One woman’s story about helping her terminally-ill husband die on his own terms
Joanne Tubbs Kelly and her husband, Alan, had talked hypothetically about their support for laws like Colorado’s End-of-Life Options Act, but they never knew it would be a choice they’d have to make. That changed when Alan Kelly was diagnosed with a terminal illness and decided he wanted to take advantage of the law. The book, “Walking Him Home: Helping My Husband Die with Dignity,” by Joanne Tubbs Kelly, is about that experience.
How to judge a judge on the ballot
Along with the candidates and measures on this year’s ballot is a list of Colorado judges. After each name, voters must decide whether or not a judge should be “retained” and are asked to answer “yes” or “no.” We speak to retired judge Russ Carparelli, who served on the Colorado Court of Appeals for nearly 11 years about the process, which involves comprehensive performance evaluations of each judge.
Children with RSV and other viruses fill hospital beds
Children’s hospitals around the country, including those in Colorado, are filling up because of an early surge in respiratory viruses. A key culprit is RSV, which often presents as a common cold but can turn more severe, especially among children and older adults. The situation has alarmed physicians who concerned about a tripledemic if RSV, influenza and COVID-19 converge.
Oct. 31, 2022: One woman’s journey with Alzheimer’s; Exploring a ghost town’s past
Former University of Denver chancellor Rebecca Chopp talks about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and what she’s doing to keep her mind and body healthy. Then, what researchers in Colorado are learning about Alzheimer’s and dementia. And, a spooky ghost town that was once a thriving mining town. Also, a new season for a resilient ballet company.
Alzheimer’s disease derailed her career. She says it won’t stop her from living and learning
In 2019, Rebecca Chopp stepped down as chancellor at the University of Denver after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She’s since spoken publicly about her journey with dementia, including in an interview last year on Colorado Matters. She joined us for an update on her journey and said, while she’s still in the early stages of the disease, she has lost some of her short term memory.
What Colorado researchers are learning about Alzheimer’s and dementia
We look at some of the research into Alzheimer’s and dementia in Colorado.
Oct. 25, 2022: Understanding the statewide ballot measures; Spiritual walk shows unity
In addition to key statewide races for governor, U.S. Senate, and House of Representatives, there are eleven statewide ballot measures to consider. We break them down with Purplish, CPR’s podcast about politics and policy. Then, Indigenous people join in a spiritual walk to save their home for future generations. Later, a love of the Rocky Mountains and of history woven into a series of short stories.
Oct. 24, 2022: The Starbucks union fight; Senate candidates debate mental health issues
A Colorado Springs Starbucks store is closing, just before members of a union there planned to begin bargaining with the company. Then, U.S. senate candidates Joe O’Dea and Michael Bennet talked about the mental health crisis in a recent debate. Bennet is the democratic incumbent; O’Dea is his Republican challenger.
The evolving uses of the drug ketamine
Ketamine has been used by doctors as an anesthetic since 1970, yet it’s received a lot of attention lately as a therapy for people with anxiety and depression. It’s also been abused as a recreational drug and it’s been widely talked about in the death of Elijah McClain. We speak with Dr. Andrew Monte, who’s an emergency medicine and medical toxicology professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Oct. 20, 2022: Ambassador Ken Salazar on US-Mexico relations; Understanding ketamine
The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, former Colorado Senator Ken Salazar, discusses cracking down on fentanyl trafficking and relations between the two nations. Then, the TABOR check rollout. Also, listening to voter voices before the midterms. Plus, understanding ketamine and its various uses. And, a museum on communication, found inside a library.
Oct. 18, 2022: Outgoing Police Chief Paul Pazen on what’s next; Affordable housing goes to voters
Former Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen says he often thinks about the protests following the murder of George Floyd. He spoke with CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry about the highs, the lows, and what’s next. Then, Purplish explains the affordable housing measure voters will decide this election.
Colorado researcher moves forward on a drug that could reduce memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s
Human trials are underway for the drug Leukine, used for cancer patients, to see if it can reduce memory loss for Alzheimer’s patients. Dr. Huntington Potter, directs the Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center at CU Anschutz, said the drug could also benefit others with memory problems but he cautions that several more years of research are needed to make sure the drug is effective.
A small mountain town embraces Ukrainian newcomers
Since war broke out in Ukraine, some Ukrainian citizens have come to the United States to live temporarily under a federal program known as Uniting for Ukraine. They must have someone in this country who will provide financial aid and other assistance while they’re here. The small town of Estes Park in northern Colorado has become small haven for some of these new immigrants.
Why are childhood vaccination rates dropping?
The childhood vaccination rate – not just for COVID but for a lot of illnesses – is down this year compared to last. Health officials are concerned enough that they sent reminders to parents.
New COVID Boosters: What to know about the bivalent vaccines that offer better protection against omicron
How is it different from the original booster? Where can I get one? What other COVID vaccines do I need?
With the new booster widely available, who should get it and when?
By now, some Coloradans have had as many as five shots to protect them against COVID-19 — the latest being the new bivalent booster, which targets newer variants. It’s available at pharmacies and clinics across the state. Dr. Diane Janowicz, an infectious disease specialist at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction, answers questions about the latest booster.