Even though the March of Dimes gave Louisiana an F for its high preterm birth rate, health officials are hopeful things will improve soon. Brooke Thorington explains
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Governor John Bel Edwards reacts to the failure of one Constitutional Amendment and the success of another. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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The Louisiana Department of Health is recommending residents in the state who are fully vaccinated and 18 or older get a COVID-19 booster shot. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”
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The Bayou State receives an F on the 2021 March of Dimes report card for a preterm birth rate of 13-percent. Medical Director of the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative Dr. Veronica Gillespie-Bell says while it’s always disappointing to get a poor grade…
Cut 4 (10) “…our babies. “
Gillespie-Bell says while the state received a poor grade however in some parishes the preterm birth rate has improved, for example, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Orleans Parishes. And says the state does have programs in place that the March of Dimes recommends in helping reduce preterm birth rates.
Cut 5 (09) “…committee”
In addition to those programs, another factor to aid in preterm births Gillespie-Bell says is the doula registry that was established in the 2021 legislative session, which requires services from midwives to be covered by health insurance. She believes it will make a difference.
Cut 6 (05) “..next year.”
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Governor John Bel Edwards reacts to the fates of two Constitutional amendments decided by voters last Saturday. Both proposals were part of significant tax reforms planned by the state legislature last spring. On his monthly radio program, “Ask the Governor”, Mr. Edwards says he strongly supported both amendments; One and Two…:
Cut 7 (09) “…that’s regrettable.”
Voters rejected Amendment One, to set up a single, central state sales tax collection agency rather than the 54 the state has currently. Amendment Two did pass with voters, which the Governor says is a big step in streamlining the state income tax code…:
Cut 8 (07) “…revenue neutral overall.”
Under amendment Two, state income tax brackets will go down, but taxpayers’ deduction of federal income taxes paid will go away. Edwards says this change will eventually mean fewer revenue shortfalls for the state…:
Cut 9 (08) “…raise and lower taxes.”
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Today is the Great American Smokeout, an annual event to encourage smokers to kick the habit. Kenneth Saucier (So-cee-a)with the Office of Behavioral Health within the state health department, says you if need help quitting you might want to pick up the phone and call 1-800-QUIT -NOW.
Cut 10 (10) “…that are free.”
The Great American Smokeout which began in 1977 is a day set aside to encourage smokers to not light up for at least one day. Saucier says because 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers and COPD is linked with smoking…
Cut 11 (09) “…overall health.”
Saucier says unfortunately Louisiana has a high smoking rate compared to others and also suffers the consequences with 7,200 adults who die annually from smoking and about 9,800 children under the age of 18 who will ultimately die prematurely due to smoking.
Cut 12 (04) “…healthcare costs.”
You can also visit QuitWithUsLA.org for more smoking cessation resources.
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The holidays usually result in family gatherings and the Louisiana Department of Health is now recommending COVID-19 booster shots for everyone 18 and older who are fully vaccinated. Dr. Joe Kanter says cases of the virus are increasing in other parts of the nation.
Cut 13 (10) “…level of protection.”
Kanter says those eligible for booster shots may choose which vaccine they wish to receive.
Dr. Kanter outlines who is eligible and encouraged to get a booster shot.
Cut 14 (11) “…two months ago.”
Kanter explains why it’s a good idea to get a COVID booster shot even if you are fully vaccinated against the virus.
Cut 15 (08) “…bit with time.”
The booster shots are free of charge and can be obtained where you received your initial shots, other locations, and at no cost.
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For the fourth time, ULM will face LSU in football. It’s the first meeting between the two schools since 2014. Warhawks coach Terry Bowden says the Louisiana players on his team are looking forward to this one…
Cut 16 (20) “..I think”
The Tigers have won the three previous meetings between the two teams. In 2014, LSU shut out the Warhawks 31-0. ULM has made great strides after winless 2020 campaign. They are four and six this year and Bowden knows what it will take to take another step….
Cut 17 (20) “ same thing”
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The Saints look to break a two-game losing streak when they visit Philadelphia on Sunday to take on the Eagles. Philly is coming off a nice road win as they defeated the Broncos in Denver 30-13. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts tossed two touchdown passes and also rushed for 55 yards as he’s showing signs of developing into a real good Q-B. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says Hurts is not your typical running quarterback…
Cut 18 (20) “..as well”
It’s rare for the Saints to have a multi-game losing streak. Quarterback Trevor Siemian says Coach Sean Payton sets the right tone in these situations…
Cut 19 (20) ” this weekend”
In three games this season, Siemian has not thrown an interception. He talked about the importance of not being reckless with the football..
Cut 20 (20) “.so litte’.”