Idaho gas prices cool off

Gem State ranking jumps from 15th to 11th for most expensive fuel

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Idaho is $3.71, which is a 7-cent increase from a week ago. Meanwhile, the national average fell by 6 cents to $3.61 per gallon over the same time period. The Gem State ranks 11th in the U.S. for most expensive fuel, according to AAA.

Deadline nears to buy insurance through Your Health Idaho

BOISE (AP) - The deadline to purchase health insurance in 2015 on Idaho's exchange is approaching.

Protect your hearing

How much noise is damaging? Any sounds at or above 85 decibels (dB) can damage your ears. A decibel is a unit that measures the intensity of sound. Sounds that humans can hear are measured on a scale from 0-140. The normal level of conversation measures about 60dB. Chainsaws hammer drills, bulldozers, and heavy machinery measure in at over 100dB. People working with lawn mowers, weed whackers are also at risk of damage, these levels are around 85-90 dB.

IDFG struggling with non-game funding

TWIN FALLS (AP) - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is encouraging residents to help its non-game species program by buying specialized license plates or making donations.

GAS PRICES: Time for feds to step in

What is going on with gas prices? Isn't it very strange that the minute a story comes out about problems with Libya that our gas prices immediately rise. Libya only supplies a small amount of our gas and there is no possible way that the prices the dealers are paying have gone up to that degree yet.

Briefly

- Schweitzer Mountain Resort has announced the tentative opening date for the 2019-20 season will be Nov. 29. Season passes and lesson packages are now on sale, with discounted pricing until Oct. 31.

Compassionate companions needed for seniors

As visitors stepped into Dee Kirsch's room in the memory care unit at Pacifica Senior Living in Coeur d'Alene, she sat up in her bed and welcomed them with a warm smile.

'Tis the season for fall flu bug

We've had some beautiful bonus sunny October days of late, and for that I'm grateful. I'm also grateful for modern over-the-counter medications for colds/flu/cough/congestion/sneezing and for tissues with a touch of aloe. It was obvious a week or so ago that there was a bug lurking but I foolishly thought I could outrun or at least ignore it. Nope. Knocked me upside the head late last week and it's not your garden variety 24-hour bug.

Cluster headaches debilitating

DEAR DR. GOTT: My 43-year-old son has cluster headaches that began about five years ago. The first series was twice daily around the same time each day. The bout lasted between six and eight weeks, and then stopped.

Lozenges unavailable to treat spasmodic dysphonia

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, which is not on your list of health reports. I have to wait another five months for an appointment with an ENT specialist. In the meantime, I must continue talking, as I am a teacher of FSL (French as a Second Language) and my work means I talk all day long. I've tried getting slippery elm lozenges, which are supposed to help the voice, but they are presently unavailable in Canada. So what can I do, short of not talking, to reduce or relieve symptoms?

Snoqualmie Pass work will cause I-90 delays

Drivers face delays of up to two hours or more on Snoqualmie Pass next week when crews close one lane of eastbound Interstate 90 for six days straight in preparation for opening a brand new section of highway.

Widmyer: 2021 could bring us closer to normal

In the second part of a two-part interview, Mayor Steve Widmyer said the familiar days of Coeur d'Alene enjoying citywide festivities could once again be in sight.

Moving on, a fact of life

Moving on is never easy, but it is a necessary fact of life. You can see it as overwhelming, as nothing but challenges, or as the door to new opportunities and adventure.

National parks '09 visitation up but misses record

287.2 million visit recreation areas in 1987

WASHINGTON (AP) - Ten million more people visited national parks last year than in 2008, but the numbers fell short of the all-time record for park visitation from 1987.

The sad state of our heart

Doctor of Oriental Medicine

There are few diseases we are winning the war on today. Most diseases are rising at an alarming rate, costing consumers billions of dollars annually. One of the worst is cardiovascular disease.

The scoop on poop: Part 1

Constipation is a condition that effects one in eight individuals in the U.S. Though not a disease per se, it can lead to many health conditions, such as hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, fissures, fecal impaction rectal prolapse and others. It is also associated with a range of illnesses such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, MS, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, multiple chemical sensitivities and food sensitivities. There are several causes of constipation. The good news is that (except in some rare situations) it is one condition that is clearly within our control.

The misunderstood stomach acids: Part I

If you are suffering from heartburn or Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease ("GERD" or "reflux"), or know of someone else who does, take heart - there are many things you can do to alleviate it. Some people say, "Well, I no longer suffer from it because I take medication. I don't have any problems with it." Well, sorry to say, you have more problems than you realize.

Choosing the best probiotic for upset tummies

Having a stressed or sick pet is concerning, especially if diarrhea, gas, and digestive issues are present.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Chronic diarrhea or constipation: A red flag

Chronic digestive symptoms can make one’s life miserable.

Pink, pampered, protected

Kootenai Health hosts drive-thru Breast Cancer Awareness event