Concerned about lead exposure? Suggested Caption: St. Louis County is offering walk-in lead screenings at all three clinic locations. Lead screening services are also available to children 6 years of age and under that live in the City of St. Louis: contact your primary care provider or local Federally Qualified Health Center to schedule a […]
Why do older adults need the RSV vaccine? Suggested Caption: Here’s a quick overview of what to know about claims that say cell phones, Wi-Fi and 5G internet are linked to radiation poisoning. Radiation comes in two types: ionizing and non-ionizing. High doses of ionizing radiation like X-rays may cause cancer, but there’s no evidence […]
Day 1: Introduction Caption: It’s that time of year! 🎉🗓️ iHeard is spending the last 12 days of 2023 reflecting on our work and sharing new insights about what St. Louisans heard this year. We surveyed 200+ St. Louisans each week and asked questions about health information. What have you heard about health in your […]
Why do older adults need the RSV vaccine? Suggested Caption: The rate of RSV infection is rising right now in MO. An RSV vaccine for older adults is available and could help protect against hospitalizations. Check local vaccination options today! #iHeardSTL #RSV #RSVVaccination #GetVaccinated #RespiratoryInfection Should infants get the RSV vaccine? Suggested Caption: The rate […]
Are these in your home? Don’t eat them! Suggested Caption: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes and urging consumers to avoid eating certain recalled cantaloupe products, including some fruit cups. Make sure you check your cantaloupe products before eating! #iHeardSTL #FDA #SalmonellaOutbreak #FoodSafety ¿Los tiene en […]
Are mammograms necessary for women over 40? Suggested Caption: An online influencer posted a Spanish-language video on Facebook with a false claim that mammograms are not necessary for women over 40, viewed over 500,000 times before it was removed. Overall, 1 in 8 panelists from three states (13%) heard this false claim. Hispanic respondents were […]
Do you use eyedrops? Suggested Caption: On October 27, the FDA warned consumers to stop using 26 over-the-counter eyedrop products. Anyone using recalled eye products should visit an eye care professional if they have eye infection symptoms such as blurry vision, discharge, pain or discomfort, redness of the eyelid, feeling like there is something in […]
WanaBana & Schnucks recall contaminated fruit pouches Suggested Caption: Parents and caregivers: don’t give your kids apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches! The FDA says they might have too much lead. To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, visit iHeardSTL.org or follow @iHeard_STL. #iHeardSTL #SafetyFirst #RecallAlert Alerta de retirada del mercado de […]
If you hear this…You can say: Suggested Caption: The claim that “if vaccines worked, we wouldn’t have diseases like flu, measles and mumps,” has been circulating as a meme on social media. That claim is NOT true. Vaccines reduce the risk or severity of an illness by training our immune system to fight the illness. […]
Looking for a COVID vaccine for your child? Suggested Caption: Vaccinating kids can help protect family members and keep kids in daycare and school, allowing them to safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities. Use these tips to find and schedule a vaccine for your child today! To learn more about this and […]
Free at-home COVID tests Suggested Caption: Did you hear? FREE at-home COVID test kits are back! Order your tests from COVIDTests.gov. Need help placing an order for your at-home tests? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, visit iHeardSTL.org or follow @iHeard_STL. #iHeardSTL #FreeCOVIDtests #SelfTesting Los kits […]
Can I get the flu, COVID and/or RSV vaccines at the same time? Suggested Caption: Yes, you CAN get the flu, COVID and/or RSV vaccines at the same time! Talk to your healthcare provider to find out which vaccines are right for you. To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, […]
Find COVID-19 vaccine locations at Vaccines.gov Suggested Caption: Need help finding a COVID‑19 vaccine near you? Visit Vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233. Call your local vaccine provider to check for vaccine availability and appointment times. To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, visit iHeardSTL.org or follow @iHeard_STL. #iHeardSTL #StayUpdatededAndProtected! #COVIDVaccine What you […]
Finding PE on over-the-counter medicine labels Suggested Caption: The FDA recently advised that there is insufficient evidence to support oral phenylephrine as a decongestant ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products. To find and avoid this ingredient when looking at oral decongestant medicine this season, check the “Active Ingredients” label on the back of […]
