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Growing Stronger Together
Growing Stronger Together
99 episodes
13 hours ago
Growing Stronger Together is a podcast for people who care about children. Growing Stronger Together was developed by faculty at East Tennessee State University, including members of the ETSU Health Department of Pediatrics, the ETSU Center for Early Childhood Learning and Development, and the ETSU Child and Family Health Institute. East Tennessee State University is located in the beautiful Appalachian Highlands. We appreciate the financial support provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health.
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Health & Fitness
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All content for Growing Stronger Together is the property of Growing Stronger Together and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Growing Stronger Together is a podcast for people who care about children. Growing Stronger Together was developed by faculty at East Tennessee State University, including members of the ETSU Health Department of Pediatrics, the ETSU Center for Early Childhood Learning and Development, and the ETSU Child and Family Health Institute. East Tennessee State University is located in the beautiful Appalachian Highlands. We appreciate the financial support provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health.
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Health & Fitness
Episodes (20/99)
Growing Stronger Together
Acne with Dr. Katie Seale | Teens on Tuesdays

Acne with Dr. Katie Seale

During our Teens on Tuesday's segments with host Dr. William Dodd, learn more about ways to support adolescents' well-being during their journey to adulthood.

Join us today for a discussion about Acne.

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program.

Further reading / resources:

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/What-Causes-Acne.aspx

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0

Unported Video Link: https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg

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2 weeks ago
20 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Connecting Mothers with Farmers: Project MANNA | Moms on Mondays

Summary

In this episode of the Growing Stronger Together podcast, host Dr. Karen Schetzina speaks with Aliyah Smith-Gomis about Project MANNA, a community-based initiative aimed at connecting Black mothers in Appalachia with local Black farmers to provide access to fresh, nutritious foods. The conversation explores Aliyah's background in public health, the importance of nutrition for maternal health, and the goals of Project MANNA to address disparities in health outcomes for Black women. Aliyah shares her personal experiences that inspired the project and discusses future aspirations for its growth and impact in the region.

If you would like to learn more about Project MANNA, please email or check out our socials!

Email: ProjectManna@outlook.com

Instagram: @ProjectManna_


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1 month ago
13 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Unlocking Literacy: The Power of Home Libraries | Families on Fridays

Summary

In this episode of Growing Stronger Together, host Kim Hale discusses the critical role of home libraries in fostering early literacy with Heather Logan from the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation. They explore the impact of having books at home on children's academic success, the importance of choice in reading materials, and practical tips for parents to create a rich literacy environment. The conversation also highlights various literacy programs available in Tennessee, including the Imagination Library and book gifting initiatives, emphasizing that access to books is essential for children's development and well-being.

Takeaways

Home libraries significantly enhance children's academic success.
Children with 100 books at home are 214% more likely to succeed academically.
Books should be considered a necessity for families, not a luxury.
Choice in reading materials increases children's interest and engagement.
Building relationships through shared reading experiences is vital.
Bilingual books can strengthen children's reading skills in both languages.
The summer slide can negatively impact reading skills if children do not read during breaks.
Creating a culture of reading at home is essential for literacy development.
High-quality reading materials in schools correlate with better student outcomes.
Engaging with books through activities can enhance learning and comprehension.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Home Libraries
01:15 Building Relationships for Literacy
04:15 The Role of Book Buses and Community Initiatives
06:56 Addressing the Summer Slump in Literacy
16:26 The Importance of Home Libraries
19:41 Building Confidence Through Reading
22:32 The Role of Choice in Reading
24:22 Bilingual Literacy Initiatives
28:33 Community Efforts in Literacy
31:27 Engaging Families in Reading
36:39 The Impact of Early Literacy Standards

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4 months ago
41 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Unintentional Injury prevention with Dr Alisa Vasileva | Families on Fridays

Summary

This podcast episode focuses on unintentional injury prevention in young children, discussing the leading causes of injuries such as falls, poisoning, and drowning. Dr. Alisa Vasileva shares insights on the importance of supervision, creating safe environments, and educating families on preventive measures. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive strategies to protect children from common hazards.

