New vending machines offering free doses of naloxone (Narcan) -the medication to reverse opioid overdoses- alongside other public health and wellness resources have been placed at three area locations with funds from a grant through the Washington County Health Department. The “Overdose Data-to-Action” grant through the Maryland Department of Health[Read More…]
Health
The heart is the engine that keeps your body running
by Kate Evans The heart is a vital organ that keeps our bodies healthy and functioning well. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today for both men and women, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources Office of Disease Prevention and[Read More…]
County Health Department joins downtown partnerships to provide essential care services
The Washington County Health Department recently joined several downtown partnerships to expand essential health care services primarily in Hagerstown. Every second Tuesday each month, teams from the health department will offer HIV, Hep C and syphilis education and testing at the Community Care Network of Washington County’s event from 4-7[Read More…]
Vaping & e-cigarettes not a “safe alternative” – highly addictive, dangerous for youth
by Kate Evans The use of e-cigarettes or vapes by high school students has grown substantially in the past five years as have health officials’ concerns about teen vaping. E-cigarettes or vapes usually contain nicotine from tobacco, along with flavorings and other additives. They can also deliver cannabis or other[Read More…]
Give the gift of health this Valentine’s Day
by Kate Evans Tired of buying the same Valentine’s Day gifts for your special someone? Maybe you could give them the gift of true love by giving them the gift of health, said Stacy Schultz, War Memorial Health registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. People spend a couple hundred dollars[Read More…]
Meritus Health opens new primary care center in Hancock
by Geoff Fox Hancock area residents won’t have to travel as far to get primary health care from Meritus Health as the health system has opened a new primary care center on Pennsylvania Avenue beside Food Lion and Family Dollar. The location was formerly a Valley Health medical location. The[Read More…]
Take strides to have a happy, healthy New Year
by Kate Evans Included in everyone’s New Year’s resolutions are usually renewed efforts for losing weight, exercising more and getting healthier. The steps to achieve these goals haven’t changed much over the years, but people revisit their strategy as the New Year starts, with its promise of new beginnings. The[Read More…]
County Health Department prepping for arrival of new COVID vaccines
With news that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) endorsed the newest COVID-19 shot for those age six months and older, the Washington County Health Department has prepared for when and if shipments of the vaccine arrive locally, the agency said in[Read More…]
Late summer shows COVID rise & new variants
by Kate Evans Several new COVID variants have emerged that are vying for predominance in a late summer COVID surge that has brought new cases of the disease and a rise in hospitalizations across the country. Cases of COVID had declined earlier this year. Deaths and hospitalizations from COVID have[Read More…]
Locally acquired case of malaria pops up in Maryland
by Kate Evans The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with three state health departments to investigate nine cases of locally acquired malaria. Seven cases occurred in Sarasota County, Florida, one in Cameron County, Texas, and one case of locally acquired malaria in a Maryland resident who lives[Read More…]
