Health & Medicine

The Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group, OSPIRG, this week released its 30th annual list of dangerous toys on store shelves.

With temperatures forecast to be at or below freezing, the Egan Warming Centers plan to open Tuesday and Wednesday. They'll be on standby through next Monday [Nov. 30].

Douglas County Public Health officials report one person has died and another remains hospitalized as a result of meningococcal disease. This is not considered an outbreak and as KLCC’s Tiffany Eckert reports, doctors are confident the disease is contained.  

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria present in the noses and throats of about 10% of the population. When it is  spread—it’s through very close, prolonged personal contact. Symptoms include high fever, headache and stiff neck.

On Monday, the Eugene City Council is expected to vote for a legal overnight camping spot for homeless people during the winter.

Syphilis has increased by 1,500 % in Oregon since 2007. Public health officials announced the disturbing trend after Lincoln County reported its 12th case this year.

To help homeless people get through the winter, Eugene City Councilors are considering allowing camping on sanctioned property for overnight sleeping.  The Eugene City Council heard public comments Monday evening on the proposal.

White Bird Health Clinic is partnering with Eugene's Community Supported Shelters to provide a temporary shelter for people in mental health crisis. It's at the Roosevelt Safe Spot, a rest stop for the homeless.

For the first time, Oregon has the lowest premature birth rate in the country, earning an “A” grade from March of Dimes.

Lane County Health officials say Norovirus is the most likely cause of more than one hundred teachers and students becoming ill Thursday at O'Hara Catholic School in Eugene. The school is closed Friday and likely to re-open next week.

Flu season is upon us. Typically it starts in Southeast Asia and makes its way around the globe. Oregon is one of the last states to see flu outbreaks— they start appearing in mid-October.

People underestimate the common flu—it can be deadly-- especially to those with compromised immune systems. Jason Davis is with Lane County Public Health.

Incidents of elder abuse are increasing in Oregon. A report from the Office of Adult Abuse Prevention last week documents a 10 percent jump in allegations and investigations.

The most common types of adult abuse are financial, for those living at home, and neglect, for those living in care facilities. Rebecca Fetters of Oregon’s Department of Human Services says the reason for the increase is partially demographic:

Fetters: “We might anticipate continuing to see an increase in those numbers going forward, in part because of the rapid aging of the 65 and older population.”

Newport is considering adding fluoride to the city water system. The City Council is seeking public input.

The state is creating a task force to research the medical and health properties of cannabis.

The legislature last session asked the Oregon Health Authority to create the task force. Doctor Katrina Hedburg with the OHA's Public Health Division says it will look at gaps in knowledge and research about the plant.  Since marijuana is illegal under federal law, there's not a lot of research available.

Hedburg says there is one FDA approved medication under the brand Marinol. It's made from THC, a chemical in marijuana.

The Portland-based nonprofit Albertina Kerr will stop providing services to people with developmental disabilities in Lane County. So what's next for the clients and staff?

32 clients, including 23 from around the clock group homes, will need new accommodations. Issues with state funding is one of the reasons Albertina Kerr said it is leaving Lane County after 18 years. Even so, the person in charge of overseeing the transition of clients is confident there are enough local agencies to take them on.

The Oregon State Psychiatric Hospital has made progress during a decade of change. But more can be done to improve mental health treatment and staff safety. That's according to a recent audit by the Secretary of State's office.

People in and around Sweet Home will soon have a new health care center, due to a $1.1 million dollar federal grant.

The two-year grant comes from Affordable Care Act funds, and will be used to expand an existing clinic. Sherlyn Dahl is Director of Community Health Centers for Benton and Linn Counties. She says it’s important for residents of rural areas to be able to easily find high-quality wrap-around services:

Fresh, local produce has been a fixture in downtown Eugene since 1915. The Lane County Farmers Market celebrates its 100th anniversary this weekend.

It used to be called the Eugene Producers’ Public Market, but it originally opened in the same space it occupies today: 8th Avenue and Oak Street. Today the Farmer’s Market includes more than 85 growers, and has incorporated the wintertime holiday market, and Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer. Carrie Swarts is the Market Manager. She says the long-term dream is for an indoor-outdoor space at the Park Blocks:

Air quality in the south Willamette Valley declined earlier this week due to smoke from wildfires in southern Oregon and northern California. A new fire south of Eugene has further increased risks. Residents may need to prepare for a long stretch of hazy conditions.

Scientists at Oregon State University have developed a wristband that can detect chemicals in the environment. Advocacy groups see them as a tool to help people to find out what they're being exposed to and eventually use the information to affect policy. And a new company hopes to sell the wristbands commercially.