Latest news with #KentuckyDepartmentforPublicHealth
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kentucky health officials warn against use of kratom
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kratom is a tropical tree found in Southeast Asia, and it has been around for hundreds of years. Its leaves are sold throughout the United States and can treat things like pain, coughing, anxiety, depression, and even opioid use disorder and withdrawal. 'It is sold in Kentucky. Usually, it will come in either an herbal powder form or in a pill form,' said Program Director for Voices of Hope Lexington, Jimmy Chadwell. Kentucky health officials warn against use of kratom Kentucky judge tells lawmakers child removal process doesn't move quick enough in abuse investigations 1 charged, shelter-in-place ended in Saunders Lane after Boone County shooting investigation In early June, the Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy put out a health alert advising the public not to consume kratom products and products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, better known as 7-OH. It is a chemical compound found in kratom. The health agencies warned that when 7-OH is concentrated or synthetically made, it can increase the risk of overdose, severe health issues, and death. Chadwell urges those using pure kratom products for their harm-reduction benefits to do so wisely. Kentuckians spend the 3rd highest share of their income on fast food Bill could make federal minimum wage $15: Kentucky among states paying less than that Kentucky sitting near bottom of rankings in environmental protection: Study 'Exercise caution. Moderate the amount you use. Never use it alone. Always have Narcan available. Okay? Because of these kratom and the 7-OH, they work on the opioid receptors. So having Narcan available is really going to save somebody's life,' he told FOX 56. Kratom is not FDA-approved and is illegal in six states. But Chadwell said that Voices of Hope, an organization for people recovering from substance abuse disorders, believes the answer is not more laws; it is more conversation. 'We believe that creating more laws surrounding drugs and drug users will not help the community. Instead, we feel that supporting increases in the availability of education and encouraging harm reduction initiatives when using any substance are the best route to go,' he said. Read more of the latest health and wellness news Health officials also said there are no guarantees that kratom products contain the ingredients the packages claim, have the correct concentrations, or are free from contaminants or other drugs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two unvaccinated babies die of whooping cough in KY as disease rise is predicted to continue
(Kentucky Department of Public Health) Two unvaccinated babies have died from pertussis, better known as whooping cough, in Kentucky in the last six months, the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced Friday. These two deaths in infants, whose mothers were also not vaccinated against pertussis, are the first whooping cough deaths in Kentucky since 2018, the department said. Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be life threatening. It is most dangerous for babies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can, however, affect people of any age. Kentucky health officials emphasized the importance of maternal immunization during pregnancy and for all infants beginning promptly at 2 months of age. 'Anyone can get whooping cough, but infants are at greatest risk for life-threatening illness,' Dr. Steven Stack, the state's public health commissioner, said in a statement. 'Fortunately, when vaccinations are administered to pregnant women, it provides protection to both the mother and the baby.' The state's public health department says there have been 247 cases of whooping cough so far in 2025. In 2024, there were 543 cases, the most since 2012. 'Health officials anticipate that whooping cough will continue to increase during the summer and fall, based on historic trends,' the department said. Vaccines are available to children as young as 2 months old and can help prevent it, the CDC says. The recommended vaccines are DTaP for children and Tdap for preteens. Concerned parents can call their primary care providers to ask about vaccines. Symptoms of whooping cough include, according to the Kentucky Department of Public Health: Runny or stuffy nose Uncontrollable coughing Vomiting from coughing Fever below 100.4 Fahrenheit Apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in infants and young children
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. Beshear reports no deaths in latest round of severe weather
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear provided an update on severe weather, Donate Life Month, action to support federal employees and the final winner of the New Kentucky Home giveaway. Officials say Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, joined Gov. Beshear to provide an update on the 'Our Healthy Kentucky Home' initiative. The governor also made a leadership announcement and named Eric Friedlander, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, this week's Team Kentucky All-Star as he will be retiring August 1. Over 28,000 affected by outages amid severe weather in the Tri-State Severe weather In regard to severe weather, Gov. Beshear says so far, there have not been any fatalities reported, but there have been a few injuries, as well as damage to buildings and other property. 'We are thankful everyone is safe, but the next thing we have to do is make sure everyone remains weather aware over the next few days,' said Gov. Beshear. 'We will continue to see heavy rains, and flash flooding is expected in western Kentucky.' Officials say more waves of storms are expected Thursday afternoon and evening. Heavy rain, high winds and hail are all possible, with a chance for isolated tornadoes in southern and eastern Kentucky. On Friday, the highest area of concern is far western Kentucky, and Saturday, storms are expected throughout the state. With heavy rain coming through the next few days, the National Weather Service is expecting major flooding, with particular concern in western Kentucky. Kentuckians should remain weather aware, have multiple ways to get weather alerts and be prepared to find higher ground if necessary. Gov. Beshear says emergency management remains activated, swift water rescue teams are activated and soldiers and airmen from the Kentucky National Guard are actively supporting communities and emergency management partners. As of Thursday morning, there were 32,604 power outages across the commonwealth. Kentucky State Police received a total of 3,464 calls Wednesday night. State highway crews are working across the state, clearing trees and debris, and assisting utility crews clearing downed power lines, to reopen roads. At least 25 state highways are blocked by floodwater so far, mainly in western Kentucky. Gov. Beshear urges Kentuckians to be careful on the roads and never drive through standing water. Tri-State political leaders react to President Trump's newly announced tariffs Donate Life Month Gov. Beshear recognized April as Donate Life Month, raising awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation. Representatives from the National Kidney Foundation, Network for Hope, Second Chance at Life and Donate Life KY, transplant surgeons from UK Healthcare and UofL Health, donors and family members of transplant recipients joined the news conference to be recognized. 