Health – Page 12

Public Hookah Smoking Could Come to an End in Utah

June 6, 2011 Jessica Gail

Utah’s tobacco laws could be getting stricter. The Utah Department of Health is changing the Indoor Clean Air Act to clarify which tobacco products cannot be used in public places, which could mean the end of hookah smoking in public statewide. A public meeting held yesterday drew dozens of people speaking for and against the ban. KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports on why some feel the change is necessary, and what it could mean for some Utah businesses.

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Local News

OptumHealth to Manage County Mental Health Services Come July

June 1, 2011 Whittney Evans

Minnesota-based OptumHealth will take over the management of Salt Lake County’s publicly funded mental health services beginning July 1st. The for-profit company will contract with service providers, including the non-profit Valley Mental Health, which is the county’s current manager, to oversee the Medicaid program, county-funded services for the uninsured and federal mental health block grants. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, officials say it should be a near-seamless transition.

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Local News

Campaign Urges Residents to Get Tested for HIV/AIDS

May 31, 2011 Whittney Evans

As AIDS turns 30 years old, infection numbers continue to climb in Utah and throughout the country. June 5th marks the day the Centers for Disease Control first identified what is now known as HIV-AIDS. And as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the Utah AIDS Foundation is launching a campaign with the help of Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and other local officials to get tested and encourage other Utahns to do the same.

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Local News

Where Should Dogs be Allowed?

May 22, 2011 Jessica Gail

Many consider them to be mans best friend, but just how meshed into society should dogs really be? Many stores in Utah, including PetsMart, Petco, and even the Home Depot welcome four legged companions, but as KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports, more and more non-service dogs are turning up at the grocery store and other food places, and that has the Health Department and some other Utahns concerned.

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Economy

Matheson Bill Takes on Pet Medication Costs

May 17, 2011 Jessica Gail

Utah Congressman Jim Matheson says he wants to make it cheaper for Utahns to care for their pets. This morning, he discussed a bill he’s introduced aimed at making it cheaper to buy pet medication. KCPW’s Jessica Gail spoke to the Congressman, and explains the bill is modeled on similar legislation passed in 2003.

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Local News

Oil Spill Effects Still Felt Near Red Butte Creek

May 16, 2011 Whittney Evans

Salt Lake City residents who live near Red Butte Creek say they still feel the effects of the Chevron oil spill last June that sent more than 30,000 gallons of crude oil flowing downstream. Over the weekend, the city celebrated the cleanup of Liberty Lake, where a lot of that oil settled. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, residents upstream say there’s little cause for celebration.

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Healthcare

AIDS Drug Assistance Program Closed to New Clients

May 15, 2011 Jessica Gail

Low-income Utahns suffering from HIV and AIDS will now have to find a new way to get their medication. Recently, the state closed its free medication program to new patients, even with more people seeking assistance. KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports on why the health department has shut the doors, and what it means for those who need the help.

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Local News

Local Businesses Pledge to Offer Free Tap Water

May 9, 2011 Whittney Evans

Salt Lake City businesses are pledging to offer free tap water to the public in an effort to cut down on disposable water bottles and make water more accessible. The program is called TapIt, and as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, it’s not only an environmental gesture, but it gives access to something people frequently take for granted.

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Local News

Autism Cases Double From 2002 to 2008

May 6, 2011 Whittney Evans

The prevalence of autism in Utah doubled from 2002 to 2008, according to a new study released by the University of Utah. The increase is due in part to improved diagnosis and awareness, but as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the cause is still a mystery.

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Environment

Politics Up Close: Kennecott, Air Quality & the Environment

April 29, 2011 Jeff Robinson

When you talk about air quality in Utah, the conversation usually turns to Kennecott Utah Copper, the second largest copper producer in the United States. We talked with Shelley Marshall from Utah Moms for Clean Air and Tim Wagner from Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, two groups that have been sharply critical of the company. We also spoke with Piper Rhodes, Manager of Sustainable Development, Health Safety & Environment for Kennecott.

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