Public Health Out Loud

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Public Health Out Loud is a podcast that delves into the broader public health concerns and issues facing everyday Rhode Islanders. From discussions about safeguarding against future pandemics to actionable plans for families to help keep their loved ones safe from preventable diseases, Public Health Out Loud is striving to be a no nonsense resource for listeners that only want to hear the truth. With all that’s going on in the world at every hour of the day, podcast hosts Dr. James McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan promise to deliver accurate, light-hearted, and informative public health updates that matter to you. This podcast is brought to you by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 152 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Public Health Out Loud

    Impacting Quality of Life with Palliative and Hospice Care

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 29:31


    Palliative and hospice care can both have a huge impact on one's quality of life  during serious illness. How do these types of care differ and when are they important? In this episode, Dr. Chan sits down with Diana Franchitto and Dr. Jennifer Ritzau of HopeHealth, a nonprofit palliative and hospice care organization in Rhode Island, to answer these questions and more. 

    Elder Care: The Importance of Planning Ahead at Any Age

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 23:13


    May is Older American's Month and a good time to think about our needs as we age and those of the older adults in our communities. In this episode, Deb Burton, a social gerontologist and executive director of RI Elder Info joins Dr. Chan to  highlight some important considerations that everyone should be thinking about. Her message is clear: regardless of age, planning in advance is key. 

    Cause for Concern or Typical Behavior? A New Resource Helps Guide Children's Behavioral Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 18:53


    Children often face a wide range of struggles like social challenges, difficulties at school, substance use, and so much more. As any parent or caregiver knows, helping a child can be overwhelming at times. Where can one turn for help?  In this episode, Ashley Gingerella O'Shea, director of strategic communications at Rhode Island's Executive Office of Health and Human Services joins Dr. Philip Chan to discuss a new and much-needed resource to help parents navigate children's behavioral health.  For parents and caregivers, please visit kids.ri.gov/behavioral-health for information to guide you in finding support, resources, and answers to many of your questions.

    Addressing Sexual Assault Where You May Least Expect It

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 25:00


    Sexual violence affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men nationally - and it can happen anywhere, usually by someone you know. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, RIDOH's Dr. Staci Fischer, medical director and chief administrative officer for the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline and Angela Kemp,  prevention coordinator for RIDOH's Violence and Injury Prevention Program join Dr. Philip Chan to talk about the types of sexual assault, what you need to know in general, and even how to handle it somewhere you may not expect - in the care of a healthcare professional. This episode of Public Health Out Loud covers topics related to sexual violence that some listeners may find difficult to listen to. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to the RI Victims of Crime Helpline for support and advocacy as needed at: 1-800-494-8100 or helplineri.com.

    The Science Behind Safe Infant Sleep

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 21:51


    March is National Sleep Awareness Month. Sleep is a precious commodity when there is a newborn in the home - but did you know that HOW an infant sleeps is very important to their safety? In this episode, RIDOH's Chief of the Safe Sleep Program, Margo Katz joins Dr. Philip Chan to talk about what parents and caregivers need to know to keep babies healthy during their slumber. 

    Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 17:51


    Alexandra Dowding and her family nearly died from a silent killer - carbon monoxide. The odorless, invisible gas made them very sick and forced them out of their West Warwick home. In this episode, Dowding joins Dr. Philip Chan, along with Jason Rhodes, RIDOH's Chief of the Center for Emergency Medical Services to talk about what you need to know and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning. 

    How to Keep Measles From Making a Comeback

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 20:45


    In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan talks about measles with Dr. Suzanne Bornschein, RIDOH's infectious disease state epidemiologist. From recent outbreaks to risk factors and symptoms, download and listen to find out the best and safest way to protect yourself. 

    Increase Return On Investment and Support Employees With Recovery-Friendly Workplaces

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 26:00


    Imagine if there was a way to help create supportive, stigma-free environments for people living with substance use and mental health conditions, especially in the workplace. The Rhode Island Recovery-Friendly Workplace Initiative aims to do just that. Jeffrey Wolfsberg, program director for the Recovery-Friendly Workplace Program at the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, & Hospitals (BHDDH) joins Dr. Philip Chan in this episode to talk about how the initiative not only supports the workforce but can also boost a business's bottom line. 

    Preventing HIV Like a Champ!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 23:25


    In this episode, Jonathan Lucero McKinney, a physician assistant at Care New England Medical Group's Internal Medicine Center in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and co-host of the Outloud YouTube channel, joins Dr. Philip Chan to discuss the Rhode Island Department of Health's PrEP Champions Network.  The network helps connect people with PrEP - a medication that can help prevent the spread of HIV. Download and listen to find out how anyone in the state can find a participating PrEP Champions Network clinic near them to access this medication, as well as trusted, stigma-free, sexual healthcare. 

