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New hope for moms with postpartum depression

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New hope for moms with postpartum depression


PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The first FDA-approved pill to treat postpartum depression was approved a few months ago, and it’s already helping moms in the Pittsburgh area.

About one in eight women who have given birth experience symptoms of postpartum depression.

An Allegheny Health Network doctor told KDKA-TV that the medication allows them to receive treatment at home with their baby and family by their side.

If you’re feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed after giving birth, you don’t have to tackle it by yourself.

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“If you are at all feeling distressed or this is feeling hard, that’s okay there are resources to help,” said Dr.  Ewurama Sackey, medical director at AHN Women’s Behavioral Health. 

She said the first pill for postpartum depression, Zurzuvae (Zuranolone), is giving moms new hope. The medication is taken at nighttime for 14 days. About 10 or 15 of her patients have taken it so far.

“One patient told me she feels more like herself, so she feels more like herself than she had even during her pregnancy, so she feels back to herself prior to pregnancy,” Dr. Sackey said.

Before this medication, women could take anti-depressants, which take longer to work, or get the similar neuro-steroid, Brexanolone, which requires an IV injection and a stay in the hospital for a few days.

“You can’t be at home or your family or your baby, and so this medication is much different in that you can have the supports at home, you can continue to foster attachment with your family, with your baby,” Dr. Sackey said.

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Dr. Sackey said Zurzuvae’s side effects can include feeling tired, dizzy, or lightheaded and if severe, the dose can be decreased.

She’s seen the benefits of using it for both mild/moderate and more severe PPD.

She said fast-acting prescription drug helps improve mood during a critical time when hormones are fluctuating.

“We want to help people get better as soon as possible. We know that after giving birth, people are at the highest risk versus anywhere in their reproductive lives for the risk of suicide,” Dr. Sackey said.

PPD symptoms can be similar to depression like low mood and isolation.

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“But also, things related to your baby like thinking, ‘I’m not a good mom or parent, this baby doesn’t like me, I’m not good enough, I will never be good enough, this isn’t for me,’” Dr. Sackey said.

Dr. Sackey said that it’s critically important to talk to your doctors about what can best help you.

If it’s taking this medication, the real work happens after that.

“Medication alone is not going to cure or help all of PPD. It’s really important that people engage in therapy, and that does take a longer amount of time,” she said. “This is for the family, this is for their future and so we’re here for you, we support you and we care about you,” she added.

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Pittsburg, PA

New legislation proposes ticketing for trash pickup violations in Pittsburgh

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New legislation proposes ticketing for trash pickup violations in Pittsburgh


New legislation proposes tickets for trash pickup violations in Pittsburgh

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New legislation proposes tickets for trash pickup violations in Pittsburgh

00:31

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — People who live in the city of Pittsburgh could soon be getting tickets for trash pickup violations.

City Councilperson Bob Charland has introduced new legislation that, if approved, would allow for on-the-spot ticketing for four existing trash violations.

They include accumulating garbage, improperly storing your cans, setting cans out too early or bringing them in too late, and contaminating your recyclables.

“Our goal is not to penalize struggling residents, but rather to hold accountable those who neglect their responsibilities,” Charland said in a release. “We’re committed to providing resources for those in need while ensuring a clean environment for all Pittsburghers regardless of their neighborhood.”  

Under the proposed legislation, a first violation would be $35, $50 for the second, and $100 for the third. 

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“I commend Councilman Charland’s longstanding attention to this issue, and I appreciate his office’s hard work to craft a bill that properly balances neighborly responsibilities with equity concerns. This legislation will materially improve all 90 of our neighborhoods and I am proud to sign on as a co-sponsor today,” said Councilperson Erika Strassburger (D-8), co-sponsor of the bill.    

It’s unclear when the legislation may be voted on and when it would go into effect if it were approved and signed into law. 



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Pittsburg, PA

KDKA Community Day food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

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KDKA Community Day food drive for Jubilee Kitchen


(Photo Credit: KDKA)


To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

CLICK HERE for more.

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KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

img-0834-1.jpg

(Photo Credit: KDKA)


To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

CLICK HERE for more.

KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

img-0867-1.jpg

(Photo Credit: KDKA)


To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

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CLICK HERE for more.

KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

img-0862-1.jpg

(Photo Credit: KDKA)


To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

CLICK HERE for more.

KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

img-0900-2.jpg

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

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To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

CLICK HERE for more.

KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

img-0872.jpg

(Photo Credit: KDKA)


To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

CLICK HERE for more.

Advertisement

KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

img-0856.jpg

(Photo Credit: KDKA)


To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

CLICK HERE for more.

KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

donations-back-of-car.png

(Photo Credit: KDKA)


To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

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CLICK HERE for more.

KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

food-pantry-unloading.png

(Photo Credit: KDKA)


To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

CLICK HERE for more.

KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

heather-mikey-unloading.png

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

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To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

CLICK HERE for more.

KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

heather-unloading.png

(Photo Credit: KDKA)


To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

CLICK HERE for more.

Advertisement

KDKA celebrates Community Day with food drive for Jubilee Kitchen

jubilee-kitchen.png

(Photo Credit: KDKA)


To celebrate a company-wide Community Day, KDKA held a food donation drive for the people who need the most help in our area. The Talk Pittsburgh team loaded the donations up and took them over to Jubilee Kitchen. Here’s a look!

CLICK HERE for more.



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Pittsburg, PA

UPMC offers members free mammograms at event

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UPMC offers members free mammograms at event


UPMC offers members free mammograms at event – CBS Pittsburgh

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According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an estimated 42,000 women will die from breast cancer in America this year. KDKA-TV’s Megan Shinn shows us how UPMC is working to help women catch it early and have a better chance of survival.

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