Less Salt means more Health
March 18, 2011
World Salt Awareness Week is March 21st-27th, 2011
Nashville, TN - Salt shakers may be as common on our dining tables as plates and silverware, but Tennesseans are reminded of the importance of reducing salt intake to improve health. The Tennessee Department of Health is working to educate Tennesseans about the link between high salt intake and disease during World Salt Awareness Week, observed March 21st-27th this year.
“Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in Tennessee, and diabetes is number seven, but we can reduce our risk of these diseases by lowering our salt intake,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “There are simple ways to lower the amount of salt in our meals without sacrificing the good tastes we all enjoy.” [Read more]
Reduce your risk for Heart Attack and Stroke
February 10, 2011
February is American Heart Month
Nashville, TN – Uncontrolled high blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for heart attack and stroke. New information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows most Americans affected by these conditions are not managing them properly. As part of the observance of American Heart Month this February, the Tennessee Department of Health is reminding Tennesseans how to reduce these risk factors.
“There are a variety of low-cost, highly effective treatments available for high blood pressure and cholesterol,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Simple lifestyle changes can also help reduce our risk of these potentially deadly health conditions. We urge Tennesseans to talk with their healthcare providers about lowering sodium, fat and cholesterol in their diets, and finding a healthy level of physical activity.” [Read more]
Population-wide Reduction in Salt Consumption Recommended
January 17, 2011
Dallas, TX – The American Heart Association today issued a call to action for the public, health professionals, the food industry and the government to intensify efforts to reduce the amount of sodium (salt) Americans consume daily – which is currently more than two times higher than the recommended upper limit of 1,500 mg daily, with 77 percent of that consumption coming from packaged, processed and restaurant foods.
In an advisory, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, the association sets out the science behind the American Heart Association’s recommendation for the general population, which is to consume no more than 1500 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day because of the harmful effects of sodium – elevated blood pressure and increased risk of stroke, heart attacks and kidney disease. Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is a major public health problem – approximately 90 percent of all Americans will develop hypertension over their lifetime.
Reduction in Salt Consumption Recommended
Smoking around your kindergartner could raise their blood pressure
January 11, 2011
Dallas, TX – If you smoke around your children, they could have high blood pressure or be headed in an unhealthy direction before learning their ABC’s, according to research reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
The study is the first to show that breathing tobacco smoke increases the blood pressure of children as young as 4 or 5 years old.
Smoking around your children can increase their blood pressure.
Stay Safe and take precautions during Winter Weather
December 14, 2010
Nashville, TN – Winter won’t officially arrive until December 21st, but parts of Tennessee are already experiencing cold, hazardous weather.
The Department of Health is reminding Tennesseans to take common-sense precautions to stay safe and healthy during cold weather.
Snowing in the Forest
Reduce Diabetes Risk with good Nutrition and Exercise
November 13, 2010
November is American Diabetes Month
Nashville, TN – Diabetes takes the lives of more Americans every year than breast cancer and AIDS combined, according to the American Diabetes Association. But with a healthy eating plan and regular exercise, people may reduce their risk for diabetes. As part of November’s observance of American Diabetes Month, the Tennessee Department of Health is reminding Tennesseans of free tools and tips available from Get Fit Tennessee to help reduce the risk for diabetes and its complications by improving nutrition and increasing physical activity.
“With more than an estimated 500,000 Tennesseans living with diabetes, it has become an alarming epidemic in our state,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “The good news is that most cases of Type 2 diabetes are preventable with good nutrition and regular physical activity.” [Read more]
“Eat Well, Play More” Plan to reduce Obesity in Tennessee
September 18, 2010
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, released Tennessee’s comprehensive, statewide nutrition and physical activity plan, Eat Well, Play More Tennessee on Thursday, September 16th, 2010. This five-year plan, developed by the Tennessee Obesity Taskforce, provides a comprehensive roadmap to reduce obesity and chronic disease in Tennessee by 2015.
“Eat Well, Play More Tennessee is a call to action for all Tennesseans to take a more active role in improving their personal health and the health status of our state,” said Governor Bredesen. “We are setting a goal of improving the health of Tennessee, and I appreciate the work of the Taskforce members to help us accomplish that goal.”
Paris Health Expo focuses on YOUR health and well-being
February 16, 2009
Paris and Henry County has shown it loves a good expo, an opportunity to peruse the diversity of opportunities that abound within this geographic area. February 7th’s Health Expo proved to be no exception. The Paris Civic Center was filled with healthcare consumers visiting the over thirty healthcare providers and allied services present to display their various wares and services and discuss health care information and options.
Jennifer Williams and Stacie Plunkett greet Healthcare Expo visitors
In a four hour block of time, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, the Paris Civic Center was a buzz of activity as over six hundred visitors passed through the center’s doors during the sixth annual Healthcare Expo .
Visitors were greeted by Paris Chamber of Commerce representatives Jenifer Williams and Stacie Plunkett, and asked to sign-in and register for free door prizes and give-a-ways. Each visitor received a free gift bag to fill with the free hand-outs and gifts provided by the diverse vendors. Stacie is chairperson of the Chamber’s Healthcare Committee which coordinates the health expo.
At the center of the expo hall’s setup was Henry County Medical Center’s free testing and screening multi-station. Blood pressure checks, blood sugar reading, cholesterol reading, hand grip strength testing and osteoporosis screenings were provided free. The results were recorded and given to each visitor for review with their personal medical care provider. [Read more]
