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Marissa Harshman

Stories by Marissa

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Fresh success: $5 match helps low-income shoppers at farmers markets

Grant-funded bonus of a $5 match helps low-income shoppers make the most of a stop at a local farmers market

A program designed to help stretch the value of food stamps at farmers markets is up and running again this year after a successful 2012 launch.

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PeaceHealth, Regence sign new two-year contract

Agreement ensures Regence members can continue to receive care at hospital

PeaceHealth and Regence have reached an agreement on a new two-year contract.

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Go Greek with your yogurt?

Nutrition experts say they're not convinced it's more healthful

Greek yogurt is everywhere, and now represents nearly a third of the yogurt market. But how different is the Greek version from regular yogurt? That depends.

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Jumping into the fun at Woodland Planters Days

Annual Frog Jump contest draws hundreds at Woodland Planters Days festival

Woodland Planters Days is packed with fun for the whole family. But Saturday afternoon was all about the frogs.

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UPDATE: Daylong search finds no trace of missing Vancouver hiker

The search for Maureen Kelly was suspended Saturday evening. She was last seen on the evening of June 9 walking into rugged terrain in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

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Mighty marathoner on a mission

With 3 races since April, Micah Snell, 3, is on a roll in fundraising effort

This Sunday, 3-year-old Micah Snell will finish his fifth marathon -- his third in just three months.

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Camas paratriathlete finds inspiration for success in another's discouraging words

Don't tell Darren Smith he can't do something because the 47-year-old's natural response is to do it.

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PeaceHealth, insurers may cut ties

UnitedHealthcare, Regence contracts set to end June 30

Thousands of Clark County residents who receive health coverage from Regence or UnitedHealthcare may soon be faced with a tough decision: find a new physician or pay higher out-of-pocket costs.

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Healthy Kids Fair proceeds despite I-5 work

Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center's largest public event will take place this weekend, despite a closure on Interstate 5.

Malpractice lawsuit targets Vancouver plastic surgeon, PeaceHealth

Six women claim negligence, unacceptable cosmetic outcomes

Six women have filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Vancouver plastic surgeon Allen Gabriel and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.

Walkers to inherit Vancouver streets, for one day

Community-building event will close 4.2-mile loop to vehicles

For one afternoon this summer, Clark County residents are encouraged to park their cars and pull out their walking shoes, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, strollers and stilts.

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Postpartum depression in dads gets more attention

Medical field, public begin to recognize fathers often struggle after birth of baby

Postpartum depression isn't a new condition, but it's receiving new attention in the Portland-Vancouver area.

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A patient's best friend (with video)

Therapy dogs like Mukaluka Dirtypaws fill hospital with cheer

It's hard to miss Mukaluka Dirtypaws. The dark-colored miniature schnauzer stands out as he walks the hallways at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. But the volunteer badge — complete with picture — hanging from his bright blue collar indicates the 5-year-old pooch is there on business.

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Simulated bioterrorism attack puts county health department, first responders to the test (with video)

Full-scale exercise held over three days

Should an act of bioterrorism ever occur in Clark County, public health officials are ready to respond.

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Group cooks up a food swap

Clark County mothers prepare, trade meals to save money, cut time spent preparing food while ensuring participants enjoy healthful, homemade dinners

Planning and preparing a family dinner can be a challenge, especially in homes with a new baby or a mobile toddler.

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Vancouver man out of coma, into new challenge

Luke Ashe applying dedication he used to lose weight before he became ill to his rehabilitation

Luke Ashe's life suddenly became dark, surrounded by nothingness. Then, just as abruptly as it left, the light came back.

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Dermatologists urge people to learn the ABCDEs of skin cancer

They want them to know when a 'mole' might pose a threat to health

Every year, millions of Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer.

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What hospitals charge can vary greatly

Complicated pricing systems and various market factors affect the price tag of a procedure from site to site

The price tag for a spinal fusion surgery can range from $50,000 at one hospital to $71,000 at another — and that's just in Vancouver.

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Campaign starts to teach hands-only CPR to thousands (with video)

Call 911. Push hard and push fast.

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Hospital's tiniest baby heading home

She weighed just 15 ounces when born in December

When Harley was born prematurely on Dec. 20, she weighed just 15 ounces. She measured 10 inches. Her tiny arm was shorter than an adult's pinky. Her foot wasn't much bigger than a quarter.

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Pushing past Parkinson's

Vancouver woman vows disease, cancer won't keep her from helping others

A neurologist diagnosed Vancouver resident Helen Ramatowski with Parkinson's disease in January 2011. She had diagnosed herself months earlier.

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E-cigarette users say devices are vastly safer than traditional smoking

Health officials aren't on board with health claims

A cigarette with nicotine, sans tobacco. A cigarette that emits vapor, not smoke. A cigarette that uses a battery, not a lighter.

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Camas-Washougal weight-loss challenge ends Saturday

The yearlong Camas-Washougal weight-loss challenge will come to end Saturday.

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Dialysis providers to build two new centers in Battle Ground

Agreement addresses growing demand in Clark County

Relief is on its way for dialysis patients in Clark County.

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Earth Day event puts emphasis on healthy eating

Chefs cook up meals using only locally grown ingredients

This Earth Day, dozens of Clark County residents learned how the foods they eat impact the planet on which they live.

