Population Healthy

The evolution of epidemiology: Reflections from Monto & Martin Sep 26, 2024

In this episode of the Population Healthy podcast, get a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of epidemiology. Join two of the University of Michigan's leading epidemiologists, Arnold Monto and Emily Martin, as they discuss groundbreaking moments in the history of infectious disease research, and highlight the challenges and triumphs that have shaped public health practices. Hear about historic breakthroughs, like the development of the polio vaccine, and gain insights into current challenges, such as emerging infectious diseases and combating misinformation, with these influential infectious disease experts.

Loneliness is a public health issue: Let’s tackle it together Sep 26, 2024

In 2023, the US Surgeon General issued a national health advisory on loneliness. According to the advisory, “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health.” In this episode, discover the surprising impacts of loneliness on our physical and cognitive health with Lindsay Kobayashi, an assistant professor of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She’ll delve into the roots and repercussions of long-term loneliness and examine how it can lead to serious health issues like memory decline and increased mortality risk — as well as the impacts on population health. We’ll also explore research-backed interventions and policy solutions that can help combat the loneliness epidemic.

Understanding stroke: 25-year study uncovers disparities & insights Sep 26, 2024

In this episode of Population Healthy, we dive into the groundbreaking research of the BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi) study, led by University of Michigan researchers Dr. Lewis Morgenstern and Dr. Lynda Lisabeth. Every 40 seconds, someone in the US experiences a stroke, a leading cause of long-term disability and death, particularly among older adults. Drs. Morgenstern and Lisabeth have dedicated nearly 25 years to understanding stroke, with a special focus on health disparities faced by Mexican Americans in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Join us as we explore how their collaborative and community-centered approach has illuminated key aspects of stroke epidemiology, the significant burden on Mexican Americans, and the critical role of health equity. Learn about the study's evolution, intriguing findings on stroke recurrence and mortality, and the project's innovative use of big data to enhance patient outcomes.
We'll also discuss their recent work on the link between stroke and sleep apnea, the logistical challenges of managing a long-distance research project, and the prestigious recognition they've received for their impactful contributions. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in public health, neurology, and health equity.

Hidden dangers: The cancer risks of environmental injustice Sep 26, 2024

Cancer disparities manifest as differences in cancer incidence, outcomes, or mortality across various demographic groups—whether by gender, age, location, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. For instance, Black women in the US face a significantly higher mortality rate from breast cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive and hard-to-treat subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer, than their white or Asian American counterparts. The underlying causes of these disparities are complex and multifaceted.
In this episode of Population Healthy, we explore the pressing question: Why are certain populations unequally impacted by chemical exposures, and how do these exposures contribute to cancer disparities? Our guest, Justin Colacino, Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, delves into the intersection of pollution, environmental exposures, and cancer disparities. Discover how everyday factors like air, water, food, and household products might influence chronic diseases, shedding light on the broader implications for public health.

The first 4 episodes of Population Healthy Season 7 drop on Sept. 26! Sep 23, 2024

Listen to a sneak peek of the new season of the Population Healthy podcast from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. This season, join our faculty experts as they unravel pressing public health issues and share breakthrough research related to loneliness, cancer, stroke, and infectious disease.

Population Healthy Season 6 trailer Mar 12, 2024

In Season 6 of the Population Healthy podcast from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, we look at the health benefits of living with purpose, unexpected sources of air pollution, weight stigma, declining childhood vaccination rates, cancer research, how math can be used to solve some of today's most pressing public health issues, and more!

Declining childhood vaccination: An interview with Michigan's top doctor Mar 05, 2024

In this episode of the Population Healthy podcast, Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan, joins Matthew L. Boulton, senior associate dean for Global Public Health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, in a thought-provoking conversation about childhood vaccination, the demands of the top doctor job, and more.
Together, they analyze the decline in routine childhood immunizations in Michigan following the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover more about the factors keeping some parents from vaccinating their children, and the ongoing efforts to ensure the health and well-being of Michigan's children and communities.
Dr. Bagdasarian, who has been in the top doctor role since 2021, sheds light on the importance of public health communication and shares some of the challenges and triumphs from her career in public health.

Health and dignity for Michigan farmworkers Feb 27, 2024

In this episode, two researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health outline some of the health and safety challenges faced by farmworkers in the state of Michigan.
Epidemiologists, Alexis Handal and Lisbeth Iglesias-Rios, describe findings from the Michigan Farmworker Project - their ongoing study on the precarious employment and labor exploitation of farmworkers. They share the struggles, exploitation, and health risks these workers endure, and underscore the vital need for data-driven solutions. The researchers discuss how documenting the experiences of this vulnerable population can lead to policy change and improved conditions in the agricultural sector.

Putting oncologists out of business Feb 20, 2024

In this episode of Population Healthy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Professor of Epidemiology Celeste Leigh Pearce digs into her team's extensive work on cancer research, focusing on ovarian, breast, and cervical cancers. Pearce outlines the possibilities of eradicating cervical and potentially other cancers through vaccination, screening and early detection. Her team puts a strong emphasis on disease prevention, aiming to lessen the occurrence of cancer cases. The ultimate goal is to put oncologists out of business — in other words, to leverage screening and other prevention tools that Pearce believes could ultimately eradicate certain cancers altogether.
Pearce also discussed MI-CARES, a new project that aims to gather insights on the effects of environmental exposure on cancer risk and other health outcomes for people across Michigan.

Ahead of the Curve: Bakari Sellers Feb 13, 2024

In this empowering episode of the 'Ahead of the Curve' Speaker Series by University of Michigan, Dean DuBois Bowman and renowned civil rights activist, author, and lawyer Bakari Sellers deep dive into Sellers’ impactful journey packed with resilience, ambition, and public service.
Sellers recalls his childhood memories growing up in South Carolina in an activism-rich family and his trailblazing entrance into politics as the youngest member of the South Carolina State Legislature at just 22. He expresses his unyielding commitment towards progressive policies that aim at addressing entrenched issues such as education, poverty, and domestic violence. Sellers shares the invaluable lessons he learned from his family's traumatic healthcare experiences including his wife's childbirth complications and his daughter's liver transplant, which in turn strengthened his resolve to eradicate healthcare disparity.
He emphasizes how leadership can bolster the fight against health inequity, and the need for politicians to leverage personal narratives over macro data to draw attention to important issues. He emphasizes mental health within the Black community, his bold stance on police violence, calling for significant policy and societal changes, and his unwavering dedication towards the battle against miseducation and anti-intellectualism.

Bhramar Mukherjee: A data-driven fairytale Feb 06, 2024

Bhramar Mukherjee, professor of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, explains how biostatistics helps make sense of big data for medical prevention and treatment and how she encourages her students to stay patient, optimistic, and attuned to their own inner voices in their pursuits. You don't need to be a math person to enjoy her journey.
Mukherjee shares her professional journey, from her math-centered upbringing in a family of liberal arts scholars to her roles at Purdue University and the University of Florida, eventually leading her to her academic home at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She discusses her involvement in launching an undergraduate summer program on big data and her work in modeling COVID-19's trajectory in India.

