Does this man have the right to die?

By JROrtega in The Daily Dose

Meet Tony Nicklinson. The former rugby player and corporate manager suffered a stroke in 2005 that left him paralyzed from the neck down and unable to speak. Nicklinson has said he has suffered enough. "I am fed up with my ...

Are we alone?

By JROrtega in The Daily Dose

Yes, I'm about to go here: aliens. Do they exist? And if they did, where are they from? What do they want? For several seasons I've been watching Ancient Aliens, a show on History 2 that is extremely compelling when ...

SeekOut: Are you drowning in medical bills accrued from over-testing?

By JROrtega in The Daily Dose

I'm trying to work on an enterprise story about the cost of health care being too high. The American College of Physicians released guidelines to try and save money for themselves and patients. They cite that patients are over-tested, which ...

SeekOut: Reporter Jennifer Preyss needs YOUR help for Barefoot Sunday.

By JROrtega in The Daily Dose

Advocate reporter Jennifer Preyss needs your help. She is preparing for Barefoot Sunday by sending out bins to as many places as possible. She is also looking for a band to perform. If you're interested in receiving a bin for ...

Have you been medically over-tested? I'd like to know your story.

By JROrtega in The Daily Dose

I'm not sure if you've heard of this recent story , but I found it very interesting. I've never experienced this, but I've heard of people who are often over-tested when they go into hospitals. So many X-rays, cat scans, ...

Choosing an E-Reader.

By JROrtega in The Daily Dose

So I've had to make many major life decisions in the 25 years I've been on this Earth - but none has been harder than trying to choose the e-reader that is just right for me. I've decided that I'm ...

Looking to tell someone's amazing story for February's Heart Month.

By JROrtega in The Daily Dose

Beginning February, you may begin seeing people wearing red and doing anything possible to raise awareness on heart-related illnesses. For my February health section, I'd love to tell the story of someone's amazing journey with some heart-related illness or defect. ...

Question of the Day: What is your New Year's Resolution?

By JROrtega in The Daily Dose

I did my last question of the day this morning. Beginning Monday, I'll take on the role of features editor and health reporter here at the Advocate. I will no longer be ranging in Refugio County or spending my Tuesday ...

Have you ever been on a fad diet? Then I'm looking for you!

By JROrtega in The Daily Dose

I'm working on a health centerpiece for the Jan. 8 edition of the Victoria Advocate. I've decided to do a story on fad diets and the experiences people have had with these. Fad diets could be anything from Atkins to ...

Question of the Day: What are your New Year’s Eve plans?

By JROrtega in The Daily Dose

“I’m going to a friend’s house and popping fireworks out in the country if there is no burn ban.” Tino Coronado, Victoria, electrician “I’m probably going to nestle and with family and friends. And also get started with my exercise.” ...