Healthcare at West Virginia University

Healthcare at West Virginia University

News and Events

West Virginia Health Reports

On the air since1991, the West Virginia Health Report features a different health topic each week. You can watch the WV Health Report, Monday evenings, on four television station across the state.

West Virginia Health Reports
Pollution and Outdoor Exercise
9/01/08
Air pollution in the Mountain state? It's more of problem than you might think, especially for folks who exercise outdoors. Dr. Kathy Moffet explains when and where you should exercise to avoid the effects of air pollution.
Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease
8/25/08
We know breathing dirty air is bad for your lungs, but did you know that air pollution may also cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes? Dr. Kathy Moffet explains the possible link between pollution and cardiovascular disease.
Green Tea
8/04/08
It's been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. But western medicine is just beginning to recognize Green Tea for its health benefits.
How Much Water?
7/28/08
How much water should you drink each day? Experts say it depends on many factors—including your health and what you're eating.
Heat Injuries
7/21/08
As the temperature goes up, so does your risk of heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Pool Parasites
7/14/08
Lots of us rely on swimming pools to beat the summer heat. Sometimes pool safety extends to things we can't see. A tiny organism in pool water could make you sick.
Nuts
7/7/08
If you're watching your weight, you may have stopped eating nuts. True, Nuts are high in calories. But believe it or not — These calorie-dense foods may actually help you lose weight.

Exercise & Depression
6/30/08
West Virginia ranks second in the nation for the number of depression cases. A new study suggests that a good, solid exercise program can be used instead of medication.

Abuse-Proof Oxycontin
6/23/08
The pain-killing drug known as oxycontin is in the news again. The company that manufacturers oxycontin is trying to make the drug abuse-proof.
How Fit Are You?
6/19/08
Remember the President's Physical Fitness Test? It's a government program that started back in the 60s. It was designed to keep school children physically fit. And, in fact, it's still going strong. Well, now, it's been extended to include adults.
Baby Bottles
6/09/08
Could using plastic baby bottles be harmful to your child? A recently released government report says a chemical used in making plastic bottles may be linked to hormonal problems.

Red Foods
5/26/08
Foods red in color are not only catching to the eye, but are also packed with nutrients and other health benefits. Find out why tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, and other red foods make great additions to your diet.

Open MRI
5/19/08
It's a powerful diagnostic tool for doctors — and it just got a lot better for patients. It's called "open" mri — or magnetic resonance imaging.

Ovarian Cancer Test
5/12/08
By the time ovarian cancer is diagnosed, it's often in the late stages – too late for a cure. A viral e-mail warned women to be tested for the disease using a CA-125 blood test. But in reality, the test is not a good screening tool for early detection.

Aortic Aneurysm Screen
5/5/08
Each year, approximately 15,000 Americans die as the result of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. What are the risk factors and what kind of screening is available?

Breast Cancer Genes
4/28/08
Each year, more than 192,000 American women will learn they have breast cancer, and 7 percent of them have a hereditary form of the disease. How do you know if you have the breast cancer genes?

FH (genetic high cholesterol)
4/07/08
People who appear to be pictures of good health: trim, fit and apparently healthy, can have genetic high cholesterol and not even know it. As a result, cholesterol screening is critical - and it's never too early.

HPV Vaccine
4/07/08
According to recent surveys, there are more cases of cervical cancer in West Virginia than anywhere else in the U.S. Gardasil – the first vaccine available to prevent cancer in women – is approved for girls as young as 9 years old. Will you have your daughter vaccinated?

Cancer Empathy
2/18/08
Historically, cancer center physicians focused on the physical side of treating their patients. Now, more centers are recognizing that patients need emotional support in their fight against cancer.

Quitting Smoking
2/04/08
Though it is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., most people find it difficult to quit smoking. In West Virginia, smokers who decide to quit have access to resources to help them put out their last cigarette.

Smoking and Health Risks
1/28/08
There's no better time than the present to quit smoking. Most people associate smoking with an increased risk of heart disease, but did you know smoking can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, stroke and fertility problems, too?

