September 16, 2019 | 7:45 AM About half of children and teenagers with concussions requiring help from a state program were injured while playing sports. Brett Sholtis, Transforming Health Brett Sholtis is WITF’s Transforming Health reporter, covering health policy and community health issues that affect Pennsylvanians. Brett strives to share personal stories that have a tie to broad issues and emerging trends. He seeks to give voice to diverse viewpoints, including those of people living with mental illness, disability and those living in poverty. He plays a key role in WITF’s mental health series, Through the Cracks, which reports on problem areas in mental health services and efforts to reduce stigma around those living with behavioral disorders. Previously, Brett was a business reporter at the York Daily Record, where his work included award-winning examinations of the nuclear power industry and food safety. He is a University of Pittsburgh graduate … [Read more...] about Group flags concussion risks among students and young athletes
September is National Recovery Month
September 16, 2019 | 4:24 AM Only 20% of Americans battling addiction are getting treatment Scott LaMar Scott LaMar has worked in both radio and television for more than four decades. Some 20 million Americans battle substance use disorder. Of that number, only four million or one-fifth receive treatment. Even though much of the nation’s attention has been focused on an opioid crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 400,000 in the last 20 years, alcohol is the substance most often abused. Almost 75% of those battling addiction are addicted to alcohol. Thirty-eight percent are addicted to drugs. Eight-and-a-half million suffer from mental health disorder and substance addiction. These alarming statistics are the backdrop for National Recovery Month in September. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sponsors National Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and tell the … [Read more...] about September is National Recovery Month
Castleton culvert replacements to cause delays
CASTLETON, Vt. (WCAX) Roadwork in Castleton begins Monday morning. Two culverts on Route 4, one at Cramton Road and one at Piontek Road are being replaced. There will be one lane of traffic in these areas beginning at 7 a.m. … [Read more...] about Castleton culvert replacements to cause delays
Hikers share tips on keeping valuables safe while on the trail
WILLISTON, Vt. (WCAX) A pair of car break-ins on a popular hiking trail has hikers sending out a warning to their fellow hikers. They want to make sure that everyone hiking is leaving their valuables at home because sometimes locking them in the car isn't good enough. And now is the perfect time to hike in Vermont according to 18-year-old Bia Mayle. She tries to hike once a week when the weather is nice. "Vermont this time of year is absolutely gorgeous, its a wonderful place to be. It's a great state," said Mayle, of Essex. But a fun outing can turn into a bad trip if your car gets targeted because of something you left behind. "I always keep everything in my bag and I always keep my bag on me or within my sight," said Mayle. Williston resident Mary King knows her stuff isn't always safe even when locked in a car. "I have had friends who have had issues, when they have gone hiking their car getting broken into and things getting stolen," said King. She has decided to leave … [Read more...] about Hikers share tips on keeping valuables safe while on the trail
Rock climber falls from Cannon cliffs
FRANCONIA, N.H. (AP) New Hampshire authorities say a rock climber fell about 50 feet in the Franconia Notch area and suffered life-threatening injuries. Conservation officers say a 20-year-old man was climbing on the Cannon Cliffs when he fell Sunday. The climber was unconscious and stuck on a ledge just halfway up the cliff. A helicopter took the man to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for treatment. The climber's name hasn't been released. His condition wasn't immediately known Monday. (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) … [Read more...] about Rock climber falls from Cannon cliffs