HEALTH


UPMC laying off 128 transcriptionists

2013-05-21 15:32:38

Spokeswoman Gloria Kreps said all will be offered jobs with Nuance, a Massachusetts company that specializes in voice-recognition software.


Critics blast new manual on mental disorders

2013-05-21 00:19:44

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 Pennsylvania controversy over its new characterization of some disorders.


AGH runs trial for new stent that dissolves inside body

2013-05-21 00:12:23

A trial for a new treatment for coronary artery disease, a leading cause of death in the U.S., will include Pittsburgh doctors and patients.


Health Happenings

2013-05-20 00:12:25

The Pittsburgh Mercy Health System is holding an online auction from 9 a.m. June 1 to 9 p.m. June 16.


Mom: Disney show 'Jessie' ridicules kids with celiac disease

Mom: Disney show 'Jessie' ridicules kids with celiac disease

2013-05-20 00:12:21

An Ohio Township mother, whose children require a gluten-free diet, started a petition against the Disney Channel show.


Diabetic foot problems are one of the most serious complications of the disease

Diabetic foot problems are one of the most serious complications of the disease

2013-05-20 00:10:12

Foot problems for people with diabetes are costly: more than $80 billion a year, or one-third of the health costs of diabetes in the U.S.


An answer for peanut allergies may be in the pipeline at UPMC

An answer for peanut allergies may be in the pipeline at UPMC

2013-05-20 00:08:01

Children's Hospital is taking part in a worldwide study that tries to desensitize youngsters allergic to peanuts by wearing a patch.


Coaches go to bat for Pitch for Hope

2013-05-20 00:06:48

Coaches for the Pittsburgh baseball team will conduct a baseball clinic June 30 as part of a fundraiser for Glimmer of Hope.


Meghan Wilson's impossible dream to be doctor comes true

Meghan Wilson's impossible dream to be doctor comes true

2013-05-19 00:23:07

A 1996 skiing accident left Meghan Wilson with quadriplegia. On Monday, she'll graduate from Pitt's School of Medicine with an M.D./Ph.D.


Meghan Wilson's story inspires others

2013-05-19 00:20:22

Officials offer accolades to her for overcoming challenges of quadriplegia to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.


Pennsylvania Insurance Department fines Highmark

2013-05-17 00:21:53

The department says the violations found in a two-year review dealt with claims denials and failure to remedy those issues expediently.


U.S. child-care rules getting tougher

2013-05-17 00:09:58

The proposed regulations will require workers in all subsidized child-care centers and homes to be trained in first-aid and safety.


AccuWeather predicts active Atlantic hurricane season

2013-05-16 00:17:04

AccuWeather.com is calling for fewer storms in all, but four storms could become major hurricanes, compared with one in 2012.


NASA's telescope's breakdown imperils planet hunt

2013-05-16 00:09:22

The Kepler Space Telescope, which to date has cost $600 million to build and operate, has lost the ability to point accurately.


Health department headed to rehabbed Allegheny County morgue

2013-05-16 00:06:22

The building's ongoing renovation includes a revamped interior and expanded second floor.


Full Pennsylvania Fair Care funds sought

2013-05-15 09:37:41

Pennsylvania wants to keep its PA Fair Care program in place, but the federal government wants to see changes.


Top pay went to former executives at West Penn Allegheny Health System

2013-05-15 00:10:35

Christopher Olivia and Roy Santarella, who left WPAHS in 2011, were the highest compensated employees in fiscal year ending June 30, 2012.


Diets super-low in salt may not be worth effort

2013-05-15 00:10:21

There's no good evidence that eating levels below 2,300 milligrams a day recommended for most people -- offers benefits.


Actress Angelina Jolie praised for openly discussing preventive mastectomy

Actress Angelina Jolie praised for openly discussing preventive mastectomy

2013-05-15 00:07:13

Can doctors expect a stampede of women into their offices demanding the same procedure? Yes and no.


