Many parts of the U.S. have experienced above-average humidity and extreme heat recently. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, 47% reported hearing in the last 7 days about extreme heat and high humidity causing health issues. Older adults, Hispanic and Black respondents most likely to hear it Among 598 adults surveyed across five states (GA, MO, […]
Extreme heat with high humidity causing health issues Suggested caption: High heat and humidity can reduce the body’s ability to cool itself, leading to heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke. To protect yourself during extreme heat events, stay in air-conditioned areas, drink lots of water, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and wear […]
Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) St. Louis adults surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the flu vaccine was safe, and 85% agreed or strongly agreed that the flu vaccine was effective. Why would St. Louisans get the flu vaccine? By a 2 to 1 margin, St. Louis adults were more likely to say that flu […]
St. Louis adults view flu vaccine as safe and effective Suggested caption: Flu season is coming—what’s your plan? Flu vaccines are safe, widely available starting in the fall, and help prevent severe illness. Plan ahead to know where and how you’ll get your vaccine this year. #iHeardSTL #FluVaccination #FluSeason #StayProtected Print version
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued updated guidelines for managing pain during common office procedures such as IUD (intrauterine device) insertion. One in 4 (27%) St. Louis adults surveyed heard about it in the last 7 days, up from 16% a week prior. What are the new ACOG guidelines? ACOG recommends that […]
Did you know? There’s new guidance on pain relief for IUDs Suggested caption: Getting an IUD can hurt—but now, new guidelines say doctors should help manage that pain. If you’re planning to get one, ask about options like numbing sprays, local anesthesia, or over-the-counter pain relief. #iHeardSTL #IUDs #PainManagement #ReproductiveHealth Print version
Check your eggs! Suggested caption: A Salmonella outbreak linked to August Egg Company has led to 79 reported cases and 21 hospitalizations — but no deaths — as of June 6. Infected people often get sick within 6 hours to 6 days with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Share to keep others safe. #iHeardSTL […]
On June 6, the August Egg Company recalled cage-free organic brown eggs due to potential Salmonella contamination. The eggs were distributed in nine states, including neighboring Illinois. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, 30% heard about the recall in the last 7 days. What we know about the recalled eggs The recall includes organic and cage-free brown eggs […]
Breathe safely Suggested caption: Tornado cleanup can stir up dust and debris that harm your lungs, especially in cities with older homes like St. Louis. After May’s tornado, it’s a good time to remind neighbors that wearing a mask can help protect your health. #iHeardSTL #STLRecovers #Tornado #LungSafety Print version
St. Louisans are learning fast about the health consequences of tornado clean-up. Cuts and scratches from storm debris can lead to tetanus, and breathing air filled with particles of dust, dirt and harmful building materials can damage a person’s lungs. Poll: St. Louisans hearing about link between tornados, breathing problems In the last week, 54% of […]
It’s tick season. Step up your defense! Suggested caption: Always do a tick check after outdoor hikes and activities! If you find one, remove it with tweezers. #iHeardSTL #TickSeason #TickSafety Alpha-gal is not a superhero. Suggested caption: Only 38% of St. Louisans have heard of Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne condition! Protect yourself from tick bites by staying […]
Tick season runs April to October. Of nearly 100 tick species in the U.S., only a few bite humans and can spread illness. We asked St. Louisans how they are getting ready. Tick are fairly common: 1 in 3 St. Louis households have been affected Of St. Louis adults surveyed, 34% reported that they or someone […]
Want to help spread the word? Download the graphics below to share about this topic. Suggested caption: St. Louisans are coming together to clean up after the May 16th tornado. Follow the tips above to stay safe when cleaning debris. #iHeardSTL #STLRecovers #StormCleanup Suggested caption: In a poll conducted approximately one week after the St. Louis […]
On May 16 an EF-3 tornado struck St. Louis. We asked St. Louis adults to rate their satisfaction with the storm response. Satisfaction was highest for the response of neighbors and community members (8.4 out of 10) and lowest for emergency communication warnings (4.2 of 10). St. Louisans helped each other. Among those polled, 19% were directly affected by […]
If you hear this… Suggested Caption: Scientific research shows no link between vaccines and autism. Want to learn more about vaccines? Look for information from experts like pediatricians or immunologists whose job it is to study vaccines. Scientists are constantly learning about vaccines, so check that what you’re reading on a website is up-to-date. #iHeardSTL […]
A claim that vaccines cause autism is spreading again, but most St. Louis adults surveyed (73%) say they haven’t heard the claim in the last week. Of those who heard it, most believed it was untrue, but 20% believed it was “definitely” true and 20% believed “it could be true.” Who is hearing the claim […]
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
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 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
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 […]
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 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 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 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 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 […]
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
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 […]
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
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, […]
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 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 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
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 […]
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
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, […]
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 […]
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. […]
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
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? […]
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 […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
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 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 […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]