Shows
Public Health Out LoudAll About Physical TherapyMay is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Being physically active is essential for staying healthy but what role does physical therapy, or PT, play? In this episode, Dr. Paul Ullucci, director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Johnson and Wales University joins RIDOH's Dr. Philip Chan to talk about the benefits of PT, what to expect from a physical therapist, and insights for anyone considering a career in this in-demand field.
2024-05-2222 minPublic Health Out LoudThe Surprising Effects of Mindfulness on Blood PressureThere’s a lot of talk these days about the benefits of being mindful. But a recently published study led by Brown University researchers suggests mindfulness isn’t just good for one’s mental and emotional well-being. It’s also beneficial for our physical health. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud Dr. Philip Chan is joined by Dr. Eric Loucks, director of the Mindfulness Center at Brown University, to explain how being mindful - about what we eat - can help dramatically lower blood pressure.
2024-04-0423 minPublic Health Out LoudCelebrating Fifty Years of WICWIC - which is short for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Education Program for Women, Infants, and Children - is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan is joined by RIDOH’s own Ann Barone, Chief for the Office of Women, Infants, and Children to talk about the program’s history and the positive impact it has had on so many families over the years.
2024-03-2620 minPublic Health Out LoudWhat You Need to Know About Congenital SyphilisThe CDC recently released data showing that nationally, there has been a sharp rise in congenital syphilis. Cases have more than tripled in recent years in the US, with 3,700 cases reported in 2022 alone. Here in Rhode Island we’ve seen several cases of congenital syphilis after over a decade of having none. What is causing this increase and what can be done to prevent it from happening? On this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan is joined Dr. Erica Hardy, Director for the Division of Infectious Disease at Women & Infants Hospital and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medi...
2024-03-1223 minPublic Health Out LoudHow One Rhode Island Organization is Helping to Put Children's Teeth First!Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children but it is also completely preventable. In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Dr. Philip Chan sat down with Katherine Linwood, communications manager at TeethFirst!, a group that provides educational resources on the importance of early dental care. Download and listen in as she touches on the importance of dental care from a very young age and what parents, healthcare, and dental professionals can do to help ensure children are getting the care they need.
2024-02-2819 minPublic Health Out LoudWhat it Takes to be Prepared for a Public Health Emergency in RIIn public health, the term “emergency preparedness” has become linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. But public health emergency preparedness encompasses so much more. In fact, Rhode Islanders all over the State come into contact with people who work in public health emergency preparedness, they just may not know it. In this episode Alysia Mihalakos from the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response talks with Dr. Philip Chan about public health emergency preparedness, recent responses to emergencies, why preparedness is important to health, and what Rhode Islanders can do to protect their health in emerge...
2024-02-1628 minPublic Health Out LoudA Critical Need: The Life-Saving Importance of Blood DonationA blood transfusion occurs in the US every two seconds. Some examples of those in need include cancer patients; accident, burn, or trauma victims; newborn babies and their mothers; transplant recipients; or surgery patients. Despite blood being critical to saving lives, only 4% of Rhode Island's eligible population actually donates blood. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan talks with Caitlin Grimaldi-Flick, marketing and communications manager at the Rhode Island Blood Center about the importance of donating blood.
2024-01-1921 minPublic Health Out LoudOverdose Prevention by the Numbers: How Improving Data Collection Helps Save LivesIn this episode of Public Health Out Loud, RIDOH's Dr. Philip Chan sits down with colleagues Nathaniel Fuchs and Sarah Edwards. Nathaniel is an epidemiologist who works with data about non-fatal opioid overdoses. Sarah Edwards is from RIDOH’s Drug Overdose Prevention Program, and her focus is on working with communities. Together, they explain how the Department’s enhanced data tracking system identifies upticks in drug overdoses that allow Rhode Island communities to respond in real time.
2024-01-0423 minPublic Health Out LoudA Deadly Drug Supply: What's Being Done to Keep RI Communities Safe?In 2022, 75% of overdose deaths involved illicit fentanyl, a highly potent opioid. In this episode, Dr. Philip Chan is joined by Bryan Volpe, a Drug Intelligence Officer at The New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and Dr. Louis Marchetti, Chief of Operations at the Center for Clinical Toxicology and Laboratory Support, at the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories for a look at what's being done to keep Rhode Islanders safe from a deadly drug supply.
2023-12-2027 minPublic Health Out LoudPast, Present, and Future - A Conversation About Public HealthDr. Jan Carney, Associate Dean for Public Health and Health Policy and Professor of Medicine at the University of Vermont and author of the book Public Health: From Past to Present joins Dr. Philip Chan for a candid conversation on the topic of public health. With workforce shortages and professional burnout, what does the future look like for the field? What are some of the biggest lessons learned from past events? What challenges lie ahead? Check it out on this episode of Public Health Out Loud.
2023-12-0829 minPublic Health Out LoudComing Up Short: Fewer Primary Care Physicians Impacts RI in a Big WayIn this episode of Public Health Out Loud, the Rhode Island Department of Health's Dr. Philip Chan is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Borkan to explore a problem that affects everyone – a shortage of primary care physicians in RI. It’s causing long waits for appointments and the inability, in many cases, for doctors to take on new patients. What's causing the shortage, why should we care, and can anything be done to remedy this issue? Download this latest episode to find out.
2023-11-2023 minPublic Health Out LoudTornados, Flooding, and Heat Waves, Oh My! An Honest Talk About Climate ChangeAs unusual weather patterns, heat waves, floods, and other catastrophic events in unlikely places seem to be on the rise, climate change continues to be a hot topic. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan is joined by climate scientists Dr. Gaurab Basu, Director of Education and Policy at the Harvard School of Public Health’s Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment and Rachel Calabro, Climate Policy Specialist with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for a frank discussion on some of the alarming changes we are seeing around the world. Is cli...
2023-11-0626 minPublic Health Out LoudPreventing Domestic Violence by Addressing the Root CausesIn honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Krista Cunningham and Dr. Cynthia Roberts from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence sat down with the Rhode Island Department of Health's Dr. Philip Chan for a serious look at the causes of domestic and intimate partner violence, how they can be addressed for prevention, and the work that still needs to be done, both in Rhode Island and nationally.
2023-10-1830 minPublic Health Out LoudA Must-See Documentary About Those Hiding In Plain SightSeventy five percent of mental illness begins before the age of 25 and 50% before the age of 14. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan sits down with Erik Ewers, a documentary filmmaker whose recent film "Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness” sheds light on these startling mental health statistics through the lens of 23 young people growing up in America. They bravely shared their deeply personal stories with the goal of helping others. Download and listen in for some of the details behind the scenes, the common threads those featured in the film shared, an...
