Aging is something we all share in common, yet it’s often framed as decline rather than growth. In this first part of our conversation with Jennifer Jones of the Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence and Angela Charsha-Harney, Associate Director of Fitness and founder of thinkJOY, we explore how reframing aging can transform health and community.

Jennifer and Angela share the origins of their work, how personal connections spark powerful initiatives, and why joy is far more than a “nice to have” in public health. We dig into misconceptions about aging, the role of loneliness and connection, and why preparing for aging is really preparing for life itself.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-aging-joy-and-changing-the-narrative-part-1/

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#publichealth #aging #joy #thinkjoy #csomaycenter #gerontology #connection #preparedness #personalhealth #mentalhealth

Even though polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were banned nearly 50 years ago, these persistent chemicals are still part of our daily environment. In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, we talk with Dr. Amanda Bullert, neuroscientist and research consultant at the University of Minnesota, about what PCBs are, how exposure still happens today, and what her team’s research reveals about their effects on the brain.

Amanda breaks down how PCBs influence metabolism, inflammation, and long-term brain health, why certain communities are more at risk, and what steps individuals and public health leaders can take to reduce harm. It’s a conversation that sheds light on the hidden legacy of environmental pollutants and the lessons they offer for today’s public health challenges.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-persistent-pollution-reducing-the-risk-of-pcbs-on-brain-health/

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#publichealth #environmentalhealth #PCBs #foreverchemicals #brainhealth #pollution #inflammation

What happens when science and policy collide — and how can we prepare for the environmental health challenges ahead?

In part two of our series with Dr. Peter Thorne, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair and Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health, we dig into persistent pollutants, climate change, and the future of science-informed policymaking.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The risks of PCBs, PFAS, and other “forever chemicals”

• How communities weigh costs and health risks in decisions like school renovations

• The challenges of science advisory boards in an era of political polarization

• Climate-related disasters — from wildfires to hurricanes — and their health consequences

• Why better science communication and stronger policy action are urgently needed

This conversation shows how today’s public health challenges extend beyond the lab, into policy decisions that will shape the lives of future generations.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-regulating-risk-dr-peter-thorne-on-epa-fda-science-part-2/

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#publichealth #environmentalhealth #toxicology #climatechange

In this two-part interview, Dr. Peter Thorne, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair and Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health and a leading expert in toxicology, provides an in-depth overview of how the federal government regulates chemicals in food, water, and air. Key points:

• The EPA and FDA are science-based organizations that interpret laws passed by Congress and apply the best available science to make regulatory decisions aimed at protecting human health and the environment.

• The EPA's Science Advisory Board provides independent, non-partisan oversight to ensure the agency's decisions are grounded in scientific evidence.

• Chemical regulations are dynamic, with compounds like Red Dye No. 3 and inorganic arsenic being re-evaluated as new scientific data emerges.

• The precautionary principle guides regulators to err on the side of safety when the evidence suggests a chemical may pose health risks, even in the absence of definitive human studies.

• Replacing problematic chemicals with safer alternatives can facilitate regulatory action, though the availability of substitutes should not be the primary driver of these decisions.

• Persistent organic pollutants like PCBs and PFAS pose complex public health challenges due to their ubiquity and long-lasting environmental presence, underscoring the need for continued research and policy responses.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-regulating-risk-dr-peter-thorne-on-epa-fda-science-part-1/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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#publichealth #environmentalhealth #toxicology #climatechange

This episode discusses physical activity and its role in preventing chronic disease, featuring an interview with Dr. Lucas Carr, an associate professor of Health and Human Physiology at the University of Iowa and leading researcher in lifestyle interventions and health behavior change. Key points include:

Dr. Carr's research focuses on the behavior science behind habit formation and helping people find enjoyable, sustainable ways to be physically active as a means of prevention.

His team has implemented a system to treat physical activity as a "vital sign" in healthcare settings, screening patients and connecting inactive individuals with free health coaching resources.

Data from over 60,000 patients shows those who are physically active (150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous activity) have significantly lower risks of 19 different chronic health conditions.