NTSB proposes tougher limits on drunk driving

2013-05-15 00:04:25

The National Transportation Safety Board wants states to lower the standard for drunk driving blood alcohol level from .08 to .05.


Profits shrinking at Pennsylvania hospitals

2013-05-15 00:02:28

Smaller margins and growing uncompensated care are putting the squeeze on hospitals, says the Pa. Health Care Cost Containment Council.


Pittsburgh doctor says Jolie's mastectomy decision may promote awareness

Pittsburgh doctor says Jolie's mastectomy decision may promote awareness

2013-05-14 15:41:37

Medical technology makes it theoretically possible for any woman to do what Angelina Jolie did. But should she?


NTSB recommends states lower blood-alcohol limit to 0.05

2013-05-14 12:08:50

The National Transportation Safety Board voted 5-0, which is not binding, in suggesting that states lower the limit of legal intoxication.


Damaged New Jersey roller coaster to be removed from ocean

2013-05-14 00:08:11

This time next week, perhaps the most famous symbol of Superstorm Sandy's devastation at the Jersey shore will be gone.


Late Steelers great Webster's case launched the CTE brain debate

Late Steelers great Webster's case launched the CTE brain debate

2013-05-14 00:07:22

Mike Webster's family says his problems paved the way for understanding chronic traumatic encephalopathy.


Long-term brain damage at heart of huge NFL lawsuit

Long-term brain damage at heart of huge NFL lawsuit

2013-05-14 00:07:18

CTE is at the heart of lawsuits against the NFL


Scientists hunt for ways to untangle damage of chronic traumatic encephalopathy

Scientists hunt for ways to untangle damage of chronic traumatic encephalopathy

2013-05-13 00:15:43

Researchers are exploring treatments for protein tangles, similar to those that would be seen in Alzheimer's disease, in athletes' brains.


Embrace Dance Project: Lessons for amputees in the joy of movement

Embrace Dance Project: Lessons for amputees in the joy of movement

2013-05-13 00:03:20

Bloomfield dance studio owner Holly Dayton-Kirby and her doctor husband use dancing to help amputees: "Dancing is also a form of therapy."


Health Happenings

2013-05-13 00:02:17

Health related events for the coming week.


25,000 in Pittsburgh walk and run for the cure

2013-05-13 00:01:23

More than 25,000 signed up to participate in the race, which raises money for cancer education and research.


The tragedy of CTE: a brain disease that afflicts athletes

The tragedy of CTE: a brain disease that afflicts athletes

2013-05-12 00:17:38

NFL players Fred McNeill and Chris Henry show the impact of CTE, a degenerative brain disease that may be caused by thousands of collisions.


Hussey Copper selling the red metal as a bacteria killer

Hussey Copper selling the red metal as a bacteria killer

2013-05-12 00:17:01

Leetsdale's Hussey Copper relies on the red metal's antimicrobial prowess as it rebounds from bankruptcy.


Mysteries of the Mind: The Series

Mysteries of the Mind: The Series

2013-05-12 00:16:00

The Post-Gazette explores five brain disorders: schizophrenia, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, autism, depression and phobias.


U.S. prescription drug spending dips from 2011-12

2013-05-11 00:09:10

For the first time in at least five decades, prescription drug spending is down, says an IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics report.


Obituary: Otis Bowen / Former Indiana governor was a crusader against AIDS

2013-05-11 00:02:05

Under President Ronald Reagan, Otis Bowen led efforts to respond to the AIDS crisis. He died at age 95.


Obama makes public pitch for health law's next phase

2013-05-11 00:00:58

President emphasizes its benefits for women and promoting the opportunity for people to sign up for subsidized health insurance.


Despite tough factors, UPMC sees some growth

2013-05-10 00:16:47

UPMC sees gains while responding to 'the new normal' of falling reimbursements and growing competition.


Free shingles vaccine offered to underinsured

2013-05-10 00:10:16

The Allegheny County Health Department is offering shingles vaccine for free to those age 50 and older who have limited health insurance.


