July, 2015 | The Pump Handle

Environmental Health Years after Superstorm Sandy, residents still struggle with stress, recovery efforts

July 31, 2015 Kim Krisberg 3Comment

Superstorm Sandy came ashore nearly three years ago, pummeling the New England and Mid-Atlantic coast and becoming one of the deadliest and costliest storms to ever hit the U.S. This week, the Sandy Child and Family Health Study released two new reports finding that the health impacts of Sandy continue to linger, illustrating the deep mental footprint left by catastrophic disasters and the challenges of long-term recovery.

Affordable Care Act Medicare and Medicaid turn 50

July 30, 2015 Liz Borkowski, MPH 2Comment

On July 30th, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Social Security Amendment Act that created Medicare and Medicaid. Today, the two programs cover nearly one in three people in the US.

Government Fatal work injury that killed Timothy Winding was preventable, OSHA cites KCI Inc and Ford Motor Company

July 29, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH

The fatal work-related injuries that killed Timothy Todd Winding, 50, could have been prevented had his employer followed worker safety regulations.

Department of Labor Occupational Health News Roundup

July 29, 2015 Kim Krisberg

Reporters investigate worker exploitation and abuse in the H-2 visa program; U.S. labor secretary speaks out on the “on-demand” economy; recycling workers face hazardous conditions and unnecessary injury risks; and some businesses say good-bye to the raise.

Government Donald Rasmussen: Coal miners’ physician, humble man

July 27, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH 1Comment

Dr. Donald Rasmussen, 87, spent more than 50 years in Appalachia treating coal miners with lung disease. He was at the forefront of efforts during the 1960’s to challenge the establishment’s views that exposure to coal mine dust damaged miners’ lungs.

Government No economic recovery for kids: Childhood poverty higher than during Great Recession

July 24, 2015 Kim Krisberg 4Comment

Technically, the recession is over. So it may come as a surprise to learn that more U.S. children are living in poverty right now than during the Great Recession. To be more specific: About 1.7 million more children live in low-income working families than just a few years ago.

Government Safety board member sneers at recommendations for improved safety regulations

July 23, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH 2Comment

A member of the Chemical Safety Board—an agency established to make recommendations to OSHA and EPA—-has a troubling view about regulations.

Gun Control/Violence “Code Silver”: Beware of violent hospital patients, visitors

July 22, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH 6Comment

In a hospital “Code Blue” will shift staff into high gear. “Code Silver” will get their adrenaline pumping, too, but for a very different reason.

Addiction & Substance Abuse More evidence that indoor smoking bans and smart public health policy are good for people’s health

July 21, 2015 Kim Krisberg

Because there can never be enough research to illustrate the positive impact of public health policy on people’s health, here’s another one. This one found that comprehensive smoke-free indoor air laws resulted in a lower risk of asthma symptoms and fewer asthma-related doctor’s visits.

Women's Health Will successful Colorado program to prevent teen pregnancies survive?

July 20, 2015 Liz Borkowski, MPH

The Colorado Family Planning Initative has helped thousands of low-income Colorado women get long-acting contraception and avoid unplanned pregnancies. But the program’s foundation funding has run out, and the state’s legislature has declined to provide more.