Weight stigma and redefining healthy Jan 30, 2024

In this episode we’re exploring the impact of weight-centric perspectives on public health. Kendrin Sonneville, an associate professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, is working against a status quo that focuses on weight as a primary indicator of health. She sheds light on the historical basis of weight bias and walks us through why some of our most relied upon measures, like the Body Mass Index (BMI), are not useful health indicators. Sonneville hopes deemphasizing weight in public health discussions can help combat poor health outcomes relating to weight stigma.
Drawing from her research and experience as a registered dietitian, Sonneville emphasizes the negative impact of weight stigma on mental health, especially among college students, and advocates for a shift towards a more inclusive perspective. She explains how a weight-inclusive framework can foster a more compassionate approach to public health.

The invisible impacts of air pollution Jan 23, 2024

Sara Adar, an environmental epidemiologist and associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, unpacks the universal concern of air pollution, offering insights into its daily impact on our lives. From the subtle effects of day-to-day air quality to the long-term consequences on health, Adar shares some of her own research to shed light on sources of air pollution beyond just the usual suspects. Listen to learn more about the air we breathe and its implications on our well-being.
Discover the surprising links between air pollution and various health outcomes, including asthma, heart disease, and even dementia. In this episode, Adar's explores the effects of pollution on vulnerable populations like children, and highlights the importance of rethinking pollution in the wake of climate change.

Vic Strecher: Living with purpose Jan 16, 2024

In this episode of Population Healthy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Vic Strecher, a professor renowned for his work in behavior change and digital health, discusses the concept of purpose. Drawing from personal loss and professional research, he found that a strong sense of purpose can lead to a longer life, with improved emotional wellbeing, and even changes in gene expression leading to physical improvements. His experiences led him to create the Purposeful App, which helps users explore and define their personal purpose.
Aligning with the principles of public health, which aims at benefiting society as a whole, Strecher’s research demonstrates that a strong sense of purpose can reduce the likelihood of developing diseases like Alzheimer's by 1.5-2 times. Strecher encourages people to discover and apply purpose in their everyday lives by assessing what's most important across their life domains, and suggesting practical approaches like family volunteering.

Season 6 of Population Healthy starts January 16! Jan 11, 2024

The new season of the Population Healthy podcast from the University of Michigan School of Public Health kicks off on Tuesday, January 16th. This season, we'll look at the health benefits of living with purpose, unexpected sources of air pollution, weight stigma, declining childhood vaccination rates, cancer research, how math can be used to solve some of today's most pressing public health issues, and more!
Tune in every Tuesday for a new exploration into public health in its many forms.

Alternatives to policing Mar 28, 2023

Police violence is an area of concern for many communities. Establishing public health-informed, alternative response programs—separate from law enforcement agencies—is one approach to reduce police violence and give communities a more diverse set of tools with which to respond to crises and support community health and wellbeing. Such programs have the potential to improve health outcomes, especially for communities that are disproportionately harmed by the police.
This episode of the Population Healthy podcast provides a rationale for developing and implementing alternative response programs to policing informed by public health principles of care, equity and prevention. We talked to two researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health Department of Health Behavior and Health Education to understand the research and data on alternative response programs.

BONUS! Ahead of the Curve featuring Larry Brilliant Mar 21, 2023

(For a transcript and past episodes of the Ahead of the Curve podcast, please visit:
https://sph.umich.edu/ahead-of-the-curve/)
Dr. Larry Brilliant is a physician and epidemiologist, CEO of Pandefense Advisory, senior counselor at the Skoll Foundation and a CNN Medical Analyst. Previously, he served on the board of the Skoll Foundation, was Chair of the Advisory Board of the NGO Ending Pandemics, the president and CEO of the Skoll Global Threats Fund, vice president of Google, and the founding executive director of Google.org. He co-founded the Seva Foundation, an NGO whose programs have given back sight to more than 5 million blind people in two dozen countries. In addition, he co-founded The Well, a progenitor of today's social media platforms.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Brilliant was an associate professor of epidemiology and international health planning at the University of Michigan. Dr. Brilliant lived in India for nearly a decade where he was a key member of the successful WHO Smallpox Eradication Programme for SE Asia as well as the WHO Polio Eradication Programme. He was the founding chairman of the National Biosurveillance Advisory Subcommittee (NBAS), which was created by presidential directive of President George W. Bush, he was a member of the World Economic Forum's Agenda Council on Catastrophic Risk, and a "First Responder" for CDC's bio-terrorism response effort. Recent awards include the TED Prize, Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People, "International Public Health Hero," and four honorary doctorates.
He has lectured at Oxford, Harvard, Berkeley and many other colleges, spoken at the Royal Society, the Pentagon, NIH, the United Nations, and some of the largest companies and nonprofits all over the world. He has written for Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, the Guardian, and other magazines and peer reviewed journals and was part of the Global Business Network where he learned scenario planning. Dr. Brilliant is the author of “Sometimes Brilliant,” a memoir about working to eradicate smallpox, and a guide to managing vaccination programs entitled “The Management of Smallpox Eradication.”

School safety Mar 14, 2023

School safety is top of mind for many, particularly after recent mass shootings have impacted schools, colleges, and universities across the United States. In this episode of the Population Healthy podcast, we'll speak with two University of Michigan School of Public Health researchers who are leading efforts to provide evidence-based solutions to promote school safety. We'll learn what encompasses school safety, who it involves, and how the National Center for School Safety—housed within Michigan Public Health—provides resources and information to school communities.
We'll also share a conversation with a Michigan prosecuting attorney who is leading an interdisciplinary task force aimed at mitigating firearm violence. The idea to convene the task force came in the aftermath of the school shooting in Oxford, Michigan and Uvalde, Texas.

Abortion access and reproductive justice - pt 2 Mar 07, 2023

2022 saw historic shake-ups in the policies around abortion access across the US. Although abortion has been a huge topic of discussion over the last year, debates about reproductive rights are not novel. Public health experts have long understood that abortion is ultimately a health topic and the health outcomes related to its access have significant consequences.
We’ve brought together public health experts to discuss the ways in which abortion impacts public health, who suffers most when abortion access becomes limited, and why it’s important for public health professionals to be loud in their advocacy around reproductive rights and justice. In part one of this two-part episode, we discuss the impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the public health consequences—as well as where things stand when policies around health vary across the country.

Abortion access and reproductive justice - pt 1 Mar 07, 2023

2022 saw historic shake-ups in the policies around abortion access across the US. Although abortion has been a huge topic of discussion over the last year, debates about reproductive rights are not novel. Public health experts have long understood that abortion is ultimately a health topic and the health outcomes related to its access have significant consequences.
We’ve brought together public health experts to discuss the ways in which abortion impacts public health, who suffers most when abortion access becomes limited, and why it’s important for public health professionals to be loud in their advocacy around reproductive rights and justice. In part one of this two-part episode, we discuss the impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the public health consequences—as well as where things stand when policies around health vary across the country.

Safeguarding the people of Ukraine Feb 28, 2023

The Ukrainian people continue to suffer atrocities at the hands of Russian armed forces, who invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. In this episode, we spoke to two members of the University of Michigan community who have ties to Ukraine and have dedicated their talents and lent their expertise to help safeguard its people.

Gender affirming care Feb 21, 2023

You may have heard the term “gender affirming care” in the news or on social media. Often this term is used to refer to surgical procedures to help an individual’s body match their gender identity. However, gender affirming care is actually more than that. It involves a combination of medical, psychological, social, and legal factors.
In this episode, we’ll talk with healthcare and public health experts, as well as members of the trans community, to explore what gender affirming care actually is and how it can impact health outcomes for transgender and non-binary individuals.

