KNDU - Healthy Communities

New Involuntary Commitment Bill Will Assist Courts with Mentally Ill Treatment

Jane Sander — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:39:00 EDT

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- A new law will change how Washington courts determine if a person should be involuntarily committed to a mental health treatment facility.

From Teal To Toe: Walking For Ovarian Cancer Research

Don Granese — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:14:00 EDT

RICHLAND, Wash.- People walk along the Columbia River in Richland all the time, but this weekend they can do it for a good cause.

USDA Recalling Foster Farms Chicken Strips

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:17:00 EDT

Foster Farms is recalling approximately 6,165 pounds of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast strips that contain wheat and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

Health Officials Asking Public to Report Dead Birds for West Nile Tracking

Aaron Hilf — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:39:00 EDT

West Nile virus season is starting to ramp up in our area.

CPR: How You React...Life Or Death

Don Granese — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:13:00 EDT

KENNEWICK, Wash.- When someone is unconscious, not breathing or has no pulse, the first moments could mean life or death.

Richland Nurse Uses Therapy Dog to Treat Patients

Claire Graham — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:51:00 EDT

A local nurse practitioner in Richland is using a new method of therapy when it comes to treating his patients. This method however, has four legs and a tail.

Health Experts Warn Pet Owners To Get Pets Vaccinated from Rabies

Tracci Dial — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:54:00 EDT

A bat tested positive for rabies in Pasco last weekend and that has some health experts warning about pet vaccinations.

Biggest Loser Finalist to Run in Sage Rat Run in Prosser

Tracci Dial — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:39:00 EDT

A reality TV star is in town this weekend to cheer on and support runners in the Sage Rat River Run in Prosser Saturday.

Autistic Boy Learns to Speak With the Help of Technology

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:07:00 EDT

An autistic teen who can't speak, wrote a book about what its like to be autistic. It is opening eyes about what kids with Autism are thinking, feeling, and capable of.

Study from the CDC Shows 60% of Pools Contain Fecal Material

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:12:00 EDT

Swimmers beware, a new study shows more than half of public pools have fecal matter in the water.

Richland Family Shares Story, Raising Awareness for Fragile X

Meredith Boggs — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:46:00 EDT

RICHLAND, Wash. - One Richland family is working to raise awareness about an inherited intellectual disability after finding out the syndrome hits close to home.

Bat Bites Baby in Pasco, Being Treated for Rabies

Tracci Dial — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:22:00 EDT

A word of warning from health officials after a bat tests positive for rabies in Pasco.

MaterniT21 Allows You to Determine Baby's Gender After 10 Weeks

Anthony Sanzeri — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:46:00 EDT

There is a new cutting edge non-invasive test that allows you to determine if you are having a boy or girl as early as 10 weeks into your pregnancy.

Local Pharmacies Working to Fight Prescription Drug Fraud

Emily Bowman — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:38:00 EDT

RICHLAND, Wash. - NBC Right Now is digging deeper into prescription drug fraud, a growing problem in the area.

New Report Shows More Kids Have Tried Alcohol

Anthony Sanzeri — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:49:00 EDT

The new government survey shows 33 percent of 8th graders and 70 percent of 12th graders in the have tried alcohol.

Lourdes Health Network Offering Free Mammograms

Emily Bowman — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:39:00 EDT

PASCO, Wash. - The Lourdes Health Network is offering help to women in need.

Kindergartners in Oregon Top the County in Highest Non-Medical Immunization Exemptions

Meredith Boggs — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:42:00 EDT

OREGON- Oregon has the highest rate of non-medical immunization exemptions for kindergartners in the country, and some lawmakers would like to see the number fall.

New Super Bug CRE is Nearly Impossible to Treat

Anthony Sanzeri — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:57:00 EDT

Warnings about dangerous c-diff infections have been around for years... But now there's a new, even deadlier super bug that's nearly impossible to treat.

CPR Training to be part of WA High School Health Class

Tracci Dial — Wed, 8 May 2013 21:22:00 EDT

High school seniors in Washington will soon graduate with more than just math and science skills under their belt.