Shingles Vaccine
1/21/08
If you're over the age of 60 and already had chicken pox, you could be a candidate for shingles. A new vaccine, Zostavax, is used to prevent the outbreak of shingles during the years when you're most at risk.
Dry Skin
1/14/08
When temperatures drop and people turn up the heat, they often find themselves with dry skin, which can become cracked and lead to infection. Protection from the cold and the use of a common, inexpensive household product could help treat dry skin and protect it from getting worse.
Ear Infections
1/7/08
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluid from ear infections that stays in the middle ears can cause hearing loss and delay in a child's speech. Learn how to determine if your child's runny nose and earache is just a cold or an ear infection.
Lead Poisoning
12/17/07
The recall of dozens of toys made in China after the discovery of lead paint has parents checking their children's wish lists extra carefully this year. But the toy box isn't the only place in the home where lead may exist.
Eye Screenings
12/10/07
Age-related eye diseases, many of which are treatable, if not curable, when promptly diagnosed. A baseline exam at age 40 – similar to a mammogram or colonoscopy – could help prevent people from facing significant vision loss or blindness.
Weight Management
12/03/07
The holiday season brings good food that isn't always good for us and winter weather that finds most people spending less time being active. This year, find out what you can do to at least maintain your weight while enjoying the festivities.
Gum Disease
11/19/07
West Virginia is failing to make the grade in oral health. While family history is a risk factor for gum disease, there are other preventable factors – like smoking – that could reduce the number of individuals losing their teeth.
Asthma
11/5/07
Asthma is an incurable, chronic condition that affects more than 20 million people in the U.S. alone. Identifying triggers and getting a flu shot are two ways to help control its affects.
Occupational Therapy
10/29/07
You wake-up, brush your teeth, comb your hair, cook breakfast; everyday activities are routine for most of us. But what if you found that those activities have become too challenging?
Flu
10/22/07
Each year, 36,000 people die of flu and more than two-hundred-thousand people are hospitalized because of complications.
Now that flu season is coming, and health officials are urging people to get vaccinated.
Backpack Safety
10/15/07
Backpacks are a popular and practical way for kids and teens to carry their books and supplies; but if worn incorrectly, backpacks can cause severe muscle and joint problems. Dr. Rolly Sullivan shows us the right way to pack and carry a backpack.
Colds
10/8/07
The average adult catches between two and four colds each year, but there are a few ways you can try to lessen that number this year.
Allergies
10/1/07
If your seasonal allergy symptoms have been bothering you lately, you might get some relief soon.
Antioxidants
9/24/07
Studies show antioxidants, like Vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc, help repair damaged cells in the body. So could antioxidant supplements help?
Aneurysm Screenings
9/17/07
Albert Einstein died from it, and so did Lucille Ball. Each year, approximately 15,000 people die of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in the United States. Because of that, Medicare will now pay for a one-time screening for those at high risk.
Foot Mouth Disease
9/03/07
In 2001, foot-and-mouth disease became a national epidemic in the United Kingdom. This veterinary disease is often confused with Hand Foot Mouth Disease, a common illness of infants and children.
Immunizations
8/27/07
According to state law, kids entering school for the first time in West Virginia must meet certain immunization requirements. But what about students who have already been in school for years? Or even adults?
Geriatric Conditions
8/20/07
The older we get, the easier it is to blame our health problems on age. But is aging the real cause of what ails us in our senior years?
Poison Ivy
8/13/07
It's poison ivy season, and some experts say the climate may be making the pesky ivy more hardy and potent.
Supplement Cocktail
8/6/07
High intensity exercise isn't for everyone. Even people in the best shape or elite athletes can experience some wear and tear on their bodies. Can a supplement cocktail help?
Eye Injuries
7/30/07
More than one-million eye injuries occur in the United States each year. 90% of those could have been prevented if precautions were taken.
Varicose Veins
7/23/07
For many people, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern. For others, they can cause serious pain and discomfort.
Bug Bites
7/16/07
It's that time of year for family barbecues, overnight camping trips, and lazy days by the pool. But bug bites can turn a nice summer day into an annoying, if not dangerous, ordeal. Dr. Charlotte Dillis has more on how to properly treat insect bites.
Heat Problems
7/9/07
