Health

Just as First Aid and CPR help teach people how to aid in a medical emergency, Mental Health First Aid teaches the skills needed to assist someone experiencing a mental health related crisis. Mental Health First Aid courses teach people about risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction, and teach strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-­crisis situations. We'll talk about how to help individuals experiencing these challenges. KSKA: Monday, January 25, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. LISTEN NOW

Buried deep in the October 2004 supplement of the Alaska Administrative Code are a few sentences a lot of Alaska health care experts are talking about right now. It's called the 80th percentile rule. It was adopted as a consumer protection measure, but insurers say it's encouraging excessive prices for specialty care. Download Audio

More than a hundred people turned out last Thursday for a ribbon-cutting at a community health center in Sutton, a town on the Glenn Highway 60 miles northeast of Anchorage. The center will serve residents from Palmer to Eureka. And although the Indian Health Service contributed funding, and the Chickaloon Native Village Council manages the center, it will be open to Natives and non-Natives alike. Download Audio

More and more Alaskans are heading Outside for major elective surgeries. Flying to the Lower 48 for things like knee and hip replacements can save patients and their health plans tens of thousands of dollars. Health care experts hope the practice will help put pressure on Alaska prices for those surgeries. And there is some evidence the strategy is working. Download Audio

Much of the extended life span of humans today can be attributed to the control of pathogenic microbes. As a result the promotion of health and attention on chronic disease is becoming the focus of health care. However, along the way we are discovering a new appreciation of the health benefits provided by much more abundant non-pathogenic microbes that evolved with us and make up about 2 % of our weight. December 21, 2015 Download Audio

The federal government has extended an important deadline for people who need individual health insurance in 2016. High demand on healthcare.gov prompted officials to extend the deadline for coverage that takes effect Jan. 1.

The federal government has extend an important deadline for people who need individual health insurance in 2016. High demand on healthcare.gov prompted officials to extend the deadline for coverage that takes effect January 1.

The road from illness to recovery is often difficult. In the middle of a major health crisis, patients are expected to navigate the complicated health care system. A pilot program called Alaska Innovative Medicine in Anchorage is rounding out its first year trying to improve that journey for patients while also spending fewer healthcare dollars. Download Audio

On the next Line One we'll dive into a discussion on the cultural and technological barriers to more affordable, accessible and effective health care in the U.S. Our guest is Dr. John Patrick, author of "Health Attitude," a book delving into the complexities of the health care industry. KSKA: Monday, Nov. 23, at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. Download Audio:

The rise in drug use in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is prompting community action against addiction, and local health officials say that counteracting the spread of drug use is everybody's business. 　 Download Audio

Homer’s 32nd Rotary Health Fair drew a record number of participants to the Homer High School Saturday. Residents took full advantage of blood screenings, flu shots, and information booths dedicated to healthy living and disease prevention.

During the Second World War, household “Victory Gardens” produced almost half the food the nation consumed. Now home gardens produce about two percent. Could the path to food security run though a garden plot in your front yard? APRN: Tuesday, 3/11 at 10:00am Download Audio

Summer is over and we're back home again. Up ahead: winter. Now is a good time to take stock and see how prepared and self-reliant we are, not just for winter weather, but in the event a major event delays police, public health services, food and fresh water supplies. How does a citizen get ready, mentally and physically, to face the aftermath of a disaster? Join us with your questions on the next Hometown Alaska. KSKA: Wednesday, 8/28 at 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm Listen Now

Thursday, August 25 @ 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm As trade and shipping routes open in the Arctic, oil exploration expands and questions of climate change arise, cooperation in the Arctic becomes increasingly more important. This week on Addressing Alaskans, learn more about the Arctic Council, the only intergovernmental forum devoted entirely to the Arctic.