ER Visits Due to Prescription Drug Abuse More Than Double

A recent study shows that Emergency Room visits due to prescription drug abuse rose 111 percent between 2004 and 2008. Officials say prescription pain-killer abuse is the number 1 reason for the increase. To read the complete story click here.
We would like you to share your thoughts on fighting prescription drug abuse. Please help us in the fight by joining the Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition. Our next meeting is July 9th at noon in the Historic Federal Building on 7th street in Moundsville. For more information on the Anti-Drug Coalition please call 304-845-3300.

Is the Indoor Clean-Air Act working?

Proponents for the Kanawha County, WV smoking ban are studying the effects it has had on the health of county residents.
The study will compare health data from 2000 to 2008, and whether the 2003 indoor smoking ban has reduced the number of heart attacks reported in smokers and nonsmokers.
For the complete story click here.
Do you think the Indoor Clean-Air Act helps reduce health risks for West Virginia residents? Login in to discuss this or any other topic.

Two West Virginia cities rank at the top of a not so good list

Charleston and Huntington are at the top of a list of cities with the highest proportion of smokers, according to a new national ranking.
Charleston ranked No. 1 in the nation, followed by Huntington at No. 3 on a list of the top 10 cities nationwide with the most smokers, according to Healthways, a well-being company based in Tennessee. West Virginia has the highest smoking rate in the nation, at about 27 percent, compared to 20 percent nationwide. To read the full article, click here.
The question is why? Why do you think the state's smoking rate is so high? And do you support a new tax on cigarettes to fund tobacco-cessation programs?