A Way to HEAL, Utah

It's been nearly four years since we began this podcast spreading the word about the great work being done by first the EPICC Program at the Utah Department of Health, and now the HEAL Program at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. It's been our pleasure over that time to share important and timely health information. As we share the final episode of our podcast we're grateful to you for giving us a little of your time and making the podcast possible. We hope you'll continue to enjoy our past episodes. Thank you!

Breastfeeding can be a challenge for mothers in many ways. In this episode Judy Sharpe from the DHHS HEAL Program joins us to discuss the many ways we can support moms, and how that can benefit us all.

The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word nutrition may not be breastfeeding, but it is so important for our infants and babies. In this episode lactation consultants Ellen Lechtenberg and Judy Sharpe join us to discuss the ideal food custom made for our little ones.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Intermountain Moms: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs

Stepping Up for Utah Babies: https://mihp.utah.gov/stepping-up-for-utah-babies

TOP Star Childcare Facilities: https://heal.utah.gov/top-star-facilities

It's Pioneer Day weekend in Utah and we're definitely in the hottest part of the year. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl, Judy Sharpe, and Dr. Brett McIff from DHHS HEAL join us to discuss the importance of staying properly hydrated in the heat, and offer a few tips.

It's time to celebrate our Independence! In this episode Dr. Brenda Ralls, Laura Holtrop Kohl, Judy Sharpe, and Dr. Brett McIff from DHHS HEAL join us to discuss a few ideas to make this 4th of July weekend a little healthier as we enjoy all the family and fun.

In this episode we experience an unexpected, albeit peaceful coup as DHHS HEAL's Dr. Brett McIff turns the tables on the host to lead a Men's Health Month discussion on media, and how it can play a role in men's health.

June is here and with it comes Men's Health Month. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff joins us to discuss how men can often be their own worst enemy when it comes to their health, and how a little knowledge and understanding can go a long way toward healthy change.

Whether it's work, shopping or running errands we all need to get places. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff and Brenda Ralls from the Utah DHHS HEAL Program join us to discuss the benefits of combining our travels with physical activity. We also chat about how our Utah communities have made active transportation more safe and convenient by building miles of scenic trails throughout the state.

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports month and in this episode Dr. Brett McIff from the Utah DHHS HEAL Program joins us to share his top ten reasons not to workout. Wait... what? Yep, not to work out. After all, why would we care about having energy and feeling good? It's a fun tongue-in-cheek look at the importance of being active.

Why should you make the effort to grow your own produce when it's so easy to just go to the grocery store? You might be surprised to learn how much a garden has to offer. In this episode USU Extension Horticulturist Taun Beddes joins us, along with Laura Holtrop Kohl and Dr. Brett McIff from DHHS HEAL, to discuss all the unexpected ways gardening benefits us and our families.

If you're looking for a little help with your garden the Extension has the answers you're looking for. https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/index

It finally looks as though spring has actually arrived in Utah, and just in time to celebrate National Garden Month. In this episode Utah State Extension Horticulturist Taun Beddes joins us to talk about the crazy weather we've had so far this spring, and how that might impact your garden preparation.

One of the easiest and most fun ways to eat better is by growing your own fresh produce. In this episode Kristi Strongo from Create Better Health, and Judy Sharpe from Utah DHHS, join us to talk about how individuals and families are getting free help to learn gardening skills, and how gardening can improve our nutrition.

To find your county extension office please visit https://extension.ou.usu.edu/locations

To find a TOP Star child care provider please visit https://heal.utah.gov/top-star-facilities

Every March we shift our focus to nutrition as we celebrate National Nutrition Month. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl joins us as we take a look at Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, and how they can help all of us improve our health and meet our nutrition goals.  

We've heard about cholesterol over and over again, but it can be confusing. There's a good kind and a bad kind, but which is which, and why does it matter? In this episode DHHS HEAL dietician Laura Holtrop Kohl joins us to explain the basics of cholesterol, why it matters, and what we can do about it.

February is often a time we pay attention to affairs of the heart. In this episode we do just that when Danielle Forbes, Laura Holtrop Kohl, and Dr. Brett McIff from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, HEAL Program join us to discuss heart health, and how we can help keep our hearts happy for a lifetime.  

There's something about a fresh start or new beginning that helps boost our confidence and determination. However, when it comes to setting a new year resolution to get physically active, reality can sometimes weaken that determination. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff from the Utah DHHS HEAL Program joins us to offer some strategies to help stay on track and keep that resolution to be more active in 2023.