Version 1: Did you know? Version 2: Did you know? Suggested Caption: 1 in 5 St. Louisans say they’ve heard about the increase in RSV infections. A new RSV immunization for infants and vaccine for older adults and pregnant people is now available and could help protect against hospitalizations from RSV this year. To learn […]
Weekly alert: New variants. New vaccine. What are people hearing? Suggested Caption: The CDC has confirmed two new COVID variants: EG.5 (Eris) and BA.2.86 (Pirola). EG.5 is now the most common variant, accounting for about 20% of cases. To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, visit iHeardSTL.org or follow @iHeard_STL. #iHeardSTL […]
COVID-19 Cases Rising Suggested Caption: iHeard asked St. Louisans if they had heard “COVID cases are rising” at the end of August. Almost half (46%) said “yes.” More people (11%) also reported taking more frequent precautions (such as wearing masks, washing their hands often, avoiding close contact with others, and avoiding large indoor gatherings). This […]
Free at-home COVID tests Suggested Caption: Here’s what you need to know about ordering free COVID-19 tests again:– Limit of one order per residential address– One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (COVIDTests.gov has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates)– Orders will ship free starting the […]
Weekly alert: Postpartum depression Suggested Caption: Following the FDA approval of the first postpartum depression pill on August 4, iHeard asked St. Louisans if they had heard about the approval. Almost three in ten (29%) said “yes.” Postpartum depression is a medical condition where a woman feels sad, anxious, and tired after giving birth. It […]
Weekly alert: Be aware of hospital changes in St. Louis Suggested Caption: DePaul Hospital will end Level II trauma services on September 10th due to a low number of trauma patients. The hospital will continue Level I trauma care for treating conditions like heart attacks and strokes. To learn more about this and other health […]
Weekly alert: Summer heat waves Suggested Caption: Did you hear? Ameren is working to support customers with the Keeping Current & Keeping Cool payment assistance programs. Summer heat waves and excessive heat can be dangerous for children, older adults, people with heart conditions, and those who work outside. Cool Down St. Louis provides families with […]
Weekly alert: Are COVID vaccines safe for young athletes? Suggested Caption: Although only a few (9%) of surveyed STL adults have heard COVID-19 vaccines cause heart problems among young athletes, two-thirds (67%) of those who heard it believed it. Multiple scientific studies have found no evidence of an increased risk of cardiac arrest after COVID […]
Weekly alert: What would reduce gun violence in STL? Suggested Caption: In a poll from June 24-26, St. Louis adults rated gun violence as the biggest health problem in St. Louis. Three weeks later, in a follow-up survey, 37% selected “banning semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles” as the most effective way of reducing gun violence […]
Weekly alert: Let’s help protect mental health Suggested Caption: iHeard asked panel members were hearing about the reason for declining teen mental health. The most cited was social media use (53%), followed by social and cultural division in the U.S. (12%) and gender and sexual identity (8%). The coronavirus pandemic (5%), school shootings (4%), and […]
Weekly alert: Aspartame sweeteners and energy drinks Suggested Caption: iHeard surveyed St. Louisans to learn what they’ve been hearing about two nutritional products – aspartame sweeteners and new energy drinks. 45% have heard that aspartame sweeteners might cause cancer, while 28% were informed about the investigation into potential health risks associated with new energy drinks. […]
Weekly alert: Organizations expand access to safe spaces for young people Suggested Caption: At least 3 out of 10 (31%) surveyed St. Louis adults have heard that more organizations are expanding access to safe places for young people in St. Louis. Older people (40+ years) are more likely to have heard this information than younger […]
Weekly alert: Top health concern in St. Louis is gun violence Suggested Caption: iHeard asked St. Louis adults what they considered the biggest and second biggest health problem facing St. Louis. By a landslide margin, most people named gun violence the area’s biggest health problem. Other notable problems include mental health, healthcare access and cost, […]
Weekly alert: New mammogram guidelines – what to know Suggested Caption: On May 9, 2023, after considering scientific evidence, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended lowering the screening age for breast cancer to 40 years for women with an average risk of breast cancer. Only 19% of St. Louis adults surveyed heard about the […]