Takeaways

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for children.
Falls are the most frequent types of injury in young children.
Supervision is crucial to prevent falls and other injuries.
Creating a safe home environment can significantly reduce injury risks.
Poisoning is a common risk due to children's curiosity.
Parents should lock away harmful substances and medications.
Drowning is a leading cause of death in young children.
Swimming lessons are recommended for children by age four.
Educating families about injury prevention is essential.
Always call poison control in case of poisoning emergencies.

Growing Stronger Together is a podcast developed by faculty at East Tennessee State University for people who care about children and families. We appreciate support provided for the podcast from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and Tennessee Department of Health’s Maternal Mortality prevention program.

 

Our Families on Friday series, features topics important for the health and well-being of families.  I am host Dr. Karen Schetzina and am thrilled to welcome our guest today,

 

Dr Alisa Vasileva

Resident Physician

ETSU Health Pediatrics and Niswonger Children’s Hospital


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4 months ago
44 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Empowering Families Through Pediatric Care | Families on Fridays

Summary

In this episode of Growing Stronger Together, host discusses the importance of pediatric care and community support with Dr. Joe Wilson, a first-year pediatric resident at ETSU. They explore the Reach Out and Read program, which promotes literacy by providing books to children during medical visits. The conversation highlights the impact of reading on child development, the role of community engagement in healthcare, and personal experiences that shape a love for reading. Dr. Wilson shares his journey into medicine and his commitment to fostering a supportive environment for families in his future practice.

Takeaways

The podcast focuses on children, families, and community resources.
Dr. Joe Wilson is a first-year pediatric resident at ETSU.
Pediatric clinics often serve low-income families with Medicaid and Medicare.
The importance of community support in pediatric care is emphasized.
Reach Out and Read promotes literacy by providing books to children during visits.
Reading to children from a young age fosters development and communication skills.
Personal experiences with books can shape a child's love for reading.
Community events help foster relationships between healthcare providers and families.
The impact of pediatric care extends beyond medical treatment to community engagement.
Dr. Wilson plans to incorporate Reach Out and Read in his future practice.

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5 months ago
44 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Cultural Dynamics and Literacy Challenges | Families on Fridays

Summary

In this episode of Growing Stronger Together, host Kim Hale and guest Luann Davis discuss the importance of literacy for children in Appalachia, the unique cultural dynamics of the region, and practical strategies for families to support literacy development. They emphasize the need for community engagement, access to resources, and the preservation of Appalachian culture in education. The conversation highlights the role of storytelling, music, and practical teaching strategies that can be implemented at home to enhance children's literacy skills.

Takeaways

Reading does not happen automatically; access to books is essential.
Cultural dynamics in Appalachia impact literacy and education.
Storytelling is a vital part of Appalachian culture and literacy.
Teachers must balance meeting standards with engaging students.
Preserving local culture in education enriches the learning experience.
Practical strategies can be implemented at home to support literacy.
Modeling reading behavior is crucial for children's learning.
Access to technology and resources is a significant challenge in rural areas.
Free resources can greatly benefit families in need.
Community partnerships are essential for supporting literacy initiatives.


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5 months ago
37 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Navigating Child Development Challenges | Families on Fridays

Summary

In this episode of Growing Stronger Together, host Kim Hale welcomes back Kim Thornhill to discuss the critical topics of child development, literacy, and the challenges faced by young children, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. They explore the role of Child Care Resource and Referral, the impact of stress and anxiety on children's behavior, and the importance of understanding the underlying causes of challenging behaviors. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents and educators to model emotional awareness and self-regulation techniques to help children navigate their feelings and behaviors effectively. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the emotional challenges children face and how parents and educators can better support them. They discuss the importance of understanding emotional triggers, preparing children for stressful situations, and the role of literature in teaching emotional intelligence. Techniques such as mindful breathing and recognizing stress responses are emphasized, along with the significance of building familiarity with new environments to ease anxiety. The conversation highlights the need for emotional awareness in both children and adults, advocating for intentional communication about feelings.

