Kansas health

The last new Kansas measles cases were reported during the week of July 6. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,356 confirmed cases of measles as of last week.

The federal lawsuit targets decisions from President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency to eliminate billions in funding for law enforcement, medical and scientific research, food benefits, education and more.

Lead exposure is a common issue in southeast Kansas and nearby parts of Missouri and Oklahoma. Health experts say there are few accessible resources for high-risk communities.

The new federal law is expected to eliminate $1 trillion in federal spending on Medicaid over the next decade. University Health in Kansas City, which counts on Medicaid for more than half of its patient revenue, expects a huge financial hit but vows that cutting services and staff will be the last resort.

Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas said he made changes to the Senate’s version of the Trump administration's reconciliation bill to soften the blow of Medicaid cuts on Kansas hospitals. But health care advocates say it won’t be enough.

Many towns in western Kansas lack gyms and fitness centers. Some small communities are building outdoor walking trails to encourage better health and attract new residents.

Kansas' ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapies for transgender minors takes effect next year. This family is trying to navigate the changes — and give their daughter a normal teen life.

Advocates say understaffing at the Kansas agency that regulates adult care homes puts elderly and disabled residents at risk of abuse and neglect.

Kansas lawmakers inserted language in the state budget that would restrict what food benefit recipients can buy. Critics say that defining what counts as unhealthy food and drinks is tricky, and the current ban has glaring loopholes.