Latest news with #Lung.org
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Medicaid cuts threaten autism and lung cancer research, endangering health care for all
I pray that our politicians remember all of us, including some of our most disabled — but often overlooked — community members: those with profound autism, which has been defined by the Lancet Commission and the International Society for Autism Research as a person who meets the diagnostic criteria for autism, is at least 8 years old, demonstrates adaptive function skills significantly below age level, has communication deficits, tests at an IQ level below 50 and is unable to independently perform most activities of daily living with increased safety risks. I am deeply concerned over cuts to services including Medicaid. Medicaid pays for personal care, day programs, housing and therapy, which equates to jobs and keeping the parents of disabled adults employed. Many of us want to develop additional housing programs in Missouri through private-public partnerships because there are few options for adults with profound autism. I pray that we take into account the common good of all, including our duty to others. To remember the most disabled Missourians is to remember those who need our charity and our love, like my son Isaac. I pray we promote social justice and remember the more than 4,000 Missourians with profound autism who would be hurt by Medicaid funding cuts. - Julia Chaney Faughn, Macon, Missouri As a lung cancer survivor from the Johnson County area, I am deeply concerned about the massive cuts to Medicaid and health care being proposed by Congress. Taking away coverage for millions of people will jeopardize our progress in defeating this disease. All the changes Congress is considering to Medicaid — including adding work requirements and reducing funding for expansion, as well as repealing parts of the Affordable Care Act — would terminate health coverage when people need it most. I urge readers to contact their members of Congress and demand they protect health care. Visit to learn more and take action. - Ann Howard, Gardner Missourians came out and passed Amendment 1. We came out and passed the right for abortion and women's health. Did the Republicans in Jefferson City not hear us? Their constituents spoke loudly. Americans across the country are seeing our votes dismissed by politicians ignoring our wishes and not implementing our choices - Ken Henderson, Kansas City White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller's comment that the Trump administration is 'actively looking' at potentially suspending habeas corpus in the deportation of illegal immigrants is dangerous. (May 14, 14A, 'Trump's attacks on due process are a dangerous shift away from democracy') Miller's position clearly threatens democracy. Habeas corpus protects the civil liberty of everyone. Its suspension would be a slippery slope. What constitutes illegal behavior? Is it any action the administration doesn't like? Would it be illegal to give an undocumented immigrant a sandwich? My point is that criminal behavior must not be defined by the predilections of any administration. Abraham Lincoln, unfortunately, did not leave a good example by suspending habeas corpus during the Civil War, suppressing judicial dissent and ignoring judicial findings. But at least the Civil War was a real national emergency. That brings up a second point: Our so-called national immigration emergency today is dubious at best. Already undocumented immigrants who were otherwise contributing to society have been swept up and deported, without due process. Already two judges have been arrested. I hope Congress conducts an actual six-month National Emergencies Act review, as required by law. One thing is certain: This fails in the court of public opinion. - Gregory Ellermann, Kansas City I grew up in Rolla, the hometown of the very Republican John Powell, who cast Missouri's votes for Ronald Reagan in 1980. I went through school with his son. Mr. Powell would hire high school boys to unload boxcars twice a year for $10 per hour — a fortune in 1975. Rolla was also home to Mel Carnahan, Democratic Missouri treasurer, lieutenant governor and governor, who was posthumously elected to the U.S. senate. He did not return to politics until his children were grown. I was in Scouts with an older son, Randy, and a younger son. Rusty. I rode in his station wagon many times. I will never forget Randy, the first 'big kid' who paid attention to 11-year-old me. Rolla was a small town. I never heard one bad word about Mr. Powell or Mr. Carnahan. They were like everyone's dad. The Greatest Generation came home from World War II older, much wiser, with a little money and a dream. Republicans and Democrats were friends. They both wanted the same thing — to preserve the world order they fought for and that their friends died for. Things are not like that anymore. This is not normal. - Randall Jones, Independence Kansas City fails to celebrate its musical icons until they have passed on. People such as Tim Whitmer, David Basse, Millie Edwards, Danny Embrey, Stan Kessler and Rod Fleeman, among many others, need to be celebrated while we can still enjoy listening to them. And Lonnie McFadden, the multitalented phenom with a rich family history in jazz, should be named Kansas City's ambassador, the official greeter for any visiting celebrities. He is handsome, charming, well-spoken and kind. There could be no better example of what Kansas City is, where it has been and where it is going than Mr. McFadden. - James L. Mowbray, Kansas City
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Updated CDC Recommendations Aim to Help Protect Millions of People 50 and Older and Adults at High Risk from Potentially Serious Lung Infection
