According to the CDC, there have been 12 measles outbreaks in the first six months of 2024, compared to 4 outbreaks in 2023. The number of children not receiving the measles vaccine has increased. These disturbing trends impact not only unvaccinated children but also people who are unable to get the vaccine and individuals with compromised immune systems. In this discussion, Dr. Megan Edwards, the Health Officer of the Knox County Health Department and a local Pediatrician, discusses concerns about measles and what can be done.

On HealthConnections, Dr. Carole Myers, a professor emeritus in the UT College of Nursing, talks with Dr. Eboni Winford, with Cherokee Health Systems, about the mental health crisis in the US and how the healthcare system can better support those going through a crisis.

Unpaid caregivers are often family members and friends who provide long term, community-based care to older adults and people with chronic health conditions and disabilities. On this week’s episode of HealthConnection, Dr. Carole Myers, a professor emeritus in the University of Tennessee College of Nursing, speaks with Edward Harper, a licensed clinical social worker and the former coordinator of senior services at Blount Memorial Hospital, on providing support for caregivers.

PFAS , sometimes called forever chemicals, are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are used in various products. On this week’s HealthConnections, Dr. Carole Myers, a professor emeritus in the University of Tennessee College of Nursing, talks with Dr. Nikki Labbe, a biomass chemistry professor and assistant director of the University of Tennessee Center for Renewable Carbon.

In this episode of HealthConnections, Dr. Carole Myers is joined by Dr. Teri Lyon, who discusses the personal and employer challenges associated with mental health problems in the workplace and what can be done to address the challenges.

Rural life can provide benefits and drawbacks for Tennesseans. On this week’s episode of HealthConnection, Dr. Carole Myers, a professor emeritus in the University of Tennessee College of Nursing, talks with Dr. Tracey Stansberry, a UT College Of Nursing faculty member and a Tennessee Healthcare Campaign board member, about health disparities between rural and urban Tennesseans.

East Tennessee and Middle Tennessee received the most funding from the Opioid Abatement Council. West Tennessee received fewest grant awards. The settlement money is intended to help alleviate the opioid crisis.

On HealthConnections, Dr. Carole Myers, a professor emeritus in the University of Tennessee College of Nursing, discusses the benefits and drawbacks that surround foods and diets with Dr. Rocio Huet and Jenna Waters, a registered dietitian from the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Addiction is a highly stigmatized disease. Stigma has troubling and sometimes lethal implications. On this episode of HealthConnections, Dr. Carole Myers, a professor emeritus in the University of Tennessee College of Nursing, is joined by Karen Pershing, the immediate past Knoxville Metro Drug Coalition Executive Director. She recently transitioned to serving as the Development Director for the MDC.

Yes, it is 2024 and we are still reviewing lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. An intriguing finding is that connecting with nature enabled people to cope with pandemic stress. Dr. Carole Myers talks with Dr. Derrick Stowell, who directs horticultural therapy programs for the UT-Knoxville Gardens. Horticultural therapy is one way to connect with nature.