Prediabetes is a serious health condition that affects many Utahns. In this episode John Stuligross and  Maria Velasco from HEAL join us along with Leanne Raborn from Utah 211 to learn more about the services Utah 211 provides, and the unique partnership between HEAL and Utah 211 to offer help to Utahns in managing prediabetes and diabetes.

To learn more about the services available at Utah 211 please visit https://www.211utah.org

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but if we're not careful it may not be so great for our waistline. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff, Laura Holtrop Kohl, Brenda Ralls, and Judy Sharpe join us to discuss navigating all the dinners, parties, and treats that are so abundant, and offer some ideas to indulge in healthier ways. 

Thanksgiving is almost here! Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and fun, but let's face it too much food can be more painful than fun. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl, Brenda Ralls, Judy Sharpe and Brett McIff from the DHHS HEAL program join us to share ideas and tips to make your Thanksgiving celebration a little more healthy and more about the fun. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

When it comes to Halloween, healthy may be the last thing that enters your mind. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl and Dr. Brett McIff join us to share some ideas to make the Halloween fun a little healthier in your home. No, we can't turn your kids candy into broccoli, but we do have some healthier ways to approach the holiday.

School nurses are a great asset for our students. In this episode BettySue Hinkson, our State School Nurse Consultant joins us with an update on school nurses in Utah, and highlights the important work they're doing with vision screening in our schools. 

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff and Judy Sharpe from the DHHS HEAL Program join us to take a closer look at how we're doing, and the factors that influence childhood obesity in Utah.

September is a wonderful time of year. It's finally cooling down, the autumn leaves begin to appear, it's harvest time, and Governor Cox has declared it Family Meals Month in Utah! In this episode Rebecca Fronberg from the DHHS HEAL Program, and Paula Scott from the Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) join us to talk about some of the benefits that come from something simple like having a meal together as a family.

You can learn more about the services available from EFNEP at https://extension.usu.edu/efnep

It makes some sad and others happy, but it's time to go back to school. In all the preparation getting our kids back to school requires, it's important to remember that in order for our students to be successful they need to be physically and mentally prepared to learn. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl and Judy Sharpe from the DHHS HEAL Program join us to talk about how nutrition is so important to having kids ready and able to learn in the classroom.

We always want the best for our children. August is World Breastfeeding Week and Utah Breastfeeding Month, and serves as a reminder of how important the best nutrition is for our babies. In this episode Judy Sharpe and Nickee Andjelic join us for a discussion on the numerous benefits breastfeeding provides not just for our babies, but also for moms, the environment and more.

Winter inversions in Utah are well known for the poor air quality they can bring, but air quality isn't just a winter issue. In this episode Danielle Forbes from the HEAL Program, and Savannah Smith from the DHHS Asthma Program join us to discuss how our summer air quality can also be a problem, and what we can do about it.

To check the current air quality please visit https://deq.utah.gov/division-air-quality

As many of us head out on fun road trips, vacations and camping this summer it's good to remember that while we don't have to be perfect eaters on vacation, we also shouldn't totally abandon nutrition. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl from the DHHS HEAL Program joins us to talk about ways we can have some of the yummy vacation treats we enjoy so much without forgetting the fruits and veggies. 

Independence Day is upon us and we're heading into a promising weekend of fun celebrating America. In this episode Brett McIff, Laura Holtrop Kohl, and Brenda Ralls from the DHHS HEAL Program join us to share ideas for making this 4th of July weekend healthy and safe while we're having a great time with family and friends.

Men's Health Month can be a not so pleasant reminder that men are not  always the best at taking care of themselves. In this episode Dr. Brett  McIff joins us to discuss men's health. It may surprise you to know  there is one thing men seem to be better at than women when it comes to  taking self care. Check out this episode to learn what that is! :)

A prominent headline in the news lately has been the shortage of baby formula. In this episode Becky Hurst-Davis and Laura Rowbury from Intermountain Healthcare join us along with Nickee Andjelic and Judy Sharpe from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to discuss the formula shortage, and share some thoughts on the ideal solution of breastfeeding and the advantages it provides.

For more information on Stepping Up for Utah Babies please visit https://mihp.utah.gov

It seems the only reliable thing about the nature of COVID is how differently it affects the people that have it. Some who have had COVID are able to get right back into their workout routine seemingly without missing a beat. However, for others returning to activity, or becoming active, can be more of a struggle. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff joins us to discuss what we've learned so far about being physically active post-COVID. 

