The TSET Better Health Podcast

 Lung cancer screenings save lives by detecting cancer early, but only 1.7 percent of eligible Oklahomans get screened. TSET and OU Health are teaming to bring screening to more people by launching a Mobile Lung Cancer Screening bus this fall. Episode 48 provides insights on lung cancer screening from OU Health thoracic surgeon Dr. J. Matthew Reinersman and a person who shares their personal experience with screening, and information on the bus from Terry Rousey, TSET associate director of statewide initiatives.

Physical activity is not just for the young and athletic, it's for Oklahomans of any age and ability. Episode 47 of the TSET Better Health Podcast introduces listeners to Mark Ivy of NewView Oklahoma and his promotion of adaptive sports like beep ball -- a new take on baseball -- and other physical activities for fellow visually impaired persons. Executive Director Kathleen Fitzgerald talks about the Oklahoma Senior Games' variety of sports and activities, and OSG competitor Jamie Moore and her coach, Brock Hunter, explain their enjoyment for line dancing. Finally, TSET Campaign Manager Kelsey Nation discusses the many helpful physical activity resources found on the Shape Your Future website.

Shape Your Future - NewView Oklahoma

https://youtu.be/8ij9dupY9FA

Discovery and Built Environment Innovations are newer TSET grant programs that already are benefiting Oklahoma communities. Episode 46 provides an overview of the new community grant programs and shares two Built Environment success stories. One is a Parks and Recreation master plan in Pauls Valley to boost livability and physical activity for years to come, the other is a new Horticulture Education Building for the Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University that welcomes scores of thousands of visitors each year.

 Vaping is a source of curiosity for many underaged persons and concern among parents, educators and public health experts. Episode 45 of the TSET Better Health Podcast delves into the rise of youth vaping and efforts that are underway to reduce it. State Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, speaks on her bills that aim to reduce youth retail access to vape products and why she is passionate about it, and two high school students discuss how and why teens vape and the actions they suggest to help prevent it. And Kelli Brodersen, director of TSET Strategic Communications, describes new ad campaigns that speak to youth about the dangers of vaping and how to quit when they are ready.

This year, American Heart Month in February gets an added Leap Day of observance and a TSET Better Health Podcast episode dedicated to heart health and disease prevention. Cardiologist Tim Daly explains how disease develops in the heart and blood vessels over time and how to avoid it, and we’ll visit a county wellness center where people of all ages gather for classes and activities that are great for both heart and spirit.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is celebrating 20th anniversary, and the TSET Better Health Podcast is highlighting the free TSET-funded service that has helped hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans quit tobacco. Tune in to Episode 43 and hear from Michelle Lynch, president and CEO of the North American Quitline Consortium; Christin Kirchenbauer, Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline director, and three TSET staff members who share their own personal journeys to quitting tobacco.

 Staying physically active can be a walk in the park – or to school, the workplace or around the town. The newest episode of the TSET Better Health Podcast features Stroud City Manager Bob Pearman speaking on the town's new attractions aimed at improving the health and longevity of residents; a wellness coordinator for state employees who shares tips and resources to help any workplace become a healthier environment, and a return to Webbers Falls, where students are gearing up for National Walk or Roll to School Day in early October.

TSET has reorganized departments within its agency, and Executive Director Julie Bisbee provides details on the restructure and how it will help TSET better serve Oklahomans. Episode 41 also looks at local innovations that are helping more Oklahomans enjoy access to healthy foods, including a produce store that gardener and farmers market champion Loretta Merritt opened recently within a shipping container in rural Cherokee County.

 Tobacco use in Oklahoma costs thousands of lives and billions of dollars in health care and lost productivity each year, but a newly released state plan and federal court-ordered tobacco corrective statements at stores both aim to reduce tobacco use. Podcast episode guests Elizabeth Chery-Mullen of the Oklahoma State Department of Health tells us about the five-year state plan and what it means for Oklahomans, and TSET Communication Manager Chase Harvick discusses the history and impact of the upcoming corrective statements. 

 TSET has invested millions of dollars into cancer, tobacco cessation and wellness research – and Oklahomans are reaping the benefits. From the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center’s (SCC) renewed recognition as a National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center, to the scores of tobacco- and wellness-related studies currently underway at the TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC), TSET’s research funding is improving Oklahoma’s long-term health and economy. Learn how in this TSET Better Health Podcast episode from SCC Director Dr. Robert Mannel and Dr. Darla Kendzor, co-director of the HPRC.