LATEST NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Free Webinar: How to Talk about Tricky Public Health Issues
The Society for Health Communication is hosting a free webinar in partnership with Big Cities Health Coalition this Thursday, December 12, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET as part of its Level-Up Learning series: How to Talk about Tricky Public Health Issues, Messaging Research from Big Cities.
Learn what city residents believe about drug use, homelessness, community safety, and structural racism, and how to talk persuasively about public health solutions. Learn more and register here.
USDA Mandates Federal Bird Flu Testing in Milk
The USDA has issued a federal mandate to test the nation’s milk supply for H5N1 bird flu amid rising concerns of zoonotic transmission. This decision comes as researchers warn the virus is one mutation away from more efficiently affecting humans.
Testing will involve dairy farms, transporters, and processing facilities, with results reported to USDA for surveillance and contact tracing. Initial testing starts Dec. 16 in six states, including California and Michigan. Public health experts urge vigilance, especially as the CDC highlights undetected human cases and expanded risks. The move underscores the need for robust surveillance to mitigate a potential public health crisis. Read more from Axios here.
How Public Health Officials Rapidly Traced the Source of the McDonald's E. coli Outbreak
The CDC’s swift response to a multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders highlights the critical role of public health in protecting communities. Investigators rapidly pieced together reports from 14 states, identifying slivered onions as the likely source of contamination. Through collaboration with state health officials, detailed patient interviews, and advanced DNA analysis, they traced the outbreak to a Colorado supplier.
Their findings led to recalls and temporary menu changes, preventing further illness. This case underscores the complexity of foodborne illness investigations and the importance of preparedness, innovation, and partnerships in public health to respond quickly and effectively to crises. Read more from NBC News here.
FEATURED TOPICS
Sugar in the First 1,000 Days After Conception Linked to Health Issues Later in Life
A recent study in Science reveals that reducing sugar intake in the first 1,000 days after conception (gestation through age 2) may significantly lower chronic disease risks later in life. Researchers found that children with reduced sugar exposure during this period showed a 35% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure, with onset of these conditions delayed by several years.
The study, using data from WWII-era sugar rationing in the UK, suggests that early dietary habits shape lifelong health. Health experts recommend supporting parents and caregivers with nutritional literacy to reduce sugar in children’s diets, fostering a healthier future. Read more from CNN here.
Guardians of Good Health – Public Health Campaign
Franklin County Public Health in Ohio recently launched The Guardians of Good Health campaign to reshape the public’s perception of public health beyond COVID-19. With $155,000 in federal and state funds, they worked with a Columbus-based branding company to create retro-inspired cartoon characters representing different public health roles: Vicki Vaccine for immunizations, Millie the Microscope for infectious diseases, and others.
Designed to resonate across age groups, the campaign spans digital ads, streaming PSAs, and medical office materials. Early feedback shows strong engagement, and a forthcoming comic book aims to expand outreach further, positioning public health as a vital, accessible, and community-centered field. Angela Taah, Communication Specialist at FCPH, invites NPHIC members and public health professionals to learn more about the campaign here and to reach out to her directly for sharable campaign assets (posters, stickers, cards, ads, etc) at AngelaTaah@franklincountyohio.gov.
Listen Up! Podcast: Harnessing AI for the Future of Public Health Communication
Explore how AI is set to revolutionize health communication in the latest episode of CDC’s podcast, Listen Up!, featuring Robert Jennings, Executive Director of the National Public Health Information Coalition. This episode dives into the transformative potential of AI for public health professionals, from delivering rapid solutions to improving communication strategies.
Experts discuss how to navigate the complexities of AI, including potential risks and the need for digital fluency in an evolving landscape. Tune in to learn which AI applications hold the most promise for public health communicators and how to prepare for this shift. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, or through your RSS feed reader. See more information here.
Map Reveals U.S. States Where Healthcare Is Least Accessible
A recent study by Forbes Advisor highlights significant disparities in healthcare accessibility across the U.S., where affordable healthcare remains a challenge for many Americans. Notably, only 55% of U.S. adults can access quality healthcare when needed. The analysis ranked states based on various health metrics, revealing that Utah, Nevada, and Texas are among the ten states with the least accessible healthcare.
Key barriers include high costs, inadequate insurance coverage, and a shortage of healthcare providers. Solutions such as telehealth and improved health insurance coverage are crucial for reducing these disparities and enhancing access to primary care, ultimately benefiting public health and equality. Read the story and see the map from NewsWeek here.