Takeaways

The podcast aims to support parents and educators in raising healthy children.
Challenging behaviors in children have increased, especially post-COVID.
Understanding the underlying causes of behavior is crucial for effective intervention.
The iceberg model illustrates that visible behaviors often have deeper issues beneath the surface.
Parents should model emotional awareness and coping strategies for their children.
Calming techniques can significantly improve morning routines and reduce stress.
Children may not have the vocabulary to express their feelings, making it essential to teach them.
Educators face immense pressure, which can affect their interactions with children.
Taking a moment to breathe can prevent escalation of stress for both parents and children.
Teaching emotional regulation is a long-term process that requires consistency and patience. Children often struggle to express their emotions effectively.
It's crucial to prepare children for potentially stressful situations.
Books can serve as valuable tools for discussing emotions with children.
Recognizing stress responses in children can help address their needs.
Mindful breathing techniques can aid in emotional regulation for kids.
Building familiarity with new environments can reduce anxiety for children.
Anger and other emotions serve a purpose and should be acknowledged.
Starting emotional education early can benefit children's development.
Encouraging open conversations about feelings fosters emotional intelligence.
Parents and educators should model emotional awareness and regulation. 

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5 months ago
54 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Exploring Hands On Discovery Center | Moms on Mondays

Summary

In this episode of the Growing Stronger Together podcast, host Dr. Karen Schetzina welcomes Heather Watson, Vice President of Education and Exhibits at Hands On Discovery Center. They discuss the evolution of the museum, its role in the community, and the importance of educational experiences for families. Heather shares insights on membership benefits, community engagement, and the collaborative efforts with other organizations to support children and families in the region. The conversation emphasizes the museum's commitment to providing a welcoming space for all ages and the significance of fostering connections within the community.

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5 months ago
20 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
The Role of School Librarians in Child Development | Families on Fridays

Summary

In this episode of the Growing Stronger Together podcast, host Kim Hale engages with Dr. Renee Lyons, a professor at ETSU, discussing the vital role of literacy and storytelling in child development. They explore the significance of school librarianship, the need for more Appalachian literature, and the impact of technology on reading. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early literacy skills, the debate between print and digital reading, and innovative approaches to engage reluctant readers. The episode concludes with a call to advocate for literacy and support libraries as essential resources for community development.

Takeaways

Parents have significant power in their child's literacy development.
Storytelling is crucial for children's language skills.
There is a need for more Appalachian children's literature.
Reading enjoyment should continue beyond elementary school.
Technology plays a vital role in modern libraries.
Libraries are essential for lifelong learning and community engagement.
Engaging reluctant readers can start with magazines.
Early literacy skills are foundational for future success.
Print reading is more beneficial for comprehension than digital reading.
Advocacy for literacy and libraries is essential for societal growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Literacy and Language Development
05:51 Exploring School Librarianship and Its Impact
09:04 The Need for Appalachian Children's Literature
11:50 Storytelling as a Tool for Learning
15:00 The Role of School Libraries in Education
17:54 Engaging Children with Reading and Literature
20:51 The Value of Nonfiction and Diverse Reading Materials
24:03 Promoting Library Resources and Community Engagement
26:47 The Role of Parents in Fostering a Love for Reading
30:05 Cultural Representation in Literature
33:00 The Evolution of Reading Practices and Technology
35:59 Creative Approaches to Book Reports and Engagement
39:03 Advocating for Literacy and Library Support

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6 months ago
44 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Empowering Families Through Early Intervention | Families on Fridays

Summary

In this episode of Growing Stronger Together, host Kim Hale engages with early interventionists Stephanie Cowan and Kirstin Tipton to explore the vital role of early intervention in child development. They discuss the responsibilities of early interventionists, the eligibility criteria for services, and the importance of coaching caregivers to support their children's growth. The conversation highlights personal experiences as new mothers, the significance of building long-term relationships with families, and the emotional aspects of their work. The episode concludes with valuable resources for families seeking early intervention services.

Takeaways

Early interventionists are now referred to as child development coaches.
The role of early interventionists is to coach caregivers, not just work with children directly.
Significant progress in child development occurs when caregivers implement strategies at home.
Eligibility for early intervention services includes various medical diagnoses and developmental delays.
Families can self-refer for early intervention services if they have concerns about their child's development.
Coaching is tailored to fit naturally into the family's daily routines.
Building relationships with families is crucial for effective intervention.
Personal experiences as mothers enhance the understanding and empathy of early interventionists.
The emotional well-being of both families and interventionists is essential in this field.
Resources and support systems are available for families seeking early intervention services.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Early Intervention
01:03 Understanding the Role of Early Interventionists
04:30 Eligibility for Early Intervention Services
06:44 Home and Community-Based Support
10:27 Practical Strategies for Infant Development
12:01 Personal Experiences as New Moms
15:04 Building Long-Term Relationships with Families
17:00 Connecting with Families: The Intake Process
20:29 Coordinating Services for Comprehensive Support
25:14 Real-Life Examples of Effective Intervention
30:23 Supporting Language Development in Toddlers
35:58 Emotional Aspects of Early Intervention Work

