health

This image shows treponema pallidum, the bacteria that cause syphilis. (Courtesy Photo / NIAID)

Syphilis infections are surging in Alaska

A variety of forces are leading to the increased numbers.

This image shows treponema pallidum, the bacteria that cause syphilis. (Courtesy Photo / NIAID)
People wearing masks, attend a vigil for Chinese doctor Li Wenliang, in Hong Kong, Friday, Feb. 7. The death of a young doctor who was reprimanded for warning about China’s new virus triggered an outpouring Friday of praise for him and fury that communist authorities put politics above public safety. (AP Photo | Kin Cheung)
People wearing masks, attend a vigil for Chinese doctor Li Wenliang, in Hong Kong, Friday, Feb. 7. The death of a young doctor who was reprimanded for warning about China’s new virus triggered an outpouring Friday of praise for him and fury that communist authorities put politics above public safety. (AP Photo | Kin Cheung)
Fred Meyer advertises flu vaccinations via a banner outside its pharmacy on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Fred Meyer advertises flu vaccinations via a banner outside its pharmacy on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
After news of mistreating children from Alaska and elsewhere, Montana facility closes doors
After news of mistreating children from Alaska and elsewhere, Montana facility closes doors
‘Dangerous and outrageous’: Bill introduced in Alaska House would treat abortion the same as murder
‘Dangerous and outrageous’: Bill introduced in Alaska House would treat abortion the same as murder
Rally to push back at attempts near and far to ban abortion
Rally to push back at attempts near and far to ban abortion
Keep funding the WWAMI program

Keep funding the WWAMI program

I hope the Legislature recognizes the value that locally educated physicians add to our health care system.

Keep funding the WWAMI program
Measles could be getting off the boat in Juneau

Measles could be getting off the boat in Juneau

Rash-causing virus is the most prevalent it’s been in 25 years.

Measles could be getting off the boat in Juneau
Major changes could be coming to the city’s sleep off program
Major changes could be coming to the city’s sleep off program
Opinion: America needs a national health care system

Opinion: America needs a national health care system

We can’t let health care costs bankrupt us.

Opinion: America needs a national health care system
Are hospitals in jeopardy? What about your dental care? Here’s a look at Dunleavy’s Medicaid plan
Are hospitals in jeopardy? What about your dental care? Here’s a look at Dunleavy’s Medicaid plan
Opinion: Solving the opioid epidemic starts with cracking down on fentanyl

Opinion: Solving the opioid epidemic starts with cracking down on fentanyl

It’s a problem we can solve with smart and proactive policy choices.

Opinion: Solving the opioid epidemic starts with cracking down on fentanyl
Movie night moves suicide into public focus
Movie night moves suicide into public focus
Opinion: The hard truth about Medicaid expansion

Opinion: The hard truth about Medicaid expansion

Reality check: It’s failing Alaskans.

Opinion: The hard truth about Medicaid expansion
Flu season is ramping up across the state, particularly in Alaska. Still, it’s not too late for a flu shot, saidLouisa Castrodale, epidemiologist for the Alaska Division of Public Health. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Flu cases in Alaska are way up

Experts say wash your hands and get vaccinated.

Flu season is ramping up across the state, particularly in Alaska. Still, it’s not too late for a flu shot, saidLouisa Castrodale, epidemiologist for the Alaska Division of Public Health. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Alaska’s tobacco report card grade improves
Alaska’s tobacco report card grade improves
Should Juneau revisit water fluoridation? New study renews debate
Should Juneau revisit water fluoridation? New study renews debate
Tynly Booth, 8, holds still as Dr. Jessica Branco, of Juneau Pediatric Dentistry, applies a topical flouride varnish during a checkup on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: New study shouldn’t revive fluoridation in Juneau

Let’s focus instead on good nutrition, proper dental hygeine.

Tynly Booth, 8, holds still as Dr. Jessica Branco, of Juneau Pediatric Dentistry, applies a topical flouride varnish during a checkup on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Blood Bank of Alaska opens permanent Juneau location
Blood Bank of Alaska opens permanent Juneau location
Dr. Charles David Hightower talks about his new business, Enhance Orthopedic Surgery, on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Dr. Charles David Hightower talks about his new business, Enhance Orthopedic Surgery, on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)