A recent study showed high rates of tooth decay among young children in Kentucky, particularly in rural areas, and dental health advocates are pushing for better preventive and treatment care.

The Kentucky Oral Health Coalition is backing proposed legislation to allow Public Health Registered Dental Hygienists the ability to treat school children and others.

Jennifer Harrison, registered dental hygienist and member of the coalition, said House Bill 223 would allow hygienists with additional qualifications an exemption from current regulations.

"In Kentucky, dental hygienists have to work for a dentist," Harrison explained. "For them to see a patient, that patient must have had an exam from a dentist. There are exceptions, one of which is the PHRDH model. And it just removes barriers so that hygienists can go straight out into the community."

Public health hygienists are allowed to provide assessments, cleanings, education, fluoride varnish and sealants to mainly underserved populations.

Harrison pointed out currently, public health hygienist programs in Kentucky are limited to public health departments, often serving children through school-based programs. Expanding the program to Federally Qualified Health Centers could increase access to preventive dental care for more children.

"We've been working to expand it," Harrison noted. "But local health departments have a particular regular budget amount, and whether or not they prioritize oral health as one of those interventions in their community is truly up to them."

Harrison added people often think young children do not need dental care because they still have their baby teeth, which will eventually fall out. But she cautioned poor care at a young age can mean a lifetime of dental problems.

"We're talking about permanent teeth and the overall wellness of the child, because if they're in pain or they have an infection, they can't think, they can't behave, learn, sleep well," Harrison outlined. "It really impacts their quality of life."


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With summer here, nature trails and other outdoor spots are calling and while reminding South Dakotans about preventing tick bites, public health officials are asking residents to play the role of scientist, too.

Last year, the South Dakota Department of Health launched a tick identification program. Citizen scientists from around the state are encouraged to take photos of a tiny parasite they have encountered and submit it online. Participants also fill out a survey.

Anita Bharadwaja, vectorborne epidemiologist for the South Dakota Department of Health, said they hope to see more submissions this year as they track the movement of species such as the black-legged tick, commonly known as the deer tick.

"We didn't find black-legged ticks for years," Bharadwaja pointed out. "Now, we (are) identifying those ticks in eastern South Dakota and this citizen scientist program will help us."

She acknowledged her department cannot do surveillance in every corner of the state, so residents pitching in makes it easier to let the public know where ticks are showing up and the risks they carry. Ticks often attach themselves to warm parts of the body, including in and around the hair, waist and backs of knees. Through their bites, they can spread various infections, including Lyme disease.

Some of the common symptoms of tick-borne diseases include fever and chills, aches and pains, and a rash. Bharadwaja added to avoid a tick bite, there are long-standing prevention tips.

"Try to avoid tick-friendly areas, like places with tall grass, brush," Bharadwaja advised. "If you're on a trail, stay in the center rather than brushing up against vegetation along the edges."

And you are encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants when enjoying nature. Inspecting for ticks when you get back inside and then taking a shower can also reduce the risk.

Bharadwaja emphasized the risk for Lyme disease remains low in South Dakota but people should not let their guard down with officials monitoring a slow spread. She noted the tips will help if you plan to travel to more active areas this summer.


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By Dr. Janel Gordon for WISH-TV.
Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Collaboration

One in 31 American children has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, three times higher than in the early 2000s. Diagnostic criteria have broadened significantly over time, likely contributing to this rise, though unlikely to be the sole reason for the increase.

WISH-TV Medical Expert Dr. Janel Gordon shares the basics, debunks a few myths, and shares some advice for parents in a new edition of Morning Checkup.

What is autism?

A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent social communication challenges, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.

What causes autism?

Twin studies have shown that 60-90% of autism could be hereditary, with genetics playing a role. To date, there has been insufficient information regarding possible environmental factors, and additional research is needed.

Does the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or any other vaccine cause autism?

This idea persists from a debunked study from the 1990s reporting that eight children who received the MMR vaccine later developed autism. The findings were retracted, and several studies have shown no association.

Additional studies looked into the vaccine preservative, Thimerosal, and showed no association with autism. Studies have also looked at the number of vaccines given to a child at one time and found no association with autism.

Are some groups of individuals at higher risk?

Prevalence is higher among Asian, Black, and Hispanic children. Boys are over three times more likely to be diagnosed. Reasons for these disparities have not yet been identified, and more research is needed. Despite the risks, it is estimated that one-third of individuals with autism can navigate life with minimal to no assistance.

What should a parent do if there are concerns about a child?

Keep a record of the symptoms and signs and speak to your child's doctor about your concerns. Reach out to your local health department if your child does not have a doctor. Get a second opinion if needed.

Routine screening should take place between 18-24 months of age and is typically performed during the well-child visit. If symptoms become noticeable after this time, please do not hesitate to seek evaluation.


Dr. Janel Gordon wrote this article for WISH-TV.


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Researchers from Washington and across North America have teamed up to develop a powerful new set of biological tools which could be a game changer for treating brain diseases.

Called "enhancer AAV vectors," they target genetic defects in specific cells without affecting surrounding cells, reducing side effects.

Dr. Bosiljka Tasic, director of molecular genetics at the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle, who worked on the project, said the goal of the research is to understand healthy brain function and then create tools to treat diseased brains.

"That usually has to happen through a focusing on specific cell types in the brain," Tasic explained. "We have to discover them, we have to find what's wrong with them, and then provide help to them."

Enhancer AAV vectors, she noted, consist of harmless viruses loaded with DNA, triggering a change in how the cell functions. Tasic pointed out the technology could be used to treat any number of brain-related diseases including ALS, Parkinson's and epilepsy.

Tasic pointed out her team now has many new enhancer AAV vectors, designed to affect hundreds of different kinds of cells, which are now available for free for other researchers to use and expand on. She added her team was just awarded another round of funding from the National Institutes of Health to continue to build tools targeting more cell types.

"What we can do now is we can access experimentally, look at the cells, poke them, ask what they do, turn them on and off, and look how that affects, for example, an organism's behavior," Tasic outlined.

AARP Washington and the Allen Institute are hosting a free virtual event called "Discovering the Science of the Aging Brain" on June 5, when experts will share more details about the research. People can sign up for the event at AARP.org/brainhealthWA.


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