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
Cindy Kovar with AgriSafe joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about road safety and agriculture as we age.
Lawmakers and ag industry groups welcomed the confirmations, citing the direct impact of these leaders on western ranchers, water and land management, conservation programs, and regulatory reform.
Sen. Roger Marshall, a founding member and chairman of the Make America Healthy Again caucus, joined us with his thoughts on the commission’s latest report and the key ag-related issues.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was once again on the national stage, front and center this week before the House Agriculture Committee.

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:

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.