Health

Health Watch: Fairbanks Neonatal Intensive Care Clinical Manager discusses birth defect prevention

Updated: Jan. 20, 2021 at 4:53 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Ann Branville-Davis, Clinical Manager of the Foundation Health Partners Neonatal Intensive Care unit discusses National Birth Defect Prevention month.

Coronavirus

Health Report: How will vaccine distribution affect mask wearing policies?

Updated: Jan. 19, 2021 at 4:09 PM AKST

By Richard Atkin

COVID-19 safety policies should still be followed even after receiving a vaccination for the time being.

Coronavirus

White House, tribes joined to deliver Alaska Native vaccines

Updated: Jan. 15, 2021 at 4:48 PM AKST

By Associated Press

A partnership with the Trump administration has reduced disparities in Alaska Native access to COVID-19 testing, treatment and protective equipment, tribal health care leaders said.

Health

Health Report: The psychology of New Years resolutions and why they fail

Updated: Jan. 12, 2021 at 5:20 PM AKST

By Richard Atkin

What are the psychological reasons for people making and failing New Years resolutions?

Coronavirus

Health Watch: COVID-19 vaccine appointments available for Alaskans 65 and older

Updated: Jan. 6, 2021 at 4:35 PM AKST

By Richard Atkin

COVID-19 vaccine appointments available to Alaskans 65 and older.

Health

Health Report: Fairbanks retirement community providing residents with COVID-19 vaccinations

Updated: Jan. 5, 2021 at 4:22 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Tina Rein, the director of nursing at the Denali Center describes the struggles of residents since the pandemic began as the Denali Center retirement community is beginning the process of providing it’s residents with the Covid-19 vaccine.

Health

Health Watch: What heart sounds tell us

Updated: Dec. 30, 2020 at 6:19 PM AKST

By Vivien Williams

In this week’s edition of Health Watch, Mayo Clinic reporter, Vivien Williams, talks with cardiologist Dr. Kyle Klarich about the significance of our heart sounds. Mayo Clinic cardiologist Dr. Kyle Klarich says heart sounds give doctors clues about your heart health.

Health

Health Report: Blood Bank of Alaska seeking donations during National Blood Donor Month

Updated: Dec. 29, 2020 at 5:03 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Inclement weather and seasonal illness reduce the amount of donated blood available for patients, but the need for blood is not similarly reduced, prompting the establishment of National Blood Donor Month.

Health

University of Alaska Fairbanks Counselors help reduce Holiday induced stress

Updated: Dec. 24, 2020 at 4:11 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

UAF Councilors Kiana Carr and Sarah Jensen provide holiday stress mitigation tips.

Health

Health Watch: Holidays bring challenges to those recovering from addiction

Updated: Dec. 23, 2020 at 4:12 PM AKST

By Richard Atkin

The holiday season can bring challenges to those recovering from addiction.

Health

Health Report: Fairbanks dentist shares tips for fighting Christmas cavities

Updated: Dec. 22, 2020 at 4:09 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Shawn Miller, General Dentist and owner of Golden Heart Dental Fairbanks shares some tips to avoid increasing the risk of cavities this holiday season.

Health

Dunleavy issues executive order reorganizing Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

Updated: Dec. 22, 2020 at 3:00 PM AKST

By KTVF Staff Reporter

Governor Mike Dunleavy has directed the Alaska Department of Law to draft an executive order reorganizing the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services into two distinct executive branch departments

Coronavirus

First shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Alaska

Updated: Dec. 21, 2020 at 12:41 PM AKST

By KTVF Staff Reporter

The second COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) arrived in Alaska on Monday.

Health

Pfizer comments on allergic reaction to vaccine in Fairbanks healthcare worker

Updated: Dec. 18, 2020 at 4:32 PM AKST

By John Dougherty

After Foundation Health Partners announced an employee had an anaphylactic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer Thursday, the company responded to a request for comment saying that they are working with health officials to assess the incident.