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Vancouver families credit March of Dimes with saving kids' lives

Both families aim to healp nonprofit group

Carmendy Rodas was born early — too early, her mother feared. But despite the odds, Carmendy survived. Today, the sassy nearly 2-year-old is learning to talk. She's already mastered the word "no."

Earth Day celebration links food system, healthy planet

This Earth Day, local nonprofits are hosting an event that aims to connect the dots between a healthy food system and a healthy planet.

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Going on the offense against ovarian cancer

Women in Southwest Washington have access to providers who take swift, aggressive action against disease, improving survival rates

New research highlighting widespread flaws in ovarian cancer treatment is drawing attention across the country.

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Roller derby gets real

Goodbye gimmicks, hello competitive women athletes

Carlee Wolcott slowly approaches the starting line. The purple wheels of her roller skates come to a stop when she reaches her place on the powder blue floor. Her short purple hair is tucked beneath the black helmet featuring her team logo. Her nickname, Scylla Devourer, is printed across the back of her fitted purple jersey. The sleeve of tattoos on her arms is partially obscured by the armbands bearing her number, 1719.

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Tick season arrives in Washington

Beware blood-sucking, disease-carrying bugs when outdoors, health officials say

Washington health officials have a message for hikers heading outdoors to enjoy the spring weather: Beware of ticks.

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Pro Vitae in downtown Vancouver helps people shake up fitness regimens

Some Clark County residents say they've found a new way to lose extra pounds, tone muscles and relieve pain: jiggling.

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Parents beware: Cute critters can carry ugly sickness

Chicks, ducklings, turtles, hedgehogs can infect loving children with salmonella

Chicks and ducklings may be oh-so-cute and soft, but they shouldn't be snuggled or kissed.

DSHS might revoke license of nursing home

Carolees at Ridgefield working to avoid foreclosure

The state Department of Social and Health Services notified a Ridgefield assisted living facility this week that it intends to revoke the center's operating license.

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Facility strives to treat patients of all sizes

PeaceHealth clinic's new hyperbaric chamber is designed for larger, heavier people

A Vancouver speciality clinic is equipping itself to better treat larger and heavier patients.

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Juicing: How healthful is it?

Man says practice cured intestinal woes; nutritionist says it's good way to get fruits, veggies

Every morning, Arron Barnes starts his day with an unlikely fruit-and-vegetable concoction.

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Town Halls: Education, health care, employment also discussed

Rivers, Pike talk school, while Paul, Benton mirror views

The Columbia River Crossing was far from the only thing on the agenda as legislators from the 18th and 17th legislative district fielded a range of questions during town hall meetings Saturday.

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Lawmakers use town halls to talk CRC

3 different meetings offer varied views on how to deal with bridge

State legislators from Clark County got an earful Saturday as constituents sounded off on the Columbia River Crossing project in a series of town hall meetings.

More Clark County youth consider suicide

Health survey finds fewer county young people smoke, drink

Fewer Clark County youth are smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol today than they were two years ago, according to the results of a statewide survey. However, the number of students who reported feeling depressed and contemplating suicide has gone up.

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UPDATE: Clark County public health director named to state Cabinet

John Wiesman will be the next secretary of health

Gov. Jay Inslee has named Clark County Public Health Director John Wiesman to his Cabinet as the leader of the Washington State Department of Health.

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Laina Harris doubles weight-loss resolve as pounds defy her exertions

Laina Harris has been at a standstill since August.

Update: Robber at iQ Credit Union branch skips fundraiser cash

Man was deposting $6,000 to benefit man in coma

A robber struck the Vancouver Mall Drive branch of iQ Credit Union just before noon today.

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Colonoscopies can – and do – save lives

Doctors say fear of procedure's prep keeps too many from exam

Gastroenterologists might have found one thing people dread more than root canals: colonoscopies.

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Kaiser providers help Free Clinic keep doors open after hours

Volunteer event draws dozens needing urgent medical care

The waiting room at the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington was standing room only Tuesday evening as dozens of people in need of urgent medical care showed up for treatment.

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Health officials allow Billygan's Roadhouse to reopen

Salmon Creek restaurant was closed over weekend after 22 diners reported getting ill

Billygan’s Roadhouse will reopen Monday afternoon, three days after the health department closed the Salmon Creek restaurant after 22 diners reported getting ill.

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Heart-screening effort gets national attention

Parents of local teen who died, PeaceHealth form collaboration

When 13-year-old Quinn Driscoll died from sudden cardiac arrest in June 2009, his parents, Scott and Kelly, turned their grief into action.

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Jazzercise grows up

Forget leg warmers and headbands; fast-paced program provides safe, intense, full-body workout

The leggings have been replaced with cropped athletic pants, the neon-colored leotards with fitness tank tops.

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Ridgefield braces for business growth

The city of Ridgefield is open for business. The key question is whether businesses will acquire land along the recently improved Interstate 5 corridor.

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Washougal bustles with new businesses, projects

Those developments plus economic and public safety partnerships with neighboring Camas have Washougal leaders excited about the future.

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Health officials close Salmon Creek restaurant

Nearly two dozen people sickened after eating at Billygan's Roadhouse

Clark County health officials closed Billygan’s Roadhouse in Salmon Creek Friday after 22 people became ill after eating at the restaurant last weekend.

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