2023-08-2436 minPublic Health Out LoudWhat College Students and Their Supporters Need to Know About Preventing Sexual AssaultIn this episode, Dr. Philip Chan sits down with Johnson and Wales University's Korina Ramsland Short and Roger Williams University's Dr. Jen Stanley to discuss a serious topic before the start of the fall semester. It can be difficult and uncomfortable to discuss, but it is important to talk about it openly and honestly. The topic? Sexual violence prevention. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. What conversations can parents and other adults have with young people to help them avoid becoming a statistic? What is being done to m...
2023-08-0830 minPublic Health Out LoudA Look at Community Acupuncture - The Science, Accessibility, and Potential BenefitsIn this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan takes a deep dive into the world of acupuncture with Providence Community Acupuncture's Cris Monteiro. What is the science behind acupuncture? What's being done to make this centuries-old practice more available to everyone? Download this latest episode for the answers to these questions and many more.
2023-07-2722 minPublic Health Out LoudTalking About Ticks: Understanding and Preventing the Diseases Ticks CarryAfter a mild winter, more ticks than usual survived into the spring. Because of this, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management have warned Rhode Islanders that this year could be a bad year for the transmission of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. On this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan sits down with infectious disease expert Dr. Jerome Larkin to discuss how tick-borne diseases can impact human health, some ways to minimize your risk, and much more.
2023-07-1427 minPublic Health Out LoudStaying Safe Under the Sun - Expert Skin Cancer Prevention Tips for SummerOne in every three cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer and one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Are you playing it safe this summer? Dr. Philip Chan explores the best ways to protect yourself with local skin cancer expert Dr. Abrar Qureshi, Chair of the Department of Dermatology at the Warren Alpert Medical School and Professor of Dermatology and Epidemiology at Brown University. What should you look for in an effective sun block? Does a hat with a wide brim really work? Find out in this latest episode of Public Health Out Loud.
2023-06-1423 minPublic Health Out LoudProvidence Mayor Brett Smiley Talks Health Priorities for the Capitol CityHave things returned to normal in Rhode Island's capitol city since the pandemic? What are the public health priorities-and challenges facing Providence moving forward? Dr. Philip Chan sits down with Providence Mayor Brett Smiley to get the skinny on all this, what it's like to be Mayor, where the city is at now, and much more in this episode of Public Health Out Loud.
2023-06-1226 minPublic Health Out LoudMedicaid: How Insurance is Changing Post-Pandemic and Will It Impact You?During the Public Health Emergency (or PHE), the federal government paused annual renewals for the Medicaid Program to ensure no one lost access to health insurance coverage during the pandemic. Now that the PHE has ended, the Medicaid recertification process began again in Rhode Island on April 1. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan is joined by Kristin Sousa, Director of the Medicaid Program, at the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services to share some important information about the program. Why is Medicaid so important? What do Rhode Islanders need to know about the...
2023-06-0129 minPublic Health Out LoudToday’s Mental Health Crisis: Impacts and Advice from a Local ExpertThe COVID-19 pandemic worsened the already significant rise in depression and anxiety, for everyone, but especially for youth. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan is joined by Dr. Joseph Trunzo, practicing psychologist, incoming president of the Rhode Island Psychological Association, and chair of the Department of Psychology at Bryant University. What factors contribute to a person’s mental well-being and how does physical health play a role? How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect mental health in Rhode Island? How is a shortage of mental health workers fueling a growing healthcare crisis? Download this week’s ep...
2023-05-0527 minPublic Health Out LoudFood as Medicine: How Our Diet Impacts HealthIn this week’s episode of the Public Health Out Loud podcast, Dr. Philip Chan is joined by Dr. Kara Cucinotta and Mallory Sullivan from Johnson and Wales University. They’re talking about all things diet and nutrition. How does what we eat and drink impact our health? How can we improve education about healthy eating habits? What role has social media played in promoting harmful diet culture? Download this week’s episode to find out.
2023-03-3025 minPublic Health Out LoudWhat’s in Rhode Island’s Local Drug Supply?With national and local headlines about overdoses, fentanyl, and xylazine, it’s important to know about the risks of substance use and the local drug supply. In this week’s Public Health Out Loud podcast, Dr. Philip Chan is joined by Dr. Alexandra Collins and Dr. Rachel Wightman, who are leading a new research study at the Brown University School of Public Health and Warren Alpert Medical School called testRI. The research team tests drug residue samples from used paraphernalia collected at overdose hotspots and donated from individuals or community organizations across Rhode Island. The results of the...
2023-02-2831 minPublic Health Out LoudGonorrhea & Drug Resistance: A Major Public Health ThreatWe’re back for season 3! In the season opener, Dr. Philip Chan from the Rhode Island Department of Health talks about the rising number of sexually transmitted infections in Rhode Island and nationwide. He’s joined by Kathleen Roosevelt, the director of STD prevention and HIV surveillance at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Dr. Kathy Hsu, the medical director for that division at MDPH. The three experts focus their discussion on gonorrhea: what is it? How is it treated? How does it spread? They also talk about two recent cases in Massachusetts that are getting nationwide attention afte...
2023-02-1420 minPublic Health Out LoudMonkeypox Mythbusters: Season 2 FinaleDo you have questions about monkeypox? Download the season 2 finale of the Public Health Out Loud podcast to get answers. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan talk about the origins of monkeypox, how it’s spread, and how to protect yourself. They also talk about the JYNNEOS vaccine, and how Rhode Island is administering it. Get the facts about monkeypox from our public health experts so you can recognize misinformation when it’s circulating online. To learn more about Rhode Island’s monkeypox vaccination strategy or to sign up for the Vaccine Interest Notification List, visit h...
2022-08-2330 minPublic Health Out LoudHealing through StorytellingThis week’s guest expert on the Public Health Out Loud podcast is Ana Bess Moyer Bell, a drama therapist and executive director of 2nd Act. 2nd Act is a Boston-based non-profit organization that uses drama therapy to support healing and recovery for people who have experienced trauma, substance use disorder, a family member living with substance use disorder, or the death of a loved one. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask their guest about how the experience of writing, acting in, or even viewing a play about substance use and recovery can be cat...