According to the Centers for Disease Control, between the years 1979 and 2003, excessive heat exposure killed more Americans than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. Dr. Rolly Sullivan has more.
Summer and Skin
7/2/07
Sunshine feels great, especially after a long, cold winter. For some, it can improve their mood, energy level, and sense of optimism; but for others, it can cause skin cancers, as well as damage and age their skin. Dr. Kathy Moffett explains how we can protect ourselves from the sun's harmful rays.
Water Sport Safety
6/25/07
Summer time is officially here, which means many people are planning to trade in the daily grind for some time on the water. Dr. Rolly Sullivan has some water safety tips.
Sleep
6/18/07
Tossing and turning at night can do a lot more than just make you cranky in the morning. It can actually take a toll on your overall health. Dr. Charlotte Dillis has some tips on how we can get a better night's sleep.
Air Quality
6/11/07
With every breath take, air rushes into our lungs and through our bodies. The quality of that air depends on many factors. Dr. Kathy Moffett explains how the quality of air can affect the quality of our health.
Flip Flops
6/4/07
As the summer months approach, colorful sandals, flip-flops, wedges, high heels and ballet flats dot the sidewalks. But are these kinds of shoes really safe for everyone?
DDR
5/21/07
It's one homework assignment many kids are actually asking for this summer. It's fun, a good form of exercise for kids and it's even used in physical education classes across the state.
Summer Sport Injuries
5/14/07
If your winter workouts consisted mainly of sprints to and from the refrigerator during commercials, don't plan on returning to your favorite sport in the same condition you left in last year, or more importantly, don't try to.
Childhood Obesity Part 2
5/7/07
Today's kids are considered the most inactive generation in history. The percentage of children and adolescents who are overweight and obese is now higher than ever before, putting them more at risk for future health problems.
Childhood Obesity Part 1
4/30/07
At least 13-percent of children in the United States are obese and a study shows the summer months might actually boost obesity in young children.
Body Image
4/16/07
Summer is just around the corner. While many of us look forward to warmer temperatures and week-long vacations, others begin dreading the season of bathing suits, tank tops and shorts.
Walking
4/9/07
Spring has finally sprung and it's that time of year many people want to begin a fitness program, but don't know where to start. It's easier than you might think! You can start by going for a walk.
Olive Oil and Ulcers
4/2/07
3.7 million Americans have stomach ulcers annually.  Could the treatment be in your kitchen?
Tattoo Removal
3/26/07
That little butterfly on your shoulder or strand of barbed wire around your arm might have seemed like a good idea a few years ago, but is the permanency of getting inked now getting to you? If you hate your tattoo, you now have better options to make it disappear.
Inhalants Awareness
3/19/07
20-percent of American 8th graders have tried some type of inhalant to get high. That's one in every five kids. Inhalants are cheap, legal and readily available in just about every home but there are warning signs of this potentially deadly addiction.
PVD
3/12/07
If you're at risk for a heart attack or stroke, you could also be at risk for something else - peripheral vascular disease.
Embolization
3/5/07
Uterine fibroids affect millions of child-bearing aged women. Many think a hysterectomy is the answer, but there is another option, fibroid embolization.
Sad
2/26/07
Many people get tired of the cloudy skies and snow of the winter months. Over time, this kind of weather could cause a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder.
How to Talk To Your Doctor
2/19/07
Going to the doctor isn't always the most comfortable situation for some people. That's why many people leave their appointment with unanswered questions. Dr. Bob D'Alessandri tells us how we can get the most from our visits.
Carbon Monoxide 2
February 12, 2007
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless. A small leak over time can make you sick and even kill you. In the second of this two part series, find out how we can protect ourselves from this silent killer.
Carbon Monoxide 1
February 5, 2007
It's called “the silent killer.” Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, which means a leak inside your home can go unnoticed until it's too late. Find out why this gas is so deadly, in the first, of a two-part series on carbon monoxide.
Silicone Breast Implants
January 29, 2007
Silicone breast implants are back after more than a decade off the market. The Food and Drug Administration banned the use of silicone breast implants about 14-years ago, and re-approved their use last November.
Varicose Veins
January 22, 2007
Many people consider varicose veins to be a cosmetic problem, but they could indicate a more severe health risk. So what causes varicose veins? And how can they be treated?
Glaucoma Month
January 15, 2007