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6 months ago
41 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Building Hope: Doc Sander's Work with Finnegan's Challenge | Families on Fridays

Dr. Richard Sander, who is just “Doc” at ETSU, began his career as a head
basketball coach at Howard High School in Chattanooga, TN in 1970-1971
and later became as an assistant coach at the University of TN –
Chattanooga. He moved to Cincinnati Ohio in 1972 to serve as head
basketball coach at Anderson High School, which was a rival school when he
played basketball in high school. He continued in that role for 10 years and
then took the assistant athletic director at Memphis State University (now
the University of Memphis) in 1972. He moved to Richmond Virginia in 1986
as the athletic director at Virginia Commonwealth University and later
assumed the title of Assistant to the President and Director of Athletics. In
1999, he became the Executive Director of the VCU Sports Center (now the
VCU Center for Sport Leadership), and held that position until 2009. Dr.
Sander retired for a few years but found his way to Johnson City in 2013 to
help ETSU relaunch football. Dr. Noland recently described Dr. Sander as
“one of the most experienced and professional athletic directors in
the nation. He has a long record of success both at ETSU and through
is work with universities across the country. Our student athletes,
coaches, and athletics staff are incredibly talented and possess
enormous potential. I believe Doc is the right person to help us
realize that potential and elevate ETSU athletics to the level of
excellence I and our fans expect.”

Doc’s conversation with Kim Hale does not include a lot of sports talk but
instead includes a discussion about his work with Finnegan’s Challenge
(www.finneganschallenge.org), a non-profit the promotes awareness of
children born with birth defects and provides education and financial support
for their families. Doc and Kim talk about the importance of perseverance,
integrity, and the appreciation of friendships in life.

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6 months ago
43 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Building Community Through Education with Dr. Kimberly Sanders Austin | Families on Fridays

Dr. Kimberly Sanders Austin is a professor of early childhood education at
Southwest Virginia Community College in Richlands, Virginia. She received a
bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Virginia’s College at
Wise, a master’s and doctoral degree in early childhood education from East
Tennessee State University. Dr. Austin is a lifelong resident of southwest
Virginia and is a strong advocate for high-quality early education for
children. She is an author of the book “Early Childhood Literacy: Engaging
and Empowering Emergent Readers and Writers, Birth – Age 5.” The book is
available for no cost at https://viva.pressbooks.pub/earlychildhoodliteracy/
In this podcast conversation, Dr. Austin shares tips for parents,
grandparents, and caregivers to use in the routines of everyday life to help
their child develop skills to be stronger readers and conversationalists.

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6 months ago
44 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Eating Disorders with Dr. Devyn Hayes | Teens on Tuesdays

During our Teens on Tuesday's segments with host Dr. William Dodd, learn more about ways to support adolescents' well-being during their journey to adulthood. 

 

Join us today for a discussion about a dangerous condition that usually develops during adolescence, eating disorders. 

 

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program. 

 

Further reading / resources: 

 

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/eat-disorder.html 

 

https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/eating-disorders-13-signs-teenagers-podcast-322502/ 

 

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy  

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.  

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0  

Unported Video Link: https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg 

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9 months ago
38 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Mental Health Resources with Dr. Twisha Shukla | Teens on Tuesdays

Mental Health Resources with Dr. Twisha Shukla 

 

During our Teens on Tuesday's segments with host Dr. William Dodd, learn more about ways to support adolescents' well-being during their journey to adulthood. 

 

Join us today for a discussion about mental health resources for adolescents. 

 

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program. 

 

Further reading / resources: 

 

https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-your-teen-screened-depression 

 

https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Youth-and-Young-Adult-Resources/ 

 

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/positiveparenting.htm 

 

https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/need-help.html 

 

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy   

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.   

