Tara Kiene
Position: Staff reporter

For kids, choose tap water for a smile that sparkles

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and this year’s theme for the American Dental Association’s campaign is focused on healthy oral health habits for kids, including brushing twice a...

Volunteering good for community and volunteers

Here we are, a few weeks into 2017. How are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions? You still have many months to get them right! I heard an interesting tidbit: 12.5 percent of...

Local community rallies in wake of recent hate crime

On Dec. 12, I received an email from our Adult Program director in Cortez. The email subject was simple: “Bus Vandalism.” When I opened the attached pictures, it was clear that this was not ...

Concerned about an older person? Senior Reach program offers help

During the holidays, we naturally reach out to others – with a hug, a gift or an act of service. This warm spirit of giving often extends beyond our family circle and into the community. We ...

Wiki technology helps people with disabilities tell their stories

Twenty-five years ago, if any wiki existed, it was a lyric from a Sheb Wooley song. Today, wiki technology shapes the way many of us access information. In the future, it may be the way peop...

Flu vaccine is a safeguard for community’s health

December through February is the typical peak for the influenza virus, and with the vaccination taking effect after about two weeks, now is the time to protect your health as well as our com...

Disabilities advocates can find allies in both parties

This has been a season of taking sides, whether rooting for (or against) candidates in debates or cheering your chosen World Series favorite to victory. Every ballot cast was taking a side –...

Fluoridated water integral to everybody’s health

Just when you think you’ve recovered from the sugar crash of Halloween, the parade of pumpkin pies, sweet potato casserole and cranberry dressing show up to prolong your sweetened holiday st...

It takes all of us to keep high school graduation rates up

Great news – the high school graduation rate in the United States has risen again! It is at an all-time high of 83.2 percent (U.S. Department of Education), and an analysis of pe...

Local Wellness Center groups support people’s overall health

A woman walks through a Durango grocery store aisle with a wellness advocate at her side, like a culinary field guide. The advocate examines the woman’s favorite brand of cereal ...

The right to vote belongs to all citizens in this country

Citizenship is the chance to make a difference to the place where you belong – Charles Handy There’s no such thing as second class citizenship. That’s like telling me you can be ...

You may be surprised by how affordable health insurance can be

In addition to raking leaves and collecting brush, a top priority on your fall chore list should be a review of your health insurance. Changes in family size, income, tax credit ...