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Marissa Harshman

Stories by Marissa

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'Lucky' dog rescued from Vancouver house fire

Two cats die in blaze

The brindle-colored dog firefighters rescued from a Vancouver home Friday likely had a name, but, given her morning, firefighters gave her a new one: Lucky.

Bags allegedly stolen from PDX recovered in Vancouver

Police recovered luggage allegedly stolen from the Portland airport at a Vancouver home Tuesday morning.

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Prescribing prognosis mostly positive

While many health experts hail state's new rules on pain medication, one local legislator says changes are needed

The state's new, tougher stance on opioid prescribing, although initially unpopular, now has many doctors and health officials hailing a better and safer system. The concerns that pain patients would be left in a world of hurt went unrealized, health officials say.

Program creates obstacles to 'doctor shopping'

It tracks prescriptions for pain medications, promotes safety

A new state program has created new obstacles for people "doctor shopping" for pain medications.

Mental health agency lays off 16

In recent years, the nonprofit's funding, client base shrank

Columbia River Mental Health Services has eliminated 16 positions in an attempt to reduce the nonprofit's infrastructure and recoup financial losses.

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Drums a hit with autistic boy

Playing instrument a successful therapy, confidence booster for Vancouver 12 year old

Ask Ian Engelsman his musical inspirations, and he'll give you an earful.

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What's your poison?

Body requires time, rehydration after night of binge drinking

If your 2013 New Year's resolution is to be kinder to your body, you might want to start with your drink glass tonight.

Flu makes early arrival in Clark County

Area schools haven't reported any outbreaks

This month, many Clark County residents received a Christmas gift they didn't want: the seasonal flu.

From Vancouver to Africa: help for safe water

Devices made by Friends of the Carpenter

Stainless steel wire, a metal washer, a piece of polycarbonate plastic and a little bit of soy wax. That's all it takes to reduce the number of illnesses and deaths caused by dirty water.

Fitness program turns focus to kids

Camas-Washougal effort rewards activity with adults

The local group combating east county residents' growing waistlines is taking aim at another population: children.

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Heading into the new year 123 pounds lighter

Camas woman celebrates year of losing, determination renewed

Shopping for clothes can be tricky when you weigh 400 pounds.

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Purr-fect presents for pets

Toys, treats await many four-legged family members

Little boys and girls aren't the only ones Santa will pay a visit to this Christmas.

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Change of seasons leaves some SAD

Seasonal affective disorder more than the blues, but can be treated, experts say

The calendar flips from November to December. Daylight gets scarce as days get shorter. Sunshine is replaced with rain and clouds.

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When kids want a smoke, it's easier to buy

More local stores are selling tobacco to minors, state says

Retailers across the state are making it easier for youths to get their hands on tobacco products.

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Belly dance-based workout employs 'holistic' approach to fitness

It also emphasizes self-esteem for women

The rhythmic beat of the music sets the pace.

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Liz Rowan loses fight with cancer at age 21

As a teen, she made her life with cancer public to help others with disease

Liz Rowan vowed to fight. And fight, she did.

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Felida family paleo and proud

Blogger, family say they're healthier since focusing diet on meat, fruit, veggies

What began as a 30-day challenge has evolved into a new way of life for one Felida family.

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Market day for marijuana has been canceled

Hotel pulls contract on word that sales are against state, federal law

The medical cannabis farmers market scheduled to take place Sunday in Vancouver has been canceled.

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UPDATE: Farmers market for medical pot canceled

Organizers say local event would offer safe drug access

The medical cannabis farmers market scheduled to take place in Vancouver this Sunday has been canceled.

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Cancer claims life of Vancouver girl, 12

Doctor gave her six months to live; she died 23 days later

The cancer that took Caitlyn Lippolis' leg in June took her life Wednesday afternoon. After nine months of doctors, surgeries and chemotherapy, Caitlyn took her last breath just before 2 p.m.

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Pregnant kidney transplant recipient thrives on defying expectations

She wasn't supposed to survive.

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A jolly new smile for Santa

Thanks to some local dentists, kids won't be seeing him without teeth

A Vancouver man with aspirations to be Santa Claus has but one wish this Christmas: A full set of teeth.

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UPDATE: County employee fired for conduct violations

Emails, texts to woman on county-issued laptop, mobile phone cited

A Clark County Public Health program manager was fired Tuesday for violating the county’s policy regarding the use of its electronic equipment and work time.

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Rain, wind blow through Clark County

Rainfall sets record for date, causes dozens of problems

Downed power lines. Flooded streets. Hydroplaning cars. Monday's rain caused dozens of problems in Clark County.

