Health and Medicine

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Living in West Virginia offers a range of health and medical benefits that combine natural resources with quality healthcare. The state is home to renowned healing springs, such as the historic Berkeley Springs and White Sulphur Springs, which have attracted visitors for centuries in search of relaxation and therapeutic relief. West Virginia also boasts reputable medical centers, such as WVU Medicine in Morgantown and the Charleston Area Medical Center, providing residents with access to advanced healthcare services and specialists. Moreover, the rural, mountainous landscape promotes an active, outdoor lifestyle and cleaner air, contributing to lower stress levels and improved overall well-being for those who embrace country living.

A family watches an Independence Day fireworks display from a designated sensory-friendly viewing area while wearing hearing protection. More communities are adding quiet spaces, ear protection, and other accommodations to help people with autism, PTSD, and sensory sensitivities enjoy public celebrations. (WVExplorer Illustration)

West Virginia’s America250 celebration reflects trend to sensory-friendly Fourth of July events

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As thousands gathered at the West Virginia state capitol this weekend to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, organizers made a point of welcoming visitors who might otherwise avoid large Independence Day celebrations. Among the accommodations were designated sensory-friendly spaces to provide a quieter environment for children and adults with autism, post-traumatic stress … Read more

Seeking shade and drinking plenty of water are among the simplest ways to stay safe during West Virginia's hot, humid summer weather. Outdoor experts recommend limiting strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day and paying attention to the heat index rather than the temperature alone.

Why West Virginia’s humidity can be more dangerous than the temperature

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Visitors often come to West Virginia expecting mountain breezes and cooler temperatures, but the state’s humid summers can make outdoor adventures far more demanding than the thermometer suggests. Whether exploring a state park, attending a county fair, paddling one of the state’s rivers, or hiking in the New River Gorge National Park … Read more

Streams like this one may appear insignificant, but researchers say small mountain headwaters collectively play a major role in supplying and protecting Charleston's drinking water. (WVExplorer Photo)

Charleston’s drinking water depends on thousands of small mountain streams

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Perhaps most people think of Charleston‘s drinking water as beginning in the Elk River, though researchers point out that it actually starts much farther upstream. According to a new analysis by scientists at Yale University and the University of Massachusetts, thousands of small mountain streams flowing into the Elk River watershed contribute … Read more

A spectator watches a Fourth of July fireworks display. Medical professionals say hand injuries and burns increase significantly during Independence Day celebrations each year. (Photo: Dillen M)

Why hand injuries surge during Fourth of July fireworks celebrations

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, medical professionals warn that the holiday also brings a predictable surge in emergency room visits for serious hand injuries. According to B. Seth Powers, a certified hand therapist and assistant professor in the Master of Occupational Therapy program at the West Virginia University … Read more

A new $7 million research partnership between West Virginia University and Johns Hopkins University will support studies focused on rural health, mental health, substance use disorders, dementia, and other healthcare challenges affecting West Virginia communities.

WVU, Johns Hopkins launch $7 million partnership to address W.Va. health challenges

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University and Johns Hopkins University have launched a new $7 million research partnership to address some of the state’s most pressing health and environmental challenges and help researchers compete for major federal grants. Announced Friday during a meeting of the WVU Board of Governors, the initiative will support collaborative research … Read more

A study by researchers at West Virginia University found a greater-than-expected significance in the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for women who spend more time sitting compared to those who include even light activity in their daily routines.

WVU study shows pregnant women who move more have better outcomes

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As West Virginia experiences a cultural and economic shift toward recreation, researchers at West Virginia University have discovered even better news about active living. A study by researchers at the university in Morgantown found a greater-than-expected association between increased sitting time and adverse pregnancy outcomes—including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia—among women who sit more … Read more