HEALTH

Apr 09 2026OPINION

Health care costs in Virginia: Who really pays the price?

Virginia's health care system is facing a quiet crisis, and most residents don't even realize the game being played with their wallets. Last year's major federal health law quietly handed corporations and wealthy shareholders huge tax breaks while leaving average families to foot the bill. The resul

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Apr 09 2026HEALTH

Free Health Checks Coming to Flint

Flint is rolling out a free health fair downtown next month. On April 9, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Genesee County Health Department and the University of Michigan-Flint team up to run their yearly Public Health Expo at the county administration building on Saginaw Street. Anyone can walk in for quick

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Apr 09 2026HEALTH

Tracking disease changes in mouth scarring

Doctors often see scarring inside the mouth that can turn into cancer over time. This scarring, called oral submucous fibrosis, starts small but can grow worse. Researchers wanted to know if a specific protein might predict when the disease gets more serious or turns cancerous. They looked at studi

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Apr 09 2026TECHNOLOGY

Why hospitals hesitate to use blockchain for health records

Many hospitals still keep medical records locked in old systems that feel safe but slow. These systems rely on passwords and firewalls that hackers keep breaking. Blockchain promises a better way: a digital ledger that spreads data across many computers so no single hacker can steal everything at on

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Apr 08 2026TECHNOLOGY

Cheap eye checks for everyone, everywhere

A new pocket-sized scanner could bring eye exams to places where people usually skip them—like drugstores or bus stops. Made by scientists in Japan, this AI helper spots cloudy lenses (cataracts) and pressure problems (glaucoma) in just a few minutes. Most high-tech eye gear costs thousands and live

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Apr 08 2026OPINION

Therapy needs rules, not just freedom

Never underestimate how much words matter in therapy. When a professional tells a young person that their identity is wrong, the damage goes beyond the session. Studies show that forcing someone to change who they are often backfires, increasing depression, anxiety, and even suicide risk. Yet the Su

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Apr 08 2026ENTERTAINMENT

How movies are bringing real struggles to the screen

A new movie is shaking up how we see mental health on screen. Called Dr. Q, it follows a doctor who helps others while dealing with her own problems, showing how tough it can be to care for people when life feels empty. Instead of just action or jokes, this film mixes drama with real stories, making

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Apr 08 2026POLITICS

A Quick Look at Massachusetts' Health Funding Fix

Massachusetts just set aside another $300 million to keep public workers' health plans running until summer. Lawmakers pushed this through fast, signing the bill the same day it cleared both chambers. The money targets the Group Insurance Commission, which handles health plans for roughly 460, 000 p

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Apr 08 2026HEALTH

Keep your well water clean: why testing matters

Many people in La Crosse County rely on private wells for drinking water, but most don’t realize how easily contaminants can slip in. Unlike public water systems that get regular checks, private wells depend entirely on their owners to monitor quality. Experts say the safest approach is testing ever

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Apr 08 2026HEALTH

Where your kids get the best healthcare might surprise you

A new study looks at how well each state supports children’s health, but the results aren’t always what you’d expect. Most kids have insurance, yet families still struggle with big bills—on average, parents pay around $6, 850 a year just to cover their children under work-based plans. That shows hav

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