2022-08-1926 minPublic Health Out LoudTobacco: Know the Health Effects and How to QuitThis week’s guest expert on the Public Health Out Loud podcast is Dr. Patricia Cioe, an Associate Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Brown University. Dr. Cioe’s current research is focused on the effects of cigarette smoking on one’s health, and the development of innovative smoking cessation interventions for people living with HIV. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask Dr. Cioe about the difference between combustible cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vapes. They also talk about the health effects of smoking tobacco and different methods for decreasing or quitting smoking. Quitting...
2022-08-1229 minPublic Health Out LoudVeterans' HealthThis week’s guest expert is Dr. Amy Cameron, a clinical psychologist in the VA Healthcare System in Providence, Rhode Island and a faculty member of the Department of Psychology and Human Behavior at Brown University. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask her about the most common health concerns among veterans, including chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, and treatment options that are available to veterans. Download this week’s episode to learn more. Are you a veteran in crisis or concerned about one? You're not alone. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. Call 1-800...
2022-08-0529 minPublic Health Out LoudA Discussion with Former Fla. Surgeon GeneralThis week’s guest expert on the Public Health Out Loud podcast is Dr. Scott Rivkees, the former surgeon general for the State of Florida. As the state’s leading public health officer from June 2019 to September 2021, Dr. Rivkees oversaw the state’s COVID-19 response. Now, Dr. Rivkees is a professor of practice of health services, policy, and practice and vice chair of the Department of Health Service, Policy, and Practice at the Brown University School of Public Health. Co-hosts Dr. Philip Chan and Dr. Jim McDonald ask Dr. Rivkees about his experiences leading the COVID-19 response in Flor...
2022-07-2929 minPublic Health Out LoudLong Covid: Get the FactsThere are a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to Long Covid, which refers to the prolonged symptoms that some patients experience after an initial COVID-19 infection. People experiencing Long Covid have reported symptoms ranging from fatigue to brain fog to difficulty breathing. For some, the symptoms last a couple weeks after their initial infection with COVID-19. For others, the symptoms have lasted much longer. This week on the Public Health Out Loud podcast, find out what we do and don’t know about Long Covid, and what local researchers are doing to get more answers. Thi...
2022-07-2226 minPublic Health Out LoudRefugee HealthThis week’s guest expert on the Public Health Out Loud podcast is Dr. Carol Lewis, a general pediatrician at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the director of the Refugee Health Program there. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask her about pediatric health trends and common health issues among the refugee community. They also ask her about how Rhode Island has welcomed recent waves of refugees arriving from Afghanistan and Ukraine. Download this week’s episode to learn more.
2022-07-1523 minPublic Health Out LoudHow to Prepare for the Next PandemicWhat did COVID-19 teach us about pandemic preparedness? How concerned should we be about monkeypox? Download the latest episode of the Public Health Out Loud podcast to get the answers from Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist, pandemic preparedness expert, and the director at the new Pandemic Preparedness Center at the Brown University School of Public Health. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan talk about their experiences as local public health officials throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and ask Dr. Nuzzo what Rhode Island, the nation, and the world could do to better prepare for another pandemic.
2022-07-0823 minPublic Health Out LoudDomestic Violence: Know the Red Flags and ResourcesDid you know 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime? Listen to the latest episode of the Public Health Out Loud podcast to learn more about the patterns of behavior that can occur in abusive relationships and local resources that are available to Rhode Islanders. This week’s guest expert is Vanessa Volz, the executive director at Sojourner House. The mission of Sojourner House is to promote healthy relationships by providing culturally sensitive support, advocacy, housing, and education for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking; and to eff...
2022-07-0128 minPublic Health Out LoudWhy Breastfeed Baby?This week’s guest expert is Erin Bertoldi, the state breastfeeding coordinator at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask Erin about the health benefits of breastfeeding, the challenges that parents may face, and the resources that are available to support parents through their breastfeeding journey. Why does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life? Has the national formula shortage increased interest in breastfeeding support and training programs in Rhode Island? To learn more, download this week’s epis...
2022-06-2423 minPublic Health Out LoudCrossroads: How Do Homeless Services and Public Health Intersect?Ending homelessness is a public health issue. One possible solution? More housing. This week’s guest expert on the Public Health Out Loud podcast is Karen Santilli, the CEO of Crossroads Rhode Island. Crossroads is the leading provider of housing and homeless services in Rhode Island. Santilli talks about how rates of homelessness have increased not just in the state, but throughout the country during the pandemic. She also shares stories about how something called a “housing first” model can help homeless or at-risk individuals and families get on a path to stability. Hear co-hosts Dr. Jim...
2022-06-1024 minPublic Health Out LoudFrom Reactive to Proactive: Transforming Primary CareThis week’s guest expert on the Public Health Out Loud podcast is Dr. Andrew Saal; a family physician and the chief medical officer of the largest community health center in Rhode Island, Providence Community Health Centers (PCHC). Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask Dr. Saal about the difference between reactive and proactive healthcare. They also ask him about how transforming primary care to a team-based approach could relieve crowded emergency rooms and reduce burnout among healthcare workers. How has PCHC implemented a team-approach to care? Download this week’s episode to find o...
2022-06-0326 minPublic Health Out LoudOutbreaks, Epidemics, and Pandemics... Oh My!This week’s guest expert has been managing outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics throughout her career. Meet Dr. Utpala Bandy, the Medical Director for the Division of Preparedness, Response, Infectious Diseases, and Emergency Medical Services at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). Dr. Bandy gives a tour of her healthcare experiences from around the globe, including her education and the onset of her career in India, and the front-line training she received throughout the United Kingdom and America. At RIDOH, Dr. Bandy has played a critical part in managing outbreaks and epidemics throughout the state’s recent histo...
2022-05-2024 minPublic Health Out LoudHousing Instability: Health Outcomes and SolutionsThis week’s guest on the Public Health Out Loud podcast is an expert on housing instability, the eviction crisis, and related impacts on health outcomes. Dr. Gracie Himmelstein is a resident in internal medicine at the University of California Los Angeles with a PhD in demography from Princeton University. She has also conducted research with The Eviction Lab at Princeton University, which creates data, interactive tools, and research to help neighbors and policymakers understand the eviction crisis. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan talk about how COVID-19 shed light on housing instability, and what Rho...
2022-05-0628 minPublic Health Out LoudHow Did They Get Here? Dr. McDonald & Dr. Chan's Journeys to Public HealthIn this week’s episode, you’ll hear co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan talk about their roads to becoming doctors, and their journeys into public health. What did Dr. Chan’s time as an ambulance driver teach him about medicine? What made Dr. McDonald decide to drop his undergraduate major in photography? Download this week’s episode to learn more.