'More than 100,000 Americans – and more than 1,000 Kentuckians – are on the organ transplant list, waiting for that phone call that could save their life,' said Gov. Beshear. 'This is where you can help a neighbor in need. You can register today to become an organ, eye and tissue donor through the National Donate Life Registry at regional driver licensing offices or at any Circuit Court Clerk's office.' KY bill that loosens regulations on water becomes law Team Kentucky for federal employees Gov. Beshear provided an update on action the commonwealth is taking to support federal employees who may have lost their jobs due to action taken by the federal administration. Team Kentucky is working to make it easier for displaced federal employees to find employment. The Personnel Cabinet is hosting a virtual career fair on April 10 from 9 a.m. to noon EDT. The cabinet has also established a hotline with career counselors available at 502-564-8030. If anyone has been impacted by federal layoffs, officials ask for them to please go here for a comprehensive list of resources. Gov. Beshear declares State of Emergency for 4-day weather event Our Healthy Kentucky Home Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, which is a one-year initiative to promote 'simple, positive and attainable goals' to 'inspire and motivate' Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. For April, the initiative is highlighting mental health, and Dr. Stack encouraged Kentuckians to maintain a healthy diet, exercise, maintain strong social connections and have serious conversations with friends and family members about mental health. Dr. Stack also highlighted the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing mental health-related distress. Senator Paul introduces bill to end taxpayer subsidies for EVs Leadership announcement and Team Kentucky All-Star Gov. Beshear named Eric Friedlander, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, as this week's Team Kentucky All-Star, as he will be retiring August 1. Dr. Steven Stack, the commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, will take over as the new secretary of the cabinet. 'Most Kentuckians know these two leaders, because they helped us through a once-in-a-century pandemic,' said Gov. Beshear. 'Secretary Friedlander has spent more than 40 years in public service, working day in and day out to help our Kentucky families. His retirement is certainly deserved. And Dr. Stack is more than ready to take on this job. He has shown leadership in the most difficult of times, and now we get to work together to make people healthier, solve some of the complicated medical and health problems facing our commonwealth and improve the lives of Kentuckians.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. Beshear to address public during Team Kentucky update
Video note: Despite this article's time stamp, the above video is the latest forecast from The Weather Authority. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — As Kentucky remains under a state emergency due to ongoing severe weather, Gov. Andy Beshear addressed the state on Thursday with the latest information. In a news release, Beshear said he would update Kentuckians on a variety of topics, including development, infrastructure improvements, and the state's response to natural disasters and severe weather. Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, will provide an update on the Our Health Kentucky Home initiative. During his conference, Beshear said that after Wednesday night's severe weather, the proceeding two days indicated less intensity. However, there is still a high chance of flash flooding and riverbank flooding from Thursday to Sunday morning. Beshear urged Kentucky drivers to be slow and cautious on the commonwealth's highways. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, 49 state roads have been closed due to weather hazards as of 12:51 p.m. On Tuesday, Beshear declared a state of emergency for the Commonwealth, emphasizing that western Kentucky faces the highest risk of widespread severe storms expected to be 'intense and long-lived.' Across the Commonwealth, the oncoming storms raise concerns about tornadoes, hail, flooding, and strong winds. Video shows fire, explosions ravaging Lincoln County barn amid severe weather Gov. Beshear to address public during Team Kentucky update Kentucky State Police arrest man linked to Bourbon County double homicide As of 12:05 p.m. on Thursday, outages had reached 19,166 Kentucky customers. The declaration comes less than a month after the Bluegrass was impacted by disastrous flooding that left significant damage in several communities. For the latest weather alerts, download the FOX 56 Weather Authority App. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles cases reported in New Jersey, Kentucky amid ongoing outbreak in Texas
More measles cases are being confirmed across the United States as health officials work to treat patients in an ongoing outbreak in Texas. The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) and the Franklin County Health Department announced on Wednesday a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident, the first in the state in two years. The departments said the resident recently traveled internationally to an area where measles is spreading. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, health officials confirmed two new measles cases in Bergen County linked to a patient whose case was confirmed earlier this month. Officials haven't found any links between the cases in Kentucky and New Jersey, and there's no evidence the cases in Kentucky or New Jersey are connected to the outbreak in Texas, which has so far sickened 124 people and led to one death in an unvaccinated school-aged child. MORE: Texas measles outbreak grows to 124 cases, mostly among unvaccinated Kentucky health officials are now attempting to contact anyone the infected resident may have come into contact with. The resident attended a Planet Fitness in Frankfort on Feb. 17 while contagious, officials said. "Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world," KDPH Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said in a statement. "Fortunately, measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy." An official briefed on the situation told ABC News on Thursday that the new cases in New Jersey are members of the same family and were not vaccinated. Because they are in the same family, public health officials are hopeful public spread will have been limited. The original case tested positive after traveling internationally. The New Jersey Department of Health said people may have been exposed to measles if they visited Englewood Hospital's Emergency Department on Feb. 5. Health officials said people who were exposed could develop symptoms until as late as March 6. MORE: Measles cases are rising in US as Texas outbreak grows. Should we be concerned? Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. Just one infected patient can spread measles to up to nine out of 10 susceptible close contacts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials have been urging anyone who isn't vaccinated to receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC currently recommends that people receive two vaccine doses, the first at ages 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. Most vaccinated adults don't need a booster. Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 due to the highly effective vaccination program, according to the CDC. However, CDC data shows vaccination rates have been lagging in recent years. ABC News' Matt Foster contributed to this report. Measles cases reported in New Jersey, Kentucky amid ongoing outbreak in Texas originally appeared on
