COVID is still a threat, and cases are on the rise.

In Ohio, it's nowhere near where it was during the height of the pandemic, but COVID cases are up sharply from where they were a few weeks ago.

Ohio health officials reported about 4,000 cases three weeks ago compared to nearly 8,000 cases last week, which means cases have doubled.

Hospitalizations are also up. There were less than 100 reported hospitalizations three weeks ago and last week, there were 171 reported hospitalizations.

The good news, Pfizer and Moderna and have received approval for updated COVID vaccines.

We've all heard the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," but why?

The answer does not lie in vitamins or nutrients. Hidden inside an apple are bioactive substances, which are natural chemicals that can have a positive impact on the body.

Foods that contain these natural chemicals are known as "functional foods."

The biggest increase in more than a decade is expected to be coming to health-insurance costs.

It's going to have a big impact on employers and workers in 2024.

Host:

Amy Juravich, 89.7 NPR News Midday Host and assistant program director

Guests:

Dr. Christina Liscynesky, infectious disease specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Janet Colson, nutrition & food science professor, Middle Tennessee State University
Anna Wilde Mathews, reporter at The Wall Street Journal