Practical advice is to find physical activities you genuinely enjoy, as you're more likely to stick to something you find pleasant and rewarding.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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#publichealth #exercise #activity #health

Lauren welcomes UI College of Public Health alumna Madison Snitker Harrelson, who is currently serving as a health educator and emergency preparedness coordinator for Dodge County Public Health in Minnesota. In this role, she combines strategic planning with community engagement to prepare the county for emergencies ranging from extreme weather to infectious disease outbreaks. Snitker Harrelson highlights how her MPH coursework in areas like community-based research, program implementation, and behavioral change theory have been invaluable in her day-to-day work, which involves tasks like grant management, leading public awareness campaigns, and collaborating with community partners. She advises public health students and young professionals to seek out diverse experiences and networking opportunities, particularly in the area of grant writing and management, to prepare for the multifaceted nature of local public health practice.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-cph-alumna-madison-snitker-harrelson-on-local-public-health-and-emergency-readiness/

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#publichealth #emergencypreparedness #healtheducation #public health degree

Lauren welcomes her guest Megan Mindy, a recent public health graduate from the University of Iowa. Megan shares her journey blending her passions for disability advocacy, inclusive recreation, and entrepreneurship. Her experiences include an internship at the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, participation in the LEND program, and a study abroad trip to Cape Town exploring disability culture. Megan has also launched her own adaptive sports startup, Common Ground, to increase access and opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Her story highlights the power of combining personal passion, community engagement, and public health education to create real-world impact.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-talking-disability-advocacy-inclusive-recreation-and-entrepreneurship-with-megan-mindy/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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#publichealth #disabiltyadvocacy #inclusiverecreation

Lauren welcomes Gulrukh Mehboob for a discussion about the impacts of relaxed staff training and licensing requirements on nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gul is a Fulbright PhD scholar at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, studying health workforce policy, particularly in long-term care settings.

• Between March 2020 and September 2021, 19 states reduced CNA training and licensing requirements in an effort to address staffing shortages in nursing homes.

• Gulrukh's study found that these policy changes did not improve CNA staffing levels in nursing homes, even though some scholars had argued that strict training and licensing requirements were a barrier to entering the field.

• Gulrukh suggests that improving wages, benefits, and working conditions for CNAs may be more effective than reducing training and licensing requirements for addressing staffing shortages in nursing homes.

• Her future research will explore the impact of other workforce policies, such as incentive-based programs and wage increases, on staffing and quality of care in nursing homes.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-the-impacts-of-relaxed-staff-training-and-licensing-requirements-on-nursing-homes/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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#publichealth #ruralhealth #nursinghomes #covid19 #pandemic

This week's episode inludes a terrific discussion about the Breast Cancer Prevention Program (BCPP) at the National University of Singapore, a multifaceted research initiative aimed at improving breast cancer screening, care, and prevention in Southeast Asia.

Led by Dr. Mikael Hartman and Jenny, the program collaborates with medical anthropologist Dr. Cynthia Chou to integrate cultural and community perspectives into its work.

The BCPP emphasizes a holistic approach to the breast cancer journey, from screening and early detection to treatment, prognosis, and survivorship. Key priorities include developing culturally responsive screening strategies, leveraging genetics and genomics to personalize risk assessment, and conducting community outreach to address barriers to healthcare access and utilization. The program's international collaborations allow it to study the unique genetic and sociocultural factors shaping breast cancer patterns in Asian populations.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-culturally-responsive-breast-cancer-screening-treatment-and-care/

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#publichealth #breastcancer #prevention #cancer #culturallyresponsivecare

Dr. Nichole Nidey joins Lauren to talk about the Empower Project; a collaborative effort that aims to improve research and clinical care related to substance use during pregnancy. It includes researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals with lived experience of drug use during pregnancy. The project has grown from an initial group of 6 mothers in 2019 to over 20 mothers from 8 states.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-changing-stigma-to-support-with-the-empower-project/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected]

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