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…]
Health
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…]
Suicide warning signs
by Kate Evans The National Suicide and Crisis helpline and other prevention resources list these following behaviors as possible warning signs that someone is at risk for suicide. The suicide risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems linked to a painful life[Read More…]
Suicide continues to be a leading public health issue
by Kate Evans Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and was responsible for almost 46,000 deaths in 2020. The COVID pandemic has increased suicide risk factors such as social isolation and barriers to physical and mental health care. Mental health experts have said those risk[Read More…]
Maryland Delegation announces $2.9 million for local foods in school meal programs
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie B. Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) recently announced $2.9 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding for Maryland schools to purchase local foods and beverages[Read More…]
Protect yourself & your family from carbon monoxide poisoning
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…]
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…]