    Is Something Dangerous Lurking in Your Home?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 15:07


    January is Radon Awareness Month - a time to call attention to the dangers of this silent killer. What is radon and how common is it?  How do you know if you have radon lurking in your home? In this episode, Alex Yelle, an Industrial Hygienist for RIDOH's Radon and Asbestos Control Programs joins Dr. Chan to answer these questions and talk about how you can protect yourself and your family. 

    A New You in the New Year with the Community Health Network

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 30:38


    It's a new year and many people are setting resolutions for better health. If you are looking to make time for weight loss, healthier eating, physical activity, and even prevention and management of chronic diseases like Diabetes – then you won't want to miss this episode. Download and listen as Erica Hanson, the Rhode Island Department of Health's Community Health Network manager and Ana Almeida-DoRosário, community outreach coordinator at the Brown University Health, Community Health Institute join Dr. Philip Chan to discuss the no and low-cost resources available to help with a new you, in the new year. 

    Setting the Record Straight on Fluoride

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 22:03


    RIDOH Oral Health Program Dental Director, Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum joins Dr. Philip Chan in this episode to talk about a subject that's gotten some recent media attention – fluoride. Why is it added to some public water systems and how does it benefit oral health? While there has been quite a lot of discussion following the release of a major study on fluoride in drinking water, Dr. Zwetchkenbaum shares what he knows on the subject and sets the record straight. 

    Same Old Tricks: Keeping Tobacco Industry Marketing on Rhode Island's Radar

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 22:05


    November 21st is the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, an annual event that encourages people to quit smoking or reduce their tobacco and nicotine use for at least 24 hours to live a healthier life and reduce their cancer risk. Ámbar Delgado, Manager of Advocacy at Tobacco Free RI Statewide Network, talks about why reducing tobacco and nicotine use should still be on our radar and highlights the resources available to all Rhode Islanders who want to quit. 

    The Rhode Island Rental Registry: Your Questions Answered

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 19:05


    Every landlord in Rhode Island is now required by law to register their residential rental properties in a new Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)-managed database, which was launched in September. RIDOH's Deputy Director, Seema Dixit joins us to answer your questions about the Rental Registry. Why does this registry exist and what is required? What happens if a property owner doesn't register? How can landlords obtain the required lead certificate? Download and listen to get answers to these questions and more. 

    Data Tells a Story: What We Know About Intimate Partner Violence and How it Affects Us All

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 22:05


    October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Often referred to as intimate partner violence, it affects roughly 48 percent  - nearly half- of all women and about 41 percent of all men at least once in their lifetime.  In this episode, Dr. Chan is joined by Dr. Cynthia Roberts, senior evaluator from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Dr. Samantha Rosenthal, a professor of health science at Johnson & Wales University and adjunct professor of epidemiology at Brown School of Public Health, for a conversation about how data are used to understand some of the causes of intimate partner violence, effective prevention strategies, and the importance of raising awareness.If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the 24-hour Rhode Island statewide helpline at 1-800-494-8100 or visit RICADV.org and click on the “Need Help” tab. Additional Resources: Pregnancy-Associated Violence in Rhode Island: The Data LandscapeRIDOH's Violence and Injury Prevention Program

    We All Play A Role in Preventing Suicide

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 25:29


    September is Suicide Prevention Month. It's an important time to remember lives lost and acknowledge the huge impact suicide has had on our communities. It's also a time to bring awareness to the suicide prevention efforts in Rhode Island. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Chan is joined by the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Area Director, Kerrie Constant and Board Chair, Keely Taylor. They share their own personal experiences and discuss how everyone can have a role in preventing suicide. Additional resources: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – If you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide; experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis; or are in emotional distress, you can call or text 988 or chat with 988 at 988lifeline.org. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7. Bradley Hospital's Kids' Link -. Kids' Link is a behavioral health triage service and referral network. The program is offered in collaboration with Gateway Healthcare, Lifespan, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Bradley Hospital. Kids' Link RI is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help triage children and youth in need of mental health services and refer them to treatment providers. 1-855-543-5465Parent Coach RI is a free 30-day text messaging service that provides parents/caregivers with helpful tips and information to support the youth in their lives through mental and behavioral challenges. tinyurl.com/3fekw78wPreventSuicideRI.org for additional state and national resources, training opportunities, and suicide data.  