(Re)Emerging infectious diseases Feb 14, 2023

There’s no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we collectively view infectious disease.
In this new era, where global media attention has turned to epidemiology and infectious disease, how do we understand our situation and feel protected when it seems like we’re hearing about so many diseases all the time? We spoke with several infectious disease experts to learn more about the re-emergence of old diseases, the emergence of new diseases, and how public health is keeping us prepared to combat them.

BONUS! Ahead of the Curve featuring Dr. Sanjay Gupta Feb 10, 2023

Welcome to the Ahead of the Curve podcast from the University of Michigan school of Public Health. We also produce a podcast called "Population Healthy", and if you're on that channel right now, we've got some bonus content for you.
CNN's Chief Medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta recently joined our Ahead of the Curve speaker series, where we focus on leadership through a public health lens. He discussed health communications and trust with the Dean of our School, F. DuBois Bowman in this exclusive 1-on-1 conversation.
We wanted to let you know that a new season of Population Healthy begins on February 14, with weekly episodes going through March. We'll be discussing some the biggest topics in health right now with our University of Michigan School of Public Health experts and beyond...topics like emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, gender affirming care, the public health crisis in Ukraine, and much more. Enjoy the conversation with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, look for that new season of Population Healthy real soon...and thanks for listening.

The ramifications of health care worker burnout May 10, 2022

For thousands of health care workers around the world, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has been non-stop for two years and counting. We want to understand what that is doing to our health care workforce. From dealing with illness themselves, to experiencing burnout, or even leaving the field altogether … we'll explore the ripple effects of COVID's impact for these workers, and what potential solutions exist.

Health Communication: Why Getting It Right Impacts Us All Apr 26, 2022

In this episode, listeners will hear from four experts who bring their own unique perspective to the topic of health communication — the verbal and written strategies used to influence and empower individuals, populations, and communities to make healthier choices. Health Communication is a vital part of public health, but in many ways, it’s become more difficult to nagicate for public public health professionals and the public over time.

Exploring another pandemic: HIV/AIDS Apr 19, 2022

It’s been nearly half a century since the HIV/AIDS epidemic emerged. In the 1980s, before medical interventions or effective prevention methods were developed, it was a death sentence. Throughout the years, legislation, stigmatization, and limited resources have created costly setbacks in overcoming the disease and its spread. Today, treatment and prevention has evolved so that many people with HIV/AIDS can now live longer, healthier lives. But, there is still a long way to go before we can say that we’ve beaten AIDS. In this episode we look back on the evolution of this pandemic and why it has persisted for so long.

Healthier people need healthier food Apr 12, 2022

It is no secret that healthier food makes for healthier people. However, there can be challenges to overcome when trying to make healthy food choices for ourselves and our families.
For one thing, not all foods are created equally, nutrition-wise. In fact, many highly processed foods can have adverse effects on our health. There are many communities in the US and beyond that do not have ready access to affordable, high quality food, for a number of reasons.
And the economics of food production play a large role in the availability of fruits and vegetables, which tend to cost more to grow and harvest.
Thank goodness, public health researchers are studying all these problems and coming up with clever, effective, solutions.

What do health departments do? Apr 05, 2022

The pandemic highlighted the important role health departments play in communities large and small. But the role of a health department extends well beyond pandemic response. Assessing water quality, ensuring restaurants are following food safety practices, ensuring health care access and more. Health departments manage many health-related priorities to improve the lives of community members.
In this episode, learn about the ways health departments protect the health of their communities through their services and the need to build a strong public health infrastructure. We’ll also talk to individuals working in health departments to learn how their work impacts the communities they serve.

Using Motivational Interviewing to Convince People to Get Vaccinated Jan 24, 2022

Generally speaking, giving unsolicited advice to people only tends to annoy them and make them less likely to change any of their behaviors. Real change tends to come when someone sees a discrepancy between their own behavior and what they value as a person.
So, how do you talk to a coworker, friend, or family member who is firmly entrenched in anti-vaccine beliefs? Preaching to them that COVID vaccines are safe and effective will most likely fail. But there are some lessons to be gleaned from a counseling style called motivational interviewing, where instead of trying to persuade someone, you subtly reflect back to them their own thoughts and feelings. In other words, you allow the other person to drive the conversation, with the idea that they themselves will see discrepancies between their actions and their beliefs.
University of Michigan School of Public Health Professor Ken Resnicow has studied and used motivational interviewing since the early 1990s and has some timely tips for how to engage in these difficult conversations.

The Evolution of a Pandemic: Where Does Delta Leave Us? Sep 15, 2021

Right now, Delta is the dominant COVID-19 variant spreading here in the U.S and in some other areas of the world. It’s one of the handful of variants that have evolved from the original COVID-19 virus. The emergence of the more infectious Delta, and the prospect of new variants on the horizon, has underscored the urgency of widespread vaccination to put an end to the pandemic.
In this episode, we're joined by two faculty experts from the University of Michigan who will discuss what is currently known about the Delta variant, how vaccine efforts are holding up through the Delta surge, and how it's spread is impacting our ongoing pandemic response strategies.

Increasing Diversity in Public Health Mar 23, 2021

Effective change takes effective changemakers. Today, we talk to a few changemakers who are dedicated to improving diversity in public health and healthcare leadership. Research has long shown that the most effective way to improve health for any community is to have public health leaders from that community involved in the day-to-day decision making around the care of that population. Pipeline programs, like the University of Michigan’s Summer Enrichment Program, create avenues for students from underrepresented communities to be exposed to careers in public health, healthcare management, and policy-making. Increasing diversity in public health is both a macro mission, taken on by universities and programs around the country, as well as an individual one, best exemplified by committed mentors who do what they can to support their students.

One Year of COVID-19 3.19.21 Mar 19, 2021

It has been roughly one year since the COVID pandemic hit the United States, bringing with it stay-at-home orders, social distancing, masks, and many other unprecedented experiences. One side effect of the pandemic is that epidemiology is now a household name.
Our first guest on this special coronavirus series, back when it all started in March 2020, was Joseph Eisenberg, professor and chair of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. We invited Eisenberg back to share some of his thoughts on how this past year played out and where he sees things going from here.

Healing Flint Through Community Partnership Mar 16, 2021

In 1960, the population of Flint, Michigan was nearly 200,000 people. It was a center of American manufacturing and economic prosperity. But in the decades that followed, manufacturers abandoned their Flint operations. Many White families left for the suburbs and the now majority Black city entered a state of economic decline. In 2011 then-Governor Rick Snyder appointed an emergency manager. This government official had the authority to override decisions made by Flint’s city council and mayor in the interest of reducing the city’s debt. In 2014, in an effort to cut costs, the city switched its longstanding water supply from the Detroit Water Department to the nearby untreated Flint river. This decision led to a public health crisis that will affect the city for generations.
In this episode of Population Healthy Season 3: Race, Inequity, and Closing the Health Gap, we explore how the city of Flint faces a myriad of interwoven and complex public health challenges and how incorporating the voices of the city’s residents into research and decision making through the practice of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) can lead to more positive and meaningful health outcomes for the community.

