Breaking News

Uncategorized

Medicaid cuts affect access to care in rural Pa.

BELLEFONTE — President Donald Trump signed the “big, beautiful” budget bill into law last week, celebrating it as a win for taxpayers and a fulfillment of key campaign promises. Supporters of the federal package say it reduces government spending and adds protections to programs. But in rural Pennsylvania — where hospitals operate on thin margins and Medicaid helps keep the lights on — critics warn the cuts and new requirements will burden states with paperwork, make it harder for patients to access care, and push health facilities to their breaking point. The law cuts ...

State schools to offer course sharing

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, or PASSHE, is one step closer to improving the strength of its schools through sharing advanced courses across institutions. The schools have obtained a $536,000 grant that will support the training for 165 faculty members to develop the required skills. The newly trained faculty will join more than 500 other teachers who have already completed the training to improve academic outcomes for students both online and in-person. “Course sharing will bring students access to more high-quality, specialized courses at other ...

Plans for pool at Malta Park rejected

GRANVILLE — Plans for a pool to be built at Malta Park were denied during this month’s Granville Township Supervisors meeting as Carol High of SEDA-COG explained that it would surpass funds being allocated to Granville Township for such a project. High told supervisors Monday she visited the park, and feels it would qualify to receive funds for other projects to make the park better and more accessible for the community. Monday’s meeting was considered the second public hearing to discuss Community Development Block Grant funding, which is being administered through ...

Feeling ghosted at the dinner table

Dear Annie: I recently hosted a small dinner party at my home for a few close friends –– just six of us, gathered around the table for what I hoped would be a relaxing evening of good food and conversation. I spent the day preparing a nice meal, setting the table with care and making sure everything felt warm and welcoming. But one guest, my friend “Carla,” spent most of the night glued to her phone. She scrolled through social media during appetizers, texted throughout the main course and even stepped away from the table twice to take calls. When she was at the table, she ...

How systemic lupus affects a person’s body

DEAR DR. ROACH: What is lupus, and what does it do to your body? I just had a friend diagnosed with it after many months of tests. –– T.S.B. ANSWER: The term “lupus” generally means systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), which is a systemic disorder (as its name suggests). So, by definition, it affects multiple systems of the body. One of the most commonly affected systems is the skin, and one particular localized disease of the skin –– discoid lupus –– is one of the conditions that helps make the diagnosis of SLE. I sometimes hear people with discoid lupus say they have ...

Keep hands away from your face to avoid disease

Dear Heloise: I have a hint for Holly H. of Arcadia, Florida, whose letter I saw in a recent issue of the Los Angeles Daily News. When I was a teenager, I had an acne condition that centered around my jawline like hers. I went to a dermatologist who gave me the best advice anyone could give me after he cleared my face. During the treatment, I was to keep away from cheese, nuts and chocolate. But the permanent advice that I use to this day (I’m now 93) is to keep your hands away from your face. This is the same advice health care providers gave us during the coronavirus ...