Topic: Tennessee Department of Health

Tennesseans urged to join millions of Americans in saying “no” to cigarettes

November 16, 2009 |

Call the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine for Great American Smokeout

Nashville − The Department of Health urges Tennessee smokers to take part in this year’s Great American Smokeout on November 19, 2009. The goal of this annual health observance is to encourage smokers toquit for one day in the hope they may quit for good. In Tennessee,tobacco users can call the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine free of charge at1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669 to set a plan for how to quit.

“Tennesseans who want to start the process of quitting smoking have a powerful tool available to help them in the QuitLine,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Research shows that smokers who have a cessation plan and a support system have a much better chance of success with their quit attempt.”

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State Health Commissioner responds to declaration of National Emergency for H1N1

October 27, 2009 |

Tennessee State Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN has this to say in regards to President Barack Obama’s declaration of a National Emergency for the H1N1 flu panademic, “The Presidential declaration is a proactive step in preparing for a potential increase in illness and facility demands related to H1N1 flu. This virus is spreading rapidly, and there is the potential for healthcare systems to become overburdened. This administrative statement will allow healthcare facilities to request specific waivers from the federal Department of Health and Human Services to allow them to initiate their disaster plans quickly in response to increased demand.  We stand ready to support our healthcare partners as they work with us to protect the health of all Tennesseans.”

The statement released by President Obama read as follows: «Read the rest of this article»

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Safety partners sign plan to reduce traffic deaths in Tennessee

September 30, 2009 |

Agencies Announce New Coalition Program to Assist Senior Drivers

Nashville – Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely joined representatives from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, Department of Safety, Department of Health, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, AARP, AAA Auto Club South, and a number of other highway safety partners to sign a new Strategic Highway Safety Plan for Tennessee on Wednesday, September 30. The goal of the new plan is to reduce the number of fatalities in Tennessee by 10% by 2012.

“Working together, we have the ability to make dramatic strides in making Tennessee’s roads safer,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “As a major partner in this effort, TDOT is increasing its focus on implementing improvements that can make roadways safer, like cable barrier rail, high visibility pavement markings, and improved directional signs.”

Officials from TDOT, Department of Safety, Governor's Highway Safety Office, Department of Health, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, AARP, AAA Auto Club South, Walk/Bike Nashville and several other key safety partners pause after signing the new Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

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Tennessee works with U.S.D.A., other Southeast States to prevent Raccoon rabies

September 24, 2009 |

World Rabies Day is September 28

Nashville – The Tennessee Department of Health is working with the United States Department of Agriculture to distribute an oral rabies vaccine for raccoons along Tennessee’s borders with Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. The baiting program administered by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services program will begin Thursday, October 1, 2009.

“This is an important and effective program to prevent the spread of rabies, and we are pleased to be part of this effort to protect the health of Tennesseans,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “This is also a good time to remind pet owners of the importance of having all rabies vaccinations current for dogs and cats to ensure their health and safety.”

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Tennessee WIC program brings more to the table

September 22, 2009 |

Supplemental Food Packages Change October 1, 2009

Nashville – Participants enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, are preparing for an exciting change. The food packages are changing effective October 1, 2009 to better meet the nutritional needs of WIC families. New foods will include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soy products and baby foods.

“These changes are based on the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and will reduce the amount of saturated fats and increase healthy fiber in the diets of program participants,” said Cathy Taylor, DrPH, MSN, RN. “The new package also offers more food choices to WIC families.”

The new Tennessee WIC food packages for women and children will include a cash value voucher for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables; whole grain cereals, breads, brown rice, bulgur or soft corn or whole wheat tortillas; and will only provide whole milk for children aged 12 through 23 months. The choices of fish for mothers who exclusively breastfeed have also expanded to include salmon and sardines along with light tuna. «Read the rest of this article»

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Family health is key to preventing infant deaths

September 10, 2009 |

September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month

Nashville – As part of the observance of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, the Tennessee Department of Health is working to remind Tennesseans of the importance of preconception and prenatal care and is working toward ensuring that every child born in Tennessee reaches his or her first birthday.

“We must do everything we can to improve the health outcomes for this vulnerable population,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “The Department of Health and Governor’s Office of Children’s Care Coordination are working to increase awareness about how important it is to create healthier families that have healthier babies.”

A happy healthy baby

“All women of childbearing age, whether planning to become a parent or not, should take steps now to improve their health. Simple changes such as improving physical fitness, making better nutritional choices and stopping tobacco use will contribute to better health,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Good overall maternal health, combined with proper and early prenatal care, is vital to the growth and development of an infant.”

The theme of Infant Mortality Awareness Month 2009 is “Healthy Families = Healthy Babies.” The goal of this year’s observance is to remind adults to work on personal health before they even consider having a child. «Read the rest of this article»

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Stretch your food budget with healthy fruits and veggies

September 5, 2009 |

September is National Fruits & Veggies-More Matters Month

Nashville – The Department of Health is offering tips to help home cooks include the bountiful variety of fruits and vegetables in their meals while making the most of their food budget as part of the observance of National Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month.

“It is imperative that all Tennesseans have ready access to fresh fruits and vegetables so the right food choice can be the easy choice,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Careful spending doesn’t mean you have to eat less healthy foods. Eating fruits and vegetables is a sound investment in long-term health, and can be a very inexpensive part of a healthy lifestyle.”

Fresh Vegatables at the City of Clarksville's Downtown Market

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Tennessee among top states for child immunizations

September 1, 2009 |

Nashville – Tennessee ranks fourth in the country in a new survey of rates of immunization for young children. The 2008 National Immunization Survey report was released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We are thrilled with this survey, which shows the results of our diligent effort to increase immunization rates in Tennessee,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “We know vaccines save lives, and are committed to ensuring the health of our state’s youngest citizens.”

Rates of immunization in Tennessee have improved dramatically over the last few years. Just five years ago, the 2003 NIS results showed Tennessee ranked 20th in the nation for the same vaccinations. «Read the rest of this article»

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Tennessee Department of Health lifts suspension for Life Care Center of Athens

By Bill Larson | August 13, 2009 |

Nashville – The Tennessee Department of Health announces that the suspension of admissions at Life Care Center of Athens has been lifted effective August 10, 2009. The facility is a 128-bed licensed nursing home located at 1234 Frye Street in Athens, TN.

Life Care Center of Athens

The Department confirmed the facility has returned to substantial compliance for state licensing purposes. The federal conditions of participation that led to the immediate jeopardy citations have been corrected as stated in the facility’s allegations of compliance, which was approved by federal and state authorities. «Read the rest of this article»

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Tennessee Health Commissioner to Lead YMCA Campers in Fitness Obstacle Course

August 4, 2009 |

Cooper will spend the morning with campers at YMCA’s Camp Widjiwagan in Nashville

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, will visit Camp Widjiwagan, a YMCA of Middle Tennessee day and overnight camp, on Wednesday, Aug. 5 between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., to educate campers about the importance of healthy living. «Read the rest of this article»

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