Vaccine Hesitancy and COVID-19 3.11.2021 Mar 11, 2021

In the last few months, we have seen emergency usage authorization of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. With more and more people receiving vaccines each day, things seem to be looking up. But many still feel unsure about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them.
In this episode, we explore a term you may be hearing a lot these days: vaccine hesitancy. With two faculty experts from the University of Michigan, we’ll dig into some history around vaccine hesitancy and how it relates to this pandemic.
Be sure to follow us at @umichsph on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook so you can share your perspectives on the issues we discussed, learn more from Michigan Public Health experts, and share episodes of the podcast with your friends on social media.

How Food Insecurity Shapes Children and Families Mar 09, 2021

As of October 2020, 23% of children in the US are experiencing food insecurity, and that percentage has continued to rise dramatically throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Of those affected, data shows that food insecurity impacts families and children of color disproportionately, with Black and Hispanic households reporting rates nearly double that of white households.
In this episode of Population Healthy Season 3: Race, Inequity, and Closing the Health Gap, we talk with two nutritional sciences experts at the University of Michigan School of Public Health about what food insecurity is, why it’s been increasing in the US, and what we can do to address this devastating public health crisis.

The Inequitable Impact of the Environment on Health Mar 02, 2021

According to a 2019 study published by the National Academy of Sciences,* African-Americans are exposed to 56% more pollution than they actually produce. Meanwhile, white Americans are exposed to 17% less pollution than they produce. African-Americans are also 75% more likely to live near industrial facilities than white Americans, compounding the risk for harmful environmental exposures that are tied to negative health outcomes like asthma, birth defects, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders.
In this episode we’ll hear from School of Public Health faculty, community partners, and alumni working in environmental policy about the disproportionate environmental risks that communities of color face in the age of climate change and what can be done at the policy-level to balance out inequitable burdens of poor environments and environmental health outcomes.
Be sure to follow us at @umichsph on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook so you can share your perspectives on the issues we discussed, learn more from Michigan Public Health experts, and share episodes of the podcast with your friends on social media.

How Bodies Weather Social Stress Feb 23, 2021

When you hear the term “weathering,” you may think of soil or rock erosion next to a busy stream, or the paint of a house fading under the glare of the sun. But what if it could also happen to our bodies?
In this episode of Population Healthy Season 3: Race, Inequity, and Closing the Health Gap, experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health discuss weathering, which encapsulates the idea that lived experiences and stress have impact on our bodily systems—with disadvantaged and/or populations of color often experiencing this firsthand. We’ll also learn about the ways researchers are studying the impacts of these social stressors—such as racism and discrimination—and how they can literally have an impact on your body at a cellular level.
Be sure to follow us at @umichsph on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook so you can share your perspectives on the issues we discussed, learn more from Michigan Public Health experts, and share episodes of the podcast with your friends on social media.

The Impact of Race on Data Feb 16, 2021

Data is a powerful, important thing. It can help researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and even frontline health workers discover new strategies that improve health, dictate things like resource and services allocation, and even save lives. But what happens when data is flawed, manipulated, or even weaponized? Can it worsen health inequities or harm populations?
In this episode of Population Healthy Season 3: Race, Inequity, and Closing the Health Gap, we talk with experts about the problematic history of racialized data in the United States, the dangers of “garbage data,” and the ways we can both gather better data, and improve collaborations with the populations we serve.
Be sure to follow us at @umichsph on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook so you can share your perspectives on the issues we discussed, learn more from Michigan Public Health experts, and share episodes of the podcast with your friends on social media.

Black Families and Mental Health Feb 09, 2021

In this episode of Population Healthy Season 3: Race, Inequity, and Closing the Health Gap, we take a deeper look at how Black families and individuals deal with the factors that impact their mental health. Mental health is a complicated and nuanced subject, and racial trauma and stigmas add additional layers of complexity for communities of color. This creates a landscape that is difficult for Black adults and children to navigate.
While an individual’s geographic environment plays a key role in shaping who they are, media, cultural concepts of masculinity and sexual orientation, and access to mental health resources can also affect a person’s ability to deal with stressors. Our experts will discuss these intersections of mental health and identity, as well as potential ways of exploring them.
Be sure to follow us at @umichsph on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook so you can share your perspectives on the issues we discussed, learn more from Michigan Public Health experts, and share episodes of the podcast with your friends on social media.

SARS: The Pandemic that Never Was: Part 3 Feb 05, 2021

Join University of Michigan undergraduate public health students Anjali Vaishnav, Maddie Malvitz, Sophie Blasberg, Stephanie Lai, and Catherine Marudo as they dive into the topic of the 2003 SARS epidemic and its connections to the current COVID-19 pandemic in the final episode of this special three-part podcast series, SARS: The Pandemic that Never Was.
In these unprecedented times, what lessons can be learned from the SARS and COVID-19 outbreaks? In this episode, the students are joined by Jon Zelner, assistant professor of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and get his take on how we can be better prepared for the next pandemic, what we can do to have more transparent communication with the public on public health issues, and how we can ensure health equity in the upcoming months with the development and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Be sure to follow us at @umichsph on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook so you can share your perspectives on the issues we discussed, learn more from Michigan Public Health experts, and share episodes of the podcast with your friends on social media.

SARS: The Pandemic that Never Was: Part 2 Feb 04, 2021

Join University of Michigan undergraduate public health students Anjali Vaishnav, Maddie Malvitz, Sophie Blasberg, Stephanie Lai, and Catherine Marudo as they dive into the topic of the 2003 SARS epidemic and its connections to the current COVID-19 pandemic in the second episode of this special three-part podcast series, SARS: The Pandemic that Never Was.
Social factors heavily influence the outcomes of epidemics, and in this episode, the students uncover the social factors that contributed to the SARS outbreak and its results. Disease and discrimination have gone hand and hand throughout history. They explore the anti-Asian sentiment that existed during the SARS epidemic and the ongoing racial discrimination during COVID-19. They also discuss the importance of the media and government during the SARS outbreak. Finally, they dig into the impact on vulnerable populations, such as frontline healthcare workers in both the SARS and COVID-19 outbreaks.
Be sure to follow us at @umichsph on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook so you can share your perspectives on the issues we discussed, learn more from Michigan Public Health experts, and share episodes of the podcast with your friends on social media.

SARS: The Pandemic that Never Was: Part 1 Feb 03, 2021

Join University of Michigan undergraduate public health students Anjali Vaishnav, Maddie Malvitz, Sophie Blasberg, Stephanie Lai, and Catherine Marudo as they dive into the topic of the 2003 SARS epidemic and its connections to the current COVID-19 pandemic in the first of this special three-part podcast series, SARS: The Pandemic that Never Was.
SARS and COVID-19 are two infectious diseases in the coronavirus family that are 79% similar but with two very different effects on the world. Tune into this episode to learn more about the history behind the SARS outbreak, the similarities we see between SARS and the current COVID-19 pandemic, and the key differences that allowed COVID-19 to explode into a global pandemic.

Inequity in Health Care Delivery Feb 02, 2021

In this episode of Population Healthy Season 3: Race, Inequity, and Closing the Health Gap, we talk with experts about how inequities occur in health care settings and how who you are can impact your quality of care. Research has found that people of color may not only have less access to health care, but that the quality of care they do receive may also be lesser, and they may even face discrimination from providers. All of these factors can lead to dangerous outcomes such as a reluctance to seek care, delayed treatment, or even misdiagnoses.
During the past year, the Coronavirus pandemic has brought to the forefront the deep inequities our country faces in health care delivery as AfricanAmericans and other racial minorities were infected, hospitalized, and dying from COVID-19 at a higher rate than other populations. We’ll explore new technologies that may have the potential to increase access to quality health care and what work is being done by health care leadership to address race based inequities in health care delivery.