Lipstick and Gloss Might Have Troubling Levels of Toxic Metals

Anthony Sanzeri — Wed, 8 May 2013 17:13:00 EDT

An alarming new study suggests the lipstick and gloss that women use every day, may contain troubling levels of toxic metals.

Good Health is Good Business Program Challenge Gears Up for 2nd Year

Jane Sander — Mon, 6 May 2013 20:52:00 EDT

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Local business leaders hope that a healthy lifestyle will lead to a healthier bottom line.

Whooping Cough Cases Lower This Year

Jane Sander — Fri, 3 May 2013 21:26:00 EDT

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- After a record number of pertussis, or whooping cough, cases last year, thankfully, those numbers are much lower this year.

Plan B Contraceptive Available for Young Girls in Washington State

Jane Sander — Fri, 3 May 2013 21:13:00 EDT

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- The FDA recently decided to make the Plan B contraceptive available over the counter and for girls as young as 15-years-old.

New Research Finds That Obesity Increases the Risk of Cancer

Anthony Sanzeri — Fri, 3 May 2013 12:38:00 EDT

Researchers have found that obesity actually increases the risk of cancer but if you lose weight that can have a big impact.

Study Finds More Kids Are Dealing with Food Allergies

Jane Sander — Thu, 2 May 2013 21:33:00 EDT

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Parents and schools are planning meals with caution to protect kids from their food allergies.

ER Visits for Stimulant Pill Abuse by College Students Rising

Anthony Sanzeri — Thu, 2 May 2013 19:54:00 EDT

They're buying them from friends who are prescribed these drugs to treat attention deficit disorders, but the drugs have side effects and when abused can be deadly.

Pacific Northwest Turns in Over 16 Tons on National Take-Back Day

Emily Bowman — Thu, 2 May 2013 15:47:00 EDT

NBCRightNow.com - The Sixth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day last Saturday was a success. Pacific northwest residents turned in over 16 tons of drugs, two more tons than the previous year.

Happy Bike Month! WA State Ranked Number One Bike Friendly State

Tracci Dial — Wed, 1 May 2013 21:27:00 EDT

RICHLAND, Wash. - Happy National Bike Month! Even more reason to celebrate, Washington is ranked the number one bike friendly state in the nation.

Justice Department to Appeal Morning-After Case

Rachel Hoops — Wed, 1 May 2013 20:56:00 EDT

The Justice Department is appealing a judge's decision lifting all age limits on the Plan B morning-after birth control pill and a cheaper generic.

Richland Orthodontics Office Gives Thousands to Local Schools

Jane Sander — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:14:00 EDT

RICHLAND, Wash.-- Getting braces at a local orthodontist office will do more than just straighten your teeth. You can also help raise money for local schools.

Caffeinated Cuisine is Getting the FDA's Attention

Anthony Sanzeri — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:58:00 EDT

In an already caffeinated culture of coffee shops and energy drinks, the FDA is concerned that more and more foods are offering similar caffeine jolts.

FDA: Morning-After Pill to Move Over-The-Counter

Emily Bowman — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Plan B morning-after pill is moving over-the-counter, a decision announced by the Food and Drug Administration just days before a court-imposed deadline.

Study Shows Eating Processed May Lower IQ Scores in Children

Anthony Sanzeri — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:42:00 EDT

Eating healthy food is a good idea at any age, and one study says eating too much processed food may even lower IQ scores in young children.

Cancer Center and KGH Offer Cancer Screening Clinic

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:59:00 EDT

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center and Kennewick General Hospital will offer another free breast and cervical cancer screening clinic.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day This Saturday

Meredith Boggs — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:39:00 EDT

NBCRightNow.com - National Prescription Drug take back day is Saturday, April 27th.

Designer Drug Sending Youth to the ER

Tracci Dial — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:38:00 EDT

Lots of young people between the ages of 12 and 20's are going to emergency rooms with a new set of symptoms.

Synthetic Marijuana 'Undetectable' with Standard Drug Screen

Tracci Dial — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:23:00 EDT

Synthetic marijuana has become a popular alternative to smoking pot in recent years. But doctors say it's dangerous.

