RSSCategory: Lungs & Breathing

People with asthma get the green light for exercise

People with asthma get the green light for exercise

Many people with asthma avoid exercise because they’re afraid it could trigger symptoms or even a full-blown asthma attack. But a new study finds that not only is it safe for people with asthma to exercise, but doing so could reduce their risk of asthma symptoms and attacks.

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Whooping cough reaches epidemic levels in much of Washington

Whooping cough reaches epidemic levels in much of Washington

Since the beginning of the year, 640 cases of whooping cough have been reported in Washington State. Last year by this time, only 94 cases had been reported.

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April 3, 2012 | By | 1 Reply More
Flu finally arrives in Washington state

Flu finally arrives in Washington state

Flu season has started late this year, but a increase in cases indicates the bug has finally arrived. It’s not too late to vaccinate, health officials say.

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March 16, 2012 | By | Reply More
New initiative seeks to cut premature births

New initiative seeks to cut premature births

Preterm babies, those born before 39 weeks, are at increased risk for death, low birth weight, lung disorders, feeding problems and blood infections. More than 500,000 infants are born prematurely in the U.S. each year, an increase of 36 percent in the past two decades.

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February 10, 2012 | By | Reply More
Whooping cough cases up sharply in Washington state

Whooping cough cases up sharply in Washington state

The number of cases of whooping cough in Washington state increased by more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2011 from 608 cases to 912 cases — the highest number in six years.

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February 8, 2012 | By | Reply More
Is overnight sleep testing overprescribed?

Is overnight sleep testing overprescribed?

The use of overnight sleep testing has soared. One reason, critics say: testing is a lucrative business for doctors.

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January 16, 2012 | By | Reply More
Burn ban issued for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties

Burn ban issued for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties

The use of fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves is prohibited as a high-pressure system brings cold temperatures and calm winds to the region. Air quality is expected to worsen, especially in communities where residential wood burning is common. Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

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January 12, 2012 | By | Reply More
State’s health ranking slips from 10th in the nation to 15th

State’s health ranking slips from 10th in the nation to 15th

Among the trends that drove down the state’s rankings this year were rises in the rates of obesity, diabetes, and smoking — and a decline in high school graduation rates.

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December 28, 2011 | By | 2 Replies More
Number of Seattle stores caught selling tobacco to minors doubles

Number of Seattle stores caught selling tobacco to minors doubles

In the previous five years, the 7 percent of retailers were caught selling tobacco to underage teens. This year the number caught jumped to 15 percent of the time.

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December 17, 2011 | By | 2 Replies More
Stagnant winter air poses health risk to many, health officials warn

Stagnant winter air poses health risk to many, health officials warn

November through March winter weather often causes stagnant air that traps air pollution from outdoor burning, wood stoves, and fireplaces gets trapped near the ground.

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December 8, 2011 | By | Reply More
Cystic fibrosis drug improves lung function and symptoms, Seattle-led study finds

Cystic fibrosis drug improves lung function and symptoms, Seattle-led study finds

A new drug, called ivacaftor or VX-770, significantly improves lung function and other symptoms in cystic fibrosis patients with a specific mutation — Seattle Childrens/UW study finds

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November 14, 2011 | By | Reply More
Whooping cough cases up sharply in Washington State

Whooping cough cases up sharply in Washington State

The number of cases of whooping cough in Washington are up sharply this year with 431 cases reported in the state — 53 more than this time last year.

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October 7, 2011 | By | Reply More