Race and Health Equity in America Jan 26, 2021

In the newest season of the Population Healthy podcast—Race, Equity, and Closing the Health Gap—we speak with researchers from around the University of Michigan School of Public Health and beyond to examine health inequities through the lens of race in America.
We begin our journey with an episode called Race and Health Equity in America, where we ask how we know these disparities exist, where researchers get data to examine race and ethnicity inequities, and why it is so important to understand and reduce health inequities.
As our experts say, to study the population’s health, we have to study those who experience the greatest burdens from disease—from their health care and disease management to employment, housing, education access, natural environments and other factors that affect their health. To treat disease and, better yet, to prevent it, we must understand that having great health care and even providing “access” to health care does not guarantee population health. Everyone in the population must know about their health care options, know how to use it, and have transportation, paid time off, and childcare so they can use their health care.

COVID-19, Aerosols, and Ventilation 1.21.2021 Jan 21, 2021

As we continue through these winter months, we find ourselves inside for longer periods of time. How can we avoid aerosolized droplets becoming a problem for disease transmission in our public buildings? We have many layers to consider for minimizing risk, but in many ways it starts with the ventilation systems in these buildings. To learn more about the connection between air ventilation and the COVID-19 pandemic, we spoke with Dr. Aurora Le, assistant professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the School of Public Health and an expert on biocontainment and biosafety procedures.

What You Should Know about the COVID-19 Vaccine 1.13.2021 Jan 13, 2021

In this episode infectious disease expert Dr. Arnold Monto discusses the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. Monto is a Professor of Epidemiology and Global Public Health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Throughout his seven decade career, Monto has been involved in pandemic planning and emergency response to influenza and other respiratory virus outbreaks, including the 1968 Hong Kong influenza pandemic, Avian Influenza, SARS, MERS and the COVID-19 pandemic. He currently serves as acting chair of the vaccines and related biological products Advisory Committee, which provides advice to the Food and Drug Administration on the authorization and licensure of vaccines to prevent COVID-19.
Also in this episode, Dr. Emily Martin, an associate professor of epidemiology at Michigan Public Health, helps guide us through some frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine safety and distribution. Dr. Monto and Dr. Martin co-lead the Michigan Influenza Center, one of five centers across the country that collects data for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A Personal and Professional Journey to India During the COVID-19 Pandemic Dec 22, 2020

As global coronavirus cases spiked, University of Michigan School of Public Health Biostatistics chair and professor Bhramar Mukherjee traveled to India to continue her critical work on the pandemic and reunite with family. In this episode, Mukherjee joins us from her home in India to discuss the pandemic on the ground there, the differences between pandemic response in India and the United States, and the challenges facing both countries as they begin the distribution of vaccines and look to end the pandemic.

An Inside Look at the COVID-19 Vaccine Development and Approval Process 12.10.20 Dec 10, 2020

In this episode infectious disease expert Arnold Monto discusses the COVID-19 vaccine development and approval process. Monto is a Professor of Epidemiology and Global Public Health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Throughout his seven decade career, Monto has been involved in pandemic planning and emergency response to influenza and other respiratory virus outbreaks, including the 1968 Hong Kong influenza pandemic, Avian Influenza, SARS, MERS and the COVID-19 pandemic. He currently serves as acting chair of the vaccines and related biological products Advisory Committee, which provides advice to the Food and Drug Administration on the authorization and licensure of vaccines to prevent COVID-19.
Also in this episode, Dr. Emily Martin, an associate professor of epidemiology at Michigan Public Health, helps guide us through some commonly asked questions about the safety and distribution of the new vaccine. Dr. Monto and Dr. Martin co-lead the Michigan Influenza Center, one of five centers across the country that collects data for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Keeping Kids Active at Home and All Year 12.3.2020 Dec 03, 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, only 1 in 4 children in the US has been physically active at recommended levels. With researchers anticipating a 2-3% increase in youth obesity as a result of the pandemic, we wanted to learn more about keeping kids active during a pandemic, especially during the winter months.
In this episode, Rebecca Hasson, assistant professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, talks about programs that help teachers, superintendents, and school boards ensure students are reaching their learning outcomes. And she shares a range of ways for families with children trying to stay active.

Debunking Misinformation About COVID-19 11.13.20 Nov 13, 2020

We live in a connected time. The information age has brought with it unparalleled access to other people through telecommunications, email, social media, and so on. Someone half a world away can post something on their social platforms, and you could see it almost instantly seen where you are. This access can be an amazing resource. But on the flipside, instant access to people's thoughts and opinions can sometimes skew toward rumor or gossip and upend rigorously researched truths. More than just being a source of confusion, misinformation can cause huge problems. This has been made painfully apparent during the current COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, we take a look at some of the more popular misconceptions and questions about COVID-19 from a public health standpoint.

Feeding Young Kids in Need During the Pandemic 10.29.2020 Oct 29, 2020

The federal government moved fairly quickly to grant waivers to schools when the COVID-19 pandemic began, allowing them to continue to serve food to students in need even as in-person classes were curtailed. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the government’s response in helping daycare providers in the same boat. Millions of younger children and their families across the country depend on daycares for nutritious meals, and the pandemic wreaked havoc on this system. In this episode, we speak to University of Michigan School of Public Health Assistant Professor Kate Bauer, a researcher who specializes in children’s nutrition, about what she and her colleagues found as they dug into this issue to try and make sense of it, and to provide some solutions.
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Digital Exclusion to Social Inclusion: Keeping Older Adults Engaged 10.9.2020 Oct 08, 2020

We all have some sense that the pandemic has had a particularly large toll on the elderly. But, in fact, the story of the pandemic among vulnerable older adults is a story of resilience. Many older adults have come through difficult times before, and in many cases, they are showing the rest of us how to make the best of these most difficult and unusual of circumstances. Still, older adults do have ongoing risks from the pandemic, including difficulties in accessing health care and medication, not to mention the negative effects of social isolation. In this episode, Mary Janevic, associate research scientist at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, helps us understand and appreciate the many ways the pandemic is affecting older adults.

Coronavirus in Michigan: Six Months Later 9.23.20 Sep 23, 2020

It’s been six months since the state of Michigan first enacted the stay-at-home order on March 23. We spoke to Sharon Kardia, professor of Epidemiology and associate dean for Education at the University of Michigan School of Public Health to help us look back at what has happened across the state over the last six months and learn more about two projects from the University of Michigan that helped the state in its response to the pandemic.

