News Of Western Pennsylvania And The World
Staff at the UPMC Mathilda H. Theiss Health Center in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood were met with an unwelcome surprise Friday morning. A roof leak on Thanksgiving damaged the health center and ruined the donations they had collected so far for an annual holiday toy drive.
Source: Roof leak wipes out toy drive contributions at Pittsburgh health center; donations sought
PITTSBURGH — March of Dimes, the leader in the fight for the health of all moms and babies, kicked off its 54th annual March for Babies Walk on Sunday at the North Shore. Hundreds of people came together to support one another on their parenthood journies.
Sunday was John Bricker’s 50th March for Babies walk and his first in Pittsburgh. The Harrisburg native started walking for March for Babies in 1971 before he had children, but when his twin sons were born, the walk became personal.
PHOTOS: Crowds fill Pittsburgh’s North Shore during annual March for Babies charity walk
“One [of the babies] was no problems. One had a lot of physical difficulties. He had many, many surgeries and died out of Birmingham, Alabama, at the age of three,” Bricker said. “My wife said, ‘what are you going to do about the March of Dimes?’ And I said, ‘I’m going to raise more and more money so their parents don’t go through what we went through.’”
In 50 years, Bricker has raised $900,000.
March for Babies is the largest fundraiser for the March of Dimes and the nation’s oldest charitable walk. Participants in Pittsburgh’s event raised more than $800,000 for education, training, and research so moms and babies get the best possible start.
“The United States, unfortunately, is one of the most dangerous developed nations in the world for childbirth,” said Jim Hoga, from March of Dimes. “One in 10 babies is born too soon, and two babies die every hour.”
According to March of Dimes’ annual report, which measures the state of maternal and infant health in the U.S., the nation’s pre-term birth rate is a D+ Grade, with a pre-term birth rate of 10.4%. One in 10 babies in the U.S. will be born premature, and about 700 women die each year from pregnancy-related complications — making the U.S. among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. Pennsylvania earned a C+ in March of Dimes’ 2023 Report Card, with a pre-term birth rate of 9.6%. The study found 15.5% of Pennsylvania residents have inadequate prenatal care, and the pre-term birth rate among Black women is 1.5 times higher than the rate among all other women. There has been no improvement in the disparity ratio for pre-term birth.
Source: Hundreds of participants help raise $800,000 at Pittsburgh March for Babies Walk
It’s not just you! Pittsburgh is above-average for residents’ “burden of seasonal allergies,” according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Source: Pittsburgh ranked among the worst US cities for people with allergies
After losing money in 2022, Pittsburgh’s Highmark Health rebounded last year.
The health insurance giant posted net income of $533 million even as it grappled with operating losses at its Pittsburgh-area hospitals.
That compares with a $346 million loss in 2022, due largely to struggling investments during a bear market, officials said Monday during a conference call on Highmark’s 2023 financial results.
Source: Highmark posts $533M profit in 2023, reversing dismal performance in 2022
Donnie Iris, the Pittsburgh native, is cancer free. Donnie Iris and the Cruisers made the announcement on their Facebook saying ” We’re excited to tell you that Donnie is doing great! “
Source: Donnie Iris is cancer free and has announced his first show back from sickness
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh medics had a busy day during the Steelers game on Sunday.
Three people were taken to the hospital during the game.
Medics say they were requested for 12 other calls at the stadium.
Source: Pittsburgh medics respond to 15 calls at Acrisure Stadium during Steelers game, 3 hospitalized
GOOD Meat still needs approval from the Agriculture Department before it can sell the product line in the U.S.
The Food and Drug Administration on Monday cleared cultured “cultured chicken cell material” made by GOOD Meat as safe for use as human food. While the FDA said the lab-grown chicken was safe to eat, GOOD Meat still needs approval from the Agriculture Department before i can sell the product in the U.S.
If approved, acclaimed chef José Andrés plans to serve GOOD Meat’s chicken to customers at his Washington, D.C. restaurant. He’s on GOOD Meat’s board of directors.
