A Pap Test and a Vaccine May Save Your Life

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Nashville, TN – January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the Tennessee Department of Health is urging all women to get screened for cervical cancer in 2012. Cervical cancer is a silent killer that strikes without symptoms or pain until the disease is in the most advanced stage.

“The survival rate is almost 100 percent for women whose cervical cancer is found at an early stage. Deaths from cervical cancer could be decreased dramatically through the combination of vaccination and regular Pap testing,” Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, said. “We urge all women to get screened for cervical cancer and talk to their health care providers about ways to prevent and reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.” [Read more]

Resolve to Quit Smoking for Better Health

Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine Offers FREE Support to Residents Who Want to Quit

Nashville, TN – Start the new year by making healthy lifestyle changes such as eating better, getting more physical activity and quitting smoking. While quitting can be difficult, it can be done, especially with the help of professional support. Tennesseans have a greater chance of quitting for good and keeping their New Year’s resolution with help from the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, a free coaching service available to all adult Tennesseans who wish to stop using tobacco.

“Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and the health of your family, and we’re eager to support any Tennessean who wants to take up this challenge,” Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, said. “Research shows smokers who use counseling as part of their quit program have a better chance of quitting. We encourage all Tennesseans ready to start a tobacco-free life to take full advantage of the free resources the QuitLine provides.” [Read more]

Starting a 2012 resolution diet? Beware of health-related scams

Nashville, TN – With the start of the new year, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s Consumer Affairs division is kicking off “Don’t Get Scammed in 2012.” Through the campaign, the department hopes to prevent consumers from falling prey to schemes. The 2012 “Don’t Get Scammed” calendar (http://1.usa.gov/AhoK3P) and similarly themed brochure (http://1.usa.gov/u5UCUY) are filled with information on a variety of scams.

One of the scams consumers should be aware of this month are diet scams. During the New Year’s holiday, you probably saw ads that claimed you could lose 30 pounds in 30 days, block the absorption of fat and carbs by taking a pill or melt away pounds by wearing a patch. If those ads sound too good to be true, they just might be. [Read more]

“Emma” and “William” take Top Spots as Tennessee’s Most Popular Baby Names for 2011

Nashville, TN – William’s the winner for five years running, but Tennessee parents of new baby girls have put Emma back in the top slot on the list of most popular names for children born in 2011.

While the most popular names for both girls and boys born in Tennessee remain largely unchanged from the previous year, new names have made their way into the top 10 on both lists this year. [Read more]

Prepare Now for Winter Weather

Tennesseans Urged to Make Plans, Stock Supplies for Ice and Snow Conditions

Nashville, TN – Winter weather in Tennessee can change quickly and leave residents dealing with the dangers posed by snow, ice and sub-freezing temperatures.

As part of our ongoing efforts to encourage emergency preparedness, the Tennessee Department of Health, Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency are urging Tennesseans to prepare now to stay safe and healthy during wintry weather. [Read more]

Tennessee reduces Healthcare-Associated Infections

Nashville, TN – According to a report released recently by the state Department of Health, Tennessee hospitals have reduced the rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The report, titled “Tennessee’s Report on Healthcare-Associated Infections: January 1st, 2008 – December 31st, 2010”, summarizes the central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) reporting activities for calendar years 2008-2010 and surgical site infection (SSI) reporting activities for the 2009 calendar year.

“Healthcare-acquired infections are a completely preventable public health threat. Only through the work and collaboration among many entities has Tennessee experienced such a significant improvement in a very short period,” said Health Commissioner John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, of the Tennessee Department of Health. “Those who have contributed to the state’s success greatly deserve high praise and recognition for this tremendous accomplishment.” [Read more]

Tennesseans urged to participate in the Great American Smokeout November 17th

Get Free Help to Kick the Habit from the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health urges smokers to join the Great American Smokeout on November 17th, 2011, an opportunity to participate with millions of others in saying “no thanks” to tobacco for 24 hours. Tennessee smokers can get their plan to quit in place now with the help of the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine.

“The Smokeout gives smokers an opportunity to take a positive step toward a healthier life for their families and themselves,” said Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “It’s tough to break the addiction to tobacco, and studies show those who get counseling have a better chance at success. The QuitLine is a wonderful free resource to help people transition to a life free of tobacco and its health and financial costs.” [Read more]

Community Education is key to preventing Infant Deaths

October is SIDS Awareness Month

Nashville, TN – The number of deaths attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is declining in Tennessee. But while SIDS cases have decreased, other sleep-related deaths are on the rise in the state. During National SIDS Awareness Month this October, the Department of Health is encouraging all Tennesseans to focus on safe sleep practices as an important strategy for reducing infant mortality in Tennessee.

“Lowering the number of infant deaths in Tennessee is no simple task, but eliminating these cases of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths can make a substantial impact on our infant mortality rate,” said Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. [Read more]

Tennessee confirms Human West Nile Virus Death

People Urged to Take Precautions during Outdoor Activities

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed the first death in Tennessee due to West Nile virus since 2009. The individual is a resident of Shelby County.

There have been 14 human cases of the illness in Tennessee so far this year. The Department of Health urges Tennesseans to continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites to protect themselves against West Nile virus. [Read more]

Tennessee Celebrates Child Health Week

Nashville, TN – Governor Bill Haslam has proclaimed October 3rd-9th, 2011 Child Health Week in Tennessee. State officials recently celebrated Tennessee’s highest-ever ranking for child well-being as part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KidsCount Data Release.

On the heels of that announcement, Tennesseans are encouraged to put the health and well-being of children first during Child Health Week, and every week in the year ahead. [Read more]

Next Page »