Potential Z-Pak concern

Azithromycin, which is often sold in a five-day dose known as a Z-Pak, is an antibiotic commonly used to kill bacteria that cause middle-ear infections, strep throat, sinusitis and pneumonia. It is therefore newsworthy that a recent study linked azithromycin with an increased risk of irregular heart rhythms in some patients. Azithromycin is part of the macrolide class of antibiotics, which includes erythromycin and other antibiotics that pose similar risks for those with heart disease risk factors. At the same time, the study found no similar risks associated with other antibiotics that treat many conditions as well as azithromycin, most notably, amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin. It may make sense to discuss these alternatives to azithromycin if you have a heart condition.

Feel fine dating online

By DEVIN HEILMAN

OTC medications at wholesale prices

Diabetes is an awful disease.

Gonorrhea on the rise in North Idaho

HAYDEN — Panhandle Health District is alerting the public about an increase of gonorrhea cases in North Idaho. The five northern counties have seen a 115 percent increase in cases so far this year, compared to the same period in 2016. The sexually-transmitted disease, or STD, is hitting young people ages 20 to 29 especially hard.

Medication nation: Study shows antibiotic overuse

Apply for unclaimed controlled hunt tags by Aug. 15

For a wide variety of reasons, some of the lucky hunters who drew tags in the deer, elk, antelope and bear controlled-hunt drawing did not buy their tags.

Planned Parenthood app allows real-time consult with physicians

COEUR d’ALENE — Planned Parenthood launched a new web application in Idaho that will allow users to consult with their physicians over a secure real-time video to order birth control or STD test kits.

Purchase controlled hunt tags by Saturday

Big game hunters who were successful in drawing controlled hunt tags for deer, elk, pronghorn and black bear have until 11 p.m. PDT, Saturday, Aug. 1 to buy their tags.

Playing the health insurance shell game

Last Wednesday, we were treated to another nonsensical "My Turn" by Chuck Malloy, where he started off by thanking goodness for insurance. He went on to say that he needed to purchase an insulin pen and the cost of a five pack over the counter without insurance was $500, but thanks to the wonderful insurance world, he only paid $35.

No over-the-counter for Plan B pill

Election-year politics seen in move by Obama administration

WASHINGTON (AP) - In a surprise move with election-year implications, the Obama administration's top health official overruled her own drug regulators and stopped the Plan B morning-after pill from moving onto drugstore shelves next to the condoms.

FDA allows over-the-counter morning-after pill, lifts age limit

'Out of control' STD situation prompts call for changes

David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, called the situation “out of control

Controlled hunt drawing results online

Hunters who applied for elk, deer, pronghorn, fall turkey and black bear controlled hunts can check online to see whether they were successful in the recent computerized drawing.

Spokane adopts law to quiet anti-abortion protests

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The Spokane City Council has adopted a new law that seeks in part to dampen the loud protests outside of the Planned Parenthood Spokane Health Center.

Hunters can get certified before fall

Beginning hunters interested in hunting in Idaho this fall who have not taken a required hunter education or a bow hunter education course may complete an online course in time to receive their certification, buy a license, and hunt this fall.

No over-the-counter, nonresident deer, elk tags available this year

No over-the-counter nonresident deer, elk tags available this year Controlled hunt tags must be purchased this week or forfeited

White House pushes unproven drug for virus; doctors wary

Researchers in China reported that cough, pneumonia and fever seemed to improve sooner among 31 patients given hydroxychloroquine compared with 31 others who did not get the drug

Taste, taste, taste

Mary and I affectionately refer to tasting wine many times as "homework." For us while it really isn't work at all it is a big part of the job, as we never feel comfortable or confident recommending a wine to a customer if we have not tried it first regardless of the price we pay and therefore charge our customers, it has to meet our standards. Allegorically, customers can and for their own protection should approach wine the same way.

Local lakes to be stocked with 43K fish

Over 43,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) rainbow trout will be stocked in the Panhandle Region in April.

Unified Land Use Code comments sought

Kootenai County Planning Commission is accepting public comments on the final draft of the Unified Land Use Code that was released to the public on Tuesday.