American Lung Association campaign educates adults about pneumococcal pneumonia CHICAGO, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, an estimated 150,000 people in the United States are hospitalized due to pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common form of bacterial pneumonia. To help protect people from this potentially serious lung disease, the American Lung Association, in partnership with Pfizer, is raising awareness about updated pneumococcal vaccination recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and urging individuals at risk to get vaccinated. To help people stay healthy, the CDC issued updated pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for adults to expand eligibility. The following groups are recommended for vaccination: 'Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike any time of year, and when it does, the disease can disrupt a person's life for weeks and, in severe cases, result in hospitalization or even death. Thankfully, vaccination is available to help protect against pneumococcal pneumonia,' said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. 'If you've been vaccinated before, it's still essential to talk to your healthcare provider, as additional vaccinations may be recommended, depending on the type or timing of vaccination received previously.' Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial infection. Unlike some illnesses, developing pneumococcal disease once does not protect against getting it again. Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia can develop quickly and include fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and chest pain. Adults with chronic health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes, or chronic heart disease face increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. Data shows that adults aged 50 and older are 6.4 times more likely to develop pneumococcal pneumonia than younger adults aged 18-49. For those aged 65 and older, the risk of hospitalization increases more than tenfold. The American Lung Association and Pfizer are committed to increasing awareness about pneumococcal pneumonia and ensuring those at risk have access to lifesaving information and resources. For more details on pneumococcal pneumonia and vaccination, visit About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association P: 312-801-7629 E: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE American Lung Association
Chicago Tribune
05-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Zoo installs new primate habitats, egg hunt in Elmhurst, more
Brookfield Zoo Chicago prepares for new primate habitats Western lowland gorillas have moved into a new indoor habitat at Brookfield Zoo Chicago as part of the preparation for the James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests, a new outdoor home for primates opening this summer. The new $66 million setup, which encompasses nearly three acres, will include two indoor habitats (one of which is viewable by the public) and four outdoor habitats for western lowland gorillas, Bornean orangutans and several monkey species. In addition to the zoo's six western lowland gorillas, four of whom were born at Brookfield Zoo, a group of 'bachelor' gorillas from partner zoos will join them, as well as five spider monkeys rescued from illegal wildlife trading. 'The gorillas are quickly settling in, displaying adaptability and engaging in natural behaviors as they climb, explore and interact with their new environment,' Kim Skelton, director of primate care and conservation, shared in a news release. Bramsen Tropical Forests is named for James Bramsen, a life trustee, and Elizabeth Hamill Bramsen, vice chairman of the zoo's board of trustees 'This new addition to Brookfield Zoo Chicago – which prioritizes the primates' welfare, enriches their daily lives and supports the conservation of their species – is truly special,' Elizabeth Bramsen said in the release. 'We are thrilled to see the gorillas in their new indoor habitat and look forward to seeing them outdoors later this spring.' Contributions to the project can be made at Egg hunts set at Berens Park in Elmhurst The Elmhurst Park District hosts two sessions of egg hunts for children 2 to 10 years old on April 19 at the baseball fields at Berens Park, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. They are from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Yard games will be available, and food trucks will be at the park. Adults must accompany children and should bring a basket for the eggs. The event is free but requires registration at Parking is available at the parks' east and west lots. Information is at 630-993-8900. More than 400 climb stairs to benefit lung association Teams and individuals, including firefighters, climbed 30 floors at Oakbrook Terrace Tower last month as part of the American Lung Association's Fight For Air Climb, raising more than $120,000 by climbing 660 stairs. The money raised by the more than 400 participants will be used to support the nearly 1.8 million Illinois residents who have lung disease. 'It is wonderful to see our community members come together to bring awareness toward the importance of lung health and their ongoing efforts to defeat the leading cause of cancer deaths in the nation,' association Executive Director Danielle Trojanek said in a news release. The American Lung Association works to save lives by improving lung health and using advocacy, research and education to prevent lung disease. Information is at 800-586-4872 or 'The Little Mermaid' hits stage at Nazareth Academy Nazareth Academy presents its spring musical, 'The Little Mermaid,' at 7 p.m. April 11 and 12 and at 2 p.m. April 12 and 13 in its Romano Family Theatre, 1209 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange. The musical, based on Disney's animated film and one of Hans Christian Andersen's most loved fairy tales, showcases students. 'As we celebrate Nazareth Academy's 125th anniversary, this production offers a special opportunity to bring our community together in a shared experience of magic, music and joy,' director Aileen O'Carroll shared in a news release. Tickets cost $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors. They are available via the school's website, Information is at 708-354-0061. Podiatrist moves clinic from Hinsdale to Western Springs Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists has opened a new office at 608 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, with patients starting there April 7. The office previously was in Hinsdale. A grand opening event is planned for May 8. The public is invited to explore the new clinic and to meet its staff. Entertainment, food, drinks and raffles will be included. 'We are thrilled to expand our services in a location that allows us to enhance the patient experience while continuing to provide the highest level of podiatric care,' Dr. Ashley Lee, lead podiatric specialist, shared in a news release. Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists offers care at 16 locations. Information is at or 847-639-5800. 'Annie Jr.' takes the stage April 11-13 The Academy of Music and Art presents several performances of 'Annie Jr.' at Mario Parente Theater, 1S325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets are available for the show at 7 p.m. April 11 and April 12 and at 3 p.m. April 13. They cost $25 per person plus a service fee. Buy tickets at Information is at 630-654-8426 or email at information@
