Rural Health Matters: How Winter Weather Threatens Drug Safety in Rural Communities

University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us with important insights on drug safety and rural health during the winter months.

LINCOLN, Neb. (RFD NEWS) — As winter conditions continue across much of the country, drug safety is taking on added importance for rural families, especially as weather, travel challenges, and seasonal illnesses complicate daily routines.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us on Friday’s edition of Rural Health Matters to discuss what drug safety means and why it is especially critical during the winter months.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Dr. Gold explained the importance of using medications properly, safely storing prescriptions, and being mindful of interactions—particularly when cold, flu, and other seasonal health concerns are more common.

He also highlighted how winter weather can make drug safety more challenging, from delayed access to pharmacies and healthcare providers to the risks of improper storage at extreme temperatures.

Dr. Gold also shared important reminders for viewers on staying informed and proactive about their health during the winter season.

Related Stories
Dr. Jeffrey Gold provides insights on supporting aging populations in rural communities on this week’s Rural Health Matters segment.
Co-founders Jeremy and Heather Clark share how Vets to Cowboys helps U.S. veterans build new skills, find community in cattle ranching, and discover new opportunities in agriculture.
Nutrition policy shifts may influence retail demand across agriculture.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses spring allergies and respiratory illnesses on this week’s Rural Health Matters, offering advice on managing symptoms and knowing when to seek professional help.
Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Pork Producers Association joined us to discuss efforts to bring pork back into Chicago Public Schools, the nutritional benefits for students, and what the decision could mean for pork producers across the state.
Farmer and retired colonial Joe Ricker joined us to highlight Ag Safety Awareness Program Week, share his work supporting veterans and farmers, and offer guidance on making safety a year-round priority on the farm.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
A man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme has been arrested in California after being on the FBI’s wanted list.
ASFMRA’s Craig Thompson shares insights for American farmers who are navigating farmland markets amid agricultural uncertainty.
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Ben Kurtzman with American Farmland Trust discusses the growing pressure on farmland and ranchland and the steps being taken to help conserve farms and ranches across the country ,as unrest in the Middle East adds more obstacles for producers.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson warns that rising electricity demand from AI and data centers could strain the grid and affect rural electric cooperatives if U.S. power infrastructure cannot keep up.