RSV on the rise in North Idaho

Virus with usually mild symptoms is sending children to the hospital

Like elsewhere in the U.S., North Idaho is beginning to see increases in hospitalizations from climbing rates of respiratory syncytial virus infections, or RSV. RSV is a common virus that normally causes mild cold-like symptoms but is sending people to the hospital at higher than usual rates. “In the past 48 hours, we have had a significant increase in RSV admissions,” said Dr. Vanessa Carroll, medical director of pediatrics for Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene, on Friday. “Many are outside the classic age range we expect for admission, with older children being admitted at rates that we have previously not experienced.”

Montana reports two more deaths due to COVID-19

Health officials in Montana announced two deaths due to COVID-19, one connected to an outbreak at a nursing home in Billings and the other in Lewis and Clark County

Up to 200K deaths foreseen in U.S. as Spain, Italy demand help

By MATT SEDENSKY and MICHAEL R. SISAK

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.

Fiscally fit due to Fido

U.S. trade group: Spending on pets at all-time high

Hold your fire

ALBANY, N.Y. - Gun enthusiasts fearful of new weapon controls and alarmed by rumors of government hoarding are buying bullets practically by the bushel, making it hard for stores nationwide to keep shelves stocked and even putting a pinch on some local law enforcement departments.

AP PHOTOS: Virus revives demand for traditional French soap

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Amid the rapid spread of the new coronavirus across Europe, the hallmark Marseille tradition of soap-making is enjoying a renaissance, as the French rediscover an essential local product.

Frugal food can be found

Healthy eating can cost less, study finds

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Four ways to maintain a healthy prostate

The prostate is a muscular gland located just below the bladder in men that produces fluid that makes up part of semen. An enlarged prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is nearly universal in men of advanced age in industrialized nations. About 50 percent of men between the ages of 51 and 60 have BPH, 70 percent between the ages of 61 to 69, and up to 80 percent of men over 70 years. While the condition itself does not raise the risk for prostate cancer, symptoms of BPH can be uncomfortable and progressive, including urinary frequency or dribbling, excessive nighttime urination, or an inability to fully empty the bladder.

Senate approves insurance exchange

Measure goes to Gov. Butch Otter for his signature

The Idaho Senate approved a proposed state-based health insurance exchange on Thursday, after a debate in which it was alternately bashed as federal tyranny and praised as protecting Idaho's sovereignty.

Olympics delayed as US nears a deal on $2 trillion in relief

NEW YORK (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics were put off to next year as coronavirus deaths and infections surged in Europe and the U.S. on Tuesday, with New York warning it is about to get hit by a “bullet train." Stocks soared as Washington lawmakers closed in on a nearly $2 trillion deal to help businesses and ordinary Americans pull through the crisis.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Our poor abused thyroid

A gland of remarkable adaptability, the thyroid gland absorbs a great deal of “punishment” with our lifestyles today.

Take care of your prostate and it will take care of you

“Many men die with prostate cancer, but most men with the diagnosis will not die from prostate cancer.” I have heard numerous doctors and medical professionals use this line, but don’t let sayings like this diminish the importance of self-care and regular prostate checks as you age. While prostate cancer diagnoses do not typically come with a terminal prognosis (or predicted outcome), there are some types of prostate cancer that have a very high Gleason score, which is to say, they are highly aggressive. Prostate cancer is, in fact, the second leading cause of death among American men according to the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society also reports that 1 in 9 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Cancer aside, the significant impact on quality of life that can result from other prostate related complications, like benign prostatic hypertrophy (or an enlarged prostate, abbreviated as BPH) further highlight the value of doing everything possible to take care of your prostate and urinary system.

Hacking away at pneumonia

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drugs prescribed to treat hypertension are known to produce a dry, hacking cough as a side effect in some cases, which leads many to switch to another medication. As it turns out, however, this drug-induced, persistent cough may provide a benefit that may have some patients thinking twice about switching to other medications that lower blood pressure. According to an analysis of 37 studies, researchers found that patients taking ACE inhibitors were 34 percent less likely to develop pneumonia, which is a significant cause of hospitalization and death among seniors who typically take ACE inhibitors. Older patients who take ACE inhibitors should consult with their physicians before deciding to switch to an alternative.

Idaho health departments behind on contract tracing

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Public health officials in Idaho have reported

Shopping early - extreme version

Sales prices entice people to leave home on Thanksgiving

COEUR d'ALENE — Tammi Garrett and Don Downey of Post Falls left their dirty Thanksgiving dishes on the counter, grabbed a bottle of apple cider and rushed over to Target in Coeur d'Alene Thursday evening.

Planting a position: The business of political yard signs

The ubiquitous reminders of the upcoming election continue to thrive.

What helps indigestion, heartburn and reflux?

In the U.S., it is estimated that 60 to 70 million people suffer from digestive-related diseases. Doctors are writing $114 million in acid-reducing medication prescriptions. That doesn’t include over-the-counter sales. It’s big business! What’s worse is that taking acid-reducing medications to treat these issues can actually cause, or contribute to many of the diseases we are suffering from today. Yet there are many remedies that actually fix the problem, not just cover them up.

Amazon vs. everyone else

Battle for holiday shoppers heats up

NEW YORK - This holiday shopping season, it's Amazon vs. everyone else.