Kern County Tries To Help First Responders Cope With PTSD
In other public health news, UC San Francisco researchers find a link between counties where alcohol is banned and heart failure. And a new study says that only 20 percent of the low-income children who qualify for a summer lunch program were served last year.
The Bakersfield Californian:
Local First Responders With PTSD Symptoms Now Have Both Help And Hope
In recent years, Kern County has lost many first responders to the adverse effects of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder. These losses come in many forms including loss of careers, relationships and positive life functioning. The most tragic loss, however, is suicide. (Buck and Mueller, 6/14)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
Study Links Alcohol Bans, Heart Attacks
Rates of heart attacks and congestive heart failure are significantly higher where alcohol is banned according to a study of "dry" and "wet" counties in Texas. However, the observational study led by UC San Francisco researchers found higher rates of atrial fibrillation, alcoholic liver disease and alcohol misuse in "wet" counties. (Fikes, 6/14)
Capital Public Radio:
Summer Lunch Programs Could Serve More Children
California could be serving more of its low-income children during summer vacation, according to a new report. Roughly 20 percent of students who qualify for free or reduced school lunch took advantage of summer nutrition programs last year, according to an analysis by the Food Research and Action Center. Crystal Fitzsimons, who oversees the organization's work on child nutrition programs, said while 8,000 fewer students received meals at designated schools, about 10,000 more students received a free lunch through community based organizations. (Johnson, 6/14)