Grocers to Obama: Limit rules on calorie labeling

2013-05-10 00:08:03

Some restaurant and grocers industries have backed legislation to limit the rules to only provide the data online in some cases.


West Penn Allegheny Health System bond prices rising

2013-05-09 00:55:04

Ratings agencies are unsure, but short-term debtholders like what they see in the Highmark-WPAHS merger, lifting bond prices.


Hospitals' charges can vary greatly for similar services

2013-05-09 00:10:56

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shows stark differences in what hospitals charge for essentially the same service.


Obituary: Virginia S. Cowell / Helped preschoolers despite battling own health problems

2013-05-09 00:10:03

Virginia Cowell worked with preschoolers with emotional and behavioral problems.


Fish oil doesn't help those with high risk of heart problems

2013-05-09 00:07:52

A study makes clearer who does and does not benefit from taking supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, the good oils found in some fish.


West Penn Hospital unveils cardiovascular institute in Bloomfield today

West Penn Hospital unveils cardiovascular institute in Bloomfield today

2013-05-08 00:25:45

Cardiovascular services at West Penn had been transferred to Allegheny General in late 2010. The new institute will see patients on Monday.


Gene test may help guide prostate cancer treatment

2013-05-08 00:01:47

A test to gauge the aggressiveness of prostate cancer may help men decide whether they need to treat it right away or can safely monitor it.


Judge allows withdrawal of settlement between Highmark, ratepayers

2013-05-07 18:55:17

The would-be class action lawsuit was filed in 2010 and claimed Highmark and UPMC conspired to control the healthcare market.


Pittsburgh health summit finds link between pollution, health problems

Pittsburgh health summit finds link between pollution, health problems

2013-05-07 18:49:27

High levels of air pollution make the Pittsburgh region a risky area to live when it comes to asthma, cancer and cardiovascular disease.


Bill requires VA to report infectious disease to agencies

2013-05-07 13:11:29

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey introduced a bill requiring the VA Health System to report "notifiable" infections to health agencies.


Pfizer's bold move to sell Viagra online

Pfizer's bold move to sell Viagra online

2013-05-07 00:16:24

In a bid to combat counterfeiting, drugmaker announces it will sell erectile dysfunction pill directly to men via its website.


Obituary: David Morris Kern / Pharmaceutical career led to his creating Orajel

2013-05-07 00:15:18

His toothache medicine was also used to treat mouth sores.


UPMC research shows promise in treating disease that afflicts premature babies

UPMC research shows promise in treating disease that afflicts premature babies

2013-05-07 00:11:14

The University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh study finds the possible cause, treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis.


Allegheny County sells its Oakland health building

2013-05-07 00:05:02

The county signed a $4.9 million sales agreement last week for the Allegheny County Health Department building in Oakland.


Pittsburgh wants UPMC lawsuit aired in state court

2013-05-06 16:22:36

The city calls UPMC the top beneficiary of taxpayers and seeks a suit's return to state court.


Tuberculosis screening faces shortages

2013-05-06 00:14:24

Testing for the disease is still needed despite decline in U.S. and is expected to reach worldwide targets for 2015.


Coaches can help instill respect for girls

2013-05-06 00:14:11

The Coaching Boys into Men program is showing signs of effectiveness in reducing teenage boys abuse of teenage girls.


Obituary: Emil Frei III / Oncologist brought cancer cures within reach

2013-05-06 00:06:36

Emil Frei III, whose trailblazing use of combination chemotherapy helped make certain cancers curable for the first time, died at age 89.


Health Happenings for week of May 6

2013-05-06 00:06:09

Events include the Arthritis Foundation hosting an Arthritis Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at La Roche College in McCandless.


Health clubs are putting muscle into exercising without machines

Health clubs are putting muscle into exercising without machines

2013-05-06 00:02:16

Gyms are encouraging people to push, pull, squat and move bodies as they might naturally, with such items as heavy sandbags.


Highmark vs. UPMC: The recruitment begins for doctors and practices

Highmark vs. UPMC: The recruitment begins for doctors and practices

2013-05-05 00:22:39

Highmark says it will now go after UPMC practices and doctors, but will any of them jump ship -- and how much will it cost?