There are so many reasons to get out and get active in May. Yes, May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, but the best reason to get out and get active this month is how great it will make you feel! In this episode Dr. Brett McIff joins us to talk about some of the many reasons we should all be outside getting active, enjoying spring, and moving more this May. 

It will likely surprise many to learn that a majority of pregnancies in Utah occur in women with poor heart health. In this episode Nickee Andjelic from the Maternal & Infant Care Program at the Utah Department of Health, and Judy Harris with the HEAL Program join us to talk about the challenges of pregnancy in women with poor heart health, and what can be done to help.

For more information please visit mihp.utah.gov

It's that time of year to be planning and preparing your garden. In today's episode Utah State University Extension Horticulturalist, Taun Beddes joins us once again to discuss a few things to consider as you decide what crops you might want to grow this year.

You can find the garden prep podcast we reference in the episode at https://anchor.fm/bob-epicc/episodes/The-EPICC-Podcast-Its-Time-to-Garden-ecb454

To learn more about the services available from the USU Extension, and to find the fact sheets we mention please visit https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden

The Rx Park Rx Day GooseChase Challenge is your opportunity to get out, get social, and get active this spring. In today's episode Dr. Brett McIff from the UDOH HEAL Program, and Sarah Kinnison from Park Rx Utah join us to deliver your prescription for getting out and getting active this spring. You could also win a prize. So get out there and have fun! Doctor's orders!

For more information on the Park Rx Challenge please visit parkrxutah.org

Spring has finally arrived and as you start spending more time outside don't forget your garden! The benefits of gardening are many. Did you know some research shows that just coming into contact with the soil could make you happier? In this episode Utah State University Extension Horticulturalist, Taun Beddes joins us to discuss how gardening benefits us in so many ways.

To learn more about the study Taun mentions you can visit: https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/is-dirt-the-new-prozac

A decade ago the U.S. Department of Agriculture replaced the food pyramid with MyPlate. MyPlate teaches that the benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl and Judy Harris join us to talk about MyPlate, and how it can easily be adapted to a variety of foods.

To learn more about MyPlate please visit myplate.gov.

Every March during National Nutrition Month we take the opportunity to focus a little more closely on how important nutrition is to our health, but how often do we think about nutrition for the most vulnerable in our society? In this episode Nickee Andjelic and Judy Harris, from the Utah Department of Health, join us to talk about nutrition for infant babies, and the assistance offered by the Stepping Up for Utah Babies program available in many hospitals in Utah.

For more information on Stepping Up for Utah Babies please visit: mihp.utah.gov  

Making sure we get regular physical activity can be a challenge if it causes discomfort, after all exercise is supposed to make us feel better right? In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl joins to talk about ways we can feel a little better as we exercise, and make our workouts more effective through nutrition. 

February is known as a month of romance, but it's also the month we get to look at affairs of the heart in a different light. February is American Heart Month, and an opportunity to focus on heart health. In this episode John Stuligross and Danielle Forbes from the HEAL Program join us to discuss the importance of hypertension awareness, and some of the ways we can show a little love to our heart.

It happens for so many people every new year. It's that resolution to get active and get fit, but anther common resolution is to eat better. In this episode Judy Harris and Brenda Ralls join us to talk about strategies for improving our nutrition, and why it's so important.

Here we are half-way through January already, and for those who set fitness goals for the new year the reality is that those goals may be a little painful. It's easy to overdue it when we begin or change a workout routine only experience muscle pain in the following days. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff joins us to discuss why we get sore, and what we can do to help the pain.

From daily COVID cases to obesity rates, we hear a lot of numbers and data coming from public health. How do we know the data, and where does all this information come from? In this episode Brenda Ralls, one of the HEAL epidemiologists, and Dr. Brett McIff join us to help us understand how we know what we know, and how the data is collected.

It can be so hard to maintain healthy habits during the holiday season when it's cold out and we're surrounded by so many tempting but not so good for you foods. In this episode Judy Harris, Laura Kohl, and Dr. Brett McIff join us to discuss strategies for making you holiday a little more active and healthy. We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Winter is upon us, and in this episode Dr. Brett McIff from the Utah Department of Health, Healthy Environments Active Living (HEAL) Program joins us to discuss balance training and other strategies we can use to prevent slips and falls as we get out and get active this winter.