Researchers at Iowa State University are trying to increase hens’ welfare and health through virtual reality (VR).

In recent years, VR technology has found its way into every part of life. From video games to job training, VR attempts to give users an experience as close to reality as possible. Though to many, this advancement in technology may sound dystopian, researchers across the country are finding ways it can improve our daily lives.

Melha Mellata, associate professor, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University, and Graham Redweik, a recent doctoral student in the Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program at Iowa State, are seeing if VR can be used in yet another unconventional way, this time for the birds.

The Iowa State researchers recognized that the increasing demand for cage-free eggs arises from the goal to provide hens with better welfare, particularly in terms of natural behavior. But

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is back at the Kentucky State Fair this year to inspect food vendors to ensure safety for attendees, and to staff a quiet, clean area for families to safely feed their babies and care for their needs. LMPHW is also reminding fairgoers to know their risk and take precautions as Jefferson County remains in the COVID-19 community red-alert level.

“Unfortunately, the transmission of COVID-19 is still high in our area. While we want you to enjoy the State Fair, we encourage you to do so safely,” said Dr. Jeffrey Howard, interim director of LMPHW. “You can protect yourself and others by wearing a well-fitting mask while visiting indoor exhibits, staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and staying home if you are sick.”

If you are at high risk for severe illness and planning to attend the Kentucky State Fair

MADISON, Wis. — We know that inadequate access to healthy foods can lead to hunger but experiencing food insecurity can lead to real medical issues for children.

SSM Health family physician Dr. Roopa Shah says that while it may seem contradictory, chronic food insecurity can lead to our kids being overweight.

“So it may actually seem counterintuitive,” says Shah, “but being phased with food insecurity can actually lead to obesity. Over time, having obesity can lead to chronic health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, but in kids, this can even lead to issues such as anemia, stunted growth, and asthma.”

While those issues could be longer-term, the immediate problems from chronic hunger include headaches, trouble focusing, tiredness, and irritability. This can be difficult for kids to manage and often interferes with learning.

Dr. Shah says that while