2022-04-2223 minPublic Health Out LoudPositive Childhood Experiences and Their Impact on Health OutcomesResearch shows that adverse childhood experiences, like abuse or parental abandonment, can negatively impact a person’s health outcomes later in life. This week’s guest expert, Dr. Robert Sege, is determined to flip pediatrics upside down by asking the question: Can positive childhood experiences foster better health outcomes for children later in life? Dr. Sege is a pediatrician at Tufts Children’s Hospital in Boston, Mass. In this week’s episode, he talks with co-hosts Dr. Philip Chan and Dr. Jim McDonald about how positive relationships, environments, engagements, and opportunities for emotional growth play a critical role in a...
2022-04-0827 minPublic Health Out LoudFostering Trust in Public HealthMany Rhode Islanders living in specific geographies have experienced higher rates of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths throughout the pandemic. For example, in the seven hardest-hit ZIP codes, people of color as young as 25 are experiencing higher hospitalization rates than white people over 60 years old. Such differences are directly connected to the social conditions in which some communities of color are more likely to live and work every day, and to systems of structural racism and discrimination that have historically undermined the health and well-being of these communities. This week’s guest experts, Dr. Katrina Byrd and Jen...
2022-04-0131 minPublic Health Out LoudMedical Ethics Before and During COVID-19This week’s guest expert is Dr. Tom Bledsoe, a general internist and chair of the Rhode Island Hospital Ethics Committee. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask him about how medical ethical issues are handled in Rhode Island. Do physicians have a different ethical responsibility from the average person? What were some of the ethical conundrums that arose during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic? Download this week’s episode to find out.
2022-03-1824 minPublic Health Out Loud“With or From COVID-19": Data on Deaths, Hospitalizations, and Vaccine EffectivenessAs the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, Rhode Island has relied on data and science to help guide its response. At the Rhode Island Department of Health, the COVID-19 Data and Analytics Team is responsible for collecting and organizing statewide data that has informed decisions about reopening businesses and schools, and protecting people from the virus. This week, you’ll hear from some of those team members. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan get into the nitty gritty of COVID-19 data, asking our guest experts to clarify the difference between reporting deaths from COVID-19 and deaths wit...
2022-03-1122 minPublic Health Out Loud“Healthcare Heroes”: Recognizing Nurses During COVID-19According to co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan, this week’s episode is long overdue. We’re talking to a nurse! This week’s guest expert is Erin Abrahamsen. She is a nurse and team lead on the Rhode Island Department of Health’s COVID-19 Prevention Field Team. She also works in the emergency department at Rhode Island Hospital and serves as a nurse in the Rhode Island Air National Guard. Erin shares stories that highlight the versatility and adaptability of nurses working in emergency response scenarios. She talks about her experiences being deployed t...
2022-02-2526 minPublic Health Out LoudWhat Can We Do About Climate Change?In this week’s episode, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan talk about something that impacts the health of every person living on this planet: climate change. Learn more about what climate change actually means and how it’s already impacting Rhode Island from guest expert Dr. Stephen Porder. Dr. Porder is a Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, a Fellow in the Institute at Brown University for Environment and Society, and the Assistant Provost for Sustainability at Brown University. How do the subtle, slow-moving impacts of climate change threaten our health? What are some p...
2022-02-1825 minPublic Health Out LoudHow Childhood Experiences Impact Our HealthAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events that can undermine a child's sense of safety and well-being. They can include emotional abuse, exposure to substance use, sexual abuse, having a member of the household be incarcerated, and having separated or divorced parents. According to research, including studies published by this week’s guest expert, ACEs may have a negative impact on a person’s health and behavioral outcomes later in life. Our guest this week is Dr. Tracy Jackson. She is an epidemiologist at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), and analyzes the State’s data...
2022-02-1119 minPublic Health Out LoudFacts and Fiction of COVID-19 TreatmentThis week’s guest expert, Dr. Mitchell Levy, is a member of the National Institutes of Health’s panel on COVID-19 treatment guidelines. He is also the medical director of the Medical Intensive Care unit at Rhode Island Hospital, and a professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Dr. Levy is joined by co-hosts Dr. Philip Chan and, the newly appointed Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Dr. Jim McDonald. They ask their guest expert about the incre...
2022-02-0425 minPublic Health Out LoudHealthcare Policy and ReformUnderstanding the American healthcare system can be complicated. This week on Public Health Out Loud, we’re joined by guest experts Dr. Robert Hackey and Dr. Todd Olszewski, two healthcare policy experts from Providence College. Co-hosts Dr. Philip Chan and Dr. Jim McDonald ask them about the good, the bad, and the ugly of national and state-level healthcare policies. What do our guest experts think works well about the American healthcare system? What do they think works less well? Download this week’s episode to find out.
2022-01-2835 minPublic Health Out LoudNatural Immunity vs. COVID-19 Vaccine. Which is better?On this week’s episode of the Public Health Out Loud podcast, co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan are talking about natural immunity. What level of immunity does someone have after getting infected with COVID-19? Are they at risk for getting infected again? Our co-hosts are joined by Dr. Joseph Hogan and PhD candidate Nick Lewis from the Brown University Biostatistics Department. Our guest experts discuss their research findings on how many people in Rhode Island have gotten infected with COVID-19 and then got infected again. They also talk about how COVID-19 vaccines have protected pat...
2022-01-1434 minPublic Health Out LoudGut Check: Get the Facts on IBDThere are about 1.6 million people in the United States right now living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cases range from mild to severe, and can impact people of all ages. In this week’s podcast, co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan are talking about all things related to IBD and gut health. This week’s guest expert is Rhode Island native Dr. Jason Shapiro. He’s a pediatric gastroenterologist and director of the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Hasbro Children's Hospital, and an associate professor of pediatrics and medicine; and clinician educator at The...
2022-01-0729 minPublic Health Out LoudIs Omicron Ominous?Dr. Ewa King, director of Rhode Island’s State Health Laboratories, returns in this week’s episode to talk about COVID-19 variants. In Rhode Island, the State Health Labs coordinate the SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance program in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and clinical and academic laboratories. This means the State Health Labs are sequencing and analyzing a representative selection of samples of the virus circulating in the state to identify differences between these samples and the genetic material of the original virus. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask Dr...
