The link between loneliness and health troubles is real. Agencies are turning to everything from buddy programs to animatronic pets to help ease isolation made worse by the coronavirus.
Michigan Health Watch
In-depth reporting on the intersection between public policy and important health topics ‒ such as insurance coverage, hospital admissions, opioid abuse, access to care, medical research and the business of health care ‒ that impact nearly every Michigan resident.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Omicron sub-variant BA.2 cases creep up in Michigan; some fear another wave
The BA.2 sub-variant of omicron is confirmed in Detroit and 21 Michigan counties. More contagious than the original omicron, it’s blamed for the sharp rise in cases in several western European communities.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan closes gap on racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths
Early in the pandemic, Blacks accounted for 40 percent of all COVID-19 deaths. But efforts to address the gap led to health changes that lowered the rate to 14 percent — equal to their proportion of the state’s population.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
New guidance: Most in Michigan can ditch their masks for now
The change marks a shift in masking recommendations, placing counties in a three-tiered risk system.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
One little girl’s death and Michigan’s falling childhood vaccination rates
In Michigan, childhood vaccine rates have fallen through the pandemic, and they weren’t great even before COVID. Tens of thousands of toddlers are not fully vaccinated, opening the door for possible outbreaks of life-threatening diseases.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Ivermectin hovers over COVID ‘Right-to-Try' law passed by Michigan House
Supporters say it will allow doctors to prescribe not-yet-approved drugs for dying COVID patients. Critics say it’s not needed, and is an effort to bully doctors into dispensing an unproven drug touted by conservatives.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Northern Michigan health director quits, cites anger over mask mandates
After months of conflict in six counties over COVID school mask mandates, “my health is suffering” Lisa Peacock said.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
One Michigan mom rejoices, another worries as school mask mandates lift
This is the story of two moms, and two Michigans — one eager for a maskless return to a post-COVID normal, the other still wondering if it is still just too soon.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
University of Michigan team links ‘rogue’ antibodies to COVID blood clots
The research is early, but it may prove crucial in finding future treatment for potentially deadly COVID complications.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Gretchen Whitmer drops mask suggestion, Michigan getting ‘back to normal’
With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations falling, Michigan health officials have drafted new mask guidelines which no longer recommend masking in many public indoor settings, including schools.