Shop Smart: 8 cancer screenings to avoid

2013-05-05 00:19:59

Consumer Reports recently shone a light on oversold cancer screenings that might confuse rather than clarify.


After suicide: All that's left is 'why?'

After suicide: All that's left is 'why?'

2013-05-05 00:15:58

Understanding what drives someone to suicide is the key to prevention. Some families shattered by the act offer their insights.


Highmark's Allegheny Health Network: The birth of a new health system

Highmark's Allegheny Health Network: The birth of a new health system

2013-05-05 00:13:49

The system may follow a different health care model and may bring innovation to the hospital and insurance marketplace.


Dealing with the darkest thoughts of suicide

Dealing with the darkest thoughts of suicide

2013-05-05 00:07:16

Lenier Allen has battled thoughts of suicide since his brother took his own life 40 years ago.


The Next Page: She's still fighting for recovery

The Next Page: She's still fighting for recovery

2013-05-05 00:06:38

Severely injured in a car accident during her high school years, Katherine Kimes wasn't expected to do much with her life ... but she has.


Pathology experts weigh in on cyanide poisoning finding

2013-05-05 00:01:26

Still more questions than answers in Pitt researcher Autumn M. Klein's cyanide death.


Outcry prompts VA to review local official's presidential award

Outcry prompts VA to review local official's presidential award

2013-05-04 00:37:35

VA will review regional director's award and bonus in wake of Legionnaires' report.


Cyanide is used more often for suicides, toxicologists say

2013-05-03 00:29:28

Experts say cyanide is used more often for suicides than homicides, but even then, it is extremely infrequent.


Health workers union carries UPMC challenge to doorsteps

Health workers union carries UPMC challenge to doorsteps

2013-05-03 00:16:45

SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania moves its fight with UPMC to Pittsburgh residents' mailboxes.


Pittsburgh victims' kin outraged over VA official's award

2013-05-02 00:22:04

Families, staff, and Congress are not pleased with accolades for the Pittsburgh regional VA leader in wake of the Legionnaires' outbreak.


Census finds more babies born outside marriage

2013-05-02 00:16:16

The Census released a report estimating that 36% of women giving birth in the past year nationally, and 39% in Pittsburgh were unmarried.


Workplace clinics a healthy choice

Workplace clinics a healthy choice

2013-05-02 00:07:33

By looks, this clinic could be found anywhere. But this clinic is in the heart of Bayer Inc.'s campus in Robinson.


Allegheny County restaurant grading plan is ready, but on hold

2013-05-02 00:04:38

Restaurants soon could be required to post grades, but the system will wait for input from a new county health director.


Pittsburgh Marathon medics prepared for more than runners' injuries

Pittsburgh Marathon medics prepared for more than runners' injuries

2013-05-01 23:24:17

After the bombings in Boston, Pittsburgh race organizers and medical personnel adjusted their plans and took advice from counterparts there.


Voorhees doesn't want health director's job

2013-05-01 00:12:15

The Allegheny County Board of Health continues its nearly year-long national search for a permanent director.


Two-year-old girl is youngest ever to get lab-made windpipe

2013-05-01 00:11:22

Hannah Warren has been unable to breathe, eat, drink or swallow on her own since she was born in South Korea in 2010.


FDA allows 15-year-olds morning-after pill access

2013-05-01 00:03:28

But proof of age is still required for purchase for the so-called morning-after pill.


Water damage at West Penn in Pittsburgh

2013-04-30 12:09:57

The three operating rooms used for cesarean sections at West Penn remain closed after the sprinkler system was accidently turned on.


UPMC proposes payback plan for Highmark's Community Blue subscribers

2013-04-30 00:18:53

UPMC would determine out-of-network charges billed directly to the Community Blue subscriber; Highmark would determine the reimbursement.


Study cites risks in delay of breast-cancer care

2013-04-30 00:14:13

Twenty-two percent of women who delayed their treatment for at least six weeks were not alive five years after their diagnosis.


