A Few Lifestyle Changes can go along way to Preventing Diabetes
December 1, 2021
Bethesda, MD – Prediabetes is a serious medical condition that, if untreated, can put you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
But the good news is that by making some healthy lifestyle changes, you can manage or even reverse your prediabetes and lower your chances of it developing into type 2 diabetes.
More fruits and vegetables and fewer sugary snacks in your diet can help you combat diabetes.
FDA approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use in Children 5 -11
October 29, 2021
Silver Spring, MD – Today, Friday, October 29th, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 Coronavirus to include children 5 through 11 years of age.
The authorization was based on the FDA’s thorough and transparent evaluation of the data that included input from independent advisory committee experts who overwhelmingly voted in favor of making the vaccine available to children in this age group.
Time for Everyone to get back to Regular Screenings
October 4, 2021
Atlanta, GA – The COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic took its toll on lives in more ways than many realize. For example, it meant too many Americans neglected to get the regular health testing—particularly cancer screening—they should.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, an estimated 41% of U.S. adults reported forgoing medical care early in the pandemic.
If you or someone you care about is among them, now may be a good time to schedule a doctor’s appointment.
It is important for men to be vigilant about their routine health screenings.
Tennessee Department of Health launches second annual Pink and Pearl Campaign this October, November
October 3, 2021
Nashville, TN – While most recognize the color pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October and November marks the second annual Tennessee Pink and Pearl Campaign promoting both breast and lung cancer awareness.
The addition of the pearl color represents the ribbon for lung cancer awareness, which is observed in November. While breast cancer is the most common cancer in female Tennesseans, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women.
Routine cancer screenings continue to be incredibly important. It is estimated that nationally over 3.9 million breast cancer screenings have been missed due to the pandemic. Providers encourage all eligible individuals to attend routine check-ups, including routine cancer screenings. With fewer screenings, there are fewer diagnoses of breast cancer, which may result in some cancers being diagnosed at later stages with poor prognoses.
“Routine health screenings are an important part in a person’s health care journey,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “With proper screening and interventions, we can save more lives and curb the rising number of breast and lung cancer deaths in our state. The Tennessee Pink and Pearl Campaign raises awareness of these treatable conditions and reminds us that we all have a role to play – whether it is our own screening or encouraging that of a friend or family member.”
If your financial situation has changed due to COVID-19, you may qualify for free breast cancer screenings through the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBSCP). TBCSP provides breast and cervical screening services to uninsured and underinsured women and diagnostic testing for qualifying men and women. Learn more about the program at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/rwh/tbcsp.html or contact your local health department for more information.
Breast Screening Recommendations (Optional)
The current United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines recommend women begin regular mammogram screenings at the age of 50. Depending on risk factors, some women may need to begin screening at an earlier age.
Lung Screening Recommendations (Optional)
The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer in adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.
Reducing Disparities
While both breast and lung cancer impact individuals of all races and ethnicities, they are among many diseases that disproportionately affect minority populations. For both types of cancer, black men and women are more likely than their white counterparts to be diagnosed in later stages, and blacks are also more likely to die from these diseases. Data also indicates that black women and men are diagnosed with more aggressive subtypes of these cancers than their white counterparts.
“In both breast and lung cancer, screening often is imperative to an early diagnosis and optimizing the chance of a better prognosis,” said Director of the Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination Monique Anthony, MPH, CHES. “As COVID-19 continues to amplify these inequities on vulnerable populations, including lack of quality care, the availability and cost of diagnostics and follow up care, bias, unfair policies and practices in health care. TDH is committed to reducing disparities and advancing health equity by increasing access to cancer screenings, conducting cancer prevention education and outreach strategies, and encouraging the inclusion of minorities
in clinical trials.”
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It is important to talk to your provider about your risk factors and determine if screening is right for you. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm for breast cancer and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/ for lung cancer.
Pink and Pearl Day
To recognize this campaign, Friday, November 5th will be Pink and Pearl Day. Please support this campaign and bring awareness to both breast and lung cancer by wearing pink and pearl. Pictures posted to social media are appreciated, using the campaign hashtags #TNPinkandPearl and #MyPinkandPearlWhy.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
Finding Good Nutrition Tips
September 26, 2021
Philadelphia, PA – One out of every eight United States households experiences food insecurity. Access to healthy food is an important factor in your health, and for millions of Americans, it remains elusive according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“An inability to access healthy food, and the important nutrients they contain, can cause both immediate and long-term health problems, especially for children,” said Dr. Andrea Gelzer, senior vice president of medical affairs for AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for those most in need.
There are many ways to get any help you need to be sure you have enough nutritious food.
American Heart Association says Physical Activity even more Critical as Students return to Classroom
September 14, 2021
Nashville, TN – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, the National Football League (NFL) and the Tennessee Titans are doubling down on kids physically active through NFL PLAY 60 as students return to the classroom following remote, distant and hybrid learning due to COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Now in its 15th year, the NFL PLAY 60 program establishes healthy habits and reduces sedentary behaviors in kids, which is key to immediate and long-term health benefits that can play a role in the classroom experience.
Tennessee Department of Health offers Third Dose of mRNA Vaccine
August 16, 2021
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is acting upon recent guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding an additional dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for moderately and severely immunocompromised individuals.
COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine
American Heart Association says Heart disease likely to remain #1 killer in United States
July 26, 2021
Dallas, TX – Heart disease and stroke continue to kill more people in the United States than any other cause, despite, and likely even due to, the impact of the deadly COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic last year, according to new provisional data released from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tennessee Department of Health reports No Disruption to COVID-19 Vaccines For Children Program
July 17, 2021
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) assures families across Tennessee that information and access to vaccinations for children through state health departments continues and there has been no disruption to these services.
While misinformation has been circulated regarding the status of these resources, parents who need information regarding routine childhood immunizations can find resources here. Parents seeking the COVID-19 Coronavirus vaccine for children 12+ can find additional information here.
COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine
CDC, FDA release Joint Statement on Vaccine Boosters
July 10, 2021
Silver Spring, MD – The United States is fortunate to have highly effective vaccines that are widely available for those aged 12 and up. People who are fully vaccinated are protected from severe disease and death, including from the variants currently circulating in the country such as Delta.
COVID-19 Coronavirus
