Male Menopause affects more than Five Million Men
August 22, 2010
Low testosterone levels to blame for low libido, fatigue and weight gain
Chicago, IL — While most frequently associated with women’s health, age-related hormone changes, often dubbed menopause, can occur in men as well, causing symptoms of fatigue, mood swings, decreased desire for sex, hair loss, lack of concentration and weight gain. Experts estimate that more than 5 million men are affected, yet worry the number may be considerably higher since symptoms are frequently ignored.
Male hypogonadism, as it’s referred to in the medical community, occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone, the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development. When hormone levels drop, men can experience significant mental and physical changes. [Read more]
Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak in Shell Eggs
August 19, 2010
FDA is collaborating with Federal and state partners to investigate a nationwide increase of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infections. Partners include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state public health and agriculture officials.
Joint FDA/CDC field investigation teams are working to identify potential sources of SE infection in shell eggs.
Summer Heat a Concern as School Year Begins
August 4, 2010
Nashville, TN — With the predicted heat index at or above 100 degrees for the remainder of the week, Tennesseans need to make wise decisions to protect themselves and their children from heat-related illnesses, especially as the 2010-2011 school year begins in some counties across the state.
“It’s important for parents and caregivers to make sure children are properly hydrated,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “With morning temperatures above 80 degrees, kids waiting on the bus stop should have water available just like those who are participating in outdoor activities in the afternoon. Consider providing your child a water bottle to have on hand throughout the day.”
Give babies a healthy start with breastfeeding
July 30, 2010
World Breastfeeding Week is August 1st-7th, 2010
Nashville, TN — One of the many ways the Tennessee Department of Health works to make sure infants get a healthy start is by promoting breastfeeding. Breastfed babies may have less risk as they age of becoming obese, having diabetes and developing other diseases, according to numerous health studies.
Learning how to breastfeed takes time and patience, and Tennessee county health department staffers can help mothers and babies succeed at the practice. World Breastfeeding Week, observed August 1st-7th this year, is a good time to remind Tennessee mothers that breastfeeding support is available at their nearest health department clinic.
FDA Warns Consumers, Pharmacists, and Wholesalers not to use Stolen Advair Diskus Inhalers
July 18, 2010
Silver Spring, MD — The FDA is warning the public that certain Advair Diskus inhalers stolen from a distribution warehouse in 2009 have been found in some pharmacies. The safety and effectiveness of the stolen inhalers cannot be assured and they should not be used.
Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder) is an inhaler used to treat patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [Read more]
Health Commissioner announces new resources for Tennessee Youth and Teachers
July 13, 2010
Nashville, TN — Commissioner of Health Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, announced today the addition of new sections for young people and their teachers on the Get Fit Tennessee website www.getfittn.com/kids to help the next generation of Tennesseans get fit.
The new site presents fitness and nutrition information for middle school students with bold graphics and engaging activities. Interactive games and trivia encourage kids to learn more about nutrition, proper portion sizes and new ways to move more throughout the day. [Read more]
New Final Rule to Ensure Egg Safety, Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Goes Into Effect
July 12, 2010
Silver Spring, MD — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that as many as 79,000 illnesses and 30 deaths due to consumption of eggs contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella Enteritidis may be avoided each year with new food safety requirements for large-scale egg producers.
The new food safety requirements will become effective on July 9th, 2010, through a rule for egg producers having 50,000 or more laying hens — about 80 percent of production. Among other things, it requires them to adopt preventive measures and to use refrigeration during egg storage and transportation.
Large-scale egg producers that produce shell eggs for human consumption and that do not sell all of their eggs directly to consumers must comply with the refrigeration requirements under the rule; this includes producers whose eggs receive treatments such as pasteurization. Similarly, those who transport or hold shell eggs must also comply with the refrigeration requirements by the same effective date. [Read more]
Precautions urged to protect againest Illness spread by Mosquito Bites
July 3, 2010
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health warns that record floods in some parts of the state in early May followed by hotter than average temperatures could contribute to larger mosquito populations in the state and an increase in West Nile virus cases. TDOH urges Tennesseans to follow commonsense precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the diseases they may carry.
“The best way to protect yourself from illnesses such as West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “There are simple precautions we can all take to reduce our contact with mosquitoes and our risk of bites.”
The Department of Health tests mosquitoes submitted from across the state to detect WNV. Identification of the virus in the mosquitoes allows the department to make people aware that WNV has been found in their area so they can take steps to protect themselves and their families. So far this year, one sample of mosquitoes in Shelby County has tested positive for WNV. [Read more]
Fireworks Safety decreases risks of serious injury
June 30, 2010
Enjoy Fourth of July Festivities from Safe Distances
Nashville, TN — For many adults and children, fireworks are a tradition of summer activities. However, fireworks cause thousands of injuries and emergency room visits each year, and more of these injuries occur during Fourth of July festivities than any other holiday. As this year’s Independence Day approaches, the Tennessee Department of Health urges residents to practice safe and responsible use of fireworks to avoid related injuries.
“Although fireworks can be exciting, festive and fun, it is important to remember that improperly handled fireworks can turn a celebration into tragedy,” said Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “We remind all Tennesseans to use common sense and act responsibly to prevent serious injuries this Fourth of July.” [Read more]
Learn your status
June 25, 2010
Free and Confidential HIV Testing Available for Tennessee Residents
Nashville, TN — The Tennessee Department of Health will join health providers and advocates across the nation in observing National HIV Testing Day on Sunday, June 27th. The goal of this annual observance is to raise awareness and promote prevention of HIV. The Tennessee Department of Health encourages all sexually active Tennesseans, regardless of age, to get tested for HIV. TDOH provides free, confidential testing across the state in local county health departments.
“It is imperative that Tennesseans who are sexually active take responsibility for their health and the health of their partners by knowing their HIV status,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “This knowledge is crucial to slowing the spread of HIV and AIDS.” [Read more]