Coronavirus

Alaska Pioneer Homes begin vaccinating residents and staff

Updated: Dec. 18, 2020 at 2:10 PM AKST

By KTVF Staff Reporter

Vaccinations of the first Alaska Pioneer Homes residents and staff to protect against COVID-19 are beginning today, Dec. 18.

News

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital employee has reaction to Pfizer vaccine

Updated: Dec. 18, 2020 at 11:52 AM AKST

By KTVF Staff Reporter

A Foundation Health Partners (FHP) employee experienced a probable anaphylactic reaction shortly after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine late afternoon, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020.

Coronavirus

First healthcare workers receive COVID-19 vaccine at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital

Updated: Dec. 17, 2020 at 3:14 PM AKST

By KTVF Staff Reporter

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital received their first shipment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday and begin vaccinating staff on Thursday.

Health

Health Report: Poorly adjusted office furniture can be bad for muscular health

Updated: Dec. 15, 2020 at 4:12 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Dr. Johnathan Victorino of Discover Chiropractic Inc discusses the dangers of poor ergonomics, and some solutions for minimizing stress.

Coronavirus

Moda Health developing COVID-19 vaccine awareness campaign for Alaskan members

Updated: Dec. 10, 2020 at 4:07 PM AKST

By Richard Atkin

Moda Health developing awareness campaign for the COVID-19 vaccine for Alaskans.

Health

Health Watch: The challenges of grief during the holiday season

Updated: Dec. 9, 2020 at 4:16 PM AKST

By Richard Atkin

The holiday season adds challenges to those experiencing grief.

Health

Health Report: Recover Alaska executive director shares holiday season mindful drinking tips

Updated: Dec. 8, 2020 at 4:07 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Recover Alaska executive director shares mindful drinking tips for the holiday season

Health

Health Watch: Signs of Seasonal Depression and methods to combat it

Updated: Dec. 2, 2020 at 4:44 PM AKST

By Richard Atkin

Seasonal Depression signs and methods to combat it.

Health

Health Report: Online events raise awareness for World AIDS Day

Updated: Dec. 1, 2020 at 4:07 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Jeff Neilson, Client Service Director at Interior AIDS Association

Health

UAF research into hibernating species yields clinical application

Updated: Nov. 30, 2020 at 4:20 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

UAFs Dr. Robert Coker discusses a project translating discoveries in the study hibernating arctic animals to clinical care.

Health

Health Report: Alaska Behavioral Health expanding services in Fairbanks

Updated: Nov. 24, 2020 at 4:08 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Adult clinician Alicia Lamar explains Alaska Behavior Heath expanding services in Fairbanks can help children and adults in the Fairbanks and surrounding areas get through these uncertain times.

Health

Alaskans over 60 account for 58% of fire deaths in 2020

Updated: Nov. 24, 2020 at 3:26 PM AKST

By KTVF Staff Reporter

In 2018, 16% of the reported fire fatalities were over 60 while 19% were reported in 2019. The numbers increased to 58% in 2020. The causes of the fires were centered around careless smoking and combustibles too close to a heat source.

State

Case surges create data backlog; public health officials are asking Alaskans to help

Updated: Nov. 24, 2020 at 3:08 PM AKST

By KTVF Staff Reporter

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) cautions that the surge in COVID-19 cases has strained the public health response, creating a backlog in case and contact investigations.

Health

Health Watch: How COVID-19 has changed alcohol use

Updated: Nov. 18, 2020 at 4:09 PM AKST

By DeeDee Stiepan

How Covid-19 has changed alcohol use.

Health

Health Report: Alaskan study for strengthening households to prevent adverse childhood experiences

Updated: Nov. 17, 2020 at 5:01 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Dr. Jared Parrish, spoke about his work in a recent study published with data from Alaska in the American Academy of Pediatrics official journal.

State

Fairbanks Mayor comments on Governor’s new COVID-19 emergency declaration

Updated: Nov. 16, 2020 at 6:11 PM AKST

By John Dougherty

Fairbanks Mayor Jim Matherly spoke about Governor Mike Dunleavy's new COVID-19 order encouraging vigilance from residents when making plans for the holidays.

