Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Suggested Caption: Scroll through the tips above and share with friends and family to learn about reducing your risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s.  #iHeardSTL #Dementia #Alzheimers #Prevention 

Alzheimer’s: How much do St. Louisans know?

Ahead of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June, we asked St. Louis adults about risk and protective factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s. On average, they identified 3 of 8 risk and 4 of 7 protective factors; 42% had a close friend or family member with dementia or Alzheimer’s.   Most and least known RISK factors […]

Measles in MO

Measles in MO Suggested Caption: Missouri’s MMR vaccination rate ranks 34th in the nation. 90.4% of kindergarteners are fully vaccinated against measles, leaving the community vulnerable to a measles outbreak. Contact your doctor to ask about vaccination.   #iHeardSTL #Measles #MMR #Vaccination 

Measles scare in St. Louis and cases in six surrounding states

Earlier this week, the City of St. Louis Department of Health announced that an out-of-state visitor to the St. Louis Aquarium had measles and could have spread it to others there. iHeard found that St. Louis adults were already hearing about nearby measles cases before this news.   Measles in surrounding states  Missouri shares a border with eight […]

Visitor to St. Louis Aquarium had measles

PLEASE SHARE THE RESOURCE BELOW RIGHT AWAY TO GET THE WORD OUT! Earlier today the City of St. Louis Department of Health notified the public of a potential local measles exposure.  An out-of-state visitor to the St. Louis Aquarium has been confirmed with measles. The visitor was at the St. Louis Aquarium on Wednesday, April 30, between 1-6 […]

“Compounded” GLP-1 drugs

Compounded GLP-1 drugs are going away Suggested Caption: The shortage of name-brand GLP-1 drugs has ended, and less expensive compounded GLP-1 drugs will no longer be available. If you or someone you know uses these medications, it’s time to learn more about your options.  #iHeardSTL #FDA #GLP1 Printable flyer

GLP-1 weight loss drugs are back in the news

GLP-1 weight loss drugs have been so popular that drug makers could not keep up with public demand. In response to shortages, the FDA allowed use of “compounded” GLP-1 drugs.  What are “compounded” drugs?  Most prescription medications are approved by the FDA and manufactured by drug companies. Compounded drugs are made by licensed pharmacists or physicians who […]

At-home medical testing

At-home testing awareness Suggested Caption: There are at-home tests available for all sorts of health concerns! At-home tests may be quicker, easier, or cheaper than a doctor’s visit. Use only FDA-approved tests to ensure the quality and accuracy of results, and follow up with your doctor about any questions or concerns. #iHeardSTL #MedicalTest #AtHomeTesting #Awareness

At-home health and medical tests are increasingly available 

At-home health tests can be quick and convenient. More are being introduced each year. Nearly all St. Louis adults surveyed had heard about at-home tests for COVID-19 and pregnancy, but far fewer knew about the tests for food allergies, sexually transmitted infections, and cancer. Most were “very” or “somewhat” concerned about test accuracy and cost.   What […]

Heart attack symptoms

Do you know all symptoms of a heart attack? Suggested Caption: Did you know women’s heart attack symptoms can differ from men? Half of the men iHeard surveyed don’t recognize them. Learn and share these critical signs to save lives. #iHeardSTL #HeartHealth #HeartAttackAwareness 


Women can have different symptoms of heart attack

This week’s survey asked St. Louis adults about 12 symptoms of heart attack: six that are commonly experienced by men and women, and six affecting mostly women. The women’s symptoms were less well known, especially among men. Common heart attack symptoms are well known among St. Louisans…   Nearly all St. Louisans correctly identified chest […]

Changing pharmacies

How do I change my pharmacy? Suggested Caption: Is your pharmacy closing? You can change your pharmacy in a few simple steps. Make sure to have info about your medications and insurance with you. Get in touch with your healthcare provider and pharmacy if you have any questions. #iHeardSTL #STL #Pharmacy

CLOSED: Two St. Louis Walgreens stores shut down

Two Walgreens locations in St. Louis are closing. The Penrose neighborhood store closed on March 27; the 2310 McCausland Avenue store will shut down permanently on April 21. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, 45% heard about the closures in the last week.  Store closures at pharmacy chains a national trend  Walgreens operates about 8,500 U.S. stores, […]