2021-12-3125 minPublic Health Out LoudPublic Health Resolutions for 2022In this week’s episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan and Dr. Jim McDonald recap public health highpoints from 2021 and share their hopes for the new year. They also talk about what you can do to protect your household from COVID-19 this holiday season, and throughout the upcoming winter months. To learn more, download this week’s episode of Public Health Out Loud, and visit covid.ri.gov/prevention.
2021-12-2114 minPublic Health Out LoudOn the Hunt for a Malaria VaccineOur guest expert this week is Dr. Jonathan Kurtis, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the Brown University School of Public Health. Dr. Kurtis studies various neglected tropical diseases, including malaria, and is working to identify and define possible vaccines for them. Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask Dr. Kurtis about his research findings, the history of neglected tropical diseases, and why malaria case rates continue to increase. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest malaria report, there were an estimated 627,000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2020, which is a 12 perc...
2021-12-1726 minPublic Health Out LoudRI State Senator Talks Health Equity and Harm Reduction CentersThis week’s guest is Rhode Island State Senator Joshua Miller, who represents State Senate District 28. He is Chair of the State Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and is actively involved in the Governor's Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force. In this episode, Senator Miller talks about what local representatives are doing to address two major public health concerns: the COVID-19 pandemic and the drug overdose epidemic. Co-hosts, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan, talk with Senator Miller about issues that made the impact of COVID-19 in some communities much worse—like lack o...
2021-12-1030 minPublic Health Out LoudDr. Megan Ranney on the Pandemic’s Evolution and “Long COVID”This week on Public Health Out Loud, we’re joined by guest expert Dr. Megan Ranney, an emergency physician at Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. She is also the Associate Dean of Strategy and Innovation for the School of Public Health, founding Director of the Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health, and co-founder and Senior Strategic Advisor to the American Foundation for Firearm Injury Reduction in Medicine at the Aspen Institute. Her full biography is available on this web page. In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask Dr. Ranney about her experience wor...
2021-12-0326 minPublic Health Out LoudTips for a Healthy Holiday SeasonCo-hosts Dr. Philip Chan and Dr. Jim McDonald celebrate the start of the holiday season in this minisode by sharing what they’re grateful for. They also talk about what you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy this holiday season. This holiday season, make sure to remember the three Vs: Vaccinate, Ventilate, and Visit Safety. To learn more, download this week’s episode and visit covid.ri.gov/prevention.
2021-11-2609 minPublic Health Out LoudForever Chemicals: What You Need to Know About PFAS This week on Public Health Out Loud, co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan talk about the health effects of PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of chemicals that have been used since the 1940s to make products water-, grease-, and stain-resistant. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS can be found in the blood of people and animals all over the world. And scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects, like increased cholesterol levels or developmental and growth delays in children. Our...
2021-11-1928 minPublic Health Out LoudCOVID-19 Vaccine for 5-11: "Another Piece of Armor"Join Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan as they celebrate the authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. They’re joined by guest expert Dr. Sabina Holland, a pediatrician who specializes in infectious diseases. According to Dr. Holland, pediatricians have many reasons to be excited about expanded vaccine eligibility. “COVID-19 does impact children and they are being hospitalized,” she said. “This vaccine is another piece of armor that can help us end this pandemic and protect our communities.” Children ages 5-11 will receive a smaller dose that is only one-third the size of the...
2021-11-1219 minPublic Health Out LoudFlu Forecast: 2021In New England, the flu season typically runs from October to May. Last winter, the number of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths was historically low. Community mitigation measures; like physical distancing, frequent hand washing and sanitizing, indoor mask wearing, and staying home while sick; weren’t just keeping people safe from COVID-19. They were preventing the spread of other viruses like influenza, too. But as people return to work, school, and social gatherings, will we see a particularly harsh flu season this winter? Our guest expert this week is Dr. Leonard Mermel, an infectious diseases specialist and medical dir...
2021-11-0528 minPublic Health Out LoudAn Alphabet Soup of Viruses: RSV, Flu, and COVID-19While influenza and respiratory viruses can spread year round, cases occur most frequently between fall and spring. This week, Dr. James McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan are talking about respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and how it compares to flu and COVID-19. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms similar to those of a cold. Most people recover in a week or two. But RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RSV leads to approximately 58,000 hospitalizations on average each year in t...
2021-10-2223 minPublic Health Out LoudHow the Federal Government Responded to COVID-19Hear from a Rhode Island congressman about how the federal government is responding to COVID-19. The pandemic moved quickly and impacted every part of people’s lives. How did the State’s congressional delegation balance the importance of thorough public health measures and the need to maintain a healthy economy? How quickly did federal support get to states, municipalities, and individuals? Our guest this week is Congressman David Cicilline. Congressman Cicilline is in his sixth term representing the first congressional district of Rhode Island in the US House of Representatives. He chairs the House Antitrust Subcommittee and the C...
2021-10-1527 minPublic Health Out LoudLet’s Talk About Sex Part 1: Why Conversations With Kids Should Go Beyond the Birds and the BeesTalking to the young people in our lives about sex can be awkward and uncomfortable. But it doesn’t need to be. This week on Public Health Out Loud, co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan are talking about how parents and pediatricians can have age-appropriate conversations to raise sexually healthy children. Our guest expert this week is Dr. Colby Zongol, a sexologist who specializes in sexual health and communication. According to Dr. Zongol, having honest conversations with adolescents about sex, sexuality, and relationships demystifies and destigmatizes a very natural part of our lives. It a...
2021-09-1726 minPublic Health Out LoudShould Adolescents Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? Yes.As adolescents return to school and all the activities they love, it’s important to keep them safe from COVID-19 and variants of concern. Getting people age 12 and older vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect them from COVID-19. This week, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan are talking about COVID-19 vaccination among adolescents. Our guest expert is Dr. Penelope Dennehy, director of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and a professor of pediatrics at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Adolescents 12 or older are eligible for th...
2021-09-1030 minPublic Health Out LoudWhat COVID-19 Taught Us About Health EquityHow many people do you live with? What does your work environment look like? How close to your home is the nearest clinic? These questions may seem mundane. But the answers can provide insight into why COVID-19 is impacting certain communities across the country at a higher rate than others. In this week’s episode, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan take a hard look at the social and economic conditions that allowed COVID-19 to spread so rapidly in densely-populated communities. Our guest expert is Julian Drix, co-lead for the Health Equity Institute at the Rhode Isl...