Weekly alert: Free gun locks Suggested Caption: Guns are the leading cause of death for US children and teens, since surpassing car accidents in 2020. In response to this crisis and a growing number of recent child firearm injuries in St. Louis, SSM Health and some other St. Louis hospitals began offering free gun locks […]
Weekly alert: AI in healthcare Suggested Caption: When it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, St. Louis adults report limited understanding. Only 8% of our panel reported a strong grasp of AI concepts.Most respondents indicated they understood AI only “somewhat well” (61%) or admitted to knowing it “not well at all” (30%). AI’s potential […]
Weekly alert: Social media and youth mental health Suggested Caption: In a recent advisory, the U.S. Surgeon General cautioned about the potential risks of harm social media can have on children and adolescents’ mental and physical health. iHeard asked St. Louis adults what they think about social media and youth: 📊 Nearly half (46%) of […]
Weekly alert: 78% of St. Louisans believe protecting children’s health should come before business. Suggested Caption: According to our survey, nearly 8 in 10 (78%) St. Louisans believe protecting children’s health should come before business. On May 16, St. Louis County Council’s reversed a rule prohibiting tobacco sales within 1000 feet of school property. St. […]
Weekly alert: Fewer than 1 in 5 St. Louisans know 988. Suggested Caption: ⚠️ Only 19% of St. Louisans are aware that 988 is the 3-digit Suicide and Crisis Lifeline ⚠️ 31% of iHeard STL’s panel indicated that they knew the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number; however, only 19% correctly identified 988 as the number […]
Weekly alert: Does masking protect against Long COVID? Suggested Caption: Does masking protect against Long COVID? Let’s clear the air! According to our recent survey, most respondents believe masks prevent getting COVID-19 (80%) and prevent spreading it to others (84%). However, only 49% of our panel think masks can lower the risks of developing Long […]
Weekly alert: Trust in Twitter has dropped Suggested Caption: 🚨 Our panel of St. Louis adults reveals that trust in Twitter has declined for some time 📉 40% of Twitter users on our survey panel reported decreased trust in information they see on the platform in the past 6 months. The other panel members (60%) […]
Weekly alert: COVID-19 public health emergency expiration Suggested Caption: St. Louis residents are still hearing about the Public Health Emergency ending in May. In mid-February, when this item first appeared on our survey, 43% of STL adults had heard it. Exposure to this information has steadily remained high over these 2+ months. Is there anything […]
Weekly alert: False claims about the COVID vaccine and maternal health are not spreading like they used to Suggested Caption: False claims about the COVID vaccine and maternal health are losing ground. Only 5% of St. Louis adults heard a false claim linking the vaccine to miscarriages and stillbirths, compared to 50% in Sept 2021, […]
Weekly alert: What are St. Lousians hearing about Candida auris? Suggested Caption: Nearly 1 in 3 St. Louis adults heard about a new fungus spreading between people. Adults age 40 and older were much more likely to hear it than those younger than 40. Most people heard the claim on TV and radio. The fungus […]
St. Louis area hospitals changed mask rules Suggested Caption: Last week, almost half of the St. Louis adults in our panel (47%) heard that St. Louis area hospitals are ending their mask requirements. Nearly all (97%) of those who heard it believed it. BJC HealthCare ended its masking requirement on March 23, following SSM Health […]
Weekly Alert: Naloxone Suggested Caption: Do you know about Naloxone? A third of St. Louis adults (34%) heard about the FDA recommendation to make Narcan/Naloxone available as an over-the-counter overdose death prevention prescription drug nationwide. Naloxone/Narcan trainings are available throughout the St. Louis region. The T, an organization promoting harm reduction in St. Louis, hosts […]
Detoxes, diets and cleanses – OH MY! Suggested Caption: This National Nutrition Month, let’s get rid of the trendy and stick to what works – and that’s different for every/body. Click through for thoughts on nutrition trends and how to spot them on your social media feed. To learn what our community is hearing, follow […]
Weekly alert part 1: Local traffic Suggested Caption: How do residents feel about traffic safety in St. Louis? 🛑 ⚠️ 🚗🚦 (Part 1/2) Not great, our recent survey shows. Most felt that local traffic was unsafe and getting more dangerous. Only 1% of respondents thought it was getting safer. Mayor Tishaura O. Jones recently signed […]
Weekly alert part 1: What are St. Louisans hearing about Ozempic? Suggested Caption: For the fourth consecutive week, about 1 in 4 St. Louis adults heard that people with diabetes are not able to access the drug Ozempic because of its recent popularity for weight loss. This week’s total, 27%, is actually up 4% increase […]