New Severe Asthma Treatment Heats Sections of the Airway

Anthony Sanzeri — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:05:00 EDT

A new kind of treatment could have severe asthma patients breathing easier, by using heat to open the airways.

State Health Dept: Only 1 in 10 Getting Proper Substance Abuse Treatment

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:34:00 EDT

The State Health Department says only about 1 in 10 people who need treatment for substance abuse in Washington state are currently getting the help they need.

Staying Sun Safe This Summer

Anthony Sanzeri — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:01:00 EDT

It is that time of year when we're desperate to shake off the winter blahs and bask in sunshine. While a little sun can do wonders for mood, too much can be dangerous for your skin.

Yakima Free Clinic Serving Thousands of People

Aaron Hilf — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:53:00 EDT

A free medical clinic is growing by leaps and bounds, now helping thousands of people a year in the Yakima Valley.

Overlooked Laundry Room Chemicals Dangerous for Small Children

Anthony Sanzeri — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:49:00 EDT

Pediatricians are warning parents and grandparents not to overlook the laundry room when it comes to keeping kids safe.

What Chemicals are in Your Food?

Anthony Sanzeri — Mon, 8 Apr 2013 18:28:00 EDT

It's something many of us don't know when we head to the grocery store, but there are foods we eat that contain ingredients banned in other countries.

Frozen Foods Recalled for E. Coli Risk Were Distributed in Washington

Tracci Dial — Mon, 8 Apr 2013 11:31:00 EDT

The state Department of Health is warning people about a recall of frozen food related to a national outbreak of E. coli.

"Plan B" Pill Could Become Available to All Girls

Emily Bowman — Fri, 5 Apr 2013 17:19:00 EDT

NBCRightNow.com - The morning after pill may soon be available to girls of all ages, if a New York judge's ruling is upheld.

Podiatrists Tips on Avoiding Common Foot Conditions

Anthony Sanzeri — Thu, 4 Apr 2013 17:12:00 EDT

Every day, our feet take a pounding and Podiatrist Vernon Garber says your whole foot is susceptible to conditions that can stop you in your tracks.

Extreme Pita in Kennewick Joins National Kids LiveWell Movement

Tracci Dial — Wed, 3 Apr 2013 21:21:00 EDT

Extreme Pita in Kennewick joins a nationwide movement to offer healthier choices for kids while dining out.

New Surgical Techniques Revolutionizing Colon Cancer Treatment

Anthony Sanzeri — Wed, 3 Apr 2013 19:13:00 EDT

Colon Cancer screenings are increasingly saving lives, and new surgical techniques are revolutionizing treatment, helping stop the cancer in its tracks with a nearly 100 percent cure rate.

Benton-Franklin Health District Working to Promote Good Health

Emily Bowman — Tue, 2 Apr 2013 20:52:00 EDT

KENNEWICK, Wash. - The Benton-Franklin Health District is helping people invest in their health for National Public Health Week.

One in Three Americans Doesn't Get a Good Night's Rest

Anthony Sanzeri — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:13:00 EDT

For one in three working Americans, a good night's sleep is truly a dream and the sleep debt they're building up is dangerously unhealthy.

Under the Tongue Drops Might be as Effective and Allergy Shots

Anthony Sanzeri — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:01:00 EDT

For years allergy sufferers have endured weekly rounds of immunotherapy shots, now researchers are investigating a different way to deliver the same medication, with under-the-tongue drops.

Study: Health Law Will Raise Claim Costs in Washington

Emily Bowman — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:06:00 EDT

OLYMPIA, Wash. - A study by the Society of Actuaries estimates new federal health care law could raise medical claims costs in the state by an average of 13.7 percent per person.

KGH Launches Medical Residency and Student Programs

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:39:00 EDT

Kennewick General Hospital will start the Tri-Cities area's first medical residency programs with the first medical residents arriving this summer.

Folic Acid: Autism Preventative?

