!

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The overwhelming rush in the final countdown to the holidays has begun. And from the frenzied hum throughout the Treasure Valley and especially near its shopping malls, it sounds like we’re all caught up in it. It’s time to take a minute to consider all of the simple things you can do for yourself to reduce stress and enjoy the holidays.

If you’ve made it a goal to eat healthy, the holidays can be challenging, if not impossible. Should you stick to your goal, or surrender and start again in January?

Trying to eat healthy food at this time of year can challenge anyone’s fortitude — we’re going to parties and eating out more and have less control over what is being served. Generally, you should watch your portion sizes and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. But it IS the holidays, so you should allow yourself to splurge a little bit, especially for your favorites. Just don’t overdo it.  Continue reading “Holiday stress? Give yourself a break!” →

Safe travels: Did you know you can use your hubcap for a shovel?

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If you’re planning a road trip during the holidays, plan ahead and make sure you’re ready to travel in winter conditions. Gather the supplies you need and know what you should do if you get stranded. Our tips come straight from the Idaho Transportation Department and the Department of Health and Welfare’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness, and they will help you prep for driving in winter.  Continue reading “Safe travels: Did you know you can use your hubcap for a shovel?” →

A woman in northern Idaho has died from flu-related illness

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A northern Idaho woman over the age of 60 has died from an influenza-related illness. This Panhandle Health District resident is the first influenza-associated death of the season.  Last flu season, 32 people were reported to have died from flu-related illnesses in Idaho.

“Our condolences go out to the family of the woman who died,” says Idaho Department of Health and Welfare State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn. “This underscores that influenza is in the community and how important it is for all of us to take precautions to avoid influenza infections. In addition to washing your hands and staying home if you are sick, now is the time to visit your health care provider, local public health district, or pharmacy to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated today will help protect you and your family over the holidays.”

Everyone over 6 months of age is recommended to get the flu vaccine.  This season’s vaccine has been updated to match viruses that are circulating.  Continue reading “A woman in northern Idaho has died from flu-related illness” →

It’s prime time for respiratory infections, including colds, flu, and RSV

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It’s the time of year when one germ after another makes the rounds and makes us cough. Respiratory infections are particularly troublesome, especially for children and the elderly, and there are more than cold and flu viruses to be aware of.

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. Healthy people who get it usually have mild, cold-like symptoms and recover in a week or two. But it can be very serious for babies and older adults. We’re starting to see some cases in Idaho, as we do every year heading into the winter months. Continue reading “It’s prime time for respiratory infections, including colds, flu, and RSV” →