Health Beat with Dr. Rachel Wood
Each month Dr. Rachel Wood will release an article she has written with current information for the benefit of all citizens of Lewis County.
Set Your Teen Driver Up to Succeed
October 2020by Rachel Wood, M.D., MPH, Lewis County Health OfficerOctober 18-24 is National Teen Driver Safety Week – a time to remember just how much our teens are at risk …
Suicide Prevention in the COVID-19 Pandemic
September 2020by Rachel Wood, M.D., MPH, Lewis County Health OfficerEvery day researchers learn more about how COVID-19 affects us physically. However, we still have very little evidence to describe its …
Remember Kid’s Immunizations in this COVID-19 Era
For release in August 2020 Contact: Ed Mund – 360-740-1227, ed.mund@lewiscountywa.govby Rachel Wood, M.D., MPH, Lewis County Health OfficerAn underreported concern in this age of COVID-19 is the dramatic drop …
I Believe in Masks - July 2020 Health Beat
I wear a face mask in public. As a physician for more than 30 years, wearing a mask is no mystery to me, nor are the reasons to wear them. While their purpose is perfectly...
So What’s All This I Keep Hearing about COVID-19 Testing?
Anyone who has paid any attention to the news about this new coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has seen report after report about testing – how many tested, how many positive, …
Springtime Allergy Management Tips - March 2020
Feel a sneeze coming on? You’re not alone this time of year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 19 million adults and 5.2 million …
Winter Flu Season Update - February 2020
While the world is watching and wondering about the novel coronavirus potential from China, it is important to remember that our winter flu season is in full swing. Novel coronavirus …
Hepatitis A Rates Climbing
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) declared a hepatitis A disease outbreak in July 2019, with 27 reported cases statewide. That was nearly as many cases reported in just …
We All Have a Role in Preventing Suicide - December 2019
As we approach another holiday season, the annual myth that suicides spike during the holidays starts making the rounds. The truth is, the suicide rate is lowest in December. The …
What You Need to Know about Vaping-Related Injuries, Deaths - November 2019
Vaping-related lung injuries, deaths, and a state ban have all been in the news recently, but with things moving so quickly, it’s good to share an overview of what we …