“The future of our planet depends on how we feed ourselves,” he said in a press release. “And we have a responsibility to look beyond the horizon for smarter, sustainable ways to eat.”
The FDA previously gave the green light to lab-grown chicken made by Upside Foods in November.
Source: FDA clears lab-grown chicken as safe to eat
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says more than 38,000 fish and 5,500 other aquatic species died after the East Palestine train derailment.
Source: ODNR: East Palestine train derailment killed roughly 40,000 fish
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman was taken to the hospital Wednesday after a U.S. Senate event.
Fetterman communications director Joe Calvello said the results of an MRI and other tests eliminated the possibility of a second stroke.
“He is being monitored with an EEG for signs of seizure – so far there are no signs of seizure, but he is still being monitored,” Calvello said in a statement provided to CNN.
Calvello did not indicate when Fetterman might be able to leave George Washington University Hospital.
Shortly before last year’s election, which Fetterman won by defeating celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, Fetterman’s doctor released the results of an exam amid concerns that Fetterman’s health problems might prevent him from assuming his duties if elected.
Source: PA Sen. John Fetterman: Latest Medical Update
An urgent search is under way in Western Australia after a tiny capsule containing a radioactive substance went missing between a town and city roughly 1,400km (870 miles) apart. The casing contains a small quantity of radioactive Caesium-137, which could cause serious illness if touched. The public has been warned to stay away from the capsule if they see it.
YouTube superstar MrBeast is making the world clearer — for at least 1,000 people.
Source: YouTube star MrBeast helps 1,000 blind people see again by sponsoring cataract surgeries | CNN
Singer Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of the late Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, has died, her mother confirms in a statement. She was 54.
“Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,” Priscilla Presley said in the statement, provided to CNN by a representative. “They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”
Source: Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley, dead at 54 | CNN
Fans are mourning the loss of, Lynette Hardaway, known to millions as Diamond of the pro-Trump duo “Diamond and Silk,” who passed away this week at age 51.
Source: Lynette Hardaway, conservative icon of ‘Diamond and Silk’ duo, dead at 51
A federal agency is considering a ban on gas stoves, a source of indoor pollution linked to childhood asthma.
Source: A US federal agency is considering a ban on gas stoves, report says | CNN Business
Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle during Monday night’s game, causing the NFL to suspend a pivotal matchup against the Bengals that quickly lost significance in the aftermath of a scary scene that unfolded in front of a national television audience.
Here’s what we know:
The Bills said Hamlin, 24, suffered cardiac arrest.
“His heartbeat was restored on the field,” the team said in a statement early Tuesday. He was transferred to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for “further testing and treatment.”
‘Please pray for our brother:’ NFL players rally around Damar Hamlin after shocking injuryDamar Hamlin’s condition is far more important than footballBills safety Damar Hamlin suffers cardiac arrest, in critical condition after on-field collapse
The Bills said Hamlin is sedated and in critical condition.
Hamlin was hurt while tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins on a seemingly routine play that didn’t appear unusually violent.
Source: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/03/sports/what-happened-damar-hamlin/
The state liquor store in Greensburg will reopen, but not in time for partygoers to buy their favorite libations for a New Year’s Eve bash. The Fine Wine & Good Spirits store at 105 Harrison Ave. will reopen Monday after being closed since August because of potential safety concerns for employees. The Liquor Control Board said those issues have been addressed.
A “temporarily closed” sign remained in the window and door of the business Thursday. Store shelves are stocked.
The LCB is in the process of restaffing the store, said Shawn Kelly, an LCB spokesman in Harrisburg. The employees who worked there were reassigned to other liquor stores, Kelly said.
The building’s owner, John Rause, could not be reached for comment.
After the liquor store was closed, Rause said he had contractors assess moisture issues in the basement. The business uses the basement for storing some stock.
The upper part of the building houses the Slavonic American Home of Greensburg, known as the Ash Club.
Source: State liquor store in Greensburg to reopen Monday
Former pope Benedict, 95, who in 2013 became the first pontiff in 600 years to step down, is “very sick”, his successor Pope Francis said on Wednesday, asking the church to pray for him.
