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PFAS on the West Plains: Ecology approves water pickup plan for residents but calls it ‘inadequate’

UPDATED: Thu., April 16, 2026

West Plains residents impacted by PFAS exposure will have to pick up clean water from a public facility after the state Department of Ecology relented on its alternate proposal to have the water delivered to them.

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Tuberculosis vaccine shows promise as once-fatal disease evades treatment

Thu., April 16, 2026

BALTIMORE — Tuberculosis infected more than 8 million people in 2024—surpassing COVID-19 and marking a record high since 1995—as a new Johns Hopkins–developed vaccine emerges amid rising antibiotic resistance. The nasal spray, DNA-based vaccine targets two genes to help the immune system fight drug-tolerant “persisters” that survive prolonged antibiotic therapy and contribute to relapse. ...

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Boston scientists find blood test can predict Alzheimer’s before symptoms

Thu., April 16, 2026

BOSTON — The secret might be hidden in our blood. Boston researchers in a new study have found that a blood test can predict Alzheimer’s disease progression years before symptoms or brain scan changes. The Mass General Brigham scientists discovered that a blood test of plasma phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217) can detect the earliest signals of Alzheimer’s disease in cognitively healthy adults. ...

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People’s pharmacy: Meat tenderizer rescued toddler from fire ants

Thu., April 16, 2026

Q. Years ago, when my younger sister was 2, she stepped on a fire ant mound. My mother rushed her to the hospital. The doctor there told my mother to get meat tenderizer and make a paste and cover her stings. It was among the best advice I have ever heard a doctor give.

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Newport hospital now providing heart ultrasounds so patients have nearby access in rural Washington

UPDATED: Tue., April 14, 2026

Scans for cardiovascular disease are now available at Newport Community Hospital.

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People’s Pharmacy: Can testosterone help prevent bone loss in women?

Thu., April 9, 2026

Q. My poor daughter has been suffering ever since menopause. Her muscles are weak, and she feels tired, but she can’t sleep, and she has brain fog. I’m glad her doctor will be testing her hormone levels. If her testosterone is low, he is likely to prescribe this hormone.

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Taking a GLP-1? Doctors say not to forget about movement and mental health

Thu., April 9, 2026

Severe ankle pain drove Jelon Smart to start taking a weight loss injection a year and a half ago.

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‘This doesn’t need to happen’: Spokane women suffer amid nationwide estrogen patch shortage

UPDATED: Fri., April 10, 2026

When Birgitta Hendron goes to the pharmacy for her estrogen patch, she now worries about whether it will even be there.

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Per rebuke to their submitted plan, local governments must deliver bottled water to PFAS-impacted West Plains residents

UPDATED: Mon., April 13, 2026

Last month, local governments proposed a plan to get clean drinking water access to West Plains residents affected by PFAS contamination. The state Department of Ecology has determined that plan is not good enough.

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Hypnotism can curb chronic pain, University of Washington study finds

Sun., April 5, 2026

University of Washington researchers think they might be able to use hypnosis to offset pain for patients with spinal cord injuries.

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Not ‘just here’ but ‘growing’: SRHD treatment services here to stay and expanding hours

UPDATED: Thu., April 2, 2026

A year and a half after the public health agency opted against privatizing its addiction treatment clinic, the Spokane Regional Health District’s treatment services have expanded.

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People’s Pharmacy: Does everyone with high LDL cholesterol need a statin?

UPDATED: Tue., March 31, 2026

Q. I am an 81-year-old woman in excellent health. The only thing that might be worrisome is my LDL cholesterol of 181. I understand that is way over the acceptable level. I have no other risk factors for heart disease.

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Learn about weight loss medication as UW medical school hosts obesity expert Dr. Ellen Schur this week

UPDATED: Tue., March 31, 2026

As they gain popularity, weight loss medications will be the focus of a Spokane talk by obesity expert Dr. Ellen Schur.

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New measles case reported in Spokane County. Here are the nine public places with possible exposure earlier this month

UPDATED: Thu., March 26, 2026

An adult with measles may have spread the disease across Spokane and Spokane Valley earlier this month.

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People’s Pharmacy: How long will nicotine patches improve memory?

Thu., March 26, 2026

Q. I read in your column about nicotine patches helping with memory. I have been trying them, and I do feel sharper. I’m not sure if this effect is real or placebo. That said, my question is how long should I use the patches to get the maximum benefit? Will my brain fog return if I stop? Is this a lifetime commitment?

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Researcher explores a new role for dentists: Preventing HPV-related cancers

Thu., March 26, 2026

FORT WORTH, Texas – At your average dentist’s appointment, you get reminded to brush your teeth and floss regularly.

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MultiCare opens new adult primary care clinic in Spokane, teaching up to 24 student doctors by 2030

UPDATED: Tue., March 24, 2026

MultiCare has plans to double the number of primary care student doctors in Spokane within the next four years.

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City, county announce plan to get clean water to those impacted by PFAS contamination near airport

UPDATED: Mon., March 23, 2026

Spokane city and county have announced a plan to get drinking water free of hazardous PFAS chemicals into the hands of West Plains residents near Spokane International Airport.

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Measles diagnosed in Kootenai County resident who spent time in Sacred Heart emergency room

UPDATED: Thu., March 19, 2026

Local health officials have identified a measles case in a Kootenai County resident who spent time in Spokane while infectious.

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People’s Pharmacy: Reader recommends a bidet for hemorrhoid sufferers

Thu., March 19, 2026

Q. Lots of people suffer with hemorrhoids, and I’d like to offer advice from personal experience. Ditch the wet wipes and toilet tissue for cleaning your butt after a bowel movement. Purchase a simple bidet toilet seat. After it rinses you off, just pat dry gently with toilet tissue. This drastically reduces the risk of getting hemorrhoids. If you do get them, soaking in a hot bathtub or sitz bath at least once a day works very well.

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