Anthony Sanzeri — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:27:00 EST

Researchers in Norway have found that women who took folic acid supplements before they got pregnant and during the first trimester lowered their babies' risk of developing autism by 40-percent.

New Surgery Could Help Asthma Patients Breathe Easier

Anthony Sanzeri — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:18:00 EST

A new surgery could help asthma patients breath easier, and it's the first drug-free way to relieve symptoms.

Teen Births Continue To Decline In U.S.

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:34:00 EST

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The number of U.S. babies born to teen mothers dropped to record lows in 2011, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Is Letting a Baby "Cry It Out" the Best Option?

Anthony Sanzeri — Fri, 8 Feb 2013 16:39:00 EST

Leaving him alone to "cry it out" is hard to do, but it's exactly what brand new research finds is best for everyone, especially the baby.

Can A Video Game Alleviate Flu Shot Fears in Children?

Anthony Sanzeri — Thu, 7 Feb 2013 17:46:00 EST

Doctors and a team of college video game designers have collaborated on a new video game they hope will alleviate children's fears about getting a flu shot.

Does the Weather Have an Impact on Getting Sick?

Anthony Sanzeri — Wed, 6 Feb 2013 15:52:00 EST

There's a lot going around this time of year, but is it the cold weather that's to blame for the common cold?

Check your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:57:00 EST

Health experts agree that you may gain health benefits from even a small weight loss if: You are considered obese based on your body mass index (BMI) (see BMI chart below). You are considered overweight

Health tip: Troubled by a toothache?

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 14:25:00 EST

A toothache can be a real pain, but you can take steps to care for tooth discomfort.

1 in 8 adults may have sensitive teeth

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 12:39:00 EST

If you sometimes get a jolt of pain in your mouth when you drink or eat something hot or cold, you're not alone: A new survey of U.S. dental offices finds that one in eight people has over-sensitive teeth.

Human teeth healthier in the stone age than today

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:18:00 EST

Something to think about next time you're in the dentist's chair: Ancient humans had healthier teeth than people do today, researchers say.

Severe gum disease may be linked to impotence

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 10:08:00 EST

If you're a man, new research suggests that brushing and flossing regularly could have an impact on your sex life.

Does more dental plaque mean higher chances of dying from cancer?

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:19:00 EDT

The gnarly plaque lurking on your gums and teeth may increase your chances of dying from cancer, new research suggests.

1 in 5 Americans has untreated cavities

Thu, 31 May 2012 14:19:00 EDT

More than one in every five Americans has untreated cavities, a new government report shows.

Severe gum disease, impotence may be linked

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:27:00 EDT

Men with severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, are at greater risk for impotence, according to a new study that finds young men and the elderly at particular risk.

More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs.

Americans still making unhealthy choices

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:42:00 EDT

The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.

Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:35:00 EDT

The monstrous tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing dozens of adults and children, is a stunning example of violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being.

Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:29:00 EDT

When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study.

Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:25:00 EDT

Urban elementary school children with poorly controlled asthma are likely to experience sleep problems and suffer academically, new research indicates.

Genes may boost woman's risk of postpartum depression

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Pregnant women with specific alterations in two genes may be at increased risk of suffering depression after giving birth, a small new study suggests.

Racial disparities seen in U.S. lung cancer treatment

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Racial disparities exist in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer among hospitals in the United States, according to a large new study.

Favorite music may ease anxiety for patients

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:32:00 EDT

Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study.

Revised sunscreen labels should help consumers make wiser choices

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:20:00 EDT

Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection.

Living near major roadways in pregnancy tied to respiratory woes in children

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:09:00 EDT

A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests.

Only 1 in 5 Americans gets enough exercise

Fri, 3 May 2013 10:02:00 EDT

Most Americans are falling short when it comes to exercise, a new government report shows.

Decisions, decisions: Work out or fix a meal?

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EDT

Preparing meals can mean less time for exercise, according to a new study.

Want to lose weight? Then run, don't walk

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 12:05:00 EDT

Need to lose weight? Running will help more than walking, according to new research.

