AAA says Falling Oil Prices Could Bring Relief at the Pump, After Thanksgiving
November 24, 2021
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee gas price average declined for the second week in a row, falling two cents over last week.
The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.11 which is 4 cents cheaper than one month ago and $1.25 more than one year ago.
Tennessee remains the 9th least expensive market in the nation. (AAA)
AAA recommends Tennesseans Begin Making Holiday Travel Plans Now
October 31, 2021
Nashville, TN – Tennesseans have begun making their travel plans for the holiday season. According to a new AAA Travel survey, over one-third (36%) of residents book their holiday trips by the end of October.
Click here to view the full survey
New AAA Travel Survey shows 36% of Tennesseans locked in plans before November. (AAA)
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.
BBB warns Online Purchase Scams Up, Shopping is at Risk
October 12, 2021
Nashville, TN – Online purchase scams now account for more than a third of all scam reports filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and four out of five consumers who report such scams lose money, making it the #1 riskiest scam type.
BBB is warning consumers ahead of the holiday shopping season to be aware of how scammers deceive consumers, whether they are actively shopping or passively browsing.
The 2021 BBB Online Purchase Scams Report examines more than 55,000 online purchase scam reports submitted to BBB Scam Tracker between 2015 and 2021; as well as new survey research conducted in 2021 to get insights from those who reported online purchase scams in 2020 and 2021.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, FSAG Release Plan to Continue Tennessee’s Economic Recovery
October 7, 2021
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG) has released recommendations for federal relief dollars to support the state’s continued economic recovery, including more than $3 billion in investments to further strengthen infrastructure and businesses.
“As Tennessee continues its strong economic recovery, it’s important that we maintain proper stewardship of federal dollars coming to our state,” said Governor Lee. “I thank the members of the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group for their efforts to manage these resources and serve Tennesseans.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
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.
AAA reports Tennessee Gas Prices remain Steady
September 30, 2021
Clarksville-Montgomery County has the Third Cheapest Gas Prices in Tennessee
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee gas price average held steady for the second week in a row, with minimal pump price fluctuation over the last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average remains $2.89 which is four cents more than one month ago and 97 cents more than one year ago.
“Consumers should see the usual autumn relief at the pump,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
Tennessee is the 7th least expensive market in the nation. (AAA)
AAA reports COVID-19 Pandemic Prompts More Americans to Consider Travel Insurance
September 27, 2021
Orlando, FL – The COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on Americans’ travel plans. How they plan—and protect—those trips have also changed.
According to a recent AAA Travel survey, more than half (55%) of American adults are planning a vacation of at least one overnight stay before the end of next year, and those travelers are increasingly turning to travel insurance to protect their vacation investments.
AAA Travel survey finds 31% of travelers are more likely to purchase travel insurance due to COVID-19 Coronavirus. (AAA)
Tennessee Department of Health Offering Booster Dose of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
September 26, 2021
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health has begun offering booster doses of COVID-19 Coronavirus vaccine to certain populations.
A single dose booster of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Coronavirus vaccine can be administered for individuals who met these criteria:
