There’s Still Time to Register for NCHCMM 2025 – Don’t Miss Out
Register by THIS Friday, July 18 to join public health communicators from across the country at the 2025 National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing & Media (NCHCMM), happening July 28–30 in Atlanta, GA. Whether attending for one day or all three, participants will gain access to keynotes from Dr. Garth Graham (YouTube Health) and actor/advocate Dyllón Burnside, hands-on workshop…
Five Common Phrases That Undermine Trust and Communicators Can Speak More Empathetically
Effective communication is critical in public health, yet common phrases may unintentionally come across as judgmental, undermining trust and collaboration. Experts highlight five overused expressions—such as “Why don’t you just…” and “Actually…”—that can alienate colleagues or community members by implying blame or condescension.
Instead, communicators are encouraged to practice curiosity, e…
With Social Prescribing, Hanging Out, Movement and Arts are Doctor's Order
Across the globe — and increasingly in the U.S. — health professionals are turning to social prescribing as a powerful complement to traditional care. This approach connects patients to activities like group cycling, music, arts, and volunteering to improve physical and mental health. As detailed in Julia Hotz’s The Connection Cure, social prescriptions have helped patients lose weight, manage…
Almost 1 in 3 Adolescents Have Prediabetes
New CDC data reveals a troubling trend: more than 30% of U.S. adolescents—an estimated 8.4 million youth ages 12–17—were considered prediabetic in 2023. This places nearly 1 in 3 teens at elevated risk for serious health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The findings, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, highlight a growing public health cha…
9 Ways to Get People to Open Your Emails
Effective email communication is vital for public health messaging. Research shows that subject lines offering clear value, using short (4–6 words) and simple words, and written in sentence case significantly boost open rates. Including one relevant emoji and numerals—especially odd numbers—increases engagement further.
Positive tones outperform neutral or negative ones, while avoiding questi…
New Poll Data: 79% of Americans Support Routine Childhood Vaccine Requirements
A new poll from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation finds broad, bipartisan support for routine childhood vaccine requirements amid a multi-state measles outbreak. Nearly 8 in 10 U.S. adults (79%)—including 90% of Democrats, 68% of Republicans, and 72% of parents—agree vaccines should be required for school entry.
Safety concerns were less common a…
Warning to Antidepressant Users as Heat Wave Temperatures Hit 100 Degrees
As extreme heat waves hit the East Coast, public health experts warn that individuals taking common antidepressants—particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Elavil—may face increased risks of heat intolerance and dehydration.
These medications can disrupt the body’s temperature regulation and sweating res…