Health and Medicine

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Aromatherapy eases stress in people undergoing treatment for substance use disorder, which can enhance their chances of a successful recovery, according to West Virginia University research. The ongoing study incorporates the use of essential oils as an integrative therapy that is part of a bigger-picture model focusing on the whole person. Researchers … Read more

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A West Virginia University engineer is working to solve the unknowns about microorganisms growing inside pipes that bring drinking water to homes and businesses in West Virginia. Supported by an award of $505,784 from the National Science Foundation, professor Emily Garner has launched a five-year study to learn more about biofilms. Known … Read more

BUFFALO, W.Va. — Toyota West Virginia is putting the automaker’s mission in motion as officials announce three donations to improve mobility in the western Mountain State. The donations are the result of a research study of transportation challenges in the region. According to David Rosier, president of Toyota West Virginia, the gifts were provided to … Read more

OAK HILL, W.Va. — Overlooking the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia, this up-and-coming community adjoining America’s newest national park has been ranked among the safest cities in the U.S. Reflecting on the achievement, its mayor says the result is one of the benefits of living in a small town where residents are neighborly. … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program have announced that the state seat belt use rate for 2022 came in at 92.5 percent, a new record. The rate exceeds the national average of 90 percent. “It just doesn’t get better than being able to say West Virginians are using their … Read more

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month in the U.S. where nearly three million people suffer from epilepsy. Everyone should understand what an epileptic seizure is and know what to do when someone has one. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in movement, behavior, and consciousness. Different kinds … Read more

More patients are using computers or smartphones to visit their doctors virtually, but not everyone can embrace telemedicine easily, especially elderly patients. In West Virginia, where 20 percent of the population is older than 65, it’s a particular problem, says Kimberly Wallace, a doctoral candidate at the West Virginia University School of Nursing and nurse … Read more

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine at Lewisburg, West Virginia, has been named fourth in the nation for producing the greatest number of primary care resident practitioners. According to U.S. News & World Report, the school is now ranked among “America’s Best Graduate Schools.” Between 2017 and 2019, more than 70 percent of its … Read more