    Raising Awareness of Sepsis: Know the Signs to Save a Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 31:15


    Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can follow an injury or infection and can affect anyone, regardless of age. There is treatment, but it's critical to act fast. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Chan is joined by Tara Cirella, a local mom who tragically lost her daughter, Gianna, to sepsis a few years ago and Dr. Lee Polikoff, a pediatric critical care specialist at Hasbro Children's Hospital.  He was one of the physicians in charge of Gianna's care and is an expert on sepsis. They'll talk about understanding the signs and symptoms of sepsis and the importance of asking questions and advocating for our loved ones if there is a chance they could be suffering from sepsis. It could save a life. This is an episode you won't want to miss. 

    It's Hurricane Season. Are you Prepared?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 16:11


    September is National Preparedness Month. It's also the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane season! In this episode, Dr. Chan talks with Andrea Creach, from RIDOH's Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, about how hurricanes and other weather events can impact our health, and what we can do to prepare and protect ourselves from the effects of these types of emergencies. 

    Celebrating the Roles of Community Health Workers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 22:24


    National Community Health Worker Awareness Week is August 26-30, 2024 but in truth, Community Health Workers, or CHWs, could easily be celebrated all year. That's because they serve as trusted community leaders, expert problem solvers, and culturally competent subject matter experts-- often bridging the gap between their community's needs and important health or social services. In this episode, Dr. Philip Chan sits down with certified CHWs Rachel Young of the Rhode Island Alliance for Community Health Worker Employers, and Kinzel Thomas, from Family Services-RI.  As we celebrate, commemorate, and  collaborate with CHWs for National CHW Awareness Week, there's no better time to discuss the CHW profession's impact, what unique skills CHWs bring to care teams, certification, and why their roles are so important in clinical or community settings.   For more information and support, we also recommend: Video for Employers: Rhode Island CHWs ~ Your Bridge to Better HealthRhode Island Alliance for CHW Employers: ripin.org/allianceforchwemployers/Family Services-RI: familyserviceri.org/Rhode Island Department of Health, CHW Program: health.ri.gov/chwsCommunity Health Worker Association of Rhode Island: chwari.org/Caring Careers-RI: caringcareers.ri.gov/National Association of Community Health Workers: nachw.org

    RIDOH's New Director Jerome Larkin Talks Priorities, Tick Prevention, and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 26:25


    In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan talks with Dr. Jerome Larkin, the new Rhode Island Department of Health Director about his background, what led him to accept this position, and a look ahead at his top priorities for the Department.  He also covers a topic that happens to be one of his specialties - ticks and the diseases they carry. 

    Family Visiting Supports: There for You When You Need Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 22:26


    In this episode of Public Health Out Loud we are talking about a program whose motto says it all: “We're here for you.” The Rhode Island Department of Health's Family Visiting Program has provided prenatal support and services for infants and toddlers to improve outcomes for many years. Download and listen in as Dr. Chan is joined by Sara Remington, the Family Visiting Program Manager and Roxanne Leite, Co-chair of the Rhode Island Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council and former Family Visiting Program graduate. Together, they detail all the program has to offer, attest to its success, and share information on who qualifies for these important visits and how to get started. 

    A Refugee's Dream - Help for Those Who are New to the U.S.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 23:21


    Dr. Omar Bah, a former journalist, fled his home in The Gambia when he became a wanted man for criticizing the country's then-dictator.  Inspired by his own experience, Bah founded the Refugee Dream Center in Providence to offer post-resettlement support to other refugees in the state. He joins Dr. Chan in this episode to talk about his motivation for starting this valuable resource, and much more. What are some of the biggest hurdles facing those seeking asylum?  What services are helpful in bridging the cultural gaps? Download and listen to find out. 

    The Latest on Avian Influenza From Two Local Experts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 23:28


    You've probably heard about avian influenza or bird flu in the news recently, as it has made the jump to other species, like dairy cows. What is the risk to the general public? Is it safe to drink milk? In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, local experts, Dr. Suzanne Bornschein, State Epidemiologist at the Rhode Island Department of Health, and Dr. Scott Marshall, State Veterinarian at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management fill us in on what we do know about the currently circulating strains and what we can do to reduce the risk of infection. 

    A Life-Long Researcher's Take on Dementia and Other Diseases of Aging

    Play Episode Play 37 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 27:02


    In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Philip Chan is joined by a guest with over 40 year's experience working to change the way we care for older adults and people with dementia. In honor of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, Brown University's, Dr. Vincent Mor talks about his research,  steps we can all take to improve our brain health, and more. For more information, check out The Rhode Island Department of Health's  Guide for People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers.

    What Does Healthy Aging Look Like?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 23:58


    May is Older American's Month, a time when we recognize the contributions of the older adults in our lives and revisit our commitments to serve them in our communities. But how can we best support them and ensure they are aging in a healthy way? In this episode, Dr. Chan is joined by Maria Cimini, Director of the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, to talk about how healthy aging differs for everyone and the importance of connecting our elders to the services they may need. 

