by Kate Evans Wintertime poses the greatest risk of carbon monoxide poisoning due to the use of gas-powered furnaces and dangerous sources of alternative heat and power used during power outages. Keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning by following this information and these safety tips. Carbon monoxide Carbon[Read More…]
Health
Valley Health cuts fitness services, will keep physical therapy in Berkeley Springs facility
Health system officials with Valley Health have said they’re dropping fitness services from their Berkeley Springs physical therapy facility, and two other facilities in their system, in an effort to save money. Physical therapy and rehabilitation services will still be offered at Berkeley Springs in the Valley Road facility, said[Read More…]
Respiratory illness cases remain steady
by Kate Evans The number of area seasonal flu, RSV and COVID cases are remaining level, according to local health officials. River Bend Family Medicine medical assistant Becky Huff said that their office had been seeing pretty steady amounts of flu, COVID and RSV cases along with some strep, bronchitis[Read More…]
Strengthen your body to increase your balance and prevent falls
by Kate Evans In winter as inclement weather sets in, it’s even more important to deliberately stay physically active and healthy. Strengthening our bodies and working on balance and flexibility can improve health, prevent falls and reduce injuries. Strength training Strength training or resistance training includes exercises that improve strength[Read More…]
Health officials seeing surge in “triple threat” of respiratory illnesses
by Kate Evans Health officials continue to worry about an onslaught of respiratory illnesses – COVID-19, seasonal influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) – during this holiday season. There has been a wave of respiratory illness in West Virginia, Maryland and nationwide. Health officials have continued to urge everyone to[Read More…]
Hancock COVID vaccine clinic set for Thursday, December 8
by Geoff Fox The Washington County Health Department is following up its recent flu clinics at local public schools with COVID-19 vaccination clinics at middle schools in the county. Hancock Middle-Senior High School was originally supposed to host a clinic on November 17, but it was rescheduled for this Thursday,[Read More…]
Department of Health launches program to reduce suicides among Maryland service members, veterans
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) fully launched the Trained Military Assistance Provider (TMAP) Program, a new initiative to reduce suicides and increase lethal-means safety for service members and veterans. Developed by the Maryland Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families, this training is free[Read More…]
Avian flu confirmed on Washington County farm
State agriculture officials have said federal laboratory testing has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HP AI) in poultry at a Washington County farm. Following an investigation by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed poultry[Read More…]
RSV makes early appearance this season, poses threat to young patients
Public health officials have already seen an increase in respiratory viruses affecting children and infants this season, and recommend precautions to stem the spread to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert for Rhinoviruses (RSV) and Enterovirus (EV) last month, saying doctors and nurses[Read More…]
Health officials say it’s time for flu shots & COVID booster
by Kate Evans It’ s almost time for flu season to start and COVID-19 cases are increasing in the area. Protect yourself and family by getting your annual flu shot soon, public health officials say. They are recommending getting a COVID-19 vaccination or updated COVID booster shot at the same[Read More…]