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. With no known cause, how do you know if you are at risk??
OCD
January 8, 2007
About three-percent of the population lives with obsessive compulsive disorder. And it affects more people than just those who suffer from it.
Managing Stress
December 18, 2006
2007 is just around the corner. For many, it signifies a time of change, but for others, it's just a new year to deal with old problems.
Liquid Calories
December 11, 2006
The holiday season usually brings with it champagne toasts, punch bowls filled with eggnog, and cups of hot cocoa. But is what we find in our glasses packing on more pounds than what we eat off of our plates?
Holiday Stress
December 4, 2006
It's a holly jolly, happy and merry, wonderful time of year. Well, at least it is for some. For others, the holiday season can be filled with stress and anxiety.
Anger & Heart Attacks
November 27, 2006
If you have a hot-temper, you might want to find a way to cool-down because it could save your life. Studies show people with high levels of anger triple their chances for a heart attack.
Eldery & Cold Weather
November 20, 2006
Almost everyone knows about winter dangers, such as broken bones from falls on the ice. But cold weather can also cause a less obvious danger, especially in older people. That danger is hypothermia.
Elderly Drivers
November 13, 2006
People 55-years or older are less likely to drive aggressively or too fast. But according to AARP, drivers 75-years and older have much higher crash rates, almost as high as teenagers. So when is it time to quit driving??
Obesity and Cancer
November 6, 2006
Obesity can substantially increase the risk of dying from cancer. According to the American Cancer Association, each year, 90,000 cancer deaths could be prevented if Americans could maintain a normal, healthy body weight.
Cardiac Screenings
October 30, 2006
Teenagers are sometimes required to take a physical exam before participating in many types of organized sports. But recent reports of sudden deaths among young athletes have many parents wondering, should more tests be performed other than just a physical exam? Our medical correspondent Dr. Bob D'Alessandri has more.
Hunting Safety
October 23, 2006
This is the favorite time of year for many West Virginians. Not just because it's fall and football season, but it's hunting season as well. While a popular sport here in the Mountain State, it's also a dangerous one. Our medical correspondent Dr. Bob D'Alessandri has some safety tips to help us prepare for this hunting season.
Cosmetic Eye Surgery
October 16, 2006
Your eyes are likely to be the first facial feature to show the signs of aging. They can sometimes make a person look tired and older. Cosmetic eye surgery is an option and sometimes even a medical necessity. Our medical correspondent Dr. Bob D'Alessandri has more.
Cancer Death Rates
October 2, 2006
Good news on the fight against cancer. The number of people dying from cancer is falling across the country, even more so here in West Virginia.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
September 26, 2006
Every two minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, nearly 13-million American women who have had had a mammogram never have.
Stents
September 18, 2006
More than 15,000 people died from aortic aneurysms last year. Sometimes, the first warning sign of one is a rupture, which could lead to death. Dr. Bob D'Alessandri tells us who is at risk, and what treatments are available.
Anti-Inflammatory Diets
September 11, 2006
If you think of inflammation as something that hurts, you're half right. There is a second type of inflammation that's below the perception of pain, and since it doesn't hurt, we usually don't do anything to stop it. Dr. Bob D'Alessandri tells us how this could lead to chronic illnesses.
Fatty Meal
September 4, 2006
If you think that cheeseburger and milkshake won't hurt you, think about this: a new study finds that just one fatty meal can have a major impact on your arteries.
Mosquito Ring Tone
August 28, 2006
Something that was once used to repel teenagers is now attracting them. It's called the “Mosquito Ring Tone.” Dr. Bob D'Alessandri tells us why it's causing such a buzz among American teens.
School Lunches
August 21, 2006
West Virginia gets a passing grade for its school lunches. The Center for Science in the Public Interest gives the Mountain State a B- based on its policies for food and beverages sold and served in schools. Dr. Bob D'Alessandri looks into whether parents are failing to make the grade?
Triathlon
August 14, 2006
Every weekend, men and women across the country and here in West Virginia tie on their running shoes to take on great physical challenges, like marathons, triathlons and hundred mile bike rides. Learn how to you perform at your best, without pushing yourself over your limit.
West Nile
August 7, 2006
The bird flu might have taken over the headlines, but according to the Centers for Disease Control, right now, West Nile Virus is a much greater threat.

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