Unvaccinated Tennesseans Urged to Get Flu Vaccine

NASHVILLE – Influenza activity is widespread across most of the United States, including Tennessee, with intense activity in some regions of the state and more flu activity overall than in recent flu seasons. The Department of Health urges all Tennesseans who have not yet received a flu vaccine to get one now to help protect vulnerable people around them, their families and themselves from the flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that people who have had this year’s vaccine are about 60 percent less likely to have to visit a medical provider for treatment of influenza illness than unvaccinated people.

NASHVILLE – January is “Radon Action Month” and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has joined forces with the Department of Health to help educate Tennesseans about the dangers of radon exposure, encouraging actions to identify and to address radon problems in the home.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s modern tradition for the top names for new babies has held out again in 2012, with William and Emma taking the top spots for a second consecutive year as the most popular names given by new Tennessee parents. William has been the number one name chosen for new baby boys born in Tennessee for six straight years. Emma repeats as the most popular name for Tennessee baby girls after taking the top spot on the list in 2011.

NASHVILLE – Snow, ice and sub-freezing temperatures of winter weather can come with little or no warning, creating minor problems for some and major tragedies for others. The Department of Health is working with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to remind residents about the importance of planning and preparation to avoid weather-related problems in homes, outdoors or on the road this winter. The three departments urge individuals to prepare with a sense of urgency, because winter weather can be unpredictable and even deadly for those who don’t have a winter emergency plan.

NASHVILLE – As the minutes in 2012 tick away, expectant families may wonder if their bundle of joy will be a New Year’s Day baby. When that occurs naturally, it creates an extra memorable experience. But the Tennessee Department of Health warns families should never push to induce delivery on special days such as holidays or birthdays, or to make the delivery date arrive more quickly, as that choice can affect the future health of some babies.

NASHVILLE – With New Year’s Eve fast approaching, conversations have already started about resolutions for 2013. Losing weight and stopping smoking are perpetual favorites for many, and the Tennessee Department of Health believes those are excellent goals and includes them in a list of five suggested resolutions for the upcoming year.

America’s Health Rankings Show Improvements in Tennessee

NASHVILLE – Tennessee has shown marked improvements in 12 measures of overall health in the last five years, according to a newly released report, but with a ranking of 48th in sedentary lifestyle among all states, most Tennesseans need to “get moving” to make more progress. The United Health Foundation’s 23rd annual America’s Health Rankings report lists Tennessee at 39th overall this year. The state moved up two spots from a recalculated 41st in 2011 in the foundation’s evaluation and measures of how states perform in different categories.

Decision on Affordable Care Act made after thoughtful consideration

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced Monday the state will not operate a state-based healthcare exchange under the federal Affordable Care Act. Haslam made the following statement on the issue:

“Tennessee faces a decision this week about health insurance exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act.

“I'm not a fan of the law.  The more I know, the more harmful I think it will be for small businesses and costly for state governments and the federal government.  It does nothing to address the cost of health care in our country.  It only expands a broken system.  That’s why I’ve opposed it from the beginning and had hoped we would be successful in court and at the ballot box this year.

NASHVILLE – Some who play or work in the cold believe a sip of alcohol will help keep them warm.  But the Tennessee Department of Health is reminding Tennesseans that drinking alcohol in any quantity can actually expose a person to greater risk of hypothermia, the potentially fatal condition of abnormally low core body temperature.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s county health department clinics are now offering flu vaccine to people of all ages at no cost to patients until vaccine supplies are depleted. Seasonal influenza is now widespread in Tennessee. The Department of Health urges all Tennesseans who have not yet received a flu vaccine to get one now to help protect themselves and those around them from the flu virus.