Health Watch: Ultrasound therapy for pain following carpal tunnel surgery

Updated: Nov. 11, 2020 at 5:17 PM AKST

By Deedee Stiepan

Carpal Tunnel surgery ultrasound therapy.

Health

Health Report: The impact of COVID precautions on other diseases and overall health.

Updated: Nov. 10, 2020 at 5:02 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Looking at the impact of COVID precautions on other diseases and overall health with a Tanana Valley Clinic First Care Physician.

Health

Transporting COVID-19 patients from rural Alaska

Updated: Nov. 5, 2020 at 7:15 AM AKST

By Taylor Clark

As bigger case counts come out of the smallest Alaskan communities, LifeMed shows us how to safely transport a COVID-19 patient from the village to the hospital.

Health

Health Watch: Foundation Health Partners releases COVID testing guide for Fairbanks area

Updated: Nov. 4, 2020 at 4:11 PM AKST

By Alex Bengel

Foundation Health Partners has released a comprehensive guide to COVID-19 testing sites in the Fairbanks area, providing vital information about each site.

Health

Health Report: Smaller, more modern hearing aids help de-stigmatize hearing disabilities

Updated: Nov. 3, 2020 at 5:02 PM AKST

By Ryan Osborne

Small, discrete and more aesthetically appealing, these new devices help de-stigmatize hearing disabilities. Audiologist Dr. Mariana McIlwain of Fairbanks Hearing and Balance showcases current trends in hearing aid technology.

Health

Free flu shot clinic to be held at Lathrop HS in Fairbanks

Updated: Oct. 29, 2020 at 4:58 PM AKDT

By Richard Atkin

A free flu shot clinic is being held in Fairbanks on Friday, October 30, at Lathrop High School.

Health

Health Report: Dr. Venezia on mental health in Fairbanks amid the pandemic

Updated: Oct. 27, 2020 at 4:11 PM AKDT

By Ryan Osborne

Dr. Venezia covers mental health amid the pandemic

Coronavirus

Alaska reports new high for COVID-19 cases; public health officials urge taking prevention measures seriously

Updated: Oct. 24, 2020 at 7:03 PM AKDT

By Press Release

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today announced 355 new people identified with COVID-19 in Alaska – 353 residents and two nonresidents. This represents a significant increase over yesterday’s total count of 242 new cases.

Health

Health Watch: Fairbanks Memorial Hospital widens visitation allowances

Updated: Oct. 21, 2020 at 4:06 PM AKDT

By Alex Bengel

On Monday, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital’s visitation policy was changed to allow expanded access for visitors.

Health

Health Report: Fairbanks dentists work hard to keep patients safe during COVID-19 pandemic

Updated: Oct. 20, 2020 at 4:08 PM AKDT

October brings national dental hygiene month amid pandemic lockdown in Fairbanks

Health

Alaska COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force submits draft vaccination plan to CDC

Updated: Oct. 20, 2020 at 2:39 PM AKDT

By KTVF Staff Reporter

The Alaska COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force has submitted is draft vaccination plan to the CDC.

Health

Monroe Catholic volleyball team in quarantine after player tests positive for COVID-19

Updated: Oct. 16, 2020 at 3:59 PM AKDT

By KTVF Staff Reporter

According to an email from Catholic Schools of Fairbanks that was sent out to Monroe High School volleyball parents, a player on the girls volleyball team has tested positive for COVID-19 and the team has been required to quarantine for 14 days.

Health

Revised COVID-19 mandate for Alaska travelers goes into effect Friday

Updated: Oct. 15, 2020 at 4:32 PM AKDT

By Malia Barto and Lauren Maxwell

A revision to Alaska’s Health Mandate 10 goes into effect Friday.

Health

Heath Watch: 5 exercises you can do without leaving your desk

Updated: Oct. 14, 2020 at 1:43 PM AKDT

By DeeDee Stiepan

It’s important to incorporate movement into your day as much as possible. But that can be difficult if you’re stuck at a desk and don’t have much time to exercise.

Health