The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation provided Michigan Radio with the resources to establish its on-going health care reporting. Over three years, Michigan Radio produced over 60 reports on issues ranging from high rates of hyper-tension in African American populations to gambling addiction.

Through this groundbreaking effort, Michigan Radio helped its listener to better understand health care and the health policy environment in Michigan.

Here is a sample of some of the reports. Look for an expansion of this on-line archive in the future. Just click on the links to listen to the stories using RealAudio…

9/28/01
Giving Blood
Tracy Samilton

As soon as the first shock of the September 11th attacks wore off, Americans lined up in record numbers to donate their blood to help the victims. Many were people who had never donated blood before. Now, the American Red Cross is hoping to fold these new donors into its rolls of regular, dependable donors-- and perhaps eliminate the nation's chronic blood shortages. But few of us know what really happens after we give our blood away. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton found out what it takes to get one unit of red blood cells to someone in need.

Hear Audio Story (requires Real Player)

9/25/01
Ozone Action: Now and The Future
Michelle Bolek, Tracy Samilton

The Ozone Action season will draw to a close at the end of this month. So-called Ozone Action Days are called when high levels of ozone at ground level threaten people's health. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton reports on how we fared this year and how to reduce ozone in the future.

Hear Audio Story (requires Real Player)

9/25/01
Ergonomic Guidelines To Be Released
Matt Shafer Powell

In the last few months, U-S Labor Secretary Elaine Chao has been touring the country, hosting a series of hearings on ergonomics. Sometime in the coming weeks, Secretary Chao is expected to release new guidelines on how businesses should adapt their environments to reduce workplace injuries. Michigan Radio's Matt Shafer Powell reports on how this may effect workers and their employers…

Hear Audio Story (requires Real Player)

9/21/01
Obesity In Michigan
Tracy Samilton

The latest weight statistics from the Centers for Disease Control show a disturbing trend. Americans are becoming more and more overweight, and the number of obese Americans is at an all-time high. This year, Michigan became number two in the nation for overweight and obese residents. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton reports on this worsening problem that experts say has no easy solution.

Hear Audio Story (requires Real Player)

Experts say walking is the single best exercise for most of us who need to lose weight. There are many websites that will calculate your Body Mass Index for you. Just type Body Mass Index into your favorite search engine. The State of Michigan is trying to encourage communities to design with a eye towards exercise, with its Walkable Communities campaign. The state is also offering a package of tips on exercise, diet and weight loss free of charge to residents. The number to call is 866- 4- Fit Kit.

9/20/01
Program Aimed At Curbing Teen Smoking
Matt Shafer Powell

National statistics on smoking show that everyday, nearly 6-thousand American teenagers try their first cigarette. By their senior year in high school, more than 30 percent of them are regular smokers. For years, government and non-profit organizations have focused anti-smoking programs on getting adults to quit. But only recently, they've begun to turn their attention toward those smokers under the age of eighteen. Michigan Radio's Matt Shafer Powell has this report on new efforts in Michigan to get kids to kick the habit…

Hear Audio Story (requires Real Player)

9/1/01
Ritalin Debate Continues in Michigan
Matt Shafer Powell

Since the early 1960's, doctors have been prescribing a drug known commonly as Ritalin . It's used to treat children and adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Data from the Drug Enforcement Administration show that Michigan consistently ranks in the top five states in the amount of Ritalin prescribed. And a recent Cleveland Plain Dealer survey found that three of the top five Ritalin-prescribing counties in the nation are here in Michigan. But as Michigan Radio's Matt Shafer Powell reports, the reasons for this may be just as elusive as the disorder itself…

Hear Audio Story (requires Real Player)

8/16/01
Problem Gambling: Consequences and Treatment
Jasmine Huda

Last year, Michigan residents spent over $5 billion on legal forms of gambling. For the majority of the population, gambling is a safe recreational activity. But for some, gambling is a dangerous addiction. These problem and pathological gamblers face serious mental and social consequences. Michigan Radio's Jasmine Huda reports on the steps the gaming industry and state are taking to reduce problem gambling.

Hear Audio Story (requires Real Player)

6/22/01
Paying For Cancer Treatment: Ursela's Story
Tracy Samilton

Since 1991, the federal government has funded a program that offers free mammograms to low-income women who have no health insurance. The program is called the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program. But the program doesn't pay for treatment itself. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton tells us the story of one uninsured woman who is facing this troubling situation.

Hear Audio Story (requires Real Player)

03/29/01
The Memory Box
Tamar Charney

For the most part we don't talk with kids about death until someone they know dies. At that point often the child has a hard time understanding what happened. A social worker has written a children's book to help people understand death and grief. Michigan Radio's Tamar Charney reports.

Hear Audio Story (requires Real Player)