NASHVILLE – Recent outbreaks of measles and mumps in several states are prompting health officials to issue reminders about the importance of Measles-Mumps-Rubella, or MMR, vaccinations.  While some may think of measles and mumps as diseases of the past, the viruses are still common in much of the world, including Western Europe. Both are very contagious and can infect anyone who has not had measles or mumps and has not been properly vaccinated.

NASHVILLE – For the past half-century, millions of babies across America have been getting their heels pricked for a tiny drop of blood. The stick is part of a process known as newborn screening, which helps identify health problems quickly and has saved countless children from a variety of lifelong disabilities.

NASHVILLE – “Eat local” isn’t just a buzzword referring to the growing trend of consumers buying locally-grown foods. Consumers benefit by receiving fresh foods from local growers while sales benefit local farmers, businesses and economies. Local foods are the focus of this year’s Tennessee Food Safety Task Force Annual Seminar hosted by the Tennessee Departments of Health and Agriculture.

NASHVILLE – Throughout April and May, millions of teenagers will prepare for and participate in that most American of events:  prom night. While this can be a fun and memorable night for teens, many parents endure stress and anxiety as the evening approaches, having concerns about driving safety, substance use and other risky behaviors.

American dog ticks may carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever

NASHVILLE – After a record-setting number of Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases in the state last year, almost 700, the Tennessee Department of Health is reminding residents and visitors to start thinking now about prevention of tick bites.

"Animal Friendly" License Plate

Funding made possible through “Animal Friendly” license plate sales

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is now accepting applications for the Animal Friendly Spay/Neuter Grant program. Grants provided through this initiative support low-cost spay and neuter programs for dogs and cats in Tennessee and are funded through sales of Animal Friendly license plates.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health announces that the suspension of admissions at Imperial Gardens Health and Rehabilitation has been lifted effective April 10, 2013. The facility is a165-bed licensed nursing home located at 306 West Due West Avenue in Madison.

NASHVILLE – Measuring ten feet tall and 20 feet wide, it will be hard for Tennesseans to miss seeing new billboards across the state that promote the toll-free Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine. While the size is impressive, the graphic message is even more so. It features a young mother cuddling an infant while holding a burning cigarette; the accompanying text reads: “Jenny smokes two packs a day. So does her mom.”

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health joins minority health advocates and providers nationwide in observance of National Minority Health Month this April. This annual observance is designed to raise awareness about health issues that affect racial and ethnic minority populations. Activities planned during the month encourage faith-based and community-based organizations, businesses, health care professionals, academic leaders and others to get involved in efforts to improve the health status of minority populations and eliminate health challenges.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health announces that the suspension of admissions at Caring Estates has been lifted effective March 19, 2013. The facility is an eight-bed home for the aged located at 4965 Brunswick Rd. in Arlington.