2021-08-2731 minPublic Health Out LoudChildren's Health Part 1: Pediatrics in the Time of COVID-19What better time to talk about children’s health than back to school season? For children, families, and educators across the country, COVID-19 will be remembered, in part, as the time of remote learning. But little is known about the possible long-term impacts remote learning may have had on children’s health. This week, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan are joined by two pediatric experts, Dr. David Bourassa from Thundermist Health Center and Dr. Peter Pogacar from East Greenwich Pediatrics. The doctors discuss the themes of what they did (and what they didn’t) see in thei...
2021-08-2028 minPublic Health Out LoudChildren's Health Part 2: Back to School SpecialRhode Island is getting ready to return to 100% in-person learning this fall. How can families, schools, and pediatricians prepare? In part two of this week’s discussion on children’s health, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan talk about preventative measures that can help keep students learning in person safely. Our co-hosts are joined again by guest experts Dr. David Bourassa from Thundermist Health Center and Dr. Peter Pogacar from East Greenwich Pediatrics. Vaccination and masking indoors is especially important for everyone 12 years of age and older who are in school communities. For children younge...
2021-08-1922 minPublic Health Out LoudA Conversation with Tom Coderre from SAMHSAThe overdose and addiction epidemic is a national and local public health crisis. Rhode Island saw a 25% increase in drug overdose deaths last year, with 384 lives lost. The increase in fatal overdoses first occurred in December 2019 and accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.This week, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan talk with our guest expert about how the stressors and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic might be factors in this increase. Our co-hosts are joined by Tom Coderre, the acting deputy assistant secretary for mental health and substance use at the Substance Abuse and M...
2021-08-1329 minPublic Health Out LoudDr. Rodriguez Part 2: Why RI's smallest town had such high COVID-19 case ratesIn the second and final part of our episode with Dr. Pablo Rodriguez, the doctors talk about COVID-19 and why it spreads so quickly in densely populated communities.“We immediately knew that the pandemic was caused by close contact, and people who live in high-density communities or work in meat packing plants or fish packing plants would be at risk,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “It’s the living conditions, not individual behaviors, that put people at higher risk.” With our co-hosts Dr. Philip Chan and Dr. Jim McDonald, Dr. Rodriguez discusses one of Rhode Island’s towns that wa...
2021-08-0623 minPublic Health Out LoudDr. Rodriguez Part 1: Spotting “Fake Science” on Social MediaCo-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan are back for season 2 of Public Health Out Loud! In this two-part season opener, our co-hosts are joined by Dr. Pablo Rodriguez, a longtime physician, former medical director of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island, and an advocate for public health in the local and national Hispanic community. He’s also a longtime radio show host who describes himself as a “relentless surveyor of the truth” on social media. In this part-one episode, Dr. Rodriguez talks about his experience as a medical professional and public health spokesperson battling misinfor...
2021-07-3021 minPublic Health Out LoudReflections on COVID-19It’s the season one finale, and our co-hosts are feeling nostalgic. Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan reflect on Rhode Island’s journey through COVID-19. They share personal stories about how they adapted to remote work, supply shortages, and swirling misinformation. The doctors also talk about the uphill battle that Rhode Island’s healthcare workers and agencies faced at the onset of the pandemic. “We were fighting with two hands tied behind our back. No one had masks and no one had testing, either,” Dr. Chan said. As the pandemic evolved, thousands of masks were d...
2021-07-0936 minPublic Health Out LoudShould the COVID-19 Vaccine be Required? And Other Ethical QuestionsThe COVID-19 vaccine is safe and highly effective. But to some, the arrival of the vaccine raises questions. In this week’s episode, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan explore how healthcare professionals should approach patients who may be taking the “wait and see” approach when it comes to getting vaccinated. The doctors also take a hard look at ethical questions surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Should colleges and hospitals require vaccination? Should America be doing more to address vaccine supply shortages in other parts of the world? Guest expert, Dr. Tom Bledsoe, a general internis...
2021-06-2531 minPublic Health Out LoudNotes from a Peer Recovery SpecialistLiving with a substance use condition can feel isolating. But it doesn’t have to feel that way. Peer recovery support specialists are working to break through that isolation by tapping into something no medical training can provide: lived experience with addiction and recovery. In this week’s episode, we hear from Ines Garcia, a peer recovery support specialist at the East Bay Recovery Center. Garcia talks about the strategies she uses to help people who are living with substance use conditions find a path to recovery. And for Garcia, like many peer recovery specialists, this work is pe...
2021-06-1829 minPublic Health Out LoudBehind the Scenes at the State Health LabIn Rhode Island, there is just one laboratory that conducts all public health, environmental, and forensic crime testing for the State. It all happens in one inconspicuous building near Downtown Providence. In this week’s episode, we hear from the director of the State Health Laboratories, Dr. Ewa King. Dr. King takes us behind the scenes to find out what exactly the State health lab does, and the role her team played during COVID-19. Hear what it was like to find the first positive case of COVID-19 in Rhode Island, and learn about the risks and safety mea...
2021-06-1127 minPublic Health Out LoudHow to Prevent an OverdoseSubstance use and overdoses are an epidemic in this country, and Rhode Island is not immune. But efforts to combat substance use are often highly misunderstood. This week’s episode sheds light on some of those efforts, commonly referred to as harm reduction and overdose prevention strategies. Our guest expert is Dr. Brandon Marshall, a professor of epidemiology from Brown University’s School of Public Health who’s research covers substance use, infectious diseases, and the social determinants of health of urban populations. Dr. Marshall leads the development team at the Brown University School of Public Health for Prev...
2021-06-0430 minPublic Health Out LoudFood Insecurity and the Sugary Drink TaxIn this week’s episode, Dr. Philip Chan and Dr. Jim McDonald are joined by Dr. Amy Nunn, the executive director of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute. Dr. Nunn talks about food insecurity and the obstacles low-income people face when it comes to nutritional diet. Dr. Nunn also discusses a pair of recently introduced bills that would place a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks sold in Rhode Island. The tax revenue would support healthy eating incentives for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Download or stream this week’s episode to learn which d...
2021-05-2825 minPublic Health Out LoudCOVID-19 Variants, ExplainedCOVID-19 variants. What are they and how do they spread? Learn about it from this week’s guest Dr. Rami Kantor, a professor of medicine at the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brown University. Viruses change all the time—this is normal and expected. But variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have had a profound impact around the world and right here in Rhode Island. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is keeping track of these variants and posts updates to a web page about COVID-19 variants. In this episode, Dr. Kantor...
