KCLU :: NPR and Local News

Economic problems compounding health care crisis

8/22/2008 8:24am

America's economic situation is adding to the existing affordable health care crisis, with some people losing or no longer being able to afford insurance. Meanwhile many health care providers cathering to low income patients are swamped with new requests for help. KCLU looks at this issue, in the latest segment of our Health Dialogues series.

Religion, medicine relationship discussed

12/15/2009 2:49pm

What role does religion play in health care? KCLU's Lance Orozco looks at that question, in the latest segment of our periodic series of health reports called "Health Dialogues".

Holidays have special meaning for many facing health issues

12/23/2009 3:32pm

The holidays have special meaning for many of us. But...perhaps they mean the most to people who are facing, or who have survived life threatening illnesses. KCLU's Lance Orozco looks at this subject, in the latest in our periodic series of health reports called "Health Dialogues".

Santa Barbara county wrestling with mental health program cuts

4/23/2008 9:22am

Hundreds of South Coast residents struggling with mental health issues are potentially facing the loss of their assistance programs... because of tightening state, and local budgets.

Some mental health program supporters, and even some clients asked Santa Barbara County supervisors to intervene in the crisis.

Big response for health insurance program for uninsured kids

3/19/2008 9:18am

Some questioned its cost during an era of tight budgets, but a program to help provide health insurance for uninsured children is racking up some big successes in Santa Barbara County.

New veterans from Iraq, Afghanistan not always informed about VA benefits

7/18/2008 9:10am

Local veterans assistance offiicials say there's much more help available than returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan realize, but the vets often don't know it's there, or to ask for it. We look at this issue in the latest segment of our periodic series of health reports, "Health Dialogues."

Health fair helping hundreds of local homeless

11/17/2009 9:30am

What's being called the largest health fair for the homeless in Southern California is taking place from November 16th-18th in Santa Barbara. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports the effort offers everything from swine flu shots, to checkups, plus free shoes and clothing.

Former California governor speaks out on health care, budget crisis

2/1/2008 9:32am

He's a former California Governor...and supporter of current Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. But...longtime Republican leader Pete Wilson is opposing the Governor on some major issues, like universal health insurance, and the Indian Gaming initiatives. KCLU talks with Wilson.

Local health officials tracking swine flu

4/27/2009 4:11pm

Ventura, and Santa Barbara County health officials are keeping a close eye on the swine Flu concern, and are making preparations should there be a large scale outbreak in our region. So far, there are no local cases confirmed on the South Coast. You can find out more about the form of flu by following this link, to the National Centers For Disease Control:

CLICK HERE

Concerns over state cuts in health care funding prompt local protest

6/10/2009 9:20am

Major cuts to try to balance the state budget could translate into the loss of millions of dollars for health care services on the South Coast. KCLU reports on a major demonstration in Oxnard, where some community clinics were the catalyst for a protest by hundreds of people upset by the plan.

Ventura County program combines substance abuse, mental health treatments

1/2/2008 10:06am

Mental health issues, and substance abuse can often be intertwined problems...but in many cases...they aren't treated that way. A program in Ventura County is receiving national recognition for its one-stop approach for providing services for people dealing with both issues.

Men not getting checkups as often as they should

3/3/2009 9:45am

Turning 50 is a milestone in a man's life. It's also an important marker for things a man needs to do to insure he's healthy...and...stays that way. KCLU has the story...in the latest of our periodic Health Dialogues reports.

Can where we live contribute to obesity?

11/5/2007 9:17am

We know that lack of exercise, and poor diet are among the factors in obesity. But, could where we live play a factor? Some experts think so, and met in Ventura County to talk about the connection between land use, and health.

Three swine flu cases confirmed in Ventura County as of April 30th

5/1/2009 9:23am

We now have three probably cases of swine flu reported on the South Coast, with more considered likely in the next few days. KCLU talks with community residents, and health officials.

Cautions issued about Jesusita Fire cleanup

5/12/2009 9:10am

Santa Barbara Public Health, and Air Quality Control District officials are issuing warnings to people about protective items they should wear, and steps they should take as they deal with smoke, ask, and debris from the destructive Jesusita Fire.

Actor speaks about his struggle with mental illness

9/25/2008 9:21am

He's one of Hollywood's busiest actors...winning an EMMY for his work in The Sopranos. He's also battling mental illness. KCLU talks with Joe Pantoliano, who's appearing in Santa Barbara for a benefit for a mental health organization.

Free drive-up flu clinic used to gauge pandemic preparedness

11/19/2007 10:10am

Ventura County health officials held a free drive-up flu clinic at Moorpark College to test their ability to do mass immunizations in the face of a major disease outbreak.

Whooping Cough hits South Coast

6/30/2009 10:42am

It's a totally preventable illness, with proper vaccinations. But, there's still an outbreak of Whooping Cough right now on the South Coast. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with Santa Barbara, and Ventura County health officials working to contain the problem.

Concern about seasonal influenza and swine flu on South Coast

9/9/2009 9:39am

Flu season is at hand. And this year it means the potential for both seasonal influenza, and swine flu. A federal report says the H-1-N-1 strain could cause as many as 90 thousand deaths nationwide, triple what were normally see from seasonal flu. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks to a top local health care official about the situation.

Local healthcare providers talk about latest universal healthcare proposals

6/22/2009 9:12am

After efforts to create a universal healthcare plan in California fizzled last year, the idea is getting a new boost at the national level by President Obama. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks to some local health professionals about their views of this latest effort.

New national center in Santa Barbara to support games research

11/20/2007 10:16am

U.C. Santa Barbara researchers say properly drafted games can play important roles as educational tools, and even get people to exercise. A new national institute established at UCSB will try to further research on the idea games can improve health, and fitness.

Swine flu concerns focus on preparations at local college campuses

10/2/2009 5:02pm

Swine Flu is creating concern for many people...but it's a special issue for health officials at local college campuses, because it has the potential to spread through high density student housing. KCLU's Lance Orozco looks at how some south coast universities are taking steps to try to prevent large scale outbreaks.

Researchers say baby boomers unprepared for long term medical care

4/7/2008 9:15am

Researchers say we're living longer than ever, but...because we're living so long, the possibility you'll need long term health care at the end of your life is increasing. Experts at a local conference looking at aging say many of us are unprepared.

Call for new approach to deal with Isla Vista Halloween impacts

12/2/2009 10:26am

Many teens, and young adults think Isla vista's annual unsponsored, unsanctioned Halloween party is nothing more than fun. But, Santa Barbara County officials are upset, because they end up with public safety, health, and cleanup costs approaching a million dollars annually. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports top county officials want to take a new look at tackling the issue.

National addiction experts meet in Santa Barbara, talk about new focus on problem

7/27/2009 11:33am

Michael Jackson's death has brought new attention to the addiction problem in America. Some of the nation's leading addiction, and intervention experts met in Santa Barbara for a conference to talk about the problem. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story, as part of our ongoing series of our Health Dialogues series.