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Lalena Price
Many West Virginians have trouble with their teeth. In fact, there’s a big gap between folks who can reliably access an affordable dentist and those who can’t. That’s no surprise when half the state’s counties have fewer than six dentists. A recent national ranking shows West Virginia is second to last in overall oral health care. A state report shows that by third grade, 56 percent of children show signs of tooth decay, and 12 percent of adults have had all their teeth extracted.
People who don’t have good oral health habits and access to regular and quality dental care elevate their risk of other critical health care issues, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. About more than aesthetics or any toothless hillbilly stereotype, access to dental care is a dangerous culture divide that might look like a class gap but is deeper and far more serious.
This episode was recently honored with a regional award from the Associated Press of the Virginias. The first place honor was for best documentary.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the West Virginia Humanities Council.
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Generations ago, kudzu was introduced to Appalachia to help control erosion and provide forage for cattle. But then, it kind of just took over. Kudzu is an invasive plant that chokes out native greenery. Some people are fighting back. Folkways Reporter Eliza Benbow spent time with the kudzu warriors in western North Carolina.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsInside Appalachia Host Mason Adams met with author Barbara Kingsolver at her home outside Abingdon, Virginia, a couple weeks before her new novel "Partita" was set to publish.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsOn this West Virginia Week, a mine operation in Kanawha County gets a WARN Notice, three Wyoming County Schools will remain closed until next week, and we learn the origins of the Flatwoods Monster.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsThis week, Barbara Kingsolver’s new novel takes on issues of class and classical music. Also, kudzu warriors band together to fend off invasive plants and take back the land. And, it’s pawpaw season, but a new bug could be harming the trees.
Continue Reading Take Me to More News
