Bay Area woman celebrates helping more than 1,000 seniors find assisted housing
A young woman who dedicated her life to helping older adults across the Bay Area is marking an important career milestone. Anita Varelas launched Neighborly Senior Placement two years ago in San Bruno and has helped more than 1,000 older adults find housing at various assisted care facilities across the Bay Area, free of charge. KTVU's Heather Holmes and Alex Savidge speak with Varelas about her years of experience with senior living facilities starting when she was just 15 years old.
New online test aims to analyze brain fog causes and potential solutions
Most people have experienced "brain fog" or difficulties with memory and concentration but it is especially common for women going through menopause. Research published in the World Journal of Psychiatry found nearly 63% of middle-aged women report struggling with symptoms. Midi Health, a Bay Area company focusing on menopause and women's health care is rolling out a new online test that can help people learn more about what's behind their brain fog. KTVU's Heather Holmes speaks with Midi Health's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kathleen Jordan about how it works and who can benefit from it.
Measles exposure renews concerns over vaccine hesitancy
A number of recent measles outbreaks across the country are renewing concerns over the potentially deadly but preventable disease. The recent cases spikes come as more parents are delaying getting their children vaccinated. According to the CDC, the percentage of kindergartners fully immunized against the measles dropped from 95% in 2020 to 93% in 2023. KTVU's Alex Savidge speaks with Dr. Kai Kai Lam, Chief of Pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente about the increasing trend of vaccine-hesitant parents.
Colorectal cancer cases in Americans under 50 on the rise
KTVU's Crystal Bailey discusses the rise in colorectal cancer cases in the U.S. among people under 50 and early warning signs with El Camino Health Oncologist Dr. Shane Dormady.
Maintaining good sleep health and hygiene
KTVU's Heather Holmes speaks with Kaiser Permanente Sleep Specialist Dr. Steven Russo about the most effective ways to improve your sleep hygiene and discusses which habits could be getting in the way of your rest.
Recognizing atypical eating disorders and patterns
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, more than 28 million people will have an eating disorder in their lifetime, but they can often be hard to recognize. KTVU's Heather Holmes speaks with Dr. Jackie Shiels, Clinical Psychologist with Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek about what causes different types of eating disorders and the common misconceptions perpetuated about the conditions.
Birth control that will be sold over-the-counter begins shipping in the US: What to know
Opill, the first birth control pill approved in the U.S. for purchase by anyone, no prescription necessary, will be available in stores later this month. Here is what to know about the approved contraceptive.
ADHD diagnoses on the rise, especially among women
ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often associated with children who have trouble paying attention or controlling impulses, but new research has found a growing number of adult women are being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. New data suggests this may be because symptoms present differently in young boys and girls. KTVU's Alex Savidge speaks with Dr. Keith Sutton, Director of the Bay Area Center for ADHD about how symptoms can vary and why we are now seeing an uptick of diagnoses in women.
UCSF launching new treatment center to treat rare Gould Syndrome
Today marks Rare Disease Day, a day designed to bring awareness to the 300 million people worldwide affected by rare diseases and conditions. UCSF is launching a first of its kind Center of Excellence focused entirely on studying and treating a rare disease called Gould Syndrome. which was named after the UCSF geneticist who discovered it. KTVU's Heather Holmes speaks with Dr. Douglas Gould about his discovery in 2003, how many people might be affected by the condition and what can be done to treat it.
Congress debates federal IVF protections, fertility care
Senate republicans blocked legislation introduced by democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth that would have protected access to in vitro fertilization (IVF). The bill was a response to a controversial court ruling on IVF by the Alabama Supreme Court that upended fertility care in the state, ruling frozen embryos can be considered children under state law. Democrats warned other states could follow Alabama's lead and limit access to IVF. KTVU's Alex Savidge and Cristina Rendon discuss the possible paths forward with Georgetown Law professor and reproductive rights expert Michele Goodwin.
Study shines light on increased autoimmune disease in women
New research done at Stanford University could help explain why more women are prone to autoimmune diseases. Those include a broad range of disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus and psoriasis. The study found it appears this disparity may be linked to something called "X-chromosome inactivation", which is when the body shuts down activity on an X-chromosome as a defensive measure. KTVU's Alex Savidge and Jana Katsuyama speak with the senior author of the study, Dr. Howard Chang about how this reaction could lead to a higher number of autoimmune diseases among women.
Kaiser Permanente awards $9M grant to boost Oakland schools
Kaiser Permanente has announced a new partnership with Oakland Unified School District, awarding OUSD a $9 million grant to boost health services and academic support. The money will be spread out over the course of three years and is being given to help students and staff lead healthier lives. KTVU's Jana Katsuyama is joined in the studio by Oakland Schools Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammel and Yvette Radford with Kaiser Permanente for more details on how the money will be spent.
Wendy Williams, 59, diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, aphasia
Former talk show host and radio personality Wendy Williams was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, according to a spokesperson.
Stanley cup maker faces lawsuit over presence of lead in tumblers
The lawsuit is seeking punitive damages and a “permanent injunction requiring PMI to disclose any lead or other toxins in its products in California."
Expert talks prevention during Teen Dating Violence Awareness month
KTVU's Alex Savidge sits down with Dr. Katrina Rapa with Kaiser Permanente to talk about how teens can develop healthy skills to prevent dating violence.
Bay area medical expert discusses importance of art in development for Black youth
Dr. Keedra McNeill, Pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente discusses the important role fine arts play in youth development
Rekindling Romance: Bay area expert shares tips ahead of Valentine's Day
Kaiser Permanente Clinical Psychologist Jackie Shiels shares four key ways to strengthen your bond with your romantic partner.
Deadly listeria outbreak linked to cotija cheese, queso fresco, more dairy products, CDC says
The decade-long outbreak of listeria across 11 U.S. states has been linked to a cheese and dairy company in California. Two people have died and at least 26 have been sickened.
700 alleged drug dealers arrested in San Francisco over 6 months
Hundreds of alleged drug dealers were arrested in San Francisco over six months as part of an operation by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to dismantle open-air drug markets.
'Big Bang Theory' actress Kate Micucci diagnosed with lung cancer: 'Never smoked a cigarette in my life'
Kate Micucci shared a TikTok in which she was seen lying in a hospital bed and explained that she was recovering after undergoing lung surgery to treat the cancer.