Good afternoon, Colorado!
Our deadline has passed so I’m now spending the next few weeks reading through the entries. We’ll announce the winners in January.
In the meantime, I am digging deeper into our reporting for our If you have a tip or story to share, you can fill or email health@denverpost.com.
If you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide, call the Colorado Crisis Line at 1-844-493-8255.
Here’s the latest health news:
Struggling for air
Whether itap in Denver or higher, Colorado’s altitude can affect all types of performers: singers, dancers and musicians. Even
I went backstage when the “Phantom of the Opera” tour company was in Denver last month and spoke with Derrick Davis, the show’s lead, about how he prepared to perform at altitude. His main trick? Cardio workouts.
It makes sense considering the biggest challenges performers face is the lower oxygen levels, which increase their breathing.
“Because they have to breathe more, it can interfere with phrasing and breath breaks,” said Dr. Peter Hackett, a clinical professor with the Altitude Research Center.
Read more here.
Health must-reads
- The number of hepatitis A cases in Colorado has increased to almost 300 cases and 2 deaths. The outbreak began in Colorado in 2018 and is part of a larger one occurring nationwide.
- An Arvada man dissolves bodies in chemicals as part of an environmentally friendly way to complete the final step of human life.
- More college students are seeking help with anxiety, depression and other mental health problems — and the institutions are struggling to keep up with the demand.
- A Boulder bipolar clinic plans to suspend services in May 2020 as it struggles with funding.
- Health systems are starting to use artifical intelligence with patients.
Data: About 1 in 4 mental-health ER visits are by children
New data shows that Coloradans are frequently visiting hospital emergency rooms for mental health reasons, and many of those visits — about one in four — are by children.
More than 17,000 people received care at an emergency department for a mental health diagnosis between 2016 and 2018, according to data released by the Center for Improving Value in Health Care.
The data shows that anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and panic disorders are the main reasons for the emergency room visits for ages.
Read more here.
Here’s what I’m reading
- In Flordia, a mental health law is being used to hospitalize — Tampa Bay Times
- There were in the past decade — deaths that experts say should not occur on such wards. — Los Angeles Times
- In one Ohio town, — The New York Times
- A former NFL player turned CEO leaves a Florida behavioral health hospital after It comes after a Tampa Bay Times investigation — Tampa Bay Times
- that has sickened thousands across the U.S. — The Washington Post
Have a story tip or other feedback? Email me at jseaman@denverpost.com. You can also follow me on Twitter at . And don’t forget to become ato The Post!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jessica