Source: Former pope Benedict is ‘very sick’, Pope Francis says
The Lawrenceville Shop n Save has been cited by the Allegheny County Health Department for several violations, including pest management, after an inspector found dead mice and droppings.
Source: Pittsburgh grocery store cited by health department after inspector finds dead mice, droppings
Scientists predict China will see the largest COVID surge of the pandemic this winter, with hundreds of millions of people infected. But some experts say that it could have been even worse.
Source: COVID spreading faster than ever in China. 800 million could be infected this winter
People with the syndrome experience rigidity in their torso and limbs, as well as muscle spasms that can occur at random or in response to certain stimuli.
Source: Celine Dion has stiff-person syndrome, a one-in-a-million diagnosis. These are its symptoms.
A baby product company has recalled around 10,500 sippy cups and bottles over lead poisoning risks.
Green Sprouts, a North Carolina-based company focused on “natural parenting,” has recalled three products: a stainless steel sippy cup, a stainless steal sippy cup with a straw, and a stainless steel straw bottle. The base of the cups and bottles can break off, exposing a solder dot which contains lead, according to the recall notice.
The bottles and cups were sold at Buy Buy Baby and Whole Foods stores and online at Amazon and Bed, Bath and Beyond, according to the notice.
Name of Product:Green Sprouts Stainless Steel Straw Bottles, Sippy Cups and Sip & Straw Cups
Hazard:The recalled stainless-steel bottles and cups bottom base can break off, exposing a solder dot that contains lead, posing a lead poisoning hazard to the child. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children, and can cause adverse health effects.
Remedy:Recall Date:November 23, 2022
Units:About 10,500
One person in Las Vegas who came down with vomiting and diarrhea has tested positive for the stomach bug sapovirus after eating imported oysters. At least nine others are infected.
Source: Food poisoning outbreak linked to oysters ‘in 13 states’
Dr. Ashish Jha said a “tripledemic” of Covid, flu and RSV cases could unfold this winter. He pointed to tools we can use to fight it, including new vaccines.
Covid has been a prominent winter threat during the last two years and is expected to wreak havoc again this year, especially with the emergence of so-called “Scrabble” variants that appear adept at evading immunity from vaccines and prior infection.
The U.S. is also seeing an early uptick in flu cases, which don’t typically rise until late December. The country’s South Central and Southeastern regions already have positivity rates as high as 10%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, especially among children, are also rising. Nearly 75% of the country’s estimated 40,000 pediatric beds are currently full, according to the latest Department of Health and Human Services data.
Source: Dr. Jha: A ‘tripledemic’ could hit the U.S., but ‘we’re not powerless against it’
Aurobindo Pharma USA is recalling two lots of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets due a potential cancer risk.
Source: Blood pressure medicine recall: Some pills pose potential cancer risk, FDA announces
The USDA announced the recall of more than 7,000 pounds of pork sausage for possible rubber contamination.
Source: Bob Evans’ Sausage Recalled After Blue Plastic Found In Product
Click https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsb… for a CBS News video report.
Nestlé is issuing a voluntary recall for its refrigerated, ready-to-bake Nestlé Toll House Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling because of the “potential presence of white plastic pieces.”
Source: Nestlé recalls some packages of Toll House cookie dough | CNN Business
The coronavirus revealed flaws in the nation’s pandemic plans. The spread of monkeypox shows that the problems remain deeply entrenched.
No single agency or administration is to blame, more than a dozen experts said in interviews, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has acknowledged that it bungled the response to the coronavirus.
Source: New Infectious Threats Are Coming. The U.S. Probably Won’t Contain Them.
Instead of an emphasis on “sexual abstinence as the expected norm,” the revised policy “stresses that abstinence from sexual activity is the only completely reliable means of preventing sexually transmitted infections and HIV when transmitted sexually.”
The revised policy also says that sex education provided by the district “is evidence-based, culturally relevant and inclusive of all students regardless of race, gender, disability, etc.”
Source: Pittsburgh Public Schools updates sex education policy
