Kate Ruder

Author's posts

The Colorado Psychedelic Mushroom Experiment Has Arrived

With the first licenses for providing psychedelic mushrooms issued, excitement and questions build about the fungi’s potential, affordability, and safety in the Centennial State.

A Quick Return to School and Light Exercise May Help Kids Recover From Concussions

With new research and updated guidelines in Colorado and 15 other states, physicians and educators are asking parents not to wait to return their concussed kids to school.

Nursing Homes Are Left in the Dark as More Utilities Cut Power to Prevent Wildfires

A nursing home in Colorado had 75 minutes to prepare for a power outage that lasted 28 hours. Such public safety power shut-offs are being used more often as a fire prevention tool, but not all health facilities are prepared.

These Programs Put Unused Prescription Drugs in the Hands of Patients in Need

States and counties look to expand programs that accept donations of unused surplus drugs from places like nursing homes and hospitals and redistribute them to low-income and uninsured residents.

Massage Therapists Ease the Pain of Hospice Patients — But Aren’t Easy to Find

The pandemic disrupted the massage industry. Now those who specialize in hospice massage therapy are in demand and redefining their roles.

Rural Colorado Tries to Fill Health Worker Gaps With Apprenticeships

A Grand Junction program is training and retaining nurse and personal care aides in areas where the aging population is creating a need for them. But challenges remain for these workers.

Refurbished Walkers and Wheelchairs Fill Gaps Created by Supply Chain Problems

Loan closets are playing an important role as supply chain issues and the rising price of aluminum have led to shortages in medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and knee scooters.

Fire Closes Hospital and Displaces Staff as Colorado Battles Omicron

The most destructive fire in state history has knocked a hospital out of service and left health care workers homeless with omicron driving new covid hospitalizations.

Schools, Pediatricians Look to Make Up Lost Ground on Non-Covid Vaccinations

Health officials hope the rollout of covid shots for young children and other initiatives will boost routine vaccine rates that dropped during the pandemic and narrow socioeconomic disparities.

New Moms Latched On to Remote Breastfeeding Help. Will Demand Wane as Pandemic Fades?

The pandemic forced new parents to find help with breastfeeding online. Now, some offerings are remaining virtual to help expand access to lactation support.