As Nebraska gets closer to the 2024 election, voters will decide on two competing abortion-related measures. The first is measure 434, the “Protect Women and Children Initiative,” which protects the unborn from abortion past the first trimester, or about thirteen weeks of pregnancy. The second is 439, the so-called “Protect Our Rights” measure, which in reality, endangers the rights of the unborn by enshrining abortion on demand into law.

Apples have been freshly picked, are readily available in local grocery stores and are a favorite every Fall. They are a great source of fiber and vitamin C, plus they taste great. Johnny Appleseed is best known across the United States for introducing apples to North America in the early 1800’s. However, apples were actually introduced earlier in the 17 th Century by colonists. Since then apples have become a favorite to many Americans.

“Doc, my right hip has been bothering me. Do you think I need a new hip?” “First, tell me more about your hip pain.” Hip pain is a common complaint which can have a variety of causes. The first thing that comes to mind is arthritis of the hip joint. The hip is a ball and socket joint. The main upper leg bone, the femur, has a rounded top called the head. Under the head of the femur is the neck, which can often be what breaks when someone suffers a hip fracture. Arthritis and wear and tear over time can cause the cartilage in the ball and socket joint to break down and become thinner and irregular. This can cause pain especially with movement and walking.

For Nebraska to thrive, we must care for our families, infrastructure, workforce, and safety. It’s an effort that requires close coordination between private companies, nonprofits, and every level of government. But the payoff is worth it, and when we work together, we build a better state for the next generation of Nebraskans.

Last year I had the privilege of being elected by the Nebraska Legislature to serve as the chair of the Education Committee. This is a role that I have not taken lightly. Parents across the State rightly care deeply about their children’s education and have valid concerns about how our schools are funded, what students are learning, safety, teacher shortages, ensuring quality pathways from an education to a career, and more. I’m pleased to say that the Education Committee has made improvements in all of these regards.

It’s here. It’s here. Fall is officially here! Bring on the pumpkin spice flavored everything and changing leaves, and who could forget the migrating wolf spiders and crickets. Not exactly what you had in mind for a peaceful fall? Find out how to start preparing now to keep these invaders from making themselves at home in your home.

It’s the time of year for debate and I don’t just mean politics, but that’s a large part of it. With the general election coming up in less than a month, everyone - even children - is smacked across the face with political messaging. You can’t watch a ballgame, listen to the radio or visit with your friends at school without some kind of political discourse.

Nebraska’s rural hospitals are struggling. This summer, I visited several hospitals, clinics, and health centers across the state.

We are all trying to make the most of these last warm fall days. While enjoying the last little bit of warm weather, tiny terrors seem to be everywhere. Find out what the little insects are up to and how you can keep them from making you crazy.

Artificial Intelligence or A.I. has gone from Science Fiction to a reality. This technology continues to evolve and find new applications in the world, including the world of medicine. With any new advancement, there are pros and cons to be considered when implementing it into regular use, especially in medicine. In 2023 the Journal of Medical Internet Research published an article where they had ChatGPT take 2 of the 3 USMLE exams. Step 1 is taken by third year medical students and all physicians must pass all three tests in order to become licensed as a physician. The program was given 4 different practice tests and scored between 44 to 64.4% correct. Over 60% is considered a passing score. The headlines read that ChatGPT passes medical boards.