health
Companion animals may ease anxiety in kids with autism
Children with autism spectrum disorders may benefit from being in the presence of animals. A new study funded in part by the National Institutes of Health found children with autism spectrum […]
Preschoolers aren’t getting enough exercise
An observational study of Seattle preschoolers found the children were presented with only 48 minutes of active play opportunities per day. The most frequent active play opportunity was outdoor free play […]
FDA to lift blood donation ban on gay men
The Food and Drug Administration issued “draft guidance” Tuesday that, if finalized, would lift the blood donation ban on men who have sex with men. The FDA guidance proposes lifting the […]
Influenza season comes to an end
This flu season, Clark County recorded five influenza-associated deaths and seven outbreaks in long-term care facilities. Those stats were included in Clark County Public Health’s 2014-15 flu season summary issued Thursday. Flu […]
Study: Whooping cough vaccine protection fades
A study conducted during Washington’s whooping cough epidemic in 2012 found that adolescents' protection from the Tdap booster wanes within two to four years. Acellular pertussis vaccines (the pertussis component contains […]
The State of Clark County Air
The American Lung Association this week released its annual State of the Air report, and the Clark County received a mixed report. The report looks at the levels of ozone pollution […]
County alcohol data: 17% of locals binge drink
Clark County residents like their booze. Clark County and the state have higher drinking rates and heavy drinking rates than the national average, according to a new analysis of county-level drinking […]
E-cigarette use tripled among youth in one year
The number of middle and high school students using electronic cigarettes increased dramatically from 2013 to 2014, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2014 […]
Survey: Insurers misinform women on contraceptive coverage
A secret shopper survey conducted last year revealed health insurers in Washington systematically gave women false or inaccurate information about contraceptive coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurers must cover […]
Study: Cigarette warning labels with pictures more effective
It’s not enough to tell young adults about the dangers of smoking; they need to see the damaging effects of smoking, as well. A new study by a Washington State University […]