From Hashtag to Global Movement: Students Against COVID-19 Sep 10, 2020

With over 500 members representing nearly 70 countries, the grassroots organization “Students Against COVID-19” is addressing the coronavirus pandemic with global collaborations that cross borders, disciplines, and perspectives. Organization founder Marina Haque, an alumna of the University of Michigan School of Public Health and School of Medicine, joins us to talk about the explosive growth of Students Against COVID-19 and the innovative, interdisciplinary ways its members are addressing COVID-19 around the world.
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Reading, Writing, and Protocols: Back to School in the Time of COVID-19 Aug 28, 2020

With September just a few days away, schools around the country face the daunting task of reopening in the midst of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. We take a look at the risks and benefits of in-person and online learning for students of different ages, as well as how a potential vaccine might affect the upcoming school year. We also get a small taste of the work that went on behind the scenes this summer in thousands of American school districts, where administrators, teachers, and community members raced against the clock to come up with plans to keep students safe and academically engaged this year.
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The Battle in Our Backyard: Our Local Health Department Works to Defeat COVID-19 8.14.20 Aug 14, 2020

Local health departments all over the world are a frontline defense against the novel coronavirus during the current pandemic. Unlike hospitals, they don’t treat patients. Instead, they track the virus, help sick people find treatment, safe places to quarantine, and even food when needed, and do all they can to keep COVID-19 from spreading.
The Washtenaw County Health Department (Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan are in Washtenaw county) is no exception. We wanted to take a look at the Department’s day-to-day battle against the virus, and find out more about what the pandemic has looked like in the county since the very beginning.

Coronavirus Testing, Turnaround Times, and Immunity: What We Know Jul 30, 2020

Questions around coronavirus testing and immunity are top-of-mind as the pandemic continues to spread and potential vaccines undergo trials. Emily Martin, associate professor of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, breaks down the basics of coronavirus testing and what the current data show are the potential next steps for the United States as we head toward fall and flu season.

A New Hotspot: Coronavirus in Latin America 7.16.20 Jul 16, 2020

In Latin America, the battle against COVID-19 is raging. At the time this podcast was recorded, the region has reported over 3.2 million cases of the disease and over 140,000 deaths, making it one of the biggest hotspots in the world.
To find out more about the coronavirus pandemic in Latin America, we spoke to Joe Eisenberg, a professor and the chair of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and an expert on infectious disease research in the region. He provides insight on current figures and how various national responses have shaped the status of the pandemic in Latin American countries.

Pregnancy During the Coronavirus Pandemic 7.2.20 Jul 02, 2020

In the United States alone, there’s an average of 4 million births each year. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, that amounts to a lot of women who are understandably concerned about their health and the health of their child.
In this episode we talked with Phoebe Kulik, a program manager at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and a first-time expectant mother, about what it’s been like to be pregnant during the coronavirus pandemic. To learn more about what we currently know about pregnancy and COVID-19, we also sat down with two experts in maternal health in the department of Epidemiology: Research Scientist, Miatta Buxton, and Associate Professor, Alexis Handal. They offered insights on the unique challenges the pandemic has had on expectant mothers, and what we can learn to provide better care.

India’s Unique Coronavirus Challenges 6.19.20 Jun 19, 2020

Though it’s landmass is only one-third the size of the United States, India is home to nearly 17% of the world’s population — approximately 1.34 billion people. But as it grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, it’s population size is just one of the unique challenges facing the country. Michigan Public Health Professor Bhramar Mukherjee explains the factors behind India’s still-rising infection numbers, and how she’s helping the Indian government use data to slow the virus’ spread.
Learn more about Prof. Mukherjee’s COVID-19 modeling project: http://myumi.ch/Axm7W

Examining the Pandemic’s Disproportionate Impact on Black Americans 6.12.20 Jun 12, 2020

In Michigan, African Americans make up 14% of the population but represent 33% of the state’s COVID-19 cases and 41% of deaths. Michigan is not unique in this respect—experts have seen similar statistics across the country. Michigan Public Health professor Enrique Neblett, a leading expert on racism and health, explains how and why the coronavirus pandemic is causing Black Americans to be infected, hospitalized and die at a higher rate than other populations—and what we as individuals and communities can do to dismantle the systemic racism that is the root cause of these health disparities.
Join the conversation with us on social media at twitter.com/umichsph and learn more about coronavirus from Michigan Public Health experts at http://myumi.ch/qgW8y

How To Manage Your COVID-19 Risk 5.29.20 May 29, 2020

Now that the weather is getting nicer and states like Michigan are beginning to loosen their restrictions on gatherings, retail shopping, and more, how do we assess our own personal risk—and the risks to friends and family—as we head out of our homes to reconnect and return to public spaces? Michigan Public Health research scientist Ryan Malosh, a survivor of leukemia and a bone marrow transplant, shares his recommendations for managing your individual infection risk, and explains how swiss cheese can help us all think about reducing infectious disease transmission.
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Courage and Commitment: Staffing for Crisis Care 5.22.20 May 22, 2020

What's it like to manage health care systems and personnel during a global pandemic? And how can you mobilize and redeploy thousands of workers and set up hundreds of surge facilities across the nation in just a few weeks? For an inside view of how we are managing surge staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic, we connected with alum Kelly Rakowski, a national staffing solutions leader. She and her team are working across the country with organizations and with “hand raisers”—retired or out-of-work health care workers stepping forward to help fight the outbreak.
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Returning to Work Safely in Michigan and across the US 5.15.20 May 15, 2020

As the United States slowly reopens the economy, we will see a variety of new safety measures nearly everywhere we look. Some we might have seen already, such as transparent barriers at a grocery store between you and the cashier.
With his expertise in occupational health, we asked Rick Neitzel, Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, how businesses of all shapes and sizes, across all sectors, can reopen while keeping workers and customers safe and secure.
Neitzel has been working closely with other public health researchers to understand how occupational health practices can help protect us from exposure to the coronavirus as we return to work in Michigan. These principles can be applied anywhere—whether you work in the construction or hospitality industry, you will be seeing new protective measures to help you and your crew mitigate your risk of infection.

High Risk: Homelessness in the time of Coronavirus 5.8.2020 May 08, 2020

It’s estimated that more than 500,000 people in the United States experience homelessness on any given night. In recent weeks, social distancing and stay-at-home orders have been implemented across the United States in order to slow the spread of coronavirus. But, for people currently staying in homeless shelters which may serve hundreds of people at once and have communal living spaces, this presents unique challenges for both staff and residents. In addition, people facing homelessness often have comorbidities that go untreated, placing them at greater risk for serious illness due to coronavirus, and economic downturn could mean that community support for the homeless population could be in even greater demand in the future.
In this episode, we talked with Barbara Brush, a Professor of Health Behavior and Health Education at the School of Public Health and an expert on homelessness and health about the hardships people experiencing homelessness encounter daily during this pandemic. We also spoke with Linda Little, President and CEO of the Neighborhood Service Organization which provides shelter and support to thousands of people in Metro Detroit each year about how coronavirus has impacted how they provide care to the people who need it.

