More than half of those who responded to a new Texas health care poll said it is becoming more difficult to afford, and the number of those who do not have a primary-care doctor is alarmingly high. The annual Episcopal Health Foundation survey showed health care affordability and access is a growing crisis in Texas. Brian Sasser, chief communications officer for foundation, said the number of Texans who said they cannot afford to see a doctor when they are sick is on the rise. .
Health advocates in New Hampshire want to ensure younger women know the potential risk factors for breast cancer, the second most commoncancer among women in the nation. Some of those risk factors are unavoidable, such as getting older or a family history with the disease, but studies show a healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent breast cancer or improve prognosis outcomes. Kristen Sullivan, director of prevention and survivorship for the American Cancer Society, said it is important for women to share their medical history with their doctor to determine when cancer screenings should begin. .
Heart disease takes more than 15,000 lives in Missouri every year, making it the number one cause of death in the state. This is the time of year that parents can step up their efforts to prevent it in the next generation. Studies indicate children as young as 10 to 14 can show the early stages of plaque building in their arteries - a precursor to heart disease. .
October is National Eczema Awareness Month. More than 31 million people in the U.S. have some form of the chronic skin disease, also known as atopic dermatitis. .
This fall, a key federal agency is taking applications from providers who want to join a nationwide model to improve Alzheimer s care. Minnesota voices see it as a promising opportunity to reduce stress for patients and their caregivers. Over the summer, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a new voluntary guide in hopes of establishing more coordinated care for individuals diagnosed with dementia. .