Measles vaccination

Have you heard some older adults may need a booster? Suggested Caption: While highly contagious, measles is preventable with the MMR vaccine. Consider checking in with loved ones to see if you and your family’s measles vaccines are up-to-date. #iHeardSTL #Measles

Measles cases still rising 

Measles continues to spread nationally. As of March 27th, 483 cases have been confirmed in 20 states. In St. Louis, 46% of adults surveyed heard about rising measles cases in the last 7 days; only 14% heard that a small group of adults vaccinated 50 years ago may need a booster.    Current measles outbreaks in the […]

Colon cancer

Colon cancer rates are increasing among people ages 20-49 Suggested Caption: Routine screening can be #cancer prevention, because #ColorectalCancer doesn’t always have symptoms. Routine screening can save lives!  #iHeardSTL #ColonCancer #ScreeningSavesLives #CancerPrevention Printable flyer

Colon cancer rates increasing among younger people 

Although colorectal cancer rates have declined in the U.S. in the last 20 years, new diagnoses among those under age 45 are rising. One in four St. Louis adults surveyed (26%) heard about the rising rates in the last week.    What are the age trends in colon cancer?   From 1995 to 2019, the proportion of […]

Vaccines

1 in 8 St. Louisans had questions about vaccines Suggested Caption: It’s common to have questions about any medicine you take or give to your family. Understanding how to find expert info about vaccines can help you make informed decisions! #iHeardSTL #Vaccines #StayInformed Printable flyer

Most St. Louisans are hearing chatter about vaccines

Vaccine discussions have been prominent in the news and social media recently. When asked if they’d heard anything about vaccines in the last two weeks, 52% of St. Louis adults said “yes.” However, only 13% said they had questions about vaccines.  Who’s hearing about vaccines?  Among 377 adults surveyed in four states (MO, NE, GA, […]

Zoo animals & bird flu

A wild duck tested positive for bird flu Suggested Caption: A wild duck found dead in the St. Louis Zoo’s Cove Lake tested positive for bird flu. While the risk to humans is low, the virus can spread to other birds and animals. Staying informed helps protect wildlife, pets, and everyone’s health. 🦆🔬  #iHeardSTL #BirdFlu […]

Dead duck with bird flu found in St. Louis Zoo

A wild duck found dead in the St. Louis Zoo’s Cove Lake tested positive for bird flu. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, 37% heard about it in the last 7 days. White respondents were more likely to hear about the Zoo’s bird flu case than Black respondents (46% vs. 30%).  Bird flu situation at St. […]

Measles on the rise

About the measles Suggested Caption: Have you been hearing about the recent measles outbreaks? Three outbreaks in Texas, New Jersey & New Mexico account for 93% of cases in 2025.  While highly contagious, measles is preventable. The takeaway: vaccinations reduce the spread of measles.  #iHeardSTL #Measles #StayHealthy #GetVaccinated  Printable flyer

Measles on the rise in U.S. 

So far in 2025 (through Feb. 27), 164 measles cases have been reported in nine states, a 262% increase from the same week in 2024. In St. Louis, 61% of adults surveyed had heard in the last week about rising rates. Most heard it from TV/radio sources (53%) and/or social media (50%).  What’s the current measles situation?  […]

Flu vaccination

Is the flu vaccine less effective this year? Suggested Caption: Even when flu vaccine effectiveness is lower, it helps prevent severe illness. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older.  #iHeardSTL #FluSeason #Flu #FluShot #FluVaccine About the flu vaccine Suggested Caption: Hygiene habits and vaccination can reduce flu complications and […]

Is the flu vaccine less effective this year?

One in 10 St. Louis adults surveyed reported hearing in the last 7 days that this year’s flu vaccine is less effective. In a broader sample of adults in St. Louis, Omaha, Atlanta, and North Carolina, 12% heard it. Awareness was highest among Hispanics (18%) and lowest in non-Hispanic Whites (10%).   How effective is this […]

Bird flu & pets

Can cats spread bird flu to people? Suggested Caption: Pets can get bird flu from raw or freeze-dried food, unpasteurized milk, or contact with sick birds. Here’s what pet owners need to know to keep their furry friends (and themselves) safe! 🐱⚠️   #iHeardSTL #BirdFlu #PetSafety #Cats #Dogs #PetOwners #PetSafety 

Can cats spread bird flu to people?