Coronavirus and Food Access: How the Pandemic Impacts Food Insecurity 5.6.20 May 06, 2020

There are nearly 40 million Americans, including 11 million children, who are food insecure. That means, they don't have reliable, consistent access to the nutritious, quality food they need to lead healthy lives. With growing pressure on the food supply chain, and tens of millions of Americans now out of work, the coronavirus pandemic could cause that 40 million to climb.
Cindy Leung and Susan Aaronson, Nutritional Sciences faculty at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, talk about the ways COVID-19 is impacting those experiencing food insecurity, and how community and government organizations are adapting to serve those in need.
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Public Health Surveillance: Immunity, Testing, and Contact Tracing 5.1.20 May 01, 2020

Long before we could sequence a virus’s genome in a matter of weeks, we used public health tactics like contact tracing to sort out the movement of a disease in a population. Contact tracing is one of the “traditional” tools of epidemiologists—an epidemiologist calls up dozens or even hundreds of people who might have had contact with an infected person. By tracking these interactions, they can understand how a disease is making its way through a population.
Today, we have more public health surveillance tools at our disposal, but we still have a lot of work to do before we fully understand how this new coronavirus behaves and what it means to have immunity to it.
Abram Wagner is research assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. We asked him to cover some basics of how we monitor a disease outbreak—from how we test for it to how long we might have immunity to it after an infection.
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The Impact of Social Distancing on Older Adults 4.30.20 Apr 30, 2020

People over the age of 65 are at higher risk for complications and death from COVID-19. But that’s not the only way this pandemic is disproportionately impacting older adults. Social distancing and other pandemic control strategies can take a particular toll on older individuals, some of whom don’t have access to or experience with the technologies like FaceTime and Zoom that are helping many people feel connected in this time.
Lindsay Kobayashi, assistant professor of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, talks about her new study that looks at the impact of social distancing on older adults and discusses how we can help the older individuals in our families and communities cope during this time.
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Social Distancing 2.0: A New Normal 4.24.20 Apr 24, 2020

We are all getting antsy, wondering when we can return to work, see our friends and family in person, and get back to some sense of normal. Meanwhile, we might notice a planned temporary hospital wasn’t built or that some data on the local news seems to show a reduction in the spread of coronavirus. What are we supposed to do with these emerging shades of gray in a situation that felt so black and white not too long ago? In this episode, Abram Wagner, research assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, helps us think through these questions.
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More info about coronavirus from Michigan Public Health experts: publichealth.umich.edu

Coronavirus Hits Home: How the Pandemic Impacts Housing and Health 4.21.20 Apr 21, 2020

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic have been damaging to the economy, and now many are finding that it’s also intensifying the existing shortcomings of housing and health in the United States as about 22 million people have lost their main sources of income. There’s also an even greater risk of spread of COVID-19 for those who don’t have the ability to “stay at home”. In this episode, Roshanak Mehdipanah, an assistant professor of Health Behavior and Health Educations at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, explains how the devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic is spreading further than the disease is transmitted and how federal aid for housing support may not be enough to prevent negative outcomes in housing for years to come.
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Ensuring Access to Mental Health Services During the Pandemic and Beyond 4.17.20 Apr 17, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has turned our lives upside-down. The uncertainty of a global crisis—layered with the challenges of job losses, school closures, lifestyle changes, and social isolation—can generate stress, anxiety, and depression. And for those who previously relied on face-to-face contact with therapists or support groups to cope with mental health issues or substance use disorders, this situation presents an additional challenge.
Since the beginning of this crisis, there has been significant focus on ensuring hospitals have enough health care workers to manage a huge surge in patients with COVID-19. Angela Beck, a clinical assistant professor of Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, explains why it’s also important to evaluate the capacity of the mental health workforce to respond to an equally inevitable spike in people struggling with mental and behavioral health issues during this pandemic and into the future.
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High-Risk: Diabetes in the Time of Coronavirus 4.16.20 Apr 16, 2020

According to the American Diabetes association, more than 34 million Americans have diabetes. That's 1 out of every 10 people. The CDC says, all of those people are “at higher risk for severe illness” from coronavirus because of this chronic illness. In this episode, we speak with Gretchen Piatt, an associate professor and the Associate Chair for Education within the Department of Learning Health Sciences at the University of Michigan Medical School as well as an associate professor of Health Behavior and Health Education in the School of Public Health. As a chronic disease epidemiologist, she specializes in health care issues around diabetes. Piatt explains why diabetics have been labeled a high-risk group during the COVID-19 pandemic, talks about their unique risks, and shares what we can do to keep this large population of Americans safe through this emergency.
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A National Hotspot: The Coronavirus in Detroit 4.11.20 Apr 11, 2020

In recent weeks, Detroit has become a national area of concern during the coronavirus pandemic - it’s emptied the streets of the Motor City and taken a toll on the local health care systems and communities. Nearly half of the cases and deaths in the state of Michigan have been confirmed in the county surrounding Detroit, which has the third most coronavirus cases in any of the US states. In this episode, we’ll talk to Roshanak Mehdipanah and Paul Fleming of the University of Michigan School of Public Health about the historical and social legacies that have made the city a hotspot for coronavirus.. Both are Assistant Professors of Health Behavior and Health Education and experts in health equity issues.
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Ensuring Health Care Workforce Capacity During a Pandemic 4.10.20 Apr 10, 2020

In addition to limited supplies of hospital beds, ventilators, masks, and other personal protective equipment, there is another limited—yet vital—health care resource needed to help us get through this pandemic: The workforce of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and others who are putting their own health at risk to care for patients. Angela Beck, a clinical assistant professor of Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, explores what policy makers and hospitals can do to keep health care workers safe and healthy and ensure the workforce can meet the growing demands on the health care system.
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Making Sense of All the Coronavirus Numbers 4.9.20 Apr 09, 2020

Among the many new things we are learning in the age of coronavirus is that humans can produce a lot of data. To help us sort through some of it, we connected with Neil Mehta, assistant professor of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Mehta’s research and teaching lies at the intersection of demography, epidemiology, and sociology. Mehta’s clear suggestions about how to digest all the data coming at us helps us think through what those really big numbers actually mean for our own health today and into the future.
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Surveillance Testing: Reining in COVID-19 with Data 4.7.20 Apr 07, 2020

The need for diagnostic testing has been a critical issue throughout the spread of the coronavirus epidemic. But another form of testing may be the key to gaining control over the pandemic. Surveillance testing currently being performed throughout the world is what is used to gather the data that tells health officials where, who, and how populations are being affected and that can then be used to get in front of further spread. We’ll talk to epidemiologist, Emily Martin about how it works and who’s doing it right.
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How Coronavirus Is Impacting the Most Vulnerable 4.3.20 Apr 03, 2020

Right now, the coronavirus pandemic and the measures we’ve undertaken to stop it are reshaping how millions of people live, work, learn, and manage their health. Though these measures bring difficult new challenges for each of us, for vulnerable populations like the elderly, those with chronic illness and mental health issues, and those without the means to work from home or access affordable healthcare, they can have life-threatening consequences.
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How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus 4.2.20 Apr 02, 2020

While many families are feeling additional stressors due to the spread of coronavirus, there are unique challenges to what kids are facing. How do we talk to kids about what is happening? Alison Miller from the University of Michigan School of Public Health explains how stress may manifest in children and some of the activities families can do to lessen the impact.
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Flattening the Curve: Slowing the Spread and What Happens If We Don’t 3.26.20 Apr 01, 2020

In just a few weeks, our lifestyles have changed dramatically because of the coronavirus. What does it mean to "flatten the curve" of infections, and what will it look like if we don't? On this special edition of Population Healthy, preventive medicine expert and clinical assistant professor of Epidemiology Laura Power shares perspectives from the fields of public health and preventive medicine and what hospitals are dealing with right now.
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How Do Hospitals Prepare for a Pandemic? 3.30.20 Mar 30, 2020