    All About Physical Therapy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 22:15


    May 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. 

    National Mental Health Awareness Month: Exploring Conditions and When to Seek Treatment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 24:43


    In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Chan sits down with psychiatrist and professor, Dr. Paul Wallace, to talk  about mental health – from a few of the common types of mental health conditions, to when it may be best to seek treatment – and from whom. Download and give a listen. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #NMHAM

    Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Everyone Should Know, Especially First Responders

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 18:10


    April is not only World Autism Month but also Autism Acceptance Month. Here in Rhode Island, the Autism Project has provided quality support, training, and programming - for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD, since 1997. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Chan talks with the organization's Executive Director, Joanne Quinn about what everyone should know about individuals on the spectrum and their eye-opening campaign to help first responders, and others,  understand how best to help people with ASD during an emergency. 

    The Surprising Effects of Mindfulness on Blood Pressure

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 23:35


    There'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. 

    Celebrating Fifty Years of WIC

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 20:16


    WIC - 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. 

    What You Need to Know About Congenital Syphilis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 23:07


    The 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 Medicine, Obstetrics, and Gynecology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University to discuss the answers to these questions and more. 

    How One Rhode Island Organization is Helping to Put Children's Teeth First!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 19:24


    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. 

    What it Takes to be Prepared for a Public Health Emergency in RI

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 28:45


    In 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 emergencies.

    A Critical Need: The Life-Saving Importance of Blood Donation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 21:07


    A 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. 

    Overdose Prevention by the Numbers: How Improving Data Collection Helps Save Lives

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2024 23:01


    In 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.  

    A Deadly Drug Supply: What's Being Done to Keep RI Communities Safe?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 27:26


    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.  

    Past, Present, and Future - A Conversation About Public Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 29:19


    Dr. 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.

    Coming Up Short: Fewer Primary Care Physicians Impacts RI in a Big Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 23:41


    In 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. 

    Tornados, Flooding, and Heat Waves, Oh My! An Honest Talk About Climate Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 26:51


    As 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 climate change responsible for some of the unusual weather we've been seeing? How does it directly impact public health, and are there positive steps we can take to reduce those impacts here in the Ocean State? Download this episode for the answers to these questions and many more.  

    Preventing Domestic Violence by Addressing the Root Causes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 30:41


    In 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. 

    Promoting Equity in Oral Health is a True "Mission of Mercy"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 21:39


    In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Chan discusses the importance of oral health with local dentists, Dr. Sam Zwetchkenbaum and Dr. Jeff Dodge and their role in the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy. This two-day, annual event, has provided thousands of Rhode Islanders, who may not have regular access, with free dental care. Download and listen in as the conversation also explores the need for more oral health professionals in Rhode Island,  and how young people interested in going into the profession have the opportunity to help eliminate dental health inequities and, in Dr. Dodge's words, "make the world a better place." 

    A Must-See Documentary About Those Hiding In Plain Sight

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2023 36:12


    Seventy 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, and where you can check out this remarkable, four-hour documentary.

    What College Students and Their Supporters Need to Know About Preventing Sexual Assault

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 30:58


    In 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 make college campuses safer for students? How can we normalize conversations around consent?  Download this episode of Public Health Out Loud to hear what some local experts have to say. 

    A Look at Community Acupuncture - The Science, Accessibility, and Potential Benefits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 22:49


    In 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.  

    Talking About Ticks: Understanding and Preventing the Diseases Ticks Carry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 27:12


    After 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.  

    Staying Safe Under the Sun - Expert Skin Cancer Prevention Tips for Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 23:08


    One 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. 

    Providence Mayor Brett Smiley Talks Health Priorities for the Capitol City

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 26:28


    Have 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. 

    Medicaid: How Insurance is Changing Post-Pandemic and Will It Impact You?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 29:35


    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 renewal process and how many people will be affected? Download this week's episode to find out.  

    Today's Mental Health Crisis: Impacts and Advice from a Local Expert

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 27:12


    The 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 episode to find out.

    Lessons in Environmental Health and Crisis Communications from the Ohio Train Derailment

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 30:01


    It's been a couple months since the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, but many people still have questions about its environmental and health impacts. What do we know about the chemicals that were being transported on that train? What can we learn about crisis communications from this event? How concerned do we need to be about chemical exposure in general and how do we evaluate our risk? Download the latest episode of Public Health Out Loud to get answers from our local experts Dr. Mike Byrns, the principle environmental health risk assessment toxicologist at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH; Joseph Wendelken, the public information officer at RIDOH; and Mike Healey, the public information officer at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.  

    Food as Medicine: How Our Diet Impacts Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 25:56


    In 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.   

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