Although 1 in 3 U.S. households has a cat, only 10% of St. Louis adults surveyed reported hearing in the last 7 days that cats can spread bird flu to humans.  Is there evidence of bird flu passing from cats to humans?   A CDC report briefly posted online—and later removed—suggested that infected cats might spread bird flu to humans […]

Influenza

Remember when? Suggested Caption: #Throwback takes us back to 2010 – the year flu levels were as high as today 😅🤧😷. Flu is on the rise this winter season – stay up-to-date with vaccination, practice good hygiene, and mask up in public. #iHeardSTL #CDC #STLHealth #Flu #Influenza #2025Flu #2010Flu  Why protect against flu? Suggested Caption: […]

Flu levels rising again

Flu rates are surging in St. Louis. Through February 1, 2025, about 1 in 3 flu tests in Missouri came back positive– that’s more than double the 15% positivity rate from the same time last year. Half of St. Louis adults surveyed had heard about the rising flu rates in the last 7 days.  How high […]

Bird flu & egg prices

Egg prices are up Suggested Caption: Eggs are a key source of protein, but with prices soaring due to bird flu, many people are cutting back. This can impact nutrition, especially for those relying on eggs as an affordable staple.   💡 What can you do? Swipe for tips! ➡️  #iHeardSTL #Eggs #EggPrices #BirdFlu 

Egg prices rise as bird flu spreads in poultry

As of January 29, 2025, the average price of eggs in the U.S. was $7.09 a dozen, a 22% increase since January 1, 2025. Over half of St. Louis adults surveyed had heard about the increase due to bird flu in the last 7 days. Most heard it from social media (47%) or TV/radio (38%)  How are […]

Weight loss drugs coverage

Should Medicare and Medicaid expand to cover weight loss drugs? Suggested Caption: On November 26, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed to expand Medicare Part D and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs. A change in coverage could put pressure on other insurance companies to expand access.  At the moment, there is no […]

Will Medicare and Medicaid cover weight loss drugs? 

On November 26, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed expanding Medicare Part D and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs. About 38% of St. Louis residents reported hearing about this proposal in the last 7 days, up from 20% the previous week.  What’s included in the policy proposal?  Currently, 14 state Medicaid programs cover weight […]

Red Dye No. 3

BANNED: Red Dye No. 3 Suggested Caption: The FDA is saying goodbye to Red Dye No. 3 in food and medications! Manufacturers must remove it by 2027 (food) and 2028 (meds).  What does this mean for you?
🔎 Check labels to avoid Red Dye No. 3
📢 Share this post to help spread the word!  #iHeardSTL #RedDyeNo3 #FoodSafety #FDA  […]

BANNED: Red Dye No. 3

On January 15, the FDA announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3 in food and drug products. Three days later, we asked St. Louis residents if they had heard about the ban: 63% said yes. Manufacturers are required to remove the dye from their food products by January 2027. Makers of ingested drugs have until January […]

Winter preparedness 

Winter storm response Suggested Caption: What do you think of the local St. Louis storm response? Have suggestions for how the city and county can improve? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. #iHeardSTL #WinterStorm #StormResponse #STLStorm #STLWinter #PublicSafety #StormPreparedness  What should you know about winter weather? Suggested Caption: It’s cold out there! Make sure […]

POLL: St. Louisans rate the winter storm response

In 3 out of 4 categories, St. Louis adults were satisfied with the local response to the January 4-5 winter storm. But snow removal from streets and roads was a different story. Poll results In the iHeard STL weekly poll for January 11-13, St. Louisans rated their satisfaction from 1 to 10 (10=highest satisfaction) on […]

Respiratory illness

What if I get sick? Suggested Caption: Take a look at four examples of how to navigate respiratory viruses!  
#iHeardSTL #CDC #STLHealth #RespiratoryIllness #COVID19 #Flu  Why get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19? Suggested Caption: Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are advised for everyone aged six months and older, while pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for all children […]

