American Heart Association Editorial on E-Cigarettes

Written by Nancy Brown
Chief Executive Officer, American Heart Association

Dallas, TX – The American Heart Association recently issued new policy recommendations on the use of e-cigarettes and their impact on tobacco control efforts.

Based on the current evidence, our position is that e-cigarettes containing nicotine are tobacco products and therefore should be subject to all laws that apply to tobacco products.

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Fifty Years after Surgeon General’s landmark report on Tobacco, Too Many still Smoking, Suffering and Dying

Nashville, TN – The once commonly held belief that smoking tobacco was harmless, and perhaps even good for some, was shattered January 11th, 1964. The first U.S. Surgeon General’s report on smoking was issued that day, alerting Americans, and the world, to the deadly consequences of smoking.

In the 50 years since that report, the U.S. and Tennessee have made remarkable progress, cutting smoking rates significantly, protecting much of the population from harmful secondhand smoke and saving millions of lives. Still the battle against tobacco is far from won and too many people develop or sustain addictions to tobacco products. [Read more]

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signs Food Tax Reduction Bill at Monroe County Grocery

Legislation last step in two-year effort to cut state portion of sales tax on groceries to 5 percent

Vonore, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam today traveled to Monroe County to sign legislation to reduce the state portion of the sales tax on groceries from 5.25 percent to 5 percent.

Haslam held a ceremonial bill signing at Sloan’s Grocery in Vonore, Tennessee.

In 2012, the General Assembly passed and the governor signed the first step in reducing the state portion of the sales tax on groceries, lowering the rate from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent. [Read more]

Tennessee Department of Health encourages Women to make their own Health a Priority

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]

What you don’t know about your blood pressure could kill you

World Hypertension Day is Thursday, May 17th

Knowing your blood pressure – and managing it – can help avoid health problems

Nashville, TN – This Thursday, May 17th, is World Hypertension Day. Hypertension, or high blood pressure (HBP), is a disease. More than 76 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with HBP. It’s sometimes called “the silent killer” because high blood pressure has no symptoms, so you may not be aware that it’s damaging your arteries, heart and other organs.

In Tennessee, almost 34% of all adult Tennesseans have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. The highest rate is in the Upper Cumberland region, with 39.6%. Tennessee inpatient charges for high blood pressure are more than $136 million per year. [Read more]

Prevention is key for a Healthier Tennessee

National Public Health Week is April 2nd-8th, 2012

Nashville, TN – The Department of Health is reminding Tennesseans of the importance of prevention in the effort to achieve optimal health and wellness. TDH will take part in observances of National Public Health Week April 2nd-8th, 2012.

The theme this year is “A Healthier America Begins Today.” [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]

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]

Infant Mortality declining in Tennessee

September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month

Nashville, TN – State public health officials are encouraged by recent statistics indicating a decline in infant mortality rates in Tennessee and acknowledge there is still much work to be done. Infant mortality is defined as the death of a child before his or her first birthday. During National Infant Mortality Awareness Month this September, residents of the state should learn what they can do to support mothers of newborns and help babies reach this critical milestone.

“We are definitely making progress as a state,” said Michael Warren, MD, TDOH’s director of Maternal and Child Health. “There were 63 fewer infant deaths in 2009 as compared to 2005. That equates to three additional classrooms of kindergarteners who will have the chance to grow into healthy, productive Tennesseans.” [Read more]

Tennesseans drop Tobacco to improve Health

Contact the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine for Free Assistance to Stop Tobacco Use

Nashville, TN – Tennesseans continue to choose the path to better health by stopping smoking. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a decline in smoking rates in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health offers free support to all Tennesseans who want to quit smoking through the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, 1.800.QUIT.NOW.

“We are encouraged by this data demonstrating that Tennesseans want to lead healthy lives free from tobacco,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Too many Tennesseans die each year from preventable illnesses linked to tobacco use. We urge those who smoke to make a plan to quit, and to contact the QuitLine for professional support.” [Read more]

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