health

Lead poisoning in children down in Detroit

Current State — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:47:21 +0000

A story from Environmental Health News reports that lead poisoning in children in Detroit has decreased 70 percent since 2004. However, the number of children with exposure to excessive lead levels in Detroit still exceeds the national average, and funding for cleanup is dwindling.

Brian Bienkowski is a senior editor and staff writer at Environmental Health News. He discusses the decrease of lead poisoning and the motor city's environmental future.

Current State #52 | March 26, 2013

Current State — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:52:10 +0000

Today on Current State: Curtis Hertel on plans to run for Senate; former congressman advocates for mental health; Lansing City Council president's response to budget proposal; and measuring water quality over the years in the Great Lakes.

Lansing Financial Health Team unveils report

Current State — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:46:34 +0000

In Lansing, city leaders and many others have begun digging into pages of new recommendations for addressing long-term revenue shortfalls. Former Mayor David Hollister led the 14-person effort beginning last November. The blue ribbon Financial Health Team divided its work into two areas: long term costs and debt and a regionals approach to cutting, stream lining and the like.

Governor Rick Snyder calls for review of state mental health system

Current State — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 19:48:32 +0000

On Wednesday, Governor Rick Snyder ordered a review of how Michigan delivers mental health services. Among other issues, commissions headed by Lt. Governor Brian Calley will focus on how to close the gap for people who need help but end up in jail instead.

Dr. Sienko: Obesity Report Should Prompt Action

Mark Bashore — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Michigan continues to face a serious health challenge. A closely watched annual report shows the percentage of people categorized as "obese" in the state continues to rise. Michigan State University’s Dr. Dean Sienko attributes the trend largely to deteriorating lifestyle habits.

Michigan: 2nd West Nile Death Reported in State

The Associated Press — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 22:20:07 +0000

Michigan officials say a second person has died from the West Nile virus, and 18 more cases have been reported this week.

CDC: Michigan Has 'Very High' Obesity Rates

The Associated Press — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 22:18:44 +0000

Michigan is now one of 12 states with very high obesity rates.

New Health Report Seeks to Identify Regional Priorities

Kevin Lavery — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:39:23 +0000

Mid-Michigan health officials say they’ve issued the most comprehensive study of its kind in this region. The survey takes an extensive look at many social and environmental causes of health outcomes.

The study tracks a number of physical health indicators, including obesity, smoking and stress. The report also probes socioeconomic and environmental factors, and not surprisingly, it finds a direct correlation between poverty and poor health.

Sparrow joins Mayo Clinic Care Network

Kevin Lavery — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:30:33 +0000

Sparrow Health System in Lansing is joining forces with one of the nation’s most renowned names in health care.

Sparrow Health System is the first in Michigan to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The alliance will give Sparrow caregivers and patients direct access to Mayo’s research and expertise. Sparrow joins four other U.S. health providers in the Mayo network.

Sparrow CEO Dennis Swan says his organization and the Mayo Clinic share core values.

Lawmakers don't back funds for health exchange

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:39:49 +0000

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder's efforts to begin setting up a statewide health exchange as required by the
federal health care law are hitting a snag.