Flu low in state, up in Louisiana
Flu activity nationwide remains low, but a state that borders Arkansas is seeing the country's highest levels of influenza-like illness.
A weekly flu surveillance report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted high influenza-like illness activity levels in only one state -- Louisiana -- as well as in Puerto Rico.
Louisiana's health department documented 2,486 patient visits for influenza-like illnesses last week, for a total of 7,088 visits this flu season.
More than half of those visits were by younger people, from babies to young adults through age 24. The highest levels of activity were in the southeastern part of Louisiana.
The Arkansas Department of Health's most recent weekly flu report showed "minimal" levels of influenza-like illness activity in the state.
Health care providers have reported 333 positive influenza tests to the state since Sept. 29, and the majority of those cases (in tests that could distinguish virus types) were influenza A.
No deaths have been reported to the department.
Program to help kids of addicted
A new program in Howard and Hempstead counties will provide services to children whose parents have had problems with opioid use.
Little Rock nonprofit AFMC will develop the initiative, which aims to coordinate services and encourage good outcomes for children at risk of being removed from their homes because of their guardians' addictions.
A call center will connect families with treatment services and other resources, which are to be provided through community partners.
Department of Justice grant funding will support the program.
Event to offer free HIV, other exams
Free exams for HIV, sexually transmitted infection and other health screenings will be offered at an event in North Little Rock on Tuesday.
The event, coordinated by the Save AR Future program, also will distribute safer-sex kits and referrals to treatment resources.
The event is at Shorter College and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New tool to help find heart illness
CHI St. Vincent's Heart Institute will begin using a new tool to help diagnose coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease.
HeartFlow Analysis creates a digital 3-D model of a patient's coronary arteries, then uses algorithms to simulate blood flow and evaluate blockages.
The tool limits the number of procedures cardiac patients undergo and is more accurate than early generation, noninvasive tests, a news release said.
The technology is thought to reduce the overall cost of care.
Coronary heart disease kills more than 370,000 Americans every year, and Arkansas has the nation's third-highest death rate from heart disease overall.
Event set to focus on men's wellness
An event at a Fayetteville barbershop Saturday will focus on men's wellness.
"Get Faded, Get Screened" includes blood pressure, behavioral health and cholesterol screenings, as well as massage therapy and chiropractic services.
The gathering at Levelz 2 Barber Lounge is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SundayMonday on 10/28/2019