RSV, flu, COVID, and pneumonia cases on the rise in St. Louis

As of January 3, 2025, the CDC reports that respiratory illnesses causing people to seek healthcare are at high levels and continue to rise nationally. St. Louis residents seem to be taking note, with 3 in 8 (38%) reporting they heard “Cases of respiratory diseases such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV are increasing” in the […]

12 days of iHeard STL 2024

Day 1: Introduction Caption: It’s that time of year! 🎉🗓️ iHeard is spending the last 12 days of 2024 reflecting on our work and sharing new insights about what St. Louisans heard this year. We asked 200+ St. Louisans what they heard about health information this year. What have you heard about health in your […]

Celebrating our 4th New Year at iHeard St. Louis!

Here’s what was new in 2024:   Centering community. iHeard joined with the St. Louis Partnership for a Healthy Community to support local public health efforts across our region.   Growing again! We added 30 new community members to our weekly survey panel this year and will add another 45 in January and February. Look for iHeard at community events around St. Louis – […]

Pneunomia

More than 1 in 4 St. Louisans heard that pneumonia rates are increasing Suggested Caption: #DidYouKnow that rates of pneumonia in kids ages 2-4 have been increasing? If a cough lingers and breathing’s tight, it’s time to air on the side of caution. Parents should take their child to a healthcare provider if they develop persistent […]

Pneumonia rising in Missouri children 

The CDC reports that from March 31 to October 5, 2024, rates of pneumonia in kids ages 2-4 increased from 1 to 7.2 percent, and from 3.6 to 7.4 percent among kids 5-17. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, 29 percent reported hearing about the increase during the last 7 days.   Is it pneumonia?    Symptoms of pneumonia usually […]

Black plastic

Have you heard about black plastic cooking utensils being dangerous? Suggested Caption: Have you heard about black-colored plastics containing banned toxic chemicals? In one study, 70% of black plastic cooking utensils tested contained banned toxic chemicals.  Read the study at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143319  #iHeardSTL #RecycledPlastic #HolidayShopping #ConsumerSafety 

Are black plastic cooking utensils safe?

[Update] On Sunday, December 15th, the authors of a study referenced in this alert issued a correction to their findings.  We have updated the alert and assets to reflect this correction. Updated text is shown in bold. A new study found that black-colored plastics used in cooking utensils and toys may contain banned toxic chemicals. Over […]

Holiday conversations

Holiday gatherings often bring together people with differing perspectives Suggested Caption: Nearly two-thirds of adults surveyed who attended a Thanksgiving meal said someone at the table had a very different worldview than them. As the holiday season continues, let’s bridge divides by encouraging respectful dialogue with the people around you. #iHeardSTL #HolidayConversations #Sharing #Worldview  Tips […]

Table Talk: What did St. Louisans discuss at Thanksgiving? 

Holiday gatherings often bring together people with differing perspectives, sometimes leading to sensitive conversations. We asked St. Louisans what they discussed at their Thanksgiving meals.   Different viewpoints were common  Among adults surveyed in St. Louis and Omaha, 74% shared a meal with family or friends from outside their household; of those, nearly two-thirds said someone at […]

Fluoride

About fluoride Suggested Caption: Community water fluoridation is a strategy for preventing cavities in the U.S. 
Have questions about fluoride? Let us know! #iHeardSTL #Fluoride Use either of these resources with the suggested caption below Suggested Caption: Do you or someone you know have questions about fluoride? Here’s a place to start getting answers. #iHeardSTL […]

Fluoride in water: Is it dangerous?

This week, 16% of St. Louis adults surveyed reported that in the last 7 days they had heard that “all fluoride in water is dangerous;” of those who heard it 46% thought it was probably or definitely true.  What is fluoride? Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, air, and certain foods. In the […]

Flu and COVID combo test

At-home COVID and flu combo test Suggested Caption: Your favorite new “combo” may not be a meal! Now available in pharmacies and online: At-home combo COVID and flu tests. Have you heard about them? #iHeardSTL #COVID #Flu #SelfTest Use either of these resources with the suggested caption below: Suggested Caption: Test yourself for flu and […]