Beginning August 1, a new law allows Louisiana residents with private insurance or Medicaid who want to quit smoking to enroll in a six-month smoking treatment program. Teiko Foxx has more…
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The CDC has identified cases as the first US-originated cases of malaria in more than two decades. Brooke Thorington has more.
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State Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 37-year-old Sara Marshall of Prairieville after her car was submerged in the Amite River. Trooper Christian Reed says they were contacted around ten-thirty Saturday night about the incident in Livingston Parish.
Despite being fully restrained, Marshall was not able to exit the vehicle. Reed says it’s vital that all occupants be properly restrained so you are less likely to have a head injury that will keep you from being unable to respond when your vehicle goes underwater.
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Reed wants to remind motorists, especially during the 4th of July holiday, to never drive impaired and to remain vigilant when driving on the roads and waterways.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation and toxicology samples were collected.
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People in Louisiana who want to stop smoking will be able to take advantage of a six-month smoking cessation treatment provided by health insurers beginning August 1 – under a new law signed by Governor John Bel Edwards. Cancer Advocacy Group Executive Director Chad Landry believes the availability of treatment will help a large population of smokers in Louisiana
The mandate applies to both private health insurance and Medicaid. Benefits include nicotine replacement products, such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges and nasal spray, and prescription medication. Individual and group counseling are also covered. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says the state brings in millions in tax revenue but there’s limited spending on combating tobacco use.
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Under the new law, the insured will not be subject to deductibles, co-insurance, co-payments, or any other out-of-pocket payments. All the insured person needs is a recommendation from their doctor. Bossier City Republican Representative Raymond Crews…
Louisiana has the 11th highest percentage among U.S. states of adults who smoke, according to the American Lung Association.
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The first US-based cases of malaria have been identified in Florida and Texas. According to the CDC, they are the first to originate in the country in the last two decades. Chief of Community and Population Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Benjamin Springgate says malaria is a parasite that’s spread by mosquitos.
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Symptoms can develop ten days to four weeks after an individual is infected. In the more severe cases, individuals can have neurological damage.
Previous cases in the US were from individuals who traveled outside the country and returned with the disease. Springgate says however the cases in Texas and Florida originated in the states.
Springgate says because of the outbreak local officials in Texas and Florida will increase mosquito control. If you have upcoming travel to known infected areas outside of the US, he says there are preventative medications you can take before, after, and during your trip. But if you are infected….
The CDC deems the overall threat of malaria in the US to be “extremely low,” these cases are a reminder to be vigilant in mosquito-prone areas.
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