Four Tennessee Agency Leaders call for increased awareness about Fentanyl
August 30, 2016
Nashville, TN – Following a public health alert update last week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on increased risk of overdose and fatalities associated with Fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and compounds, commissioners and directors from four Tennessee departments are urging the public to have increased awareness about the substance.
Deadly, Illegally Sold and Often Cheap Drug Cited by CDC in Alert Update Issued Last Week
Tennessee Department of Health moves forward with Baldrige Performance Excellence Effort
June 27, 2015
Nashville, TN – Throughout the Tennessee Department of Health, staff members and county health departments continue to progress in the department’s pursuit of continuous improvement and excellence. TDH uses the nationally-recognized Baldrige excellence framework as a benchmark and guide in its work.
To date, 51 TDH staff members have been certified as Baldrige examiners, with 23 now in the active corps of examiners; 29 county health departments or divisions have achieved performance level ratings; and the department overall is now working to achieve an advanced level of Baldrige-recognized improvement. The department has achieved an overall Level II recognition. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health Issues Extreme Heat Warning
August 23, 2014
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is working to reduce deaths and life-threatening conditions caused by summer heat. With temperatures reaching into the 90s in much of the state, Tennessee residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution and take preventive steps to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“While the elderly, children and those with existing health issues are most at risk, extreme heat can affect anyone,” said TDH Commissioner John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “We want to remind everyone about ways to prevent heat-related illnesses and how to address them if they do occur.” [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health encourages Women to make their own Health a Priority
May 11, 2013
National Women’s Health Week is May 12th-18th, 2013
Nashville, TN – It’s your time, ladies! The Tennessee Department of Health joins celebrations of National Women’s Health Week, which kicks off on Mother’s Day, May 12th.
This nationwide initiative calls attention to the importance of women’s health and empowers them to take small, manageable steps for longer, healthier, happier lives. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health says “Freshman 15” syndrome merits Caution
September 30, 2012
Nashville, TN – Between the first and last days of a college freshman’s first year at school, something happens to many students’ waistlines. They get bigger. The phenomenon is commonly known as the “Freshman 15,” referring to pounds gained quickly by some young men and women.
While the oft-cited 15-pounds gain may be part legend and part fact, it’s true many students no longer fit into their skinny jeans at the start of their sophomore year. Natural growth is the culprit for some; poor diets and a lack of exercise are the causes for many others. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health report “Cholesterol: Friend and Enemy of Healthy Aging”
September 19, 2012
Nashville, TN – Whether you’re in your twenties or your sixties, you can reduce your chances of having a stroke or developing heart disease by learning about “bad” and “good” cholesterol. This knowledge isn’t just for “old people;” strokes and heart disease happen to people of all ages.
In Tennessee from 2007 to 2011, some 16,241 people died from stroke; of these, 1,307 or eight percent were under the age of 55. Similarly, from 2007 to 2011 there were 71,625 Tennesseans who died from heart disease; of these, 8,226 or 11.5 percent were under the age of 55. [Read more]
Tennessee Hospitals doing well battling Infections
July 1, 2012
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health’s semi-annual report on healthcare associated infections released this week has good news for Tennessee hospitals and their patients.
Surgical site and bloodstream infection rates are below the national baseline, providing evidence of progress made by hospitals to keep patients healthy.
“Healthcare associated infections have been among the top ten leading causes of death in the U.S. in the last decade and are a major public health concern” said TDH Commissioner John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “As a physician, I appreciate the level of commitment from hospitals to continually improve processes and procedures to ensure patients don’t acquire or spread infections in a healthcare setting. I’m proud of what is happening in Tennessee and eager to see additional progress through our work with the Tennessee Hospital Association, the Tennessee Center for Patient Safety and other groups and organizations.” [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health issues State Wide Extreme Heat Warning
June 29, 2012
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is working with partner organizations across the state to reduce deaths and life-threatening conditions caused by summer heat.
With temperatures predicted to exceed 100 degrees for several days in much of the state, Tennessee residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution and take preventive steps to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke. [Read more]
