Health Care

Health Care Briefs – February 2021
Covid-19 vaccine data available now online The Washington State Department of Health, in partnership with Microsoft AI for Health, has added vaccine data to its Covid-19 dashboard, where pandemic-related statistics are published online. The addition will help track progress in getting the Covid-19 vaccine to Washington residents. The dashboard provides county- and state-level views of…

Even in a pandemic, donʼt delay treatment for heart attack symptoms
February is American Heart Month, and the American Heart Association is marking the 57th annual celebration with a sobering message for the Covid-19 era. Don’t let fear of the virus keep you from seeking help if you are having symptoms of a heart attack. The hospital is the place to be. Time is muscle saved…

Business leaders help PNNL pitch invention at national competition
A Pacific Northwest National Laboratory invention won top honors at a recent national pitch contest, thanks to its water-repellent qualities and a little help from the Tri-City business community. Called ElastiDry Protective Coating, the material can be applied to personal protective equipment such as gloves, face shields, shoes, or protective suits, a trait that can…

Q&A with Michele Gerber, Ph.D.
President, Benton Franklin Recovery Coalition Number of employees you oversee: 100+ Brief background of recovery coalition: The coalition formed in June 2018, in response to the lack of detoxification services and inpatient treatment services for people suffering from Substance Use Disorder (addiction) in the Tri-City region. Our mission is to partner within Benton and Franklin…

Advisor Benefits lives on as Advisor Health Benefits with new employee owner
Kevin Husted, a longtime Tri-City insurance benefits broker, had a busy fall. Husted bought the insurance side of Advisor Benefits Group in the middle of not one but two open enrollment periods, Medicare and Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange. Husted is a 20-year insurance benefits and Medicare professional who previously worked for Marvin Liebe at Advisor…
Retirement

Pandemic forces separation but couple’s love endures
Kathie and Darell “Bud” Weathermon will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary later this month but they won’t be able to hug, hold hands or share a kiss. Kathie, 75, plans to make the one hour and 15 minute drive from Walla Walla to Kennewick to visit her husband on their special day. It’s a trip…

Group launches hotline to help seniors register for vaccine
As the pandemic marches on, a Richland-based group is trying different ways to keep seniors connected and get them the help they need. The Richland Senior Association offers educational, outreach and social programs, with its most recent program aimed at helping seniors navigate the decidedly unfriendly online system for registering for the Covid-19 vaccine, said…

Don’t forget your dreams when you retire
Most retirees, or those nearing retirement, can count on one hand the number of times they’ve heard a financial advisor say, “Don’t forget to spend your money.” While it makes for a great column hook, it’s not quite what I’m advocating. Our profession is rightly focused on ensuring clients don’t outlive their money in a…

The Tri-Cities’ graying population will grow over next decade
The Tri-Cities have long been a youngster among state metro areas. With an estimated median age of 34.5 in 2019, the two counties sport the youngest population of all, except for Yakima County. Among counties, Franklin County currently claims the title of youngest, with an estimated median age in 2019 at 30.4. But youngsters get…

Spelling out beneficiary designations key to ensuring assets go to right place
One of the biggest areas that is often overlooked in an estate plan are the seemingly innocuous beneficiary designations tied to assets, like retirement accounts and life insurance. The beneficiary designation seems of limited importance – you just put down the names of the people who get the retirement account at death, right? The problem…
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