Health

Battle brewing over labeling of genetically modified food

As Americans ask more pointed questions about what they are eating, popular suspicions about the health and environmental effects of biotechnology are fueling a movement to require that food from genetically modified crops be labeled, if not eliminated.

Governor signs suicide prevention measure

Gov. Sean Parnell has signed legislation requiring suicide prevention training for certain teachers, administrators, counselors and specialists in Alaska public schools.

US health providers profess new fervor for cutting costs

After years of self-acknowledged profligacy, hospitals, doctors and insurers say there is an unprecedented effort under way to bring medical costs under control. Their goal is to slash growth in the nation's $2.7-trillion health care bill by roughly half.

Maryland child is transgender at age 5

Kathryn wanted pants. And short hair. Then trucks and swords. She began to argue vehemently -- as only a tantrum-prone toddler can -- that she was not a girl. "I am a boy," the child insisted, at just 2 years old.

Report on health care exchanges expected in June

A consultant's report is expected next month that could help guide a decision by the governor on how Alaska moves forward on a health care exchange program.

Healthy eating can cost less than fast food, study finds

An Agriculture Department study finds that most fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods cost less than foods high in fat, sugar and salt. That counters a common perception that it's cheaper to eat junk food than a nutritionally balanced meal.

War veterans may be prone to brain disease seen in athletes

A small study raises more concern about the long-term consequences of brain injuries suffered by thousands of soldiers -- suggesting they may be at risk of developing the same degenerative brain disease seen in some retired football players.

2012 HEART RUN

Downey is living proof it pays to be cautious

In her long broadcast journalism career, Maria Downey has reported her share of medical stories that serve as cautionary tales. As Anchorage prepares for Saturday's annual Heart Run that is both a harbinger of summer and a fundraiser for heart disease, Downey's own cautionary tale is worth heeding.

Alaska Heart Run website

Worst of Anchorage 2012 dust days likely have passed

The worst spring dust day of 2012 may be behind us -- it was Tuesday, and the air quality was still moderate, says city air quality expert Steve Morris.

Report says dental therapists give safe, effective care

A new report on dental therapists says the midlevel practitioners offer safe and competent care worldwide, primarily to children in locations with rare access to dentists. But the document was quickly criticized by the American Dental Association, which said it appeared to support a predetermined conclusion.

Shellfish poisoning reported in Juneau area

Three suspected cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning have been reported in the Juneau area. All the victims are recovering.

Few good days for teen after concussion

It has been more than 18 months since Lexi Stewart ran face-first into a pillar during a flag football practice indoors, and the 17-year-old Service High junior looks great. No scars on her face. No clue that she all but lost her two front teeth. You would never guess that every single day since, she has struggled.

Research shows weak link between PTSD, violent behavior

Post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury can increase a person's anger and hostility and diminish his or her self-control. But the link between those disorders and outright violent behavior is weak and hard to pin down with certainty.

Lawmakers seek to close loophole enabling minors to buy nicotine

Lawmakers are trying to close a loophole that makes it possible for Alaska children to purchase products containing nicotine. Rep. Paul Seaton says tobacco companies are adding nicotine to products like mints, toothpicks and water.

Bipartisan fallout expected from high court ruling on health law

The law professor side of President Obama is highly intrigued by the Supreme Court hearings over the constitutionality of his health care law. But his political side must push back against suggestions that the battle is already lost.

Lawmaker seeks end to food safety regulations

A North Pole legislator wants to get rid of state safety regulations for food sold by Alaska producers directly to consumers.

Voters remain divided over national health care law

Rather than cheering it on, Americans are divided over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which he signed into law two years ago Friday. The Supreme Court is weighing whether it's constitutional. Republicans vow to repeal it if the court doesn't strike it down. And the White House is working overtime to sell the American people on the law before it's too late.

Alaska Native leaders address fetal alcohol syndrome

State officials say Alaska Natives have greatly brought down the prevalence of the most severe form of FASD among newborns -- fetal alcohol syndrome. But the rate remains significantly higher among Alaska Natives than non-Native newborns.

Wasilla man leaves hospital with artificial heart

A 51-year-old Wasilla man fitted with an artificial heart in a six-hour surgery last month has left a Seattle hospital to begin what may be a long wait for a transplant. He is among about 40 transplant patients nationwide testing a new portable heart driver.

No more 'pink slime' in fresh beef, Safeway says

Safeway Inc., which operates Carrs stores in Alaska, is dropping the beef product derisively called "pink slime" from its fresh-meat cases, the nation's second-largest supermarket chain announced Wednesday.

Alaskan treks on Yukon for suicide prevention

A Native man whose son committed suicide is continuing his suicide prevention walk on the frozen Yukon River in Interior Alaska.