'Bigorexics' want to boost their masculinity

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:57:00 EDT

Men obsessed with muscle-building lean toward traditional ideas of masculinity, while men fixated on being thin likely associate with more feminine stereotypes, according to new research.

Sports gamblers wrongly bet on their sense of control

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:29:00 EDT

Many sports gamblers consider their extensive betting experience and insight into college basketball a slam-dunk for success during the three-week U.S. championship dubbed "March Madness."

Short-term exercise might boost young people's self-control

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 14:23:00 EST

Short bouts of moderately intense exercise appear to improve the self-control of youngsters and young adults, a broad review of existing research suggests.

Exercise leads to better sleep

Tue, 5 Mar 2013 10:17:00 EST

A brisk walk or workout can improve your sleep, even in the hours before bed, according to the results of a new U.S. poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation.

Everyday activities may have same health benefits as going to gym

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:52:00 EST

Short stretches of physical activity -- such as taking the stairs or raking leaves -- throughout the day can be just as beneficial as a trip to the gym, according to a new study.

On game day, sometimes winning isn't everything

Sun, 3 Feb 2013 14:25:00 EST

Hey, sports fans: It doesn't matter if your team wins or loses, just as long as the game is a down-to-the-wire nail-biter, with heroes to laud and villains to loathe.

Snowboarding tops list of winter-sports injuries

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:20:00 EST

Across much of the United States, the winter months are a fun time filled with falling flakes and holiday cheer. But high season for snow and ice can also entail broken bones.

Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:53:00 EDT

Eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections.

Gene variations may explain weight gain among men, women

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.

Angelina Jolie has preventative double mastectomy

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:24:00 EDT

Hollywood film star Angelina Jolie announced Tuesday that she has undergone a double mastectomy because she carries a genetic mutation that greatly increases her risk of potentially fatal breast cancer.

Too much texting, Facebook time may lower college women's grades

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 08:58:00 EDT

Media use is a serious distraction for college freshmen, with a new study finding young women devote up to 12 hours daily on pursuits such as texting, posting status updates and surfing the web.

Human gene patent case goes to Supreme Court

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:14:00 EDT

The question of whether human genes can be patented is at the center of a case to be heard Monday by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Changes to psychiatry's 'bible' could widen definition of ADHD

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:58:00 EDT

Experts believe several changes in psychiatry's 'bible' will broaden both the definition and diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- ADHD.

Moderate drinking may not affect breast cancer survival

Tue, 9 Apr 2013 14:58:00 EDT

Women who have survived breast cancer can drink alcohol in moderation, new research indicates.

Experimental vaccine shows promise for ovarian cancer

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 14:58:00 EDT

A novel but preliminary new treatment for ovarian cancer has apparently produced complete remission for one patient with an advanced form of the disease, researchers are reporting.

Study links coffee to lower risk for rare liver disease

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Just a few extra cups of coffee each month might help prevent the development of an autoimmune liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a new study suggests.

'Nonsmoking' hotel rooms may not fully protect guests

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:00 EDT

People who opt for nonsmoking rooms in hotels with a partial smoking ban are not fully protected from harmful exposure to so-called "thirdhand" smoke, according to a new study.

Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:03:00 EDT

New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.

Public funding spurs couples to seek fertility treatment

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT

Public funding of assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, broadens the range of couples who seek treatment for infertility by attracting a more diverse population.

FDA: Lower Ambien's dose to prevent drowsy driving

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:29:00 EDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday that it is asking manufacturers of sleep medications containing zolpidem -- including Ambien -- to lower the recommended doses.

Erectile dysfunction tied to long-term narcotic use in men

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life.

Rich 'cougar,' 'sugar daddy' stereotypes might not mirror reality

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:33:00 EDT

The notion of wealthy "sugar daddies" with young, pretty wives and well-heeled "cougar" women with handsome, young husbands may be more fiction than fact, new research suggests.

Hospital bills can vary widely, even in same cities

Thu, 9 May 2013 09:56:00 EDT

The fees that hospitals charge consumers or insurance providers for services vary widely across the United States, and can even vary within geographic regions and cities, federal officials reported Wednesday.