Nutrition Expert Warns Risks Of Ultraprocessed Foods
A local nutrition expert said relying heavily on ultra-processed foods can lead to serious health issues like cardiovascular disease and obesity due to high levels of sodium and added sugars. Registered Dietitian Holly Bundrant said ultraprocssed foods refer to industrially-created food products in modern diets. She noted that the NOVA classification system identifies these items […]
Cold Weather Does Not Cause Illness, Can Cause Vulnerability
Cold weather does not make people sick, but it can weaken the body’s defenses and create conditions that allow viruses to spread more easily. Cookeville Regional Urgent Care Physician Assistant Lucas Pittman said many patients still believe sudden temperature changes cause colds or the flu. Pittman said Illnesses comes from exposure to viruses rather than […]
UC Uptick In Illnesses Caused By Upper Respiratory Diseases
A state health expert says the Upper Cumberland region has seen an uptick in illnesses over the past few weeks due to upper respiratory illnesses. Tennessee Department of Health Epidemiologist Dr. Mary Margaret-Fill said it is not surprising to see a surge in illnesses at this time of year. “We do know from the types […]
CRMC Cardiac Team Completes First Tricuspid Valve Repair
Cookeville Regional Medical Center’s Cardiac Care team has successfully completed its first tricuspid valve repair, marking a new milestone for advanced heart care in the Upper Cumberland. The procedure expands the hospital’s structural heart program and enables patients to receive specialized cardiac care locally rather than travel to larger cities. Physician Assistant and Structural Heart […]
UC Pediatrician Against Ending Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation
An Upper Cumberland Pediatrician said she is against the decision to end the recommendation of babies receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine the day they are born. The Federal Vaccine Advisory Committee voted to no longer recommend the vaccine at birth last week. Local Pediatrician Dr. Leslie Treece said the recommendation has been supported for decades […]
Type 2 Diabetes Requires Intake Control, Watch For Issues
With lots of good food during the holidays, a local endocrinologist said those with Type 2 Diabetes need a plan to control their intake during the holiday season. Cookeville Regional Medical Center Endocrinologist Shirisha Vallepu said people with Type 2 diabetes tend to struggle during the holidays due to the amount of unhealthy food typically […]
Best Flu Vaccination Time Is Now, Be Prepared In Advance
With the start of fall comes the start of flu season and a local pharmacist said now is the time to start thinking about vaccines. Joanthan Allmon said people usually take two weeks to build immunity after getting the shot. Allmon said people should plan ahead and get the shot at their earliest convenience. Allmon […]
Putnam Council Halfway Toward Community Action Plan
The Putnam County Health Council about halfway towards its goal of developing a community health improvement plan. Health Council President Trey Upchurch said the plan is meant to bring healthcare providers, residents, and organizations together to discover the area’s biggest health challenges. Upchurch said uniting everyone behind a common vision can help find better solutions. […]
Whooping Cough Cases Up, Vaccination Hesitancy A Factor
Some 339 cases of Whooping Cough have been reported in Tennessee through the first six months of this year, 25 in the Upper Cumberland. Dr. Don Grisham is the Tennessee Department of Health’s Regional Medical Director for the Upper Cumberland. Grisham said whooping cough is a bacterial respiratory infection most common in infants. Grisham said […]
Vaccines Keep Kids Healthy, Some Required For School
Vaccinations need to be part of your back to school checklist. Putnam County Health Department Nursing Supervisor Heidi Corbeil said vaccines are especially important for school age children because of a heightened risk of disease exposure. Corbeil said parents should get their kids vaccinated so they can stay healthy enough to attend school. “At four […]
