In a story about how extreme heat and climate change affect human health, Leah Werner, M.D., says the 2021 heat dome that hit Portland was “absolutely catastrophic” and advocates for a new approach to health care called precision ecologic medicine, which involves incorporating climate, social and economic data into electronic health records so providers can better care for patients whose health is more vulnerable to extreme climatic events.

In a Lund Report story on how the COVID-19 pandemic handed profits to companies serving the Oregon Health Plan, John McConnell, Ph.D., says: "Maybe the good part is that CCOs survived (the pandemic). But there’s discomfort when you see a lot of taxpayer money sitting in (CCO) reserves. We don’t see what it’s going toward.”

Hector Olvera Alvarez, Ph.D., uses virtual reality to mimic the visual experience of being in nature and has found that while there are some health improvements associated with experiencing nature via virtual reality, the health benefits are greater when one is exposed to real nature.

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s collaboration with the Portland Police Bureau to advise on best practices for data collection is referenced in a Portland Tribune story on a recent multi-agency operation.

In a story about an upcoming benefit concert for OHSU patient Tony Hilsmeier, who is undergoing treatment for leukemia, Hilsmeier says: “This cancer fight for my life has taken me to some dark places, but I believe in miracles. I keep myself positive with the help of my incredible medical team at OHSU and the love and support of my friends, loved ones and community."

Scott Beadnell, D.P.T., says that while people who have back pain can benefit from slouching less, he says of devices that claim to correct posture: “Generally, we think of those as gimmicks.”

Liz Rubin, M.D., gives a Q&A interview to Romper on over-the-counter medications to avoid when trying to conceive. She says: “I always ask my patients the full medication list — including over-the-counter and supplements — just to make sure there isn't anything that I have any concerns about."

Liz Rubin, M.D., recommends avoiding some medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and retinoids when trying to become pregnant.

A story about summer baseball in Northern California features coach Mike Lindley, who received care from an OHSU doctor who is also baseball fan.

Allison Summers, O.D., M.C.R., and others at the OHSU Casey Eye Institute are researching methods to slow the progression of nearsightedness, which is becoming increasingly common in children.