2021-05-1427 minPublic Health Out LoudThe Twindemic: Substance Use During COVID-19Let’s talk about another epidemic: the overdose crisis.With social isolation at an all-time high, overdose rates have been on the rise during COVID-19. It’s being called the “twindemic,” and public health leaders are advocating for more prevention measures, education, and resources to address it. In this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, an addiction psychiatrist and the former chief medical officer at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Along with our co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan, Dr. Katz talks about the connection between mental healt...
2021-05-0732 minPublic Health Out LoudThe Data We’ve Been Waiting for on Vaccine Safety and Pregnancy“Vaccines should not be withheld from women,” says Dr. Erica Hardy, an infectious disease physician at Women & Infants Hospital. She joins healthcare leaders across the country who are raising awareness about COVID-19 vaccine safety and pregnancy. New self-reported data gathered from the vaccine rollout suggests there is no additional risk for pregnant women who take a COVID-19 vaccine. The latest information from the CDC helps address several sources of misinformation that concerned pregnant women — a group that is usually susceptible to more severe respiratory illnesses. In this week’s episode, Dr. Hardy discusses COVID-19 outcomes among preg...
2021-04-3024 minPublic Health Out LoudNew Baby? Share A Room, Not a BedAny parent can tell you that welcoming a new baby to the family is a magical moment. Amidst the avalanche of information that new parents are offered, safe sleep is one important aspect that should never be overlooked.Every year, there are 3,500 sleep-related deaths among babies in the United States. Many of these tragic and heartbreaking events could have been prevented through safe sleep strategies.In this episode, Margo Katz of the Rhode Island Department of Health shares the ABCs of safe baby sleep and the potential health risks posed by everyday items. Is your...
2021-04-2322 minPublic Health Out LoudThe Hidden Dangers of VapingIt is estimated that roughly 40 percent of Americans in the mid-1960s smoked cigarettes. Tobacco use saw a steep decline in popularity when the U.S. surgeon general issued a report that famously concluded that smoking was a probable cause for lung cancer.Today, most people understand that smoking is harmful to their health. Over the last decade, however, vaping has emerged as an alternative nicotine product that could pose significant health risks for younger people — especially in the era of COVID-19.In this episode, Daniel Fitzgerald of the American Lung Association shares the compelling re...
2021-04-1624 minPublic Health Out LoudThe Air That I Breathe: Ventilation As a Line of DefenseIn the early 20th century, Americans were facing another public health crisis that challenged medical staff and engineers like never before. City leaders and public health officials of that time likely asked themselves something eerily familiar, “How can we prevent the spread of infectious disease?” While today’s public health crisis is different, one of the strategies applied in 1918 has made a comeback. We’re talking about indoor ventilation. In today’s episode, Jeremy McDonald of Guth DeConzo and Dr. Michael Byrns of the Rhode Island Department of Health weigh-in on easy and practical solutions to improve a...
2021-03-1928 minPublic Health Out LoudMaking Sense of Convalescent PlasmaScientists across the world sprang into action when it was evident we had a pandemic on our hands. In the race to help prevent hospitalizations and deaths, researchers turned to convalescent plasma as a treatment candidate against COVID-19.While doctors and medical professionals have since turned to other treatments and strategies to curb the spread of COVID-19, many were left wondering, “what happened with convalescent plasma?”In today’s episode, Dr. Shmuel Shoham of Johns Hopkins University joins our hosts to discuss just that. Dr. Shoham is an infectious disease specialist who primarily worked with transp...
2021-03-1221 minPublic Health Out LoudUnited We Stand, Divided We FellThe United States of America may be recognized as the ‘home of the brave and land of the free,’ but now that reputation could be coming back to bite the nation. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan discuss the factors that may have contributed to the country’s COVID-19 response. Currently, about 1 in 5 deaths from COVID-19 are attributable to the United States. These statistics are further compounded when the country’s population only accounts for a fraction of the global population. Now, many are asking themselves, 'what happ...
2021-03-0828 minPublic Health Out LoudFaith Leader Offers Lessons Learned from COVID-19While all eyes are on the vaccination efforts in the United States, one religious leader from Rhode Island reflects on the things he hopes people will cherish once the pandemic has run its course. OceanPointe Christian Church, a non-denominational Christian church in Middletown, Rhode Island, has had to adapt like any other organization to serve its members and meet its mission. Jeff Stalnaker, the church’s lead minister, opens up about the challenges COVID-19 presented to its members and the looming concerns his community has post-COVID.Stalnaker also details some of the strategies the...
2021-03-0435 minPublic Health Out LoudWhat Happened to the Flu: Did it Fly AwayWhat happened to the flu? Researchers and public health officials have seen an intriguing decline in influenza cases across the United States and most of the world. After countless awareness campaigns, it seems like the ongoing pandemic may have played a role in helping squash this wintery nuisance — at least for this season.In this Public Health Out Loud episode, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan highlight the factors that could be contributing to the decline of flu cases. They also take a step back and reflect on the rise of the first modern pan...
2021-02-1924 minPublic Health Out LoudCOVID-19 in a Correctional FacilityIt was evident early on in the pandemic that incarcerated individuals were at an increased risk for COVID-19. Many prisons, including facilities in Rhode Island, were simply not designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. Based on the data available, Rhode Island joined other states in providing lifesaving medicine to this marginalized population. It wasn’t a popular decision, but it is one that the Rhode Island Department of Health continues to support. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Justin Berk outlines the driving reasons for the decision and how...
2021-02-1219 minPublic Health Out LoudAdministering Vaccines: Who Gets to Go FirstRhode Island recently reached an important milestone in its vaccine rollout. At the start of February, the state counted over 100,000 vaccines administered to Rhode Islanders. Reaching this point has not been easy. State and public health leaders have poured countless hours and weekends working with community stakeholders to develop a vaccine program that is fair and equitable. During a January press conference, Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott reiterated the immense logistical challenge of coordinating vaccinations for one of the most densely populated states when there continues to be a limited supply of vaccines. Eventually, the...
2021-02-0523 minPublic Health Out LoudCOVID-19 Variants and VaccinesThere are many questions swirling around the B-117 variant of COVID-19—also dubbed the UK variant—that has appeared in more than 30 countries including the United States. As of right now, Rhode Island has not identified a single case of the new variant on Wednesday, January 27. While it may come as a welcome update, public health officials in the state warn it is only a matter of time before it is detected. To understand this medical perspective, it is important to know that this strain was first detected late in 2020 and it quickly became the domina...
