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Up To Date

Cause Of Death Not Verified | Kansas City Gyms Get Creative

By Steve Kraske,
Danie Alexander, Reginald David
Published March 29, 2021 at 7:03 PM CDT
Jeanie M. Evans died unexpectedly on March 24, 2021. The cause of death is being investigated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment after the funeral obituary linked her death to a COVID-19 vaccine reaction without proof.
Becker Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home
Jeanie M. Evans died unexpectedly on March 24, 2021. The cause of death is being investigated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

An obituary linking a Kansas woman's death to her vaccination against COVID-19 was picked up by local media, and questions arose when several news outlets rushed to unsubstantiated conclusions. Plus, innovations in the metro's fitness industry are seeing gyms through the pandemic.

Segment 1, beginning at 5:34: The Becker Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home obituary stated that Jeanie M. Evans died unexpectedly "from a reaction to the Covid (sic) vaccine."

The obituary quickly gained hundreds of views online and was repeated verbatim by several news outlets although Evans' cause of death has not been verified. A panel explains the known facts in this case, what could possibly cause a negative reaction to a vaccine and the responsibilities of news organizations when reporting on the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control website states that to date it "has not detected patterns in cause of death that would indicate a safety problem with COVID-19 vaccines."

Segment 2, beginning at 29:41: Gyms and fitness centers across the country have seen a steep decline in membership numbers, but virtual workouts are gaining popularity.

Physical fitness facilities and trainers took a hard hit with pandemic shutdowns and restrictions. But, whether it's an app that pays you back for burning calories or a workout in an infrared sauna, fitness entrepreneurs in the Kansas City area are finding ways to help people stay healthy.

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Up To Date Talk ShowCoronavirusvaccinesHealthobituaryDeathKDHEfitnessexerciseyogaNews
Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
See stories by Steve Kraske
Danie Alexander
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.
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Reginald David
As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. You can reach me at reginalddavid@kcur.org.
See stories by Reginald David