Back to profile

Marissa Harshman

Stories by Marissa

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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

Call 911. Push hard and push fast.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

Camas-Washougal weight-loss challenge ends Saturday

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

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

Washougal bustles with new businesses, projects

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

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

Blood brothers share giving spirit

After more than three decades, pair of pals continue to donate platelets

As children in Troutdale, Ore., Teddy Peetz and Bill McGinnis were always side by side.

Tease photo

Women's cancer program in jeopardy

Vancouver doctor urges state to continue support for effort aiding low-income women

For more than 30 years, Denise Waitkus had medical coverage.

Tease photo

Don't let 'silent killer' sneak up on you

High blood pressure can strike without warning; doctor offers advice on managing condition

It's America's "silent killer," contributing to nearly 1,000 deaths a day. Yet many people don't even know they have it.

Teen recounts suicide attempt due to bullying

Forum aims to let young people see help is available

Katlyn's bullying began in fifth grade.

Tease photo

Attack victim thanks God as he recovers from brain injury

Tyler Burton's stepdad: 'Every day was some sort of miracle'

Tyler Burton has always been a believer. But now that his own life is looking more and more like a miracle, he has no doubt as to why he's alive today.

Shingles shakes up health of millions

Chickenpox virus can return as painful rash as nerves seem set on fire

The pain is described as excruciating, burning and stabbing and has been compared to the pain of childbirth or kidney stones.

Tease photo

Dialysis demand forces late-night treatments

Two providers battling to build another local center

For nine months, Larry Sperry was a creature of the night. But not by choice.

Forums target teen suicide awareness, prevention

As a nurse practitioner, Beth Walton sees quite a few patients for depression and anxiety.

Tease photo

Sex offenders spur concerns in Maplewood neighborhood

Residents' alarm over high number of offenders living in area prompts relocation of school bus stop

Residents of the Maplewood neighborhood are alarmed by what they consider to be a high concentration of undesirable people living in their area.

Tease photo

Community steps up for uninsured and diabetic dad

Offers pour in to help PeaceHealth security guard manage condition

The 26-year-old Vancouver man who watches over the PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center campus now has his community watching over him.

Tease photo

Is food making you sick?

Local health experts say proper handling key to preventing illness

Millions of people are sickened every year by preventable food-borne illnesses.

Tease photo

Diabetes creates cruel irony for hospital guard

He's unable to afford crucial insulin pump

For 40 hours a week, Jesse Wolff patrols the grounds of Vancouver's PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, keeping a watchful eye over the patients receiving care and the staff treating them.

Tease photo

Vancouver man in a mysterious coma following several strokes

Affliction a surprise after year of impressive fitness successes

For the last year, Luke Ashe has fought for a new life, a healthier life.

Tease photo

Shock and awe: Classes take circuit training to new level

Participants have to invest in each other

The group class room is full. Full of voices cheering. Full of lyrics from Eminem's "Lose Yourself" song. Full of sweaty, out-of-breath people.

Tease photo

Energy drinks have unhealthy buzz

Local nutritionists warn that claims of boosts in energy, focus are not backed up by facts

They can give you wings or help you unleash the beast.

Previous

us on Facebook for the latest news and information from Clark County
on Twitter for the latest news and information from Clark County