2021-01-2721 minPublic Health Out LoudSeeking Safe Harbor During COVID-19: Homelessness in Rhode IslandImagine—for a second—being one missed payment away from experiencing homelessness. While that very thought can be unsettling, it is a reality for many Rhode Islanders who now also need to think about staying safe during an ongoing pandemic. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Rahul Vanjani discusses what the state has done to support this at-risk population and his involvement in helping these individuals get the resources they need. An assistant professor of medicine at Brown University, Dr. Vanjani is a co-author of “An Isolation Hotel for People Experiencing Homelessness.” The paper...
2021-01-2237 minPublic Health Out LoudHow Safe Are Vaccines: Wading Through the COVID-19 Vaccine MythsOver the last 100 years, vaccines have become an important tool for helping prevent the spread of disease. Smallpox and polio claimed countless lives in the 1900s and were just a few of the diseases that devastated American households prior to the development of effective vaccines. Today, the World Health Organization estimates that 2-3 million lives are saved every year. That means that more kids get to grow old, more parents are able to see their children graduate college and become independent, and grandparents are able to enjoy retirement for longer than any previous generation. With co...
2021-01-1533 minPublic Health Out LoudMy Cancer Story: Personal Narratives of ResilienceIt is estimated that roughly 1.8 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. While there are several treatments for cancer available today, outcomes will vary because of family history, early screening, and the type of cancer detected. This Public Health Out Loud episode will focus on something that’s not always talked about from a medical perspective: the personal stories of survivors. Gail McDonald’s story begins at a retail store when her family noticed her sudden weight loss, eventually leading her to see her doctor. Listen to her recall those memori...
2021-01-0832 minPublic Health Out LoudWelcome to Pandemic University: Starting College During a PandemicCollege enrollment projections for Fall 2020 were expected to be around 19.7 million students nationally. Most of the students arriving on college campuses this year, however, would find a very different campus. In many cases, a campus that was shaped to help prevent COVID-19 outbreaks. As administrators worked around the clock to start the academic year safely — alongside health officials in their respective states — faculty were tasked with nurturing intellectual curiosity in novel ways. Through distance learning, outdoor classes, bubbles, and virtual events, students have experienced college life like no generation before them. In this week’s episode...
2020-12-2522 minPublic Health Out LoudLong COVID: How Long is LongTesting positive for COVID-19 is a scary thought for most Americans. From the barrage of information on what to do next to the act of isolating in a separate room, the pandemic has changed the way people live that would have been inconceivable just a year before. While there are effective vaccines available, there are still many questions lingering about COVID-19 that has puzzled the medical community. One area under the microscope is people who are experiencing ‘Long COVID’ or ‘COVID Long Haulers.’ These are the individuals who continue to experience COVID-19 symptoms — sometimes debilitating — for weeks to m...
2020-12-1824 minPublic Health Out LoudA Musician’s Perspective: The Pandemic is Not Music to My EarsFrom Rhode Island to California, the reverberations of the pandemic has forced musicians and artists to consider other career opportunities or adapt to the new reality we find ourselves in today. Some have found success through the popularity of social media apps like TikTok — jumpstarting a wave of content creators in the race to get more followers. A task that’s easier said than done.In this episode, podcast hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan have a candid conversation with Casey Cook and Marc Trachtenberg on what’s it like to be a musician...
2020-12-1126 minPublic Health Out LoudA First for the Nation: Hospital Helps Moms-To-Be Cope with Stresses of Ongoing PandemicThere is no denying that moms have it tough. If the pain of bearing a child isn’t enough, moms may also have to address a whirlwind of neurological and psychological changes that can impact their overall well-being. In this episode, Dr. Jessica Pineda of Women’s Behavioral Health at Women & Infants Hospital joins our podcast hosts to spotlight a program that has helped improve the lives of women across Rhode Island.As the medical director of the Women’s Day Program — a partial hospitalization program that’s become an increasingly important anchor for women during the...
2020-12-0426 minPublic Health Out LoudCurious About a COVID-19 CURE?Rhode Island is one of four states selected to pilot the distribution of Pfizer’s vaccine candidate to treat COVID-19. While the development is welcome news for many, there is still a sense of restlessness to find a cure that could help end the ongoing pandemic. Since March, a few treatments intended to reduce deaths associated with SARS-CoV2 made headlines around the world. Overnight, remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and corticosteroids drew attention for their potential to help save COVID-19 patients who were experiencing more severe symptoms. In this episode, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan go into...
2020-11-2725 minPublic Health Out LoudTo Test or Not to Test – That Is One of the Many QuestionsAs countries around the world contend with a second wave of COVID-19 infections, people have grown increasingly curious about one of the key cornerstones of pandemic responses. Luckily, Rhode Island has been a national leader in incorporating testing across the board.In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. James McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan discuss the different types of tests available as more people find themselves anxiously waiting for their results.Tune in to hear the public health duo take a hard look at the strengths and drawbacks of tools like antigen and P...
2020-11-2029 minPublic Health Out LoudCOVID-19 and Vaccination Consternations: Science Fiction Didn’t Get it Right Vaccines seem to be top of mind several months into an evolving pandemic that has disrupted nearly every facet of everyday life. Few, if any, contagious diseases in recent memory have managed to shutdown concert venues, business sectors, sporting events, and religious and seasonal gatherings like SARS-CoV-2. As the world holds its breath for an effective vaccine against COVID-19, researchers are finding that more people are expressing concern over the safety of a potential vaccine so soon.Historically, vaccines remain in development for much longer than any of the COVID-19 offerings currently on the table. So...
2020-11-1330 minPublic Health Out LoudA Very Different America: Did We Meet the Demands of COVID-19?Despite countless recommendations on the use of face masks, the scientific community ran into an unexpected hurdle that might have been inconceivable just a few years ago. Specifically, how the use of face masks became a political issue. Across the United States, Americans will find inconsistencies in the adherence of safety precautions. Fortunately, in the Ocean State, most residents are following the recommendations put forth by the state and that has led to a change in everyday life. Today, nearly everyone can mention a time when they were out the door only to realize they fo...
2020-11-1131 minPublic Health Out LoudEpidemics, Pandemics, Syndemics: What Does This Mean Anyway?Everyone has heard the word ‘pandemic’ by now. Whether you’re waiting in traffic or checking out the safety posters at your favorite restaurant, you’re probably going to hear or see ‘pandemic’ mentioned again.Not all contagious viruses and diseases are called pandemics though. In the case of COVID-19, the World Health Organization didn’t raise the alarm bells until March – about three full months after the first reported case appeared in Wuhan, China. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. James McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan of the Rhode Island Department of Health breakdo...
2020-11-1131 min