Current Healthy Indiana Plan Extended Through the End of February

The current Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) program, which was originally set to expire today, has received an extension to continue operations through February 28th.

The extension was granted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Governor Eric Holcomb stated that as a result, the more than 400,000 HIP participants will see no change in service, for now. Continue reading

Mobile Health Units to Provide Information & Screenings in September

The Wellness Outreach Professionals with the Mobile Health Unit of the La Porte Hospital will be making stops around the community during national prostate cancer awareness month. La Porte County and Starke County will have Mobile Health Units set up in various places throughout the month of September in order to provide men’s health education and promote the importance of colorectal cancer screenings. Continue reading

New Information Emerges in North Judson Police Shooting

 
 

The North Judson man shot by police responding to a call at his residence is in stable condition at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. That’s where 29-year-old Richard Joseph Benwell was airlifted early Tuesday afternoon with what was described as a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin says sheriff’s deputies and North Judson Police were notified by dispatchers of a man hitting his fiancée’s car with a sledgehammer in the 5000 block of 800 South. That’s southwest of North Judson.

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Back-to-School Vaccination Reminder

bewiseAre back-to-school vaccinations on your end of the summer to-do-list? If not, they should be. Regardless of what grade your child is going into, there are required immunizations they must receive or have listed on their medical records. The requirements and recommendations are in alignment with the routine vaccination schedules from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Continue reading

Let’s Make it Work – Breaking the Breastfeeding Stigma

breastfeedingThe first week of August marks a very important week of recognition for mothers in America. August first through the seventh is World Breastfeeding Week. The Indiana State Department of Health lists breastfeeding as not only healthy to the infant but mentions the benefits for the mother as well. The theme this year is “Breastfeeding and Work: Let’s Make it Work.” All around the world, advocates for families are calling for action to support women in being able to combine breastfeeding and work.

Even locally, people are doing their part to promote awareness. Pulaski Memorial Hospital and the Heartland Breastfeeding Coalition are teaming-up and asking the community to join them in celebrating the week on Wednesday, August 5 from 10 am until noon (EST). Join both organizations at a reception with goodies and and door prizes being held in the Medical Office Building at the back of Pulaski Memorial Hospital. Continue reading

Infant Mortality Speaker Addressing Indiana Health Problems

 
 

Indiana has one of the worst infant mortality rates in the nation.

That’s why the Indiana Youth Institute is bringing a speaker to the Pulaski County Public Library in Winamac to discuss the issue.

According to data provided by the Youth Institute, an infant dies every 16 hours in the state. That puts Indiana newest residents at a 25-percent higher risk of death than their peers.

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Bird Flu Affecting Local Events

Purdue Extension LogoThe Indiana State Board of Animal Health is taking steps to limit the spread of avian influenza.

During a special meeting this week, the Board decided to cease all bird movements to events that allow co-mingling. That includes shows, exhibitions, and public sales.
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Pulaski Memorial Hospital Hosts Health Fair

Pulaski Memorial Hospital
Pulaski Memorial Hospital

Each year, residents of Pulaski County are encouraged to learn more about the health services that are offered in their area.

On Saturday, Pulaski Memorial Hospital will host their annual health fair. The event invites about 35 vendors to discuss what is happening at the hospital as well as some of the hospital’s community partners.
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Quarterly HIV Screenings Scheduled Monday

healthyIndividuals afflicted with sexually transmitted diseases will have an opportunity to be screened for symptoms of the disease, Monday.

The Starke County Health Department will be hosting AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist. The group is based out of South Bend through the Methodist Church and works to educate the public about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
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Culver Town Council Tables Water Flouridation Again

culver town hall
 

Discussions continued in Culver on an issue that medical professionals say is an important public health issue.

The Town is in the process of designing a new water treatment facility. Designs are at the stage where decisions need to be made on whether the Town of Culver intends to continue using fluoride in the water system. The chemical is often used to prevent dental decay and help children develop strong tooth enamel.
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