Health Archives

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do you support Medicare negotiations with drug companies?

August 30, 2023 3:22 AM ABC 17 News Team

The Biden administration on Tuesday unveiled a list of 10 prescription drugs that will be subject to Medicare negotiations.

MU Health Care to stop prescribing puberty blockers to current minor patients

August 29, 2023 5:07 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A spokesman for MU Health Care told ABC 17 News on Tuesday that it will stop prescribing puberty blockers to current minor patients. The action comes after a new law banning gender-affirming care for Missouri youth went into effect on Monday. The spokesman for MU said other forms of gender-affirming care could

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Will you get the new COVID-19 shot?

August 25, 2023 3:41 AM ABC 17 News Team

Hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, while still low, are on the rise as the fall gets closer.

Doctors recommend most people wait to get vaccinated until new booster arrives

August 24, 2023 11:41 AM Morgan Buresh

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Missouri and across the nation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COVID-19 hospital admissions rising in Mid-Missouri

August 23, 2023 12:28 PM Euphenie Andre

COVID-19 hospital admissions have been on the rise nationwide in recent weeks and that trend could continue Thursday when the latest data is released.

Chemotherapy drug shortages cause headache for doctors, patients

August 18, 2023 6:29 PM Gabrielle Teiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Shortages in chemotherapy medicine, specifically, carboplatin, have been causing issues in the medical field for patients, doctors and pharmacists. According to the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, the FDA reported on the shortage in February, and now its effects are being seen here in Missouri. Dr. Andrew Iliff, — an oncologist with Missouri

With more teachers sickened or sidelined by the highly contagious Omicron variant

Schools could see spike in common illnesses during first few weeks of semester

August 17, 2023 12:01 PM Avery Roehler

MU Health doctor, Chris Wilhelm, told ABC 17 that when a lot of kids are in the same classroom, they can pass diseases and viruses to each other.

Federal officials express concern about Medicaid renewal process in Missouri

August 11, 2023 1:00 PM Morgan Buresh

According to the Missouri Department of Social Services’ website, 116,617 people were due for Medicaid renewals in June. Of those, 49,963 were renewed, and 34,124 are still pending determination.

MU Health Care doctor says there are no new health risks for children as school year approaches

August 10, 2023 2:38 PM Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) As the new school year approaches, an MU Health Care doctor has assured the health risks children face should be familiar to parents. “There is no new risk to their children. The risk has always been there when we bring a lot of children together who get into a similar classroom, and

First responders, Cole County Fair organizers prepare for heavy rain

August 1, 2023 9:56 PM Marina Diaz

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Ahead of severe thunderstorms head towards Mid-Missouri, the Jefferson City Jaycees Fair is working with local first responders to keep fairgoers safe. “Every night we have a meeting behind the building with Emergency Management and Sheriff’s Department, First Aid, and all of that stuff,” Fair Chairmen Derred Scheperle said. The Cole

Boone Health cutting 60-plus jobs; most are unfilled

July 31, 2023 5:13 PM Matthew Sanders

Publicly-run Boone Health said Monday that it is cutting more than 60 of its 2,320 positions but most of them are unfilled.

Weekend two of Show Me State games kick off with high heat indexes

July 28, 2023 11:22 AM Avery Roehler

Organizers are encouraging everyone involved to stay safe with heat safety tips from MU Health Care.

Staying cool on the water and outside during activities this weekend

July 28, 2023 5:57 AM Isabella Roberts

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ) As Mid-Missouri remains dangerously warm this weekend, and with boating season in full swing, people should be aware of the effects heat can have on them, while out on the water. On a bright day, the sun’s rays will bounce off the water causing a higher risk of harm from sun exposure.

MU Health Care announces tuberculosis exposure involving employee

July 27, 2023 4:51 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ) MU Health Care announced in a Thursday afternoon press release that a “health care team member” tested positive for tuberculosis. MU Health is working with state and county health officials to address risks to patients and staff and has activated an infection control plan, the release states. The health care team member

How to stay safe as temperatures rise in Mid-Missouri

July 27, 2023 6:11 AM Isabella Roberts

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ) As high temperatures hit the Mid-Missouri area, it’s important to know the signs of heat-related illnesses for people and animals. According to the CDC, signs of heat exhaustion include: Cold, pale and clammy skinA fast, weak pulse Tiredness or weakness In the case of heat exhaustion, it’s recommend to move to a

Diesel fuel leak reported in Cole County, found in creek near Lincoln University farm

July 24, 2023 5:19 PM Ryan Shiner

COLE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ) Cole County Public Works announced in a Monday afternoon release that a diesel fuel leak appeared in a creek on the Lincoln University Alan T. Busby Farm south of Jefferson City. Public Works said that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources was alerted by Lincoln University staff about a diesel fuel

Intense heat this week could be danger for outdoor workers

July 24, 2023 12:03 PM Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in hot or humid conditions, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. With dangerous heat levels expected across the United States this week, OSHA says those numbers have the potential to get worse. Given the current conditions, the

Health and safety officials monitoring the Boone County Fair ahead of high temperatures

July 20, 2023 5:49 AM Isabella Roberts

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) With temperatures expected to rise up to 95 degrees on Wednesday, those planning on attending activities at the fair should be prepared to face the heat. According to the CDC, to avoid heat exhaustion you should: Wear appropriate clothing: choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothingRemember to wear sunscreen: sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and