MARQUETTE—Dr. Virginia Feleppa, who provides care for patients at the Northern Menominee Health Center in Spalding, will be a recipient of this year’s “Hero for the Uninsured” Award. The awards are presented each spring by the Upper Peninsula Health Access Coalition. The purpose is to recognize key individuals and organizations that assist uninsured Upper Peninsula residents in acquiring health care ... MORE.

MARQUETTE—Many children in the eastern Upper Peninsula received an opportunity for healthier smiles thanks to a free dental program offered through the Michigan Department of Community Health. The Seal! Michigan Dental Sealant Program was recently held for students in first, second, sixth and seventh grades at Engadine Consolidated Schools in Engadine, St. Ignace Area Schools in St. Ignace, and Three Lakes Academy in Curtis ... MORE.

MENOMINEE—While progress has been made in recent decades in the effort to eliminate childhood tooth decay, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in five children in America still have untreated cavities. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, an annual campaign by the American Dental Association that seeks to raise awareness of the importance of children’s oral health ... MORE.

IRON RIVER—Prevention is an important part of health care and oral health is no exception. Through a program of the Michigan Department of Community Health, many students at West Iron County Schools recently learned about proper oral care and had the opportunity to have their teeth safeguarded by long-lasting dental protectants ... MORE.

MARQUETTE—It is well known that smoking and secondhand smoke cause health problems ranging from cancer to birth defects, but recent studies have revealed a more covert threat from smoking, one most people are not aware of. This threat has been dubbed “thirdhand smoke,” and it refers to the residual build up of chemicals in cigarette smoke that coats walls, furniture, carpeting, clothing, etc. in areas where people smoke... MORE.