As coronavirus spreads in hotspots like New York City, New Orleans, Chicago and Detroit, hospitals are operationalizing their personnel and resources to meet the demands of caring for the sick. News coverage is sounding the alarm on supply shortages and overburdened health care workers. In the complex world of health care, how do hospitals prepare for and react to something like the coronavirus? David Hutton, associate professor of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, discusses what's happening on the ground to take care of patients.
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Is Social Distancing Working? 3.27.20 Mar 27, 2020

Social distancing is a tried and true preventive step in public health to slow the transmission of infectious diseases. As people around the United States and around the world practice social distancing and pay attention to directives to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, we're still seeing case counts go up. Is this an indictment of social distancing? David Hutton, associate professor of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, discusses what we're likely to see with continued social distancing.
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What Goes into Developing a Coronavirus Vaccine 3.24.20 Mar 26, 2020

In recent days, theories about drugs that will supposedly help treat coronavirus have floated around the media. So-called treatments being debunked, lauded, and may even be putting people at risk. As the public holds out hope for a quick treatment, people are questioning - when are we going to have a vaccine for this disease? Epidemiologist, Emily Martin explains the process of creating a usable vaccine for coronavirus and why looking at the flu vaccine isn’t going to give us a head start.
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Coronavirus and Social Isolation: How to Cope 3.25.20 Mar 26, 2020

The spread of COVID-19 has caused added stress for many. Those practicing social distancing may feel isolated from others, gig economy workers are worried about their exposure risk, and low income individuals are worried about their jobs. Alison Miller from the University of Michigan School of Public Health addresses methods for alleviating stress and who may be most vulnerable to these added stressors.
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Special Edition: Coronavirus: How We Got Here 3.20.2020 Mar 20, 2020

One month ago, Americans were just learning the term "coronavirus", and now coronavirus seems to be affecting every aspect of our lives. The incredibly rapid rise of the disease has at times created confusion and seemingly conflicting reports. On this special edition of Population Healthy, infectious disease expert and professor of Epidemiology Joseph Eisenberg traces the origins of coronavirus, adds historical context, and explores comparisons to the flu.
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Sustaining Food: Cutting the Footprint of Food Production, Transportation, and Disposal Mar 10, 2020

University of Michigan School of Public Health and School for Environment and Sustainability experts explain how food production, transportation, and waste contribute to climate change and describe some of the changes we can make to reduce the impact.
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Mental Health on Campus: Reshaping Higher Ed to Help Students Thrive Mar 03, 2020

As mental health issues become more prevalent on college campuses, universities are looking for new ways to keep up with student need for care and support. Experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health come together to assess the state of mental health on campuses nationwide and the ways higher education can reshape learning environments to nurture and empower diverse student populations, and in turn, set them up for healthy lives.
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Maternal Health: Improving Well-Being for Moms and Babies Feb 25, 2020

Experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health discuss how social factors, environmental exposures and maternal support contribute to health outcomes for a mother and her baby before, during, and after pregnancy.
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Adolescent Health in America: Transforming Care to Better Serve Young People Feb 18, 2020

Michigan teens and experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health take an honest look at the realities of managing health as an adolescent in America, and explore ways health systems, providers, peers and parents can better care for and empower youth.
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Instructions for Life: How Food, Stress, and Our Genes Shape Our Health Feb 11, 2020

Experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health unpack how our genes respond to changes in our diets, stress levels, and exposure to toxins—and what these interactions mean for human health.
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Pollution: The Harmful Agents Impacting Your Health Feb 04, 2020

Pollution has an effect on more than just the environment and the impact on our health may be surprising. Experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health discuss the particular effects that noise, air, and plastic pollution can have on our health.
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Disease Detectives: How to Track an Epidemic Jan 28, 2020

Tracking epidemics—is it really like the movies portray? From legionella outbreaks and coronavirus, to predicting this year's flu spread, hear from the real-life disease detectives who track down, predict, and help prevent the spread of disease. Listen as they tell the story of one of the first known disease detectives and guide us through ways in which human expansion and technology have impacted the spread of diseases and disease tracking efforts.
Special thanks to Kristen Nordlund and Thomas Young from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Mobile Health: Supporting Your Health Beyond the Clinic Jan 21, 2020

How are public health professionals implementing mobile devices, smartphone apps, and texting to create health management plans? Experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health discuss the latest research on mobile health and how smartphones apps and texting programs can help improve the health of individuals and populations around the globe—from supporting smoking cessation programs to helping people manage their diabetes.
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A City of Resilience: Public Health in Detroit Aug 27, 2019

Detroit is more than a single city — it’s hundreds of neighborhoods and hundreds of thousands of people living, working and growing together. In Population Healthy’s Season One finale, University of Michigan researchers and alumni explore the unique public health challenges facing the Motor City, and how they’re working directly with Detroiters to help make the city a healthier place.

Aging in America: Addressing the Complexities of Longer Lives and an Aging Population Aug 20, 2019

With Americans living longer than ever before, how do we stay healthy as we get older? Experts from Michigan Public Health dive into the public health issues facing an aging population — from healthcare costs to Alzheimer’s prevention, and the importance of our families and furry friends — and explore how we can ensure longer, happier, and healthier lives for all.

Preventing Cancer: Thwarting a Disease that Affects 1 in 3 Americans Aug 13, 2019

Chances are you or someone you love has been affected by cancer. From early detection, to community interventions and environmental protections, University of Michigan School of Public Health researchers examine the innovative ways public health is working to prevent cancers, uncover risk factors, and reduce the number of cases worldwide.

Taking Back the ‘F Word’: Depoliticizing Firearms and Focusing on Safety to Protect Children and Teens Aug 06, 2019

Thousands of kids die each year in the US because of firearms — how do we reduce that number? Through the lens of injury prevention, experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health and Michigan Medicine explore the ways in which public health can help increase firearm safety.

Food and Family: How to Raise Kids Who Have a Healthy Relationship With Food Jul 30, 2019

How can we set kids up from an early age to have a healthy relationship with food? With childhood obesity and eating disorder rates on the rise, nutrition and health behavior experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health explore the ways we can help children and teens establish good habits and build the foundation for healthier lives.

Popular Genetics: How Learning About Our Genes Offers Both Benefits and Limitations Jul 23, 2019

Experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health explore the field of genetics and its key role in public health work. They discuss the ways genetic research can help us understand population and individual health and mitigate the risk of disease, and examine the positive and negative impacts of more widely available genetic testing options for consumers.

The Opioid Epidemic: How We Got Here and What We Can Do Jul 16, 2019

Experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Michigan Medicine and the Kent County Health Department discuss the complex nature of the opioid epidemic in the United States, and explore possible ways to curb it, including safer and potentially more effective approaches to treating chronic pain, and policy considerations from prescription monitoring to medication-assisted treatment for people with opioid use disorders.

Invisible Impact: How Vaccines Seem to Make Diseases Disappear Jul 09, 2019

Experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health discuss the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases, how vaccines work, what makes people choose not to get vaccinated and why vaccines are important for both children and adults.
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Season 1 Preview: Kate Bauer on Family and Food Jul 01, 2019

In this preview of the University of Michigan School of Public Health's upcoming podcast, "Population Healthy," Assistant Professor of Nutritional Sciences Katherine Bauer sits down to talk about ways parents can manage effective nutrition for their kids, the day-to-day factors that impact it, and strategies for setting the home environment up for success. Season 1 begins on July 9th!

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