Kentucky Improves Health Ranking Among States

In 2008, Kentucky improved its health status ranking among the other 49 states by improving from 43rd to 37th in the state rankings, according to the United Health Foundation. However, the incidence of obesity since 1990 has increased 135%. Our percentage of Kentuckians without health insurance increased over 2007. Not surprising considering the economic climate.

Rise in Stress: Poor Health Habits

In the Boston Globe Sunday paper, an article reports on the consequences of the poor economy on health. Doctors and hospitals are reporting patients picking up bad habits they once had kicked, foregoing screening, and higher levels of stress. They are blaming it on the economy. Massachusetts health status in 2008 was third. Kentucky's health status improved from 43rd in 2007 to 37th in 2008. If Massachusetts is seeing this trend, what is the trend for Kentuckians?

More Funding for SCHIP

The Los Angeles Times reported on the January passage by Congress of additonal funding for SCHIP to cover an additonal 4 million children in the United States. It is expected to be signed into law by President Obama. This surely will impact Kentucky, with 67,000 eligible kids who are not currently enrolled.

According to the Washington Post and Kaiser Health News, Americans are struggling even more to pay medical bills in this worsening economy. Many of these have insurance but struggle to pay
" fewer benefits, higher co-pays and additional deductibles -- and are at risk for large out-of-pocket bills when serious illness or injury strike. "

Submitted by Dr. Bob Flashman

AMA Journal Reports Seniors Mixing OTC and Prescription Drugs

The New York Times reported on an American Medical Association journal that 1 in 25 seniors mixes over the counter drugs with prescription drugs and supplements and are at risk of suffering a bad reaction.