Highmark-West Penn Allegheny Health System affiliation timeline

2013-04-30 00:06:11

Dating to June 28, 2011:


System to help create database for malaria

2013-04-30 00:03:25

Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center received a grant to help create a computerized database to reduce the worldwide incidence of malaria.


Bills require VA report infectious diseases to states

2013-04-29 15:59:37

A U.S. House bill would require the VA to report infectious diseases.


Soccer clinic gives special needs kids a chance to meet the pros

Soccer clinic gives special needs kids a chance to meet the pros

2013-04-29 00:21:00

Children with special needs learn soccer skills at Pittsburgh Riverhounds clinic in new Highmark Stadium


Health events week of April 29

2013-04-29 00:18:52

Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh is sponsoring its a "Girls' Night Out" fundraiser Tuesday at the Hollywood Theater.


Dance event to raise funds for amputees

2013-04-29 00:09:35

The Pittsburgh Dance Center in Bloomfield will hold a "Salsa for Soldiers" benefit May 5.


Patricia Sheridan's Breakfast With ... Amy Heinl

Patricia Sheridan's Breakfast With ... Amy Heinl

2013-04-29 00:07:12

Heart attack survivor Amy Heinl talks about her rare condition and changes everyone should make to be healthier and avoid heart disease.


More adults battling acne breakouts

More adults battling acne breakouts

2013-04-29 00:04:39

No longer just an adolescent scourge, acne can affect adults at the same time as wrinkles. But new treatments are on the horizon.


Critics assail 2006 closing of Legionnaires' researchers Pittsburgh VA lab

2013-04-28 01:07:23

After experts left, seemingly small changes led to the Legionnaires' outbreak in Pittsburgh Veterans Affairs hospital.


U.S. inspectors general defend their VA report

2013-04-28 00:25:34

VA Inspector General officials said their goal was never to point fingers at specific people.


Pitt findings on Lou Gehrig's disease may hold hope

2013-04-26 00:11:00

A new study by researchers at Pitt's School of Medicine may hold promise for the understanding and treatment of ALS.


Melatonin may hold promise against ALS, Pitt team finds

2013-04-25 15:24:01

Study using mice found those injected with hormone developed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, later and lived longer.


New bird flu strain spreads to Taiwan

2013-04-25 00:19:59

The new strain of avian influenza that has infected more than 100 people in China in the last two months has been reported in Taiwan.


Pitt study shows subtle brain damage after blast

2013-04-25 00:18:23

Some chemical changes occurred in brains of rats exposed to blast waves.


Ricin a commonly used biocrime agent

2013-04-24 16:27:37

Getting the ingredients for ricin isn't difficult, which is why it has been used against high-profile figures numerous times.


Report: Pittsburgh's air quality improving, but still among most polluted

2013-04-24 00:17:07

The city is one of two metro areas outside of California to rank among the top 25 most polluted by ozone smog and by soot.


Closing of Pennsylvania health centers challenged

2013-04-24 00:10:08

A case in Commonwealth Court looks at the issue of closing more than half of the Pennsylvania's state health centers.


House approves Pennsylvania abortion limits

2013-04-24 00:07:35

The Pennsylvania House bill prohibits insurance coverage of elective abortions on the health exchange.


Report says Pennsylvania would profit by expanding Medicaid access

2013-04-24 00:05:14

As the Gov. Corbett considers expanding Medicaid, officials released an analysis finding the state would spend less, gain federal cash.


Campaign trumpets Affordable Care Act's options

2013-04-24 00:02:28

Health agencies, insurers and advocates for the uninsured will soon be spending millions to spread the word about the health care exchanges.


Obituary: Autumn Marie Klein / Pioneer in neurological diseases during pregnancy, 'caring' doctor

Obituary: Autumn Marie Klein / Pioneer in neurological diseases during pregnancy, 'caring' doctor

2013-04-24 00:01:14

The pioneering neurologist specialized in pregnancy and was one of the few experts in a field she helped create.


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