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Wind, rain will pick up by evening commute

The storm moving through Clark County is expected to drop another 2 to 4 inches of rain this afternoon and evening, with the heaviest rainfall coming just in time for the drive home

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Local health workers diligently get flu shots

Rates in county are above 90 percent, compared to just 70 percent nationally

Physicians, nurses and public health officials are always the first to urge people to get a flu shot. But are they heeding their own advice?

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Whooping cough epidemic weakens in Washington

Disease will continue to circulate, state health officials say

The whooping cough epidemic that spread across Washington state this year appears to finally be easing its record-setting pace.

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Meditation a many-splendored thing

Quieting one's mind can be accomplished in variety of ways

Mantra. Guided. Mindfulness. Yoga.

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A monster inside her

TV show will tell of parasite that put former Vancouver woman's unborn baby at risk

At 35 weeks pregnant, Kirsten Pevey learned she had more than just a baby living inside her body.

Vancouver council previews its budget

Police, firefighter layoffs can be avoided; taxes and utility rates may rise

The Vancouver City Council is moving forward with a 2013-14 budget that, through community collaborations, will save 13 firefighter and five police positions but will also increase property taxes and utility and garbage rates.

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Camas woman tries new activities in weight-loss quest

Four pounds. That’s all that separates Laina Harris, a woman weighing in the 300s, from being a woman weighing in the 200s.

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New front in disease fight: Medical Fundraisers

Clark County families turn to community, websites for help as medical bills mount

Clark County families turn to community, websites for help as medical bills mount

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After horrible news, an optimistic attitude

12-year-old looks forward to recovery from bone cancer

In a matter of weeks, 12-year-old Caitlyn Lippolis went from running through the house to scooting across the floor.

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Dentists' tricks counter treats

As Halloween looms, experts say brushing vital after eating candy

This Halloween, dentists are offering Clark County's little goblins and ghouls some tricks to go along with the holiday treats.

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Test results reveal little in salmonella outbreak

County health officer says definitive cause will not be determined

New laboratory test results are providing little information about the origin of a salmonella outbreak linked to an east Vancouver restaurant.

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Arm for the flu through immunization and hygiene

It's getting to be that time of year, and doctors say prevention is what it's all about

Get ready. Flu season is near. But rather than fighting the fever, cough and body aches that accompany the flu virus, doctors recommend preventing the fight by arming yourself with a flu shot and good hygiene practices.

Grant renewed for youth sobriety

Prevent! Coalition will use $600,000 to help reduce abuse

Clark County's substance abuse prevention coalition will continue its efforts to reduce youth drug use and underage drinking for another five years, thanks to a $600,000 federal grant.

UPDATE: Salmonella outbreak tops 100 cases; source still unknown

On the Border restaurant reopened Monday

Health officials are still trying to determine the source of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 100 people — and counting.

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New 10th Avenue span will link Salmon Creek, fairgrounds

As the Columbia River Crossing debate rages on, Clark County is moving forward with a bridge project of its own — albeit on a much smaller scale.

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East Vancouver eatery sued over salmonella outbreak

Oregon couple sickened after eating at On The Border

A Happy Valley, Ore., couple who contracted salmonella after dining at On the Border have filed a lawsuit against the east Vancouver restaurant.

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East Vancouver eatery reopens after salmonella outbreak

On the Border was closed for nearly a week

Nearly a week after health officials closed an east Vancouver restaurant at the center of a salmonella outbreak, On the Border reopened Monday.

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On the Border ready to serve customers

Restaurant reopens today after salmonella outbreak

Seven days after health officials closed an east Vancouver restaurant at the center of a salmonella outbreak, On the Border is set to reopen this afternoon.

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Report: Americans eat too much salt

Much of it lurks in common processed foods

When it comes to mealtime, most Americans need to hold the salt.

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Additional salmonella cases tied to eatery

As many as 46 sickened after dining at On the Border

The salmonella outbreak count keeps climbing.

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Likely salmonella cases tied to On the Border on rise

Cause of outbreak still unknown

The number of probable salmonella cases linked to Vancouver's On the Border restaurant is increasing, but health officials are still unsure of the source of the bacteria.

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Salmonella outbreak closes On the Border restaurant

Health officials made decision on east Vancouver restaurant Tuesday morning

Clark County Public Health shut down an east Vancouver restaurant today in response to a salmonella outbreak.

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Collection event draws 819 pounds of unwanted medications

Aim is to keep it away from landfills, youngsters

More than 800 pounds of unneeded medications are no longer sitting in Clark County residents' medicine cabinets.

Pairing breast cancer patients, survivors

Pink Pathways aims to ensure women have crucial support

Trudy Anderson determined her post-breast cancer pathway soon after her diagnosis in August 2011. She knew she had to use the life-changing diagnosis to change the lives of other women.

Active aging expert coming to Portland

An international expert on active aging and a group of Vancouver seniors will team up in a workshop Tuesday on active aging.

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