The holidays are upon us but respiratory viruses like COVID-19, Flu, and RSV don’t make great gifts. In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Bornschein, State Epidemiologist at the Rhode Island Department of Health, shares the best ways to keep viruses from spreading to our friends, to our loved ones, and in our communities. 

For more information and data, visit health.ri.gov/respiratoryviruses.

While much of the national conversation about overdose focuses on younger populations, a new campaign spearheaded by our state health and behavioral health agencies aims to prevent drug overdose deaths among middle-aged and older Rhode Islanders. In this episode, Steven Boudreau, director of equity and engagement and the public information officer at the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging and Linda Mahoney, associate director for the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals join Dr. Chan to explain that "No Matter Why You Use," help and resources are available in Rhode Island.

It’s not easy for adults and adolescents to know where to find accurate and trusted sexual and reproductive health information. In this episode, Karin Wetherill, co-director of Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition joins us to talk about a new app that might just make the learning process a little easier. It’s called “RIght to Know” and it connects young people and caregivers with the facts about their sexual and reproductive health. 

RIght To Know is available on the Google Play and Apple App Stores or by visiting righttoknowapp.com.

For free promotional materials, visit righttoknowapp.com/about

To request a presentation or community event, please contact [email protected]

There’s been a lot of talk about Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, in the news – specifically the claim that there is a link between this over-the-counter pain reliever and Autism. In this episode, Dr. Yvette Yatchmink, formerly the clinical director of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, shares what we know from the data and what it means for pregnant people.

Animal-assisted therapy - what is it and how effective is it in a therapeutic setting? In this episode, Kerri Lynch, Director of Occupational Therapy at Butler Hospital and Susan Parker, President and Founder of Paws From the Heart Pet Therapy share what they know based on their years of experience working with these unique and highly-trained pets. 

Problem gambling - it's on the rise here in Rhode Island but it's not just happening at the casino or the racetrack. Online forms like sports betting have become a powerful draw for many. How does one know when it’s become a problem? What are the warning signs? In this episode, Dr. Samantha Rosenthal, a professor of Health Science at Johnson & Wales University and Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at Brown School of Public Health joins Dr. Chan to talk about what to look out for, who is most at risk, and much more. 

September is suicide prevention month. It’s a time to raise awareness, dispel stigma, and take action around this urgent mental health issue. In this episode, the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's  Area Director, Kerrie Constant and Board Chair, Keely Taylor talk about how we can best look out for each other and take steps to prevent suicide in our communities.  

To learn more about the work of AFSP, visit afsp.org.
For Rhode Island based suicide prevention resources, visit Preventsuicideri.org.

After losing his son to cancer five years ago, Dr. George Beauregard, a twenty-year internal medicine physician and life-long resident of Massachusetts, used his grief to spread an important message. In this episode he joins Dr. Philip Chan to talk about his new book, “Reservations for Nine: A Doctor's Family Confronts Cancer,” as well as important advice on prevention and symptoms that should not be ignored. 

To learn more about Dr. Beauregard's book, visit www.georgebeauregard.com

August is National Breastfeeding Month – a time to celebrate and bring awareness to breastfeeding. In this episode, Mary Catherine or “MC” Curran, a WIC lactation consultant and nutritionist at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and RIDOH’s own Dr. Olutosin Ojugbele, a pediatrician at Hasbro Children's Hospital and assistant professor of pediatrics at Brown University’s Warren Alpert School of Medicine  talk about why breastmilk is the perfect nutrition, how support is key to success, and how the Rhode Island is taking part in this annual observance.

It's National Health Center Week - a time to recognize and celebrate the role of health centers in our communities. These nonprofit clinics provide affordable, high-quality care to more than 200,000 Rhode Islanders. At a time when primary care is at a critical shortage in Rhode Island, the community health center model may be just what the doctor ordered. In this episode, Dr. Elena Kwetkowski, chief medical officer at Comprehensive Community Action Program in Coventry and Karen LaChapelle, medical director and nurse practitioner at Tri County Community Action Agency in Johnston fill us in on their critical work and how funding challenges and low reimbursement rates may hinder their ability to serve.