As the new year approaches, so do new laws that will affect the lives of Californians. Here’s a sampling of legislation signed in 2018 by Gov. Jerry Brown (laws not taking effect Jan. 1 are noted): Doctor Disclosures—SB 1448 (Hill): When doctors in California are placed on probation for things such as ethical violations, substance…
Nearly 48 million people are sickened nationwide every year by food contaminated with harmful germs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates. While most people know that handling animal products carefully is necessary to prevent illness, washing meat and poultry is not recommended. However, washing fruits and vegetables is recommended and can help consumers…
Tired of the jolt to your system when you “spring forward” and “fall back” because of time changes? California voters will have the chance to make daylight saving time year-round when they go to the polls in November. Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 807 in June to put the initiative on the ballot that…
The American Cancer Society has updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines, most notably lowering the recommended age to begin testing to 45 instead of 50. The recommendation for people of average risk comes in the wake of research by the American Cancer Society (ACS) that shows that colorectal cancer (which includes both colon and rectal…
Another destructive wildfire season is underway in California, and residents who want to minimize the risk of losing their home to a wildfire should start with ensuring their property has defensible space. Defensible space around a home is such a critical element to protecting properties—and any firefighters trying to save homes during a wildfire—that 100…
Covered California’s annual open-enrollment period doesn’t begin until Nov. 1, but if you are uninsured, you may still be able to get the health coverage you need. Those who are eligible can sign up for coverage through Covered California’s special-enrollment period, between now and Oct. 15, as long as they do so within 60 days…
Vehicle safety technology is progressing at a staggering pace, with features that not long ago were only available on some high-end models now commonplace at many price points. Back-up cameras and automatic emergency braking systems are seemingly paving the way as manufacturers move toward fully autonomous (driverless) vehicles. The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), in…
Sources of stress are around every corner, but how you deal with that stress can be the difference between a mere annoyance and a full-blown health crisis. April is Stress Awareness Month, providing a chance to identify what stresses you the most and how to best handle those stressors. Some sources of stress are nearly…
For those with asthma or similar symptoms, it’s important for people to recognize early on the signs of an asthma flare up so they can avoid severe attacks or potentially serious medical problems. During an asthma attack, airways become swollen and inflamed, and the muscles around the airways contract and produce extra mucus, causing…
Naps are typically associated with irritable children, seniors with plenty of time to wile away, or maybe someone battling sickness. But plenty of other people are likely good candidates for a mid-day nap. There’s lots of evidence to suggest naps are a healthy way to recharge the batteries and can lead to more long-term productivity,…