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0   

Unported Video Link: https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg 

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9 months ago
16 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) with Dr. Soumya Jena | Teens on Tuesdays

Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) with Dr. Soumya Jena 

 

During our Teens on Tuesday's segments with host Dr. William Dodd, learn more about ways to support adolescents' well-being during their journey to adulthood. 

 

Join us today for a discussion about the gold standard of contraception, LARCs. 

 

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program. 

 

Further reading / resources: 

 

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/05/adolescents-and-long-acting-reversible-contraception-implants-and-intrauterine-devices 

 

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/bc4teens/for-providers/low-maintenance-contraceptives 

 

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy  

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.  

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0  

Unported Video Link: https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg 

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9 months ago
30 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Supporting Families in Appalachia: Strong Starts Program Offers Vital Resources | Moms on Mondays

About the Guest:

Meagan Meisenzahl is a dedicated health professional currently serving as the Director of the Strong Starts Program at Ballad Health's Niswonger Children's Network. With a master's degree in public health, Meisenzahl has built a robust career grounded in trauma injury prevention and population health. She previously managed the Strong Starts Program and served as the Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator at Niswonger Children's Hospital. Meisenzahl is committed to improving health outcomes by identifying and addressing social determinants of health and is passionate about driving access to essential resources for families during the critical years from prenatal stages through early childhood.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the "Growing Stronger Together" podcast, host Dr. Karen Schetzina engages in a lively discussion with Meagan Meisenzahl, the Director of the Strong Starts Program at Ballad Health's Niswonger Children's Network. They delve into the program's mission, which is centered around addressing the health-related social needs of families in the Appalachian Highlands, including Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Meisenzahl shares insights into her department's efforts to support expecting families and caregivers of children up to age five through dedicated social care navigation.

Meagan discusses the critical role of the Strong Starts navigators, who collaborate closely with families to connect them to essential local resources like food, financial stability, and social support groups. Meisenzahl emphasizes the inclusivity of the program, welcoming all caregivers, not just biological parents, recognizing the diverse forms family support can take. Throughout the episode, the conversation highlights the program's significant, collaborative impact, encompassing partnerships with organizations like the Strong ACC and leveraging community resources to foster a comprehensive support network.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Strong Starts Program addresses health-related social needs to support expecting and current caregivers of young children in the Appalachian Highlands.
  • Strong Starts navigators are embedded in multiple healthcare settings to build relationships and connect families to local resources and support services tailored to their needs.
  • The program is inclusive of various caregiver roles, emphasizing support for reunification processes and extending outreach to foster, adoptive, and biological parents, grandparents, and more.
  • Meagan Meisenzahl underscores the importance of partnerships to enhance service delivery, notably through collaborations within the Strong Accountable Care Community.
  • Training in trauma-informed care and mental health first aid, among others, equips navigators to provide thorough and multifaceted support to client families.

Notable Quotes:

  • "We're a support program that's focused on health-related social needs or social determinants of health." - Meagan Meisenzahl
  • "We want to help whoever, no matter what, and make sure that their story is heard." - Meagan Meisenzahl
  • "It's hard to ask for help, but just know that we wouldn't be offering it if we didn't want to help." - Meagan Meisenzahl
  • "I think we're better when we have other people to lean on." - Meagan Meisenzahl

Resources:

  • Contact Strong Starts Program: Phone - 423-431-4844. Email - strongstarts@balladhealth.org
  • Website: Ballad Health - Strong Starts Program
  • Read and Play Books: ETSU Department of Pediatrics
  • Partnerships and Collaborations: Strong ACC, Appalachian Promise Alliance, YWCA

To explore more about the Strong Starts Program's impact and how it supports regional families, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more insightful content from the "Growing Stronger Together" podcast.

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9 months ago
25 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Depression Medication with Dr. William Dodd, guest host Caylyn Yost | Teens on Tuesdays

Depression Medication with Dr. William Dodd, guest host Caylyn Yost 

 During our Teens on Tuesday's segments with host Dr. William Dodd, learn more about ways to support adolescents' well-being during their journey to adulthood.  

 

Join us today for a discussion about medical aspects of treatment of depression in teenagers. 

 

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program. 

 

Further reading / resources:  

 

https://childmind.org/article/medication-for-kids-with-depression/ 

 

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression 

 

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy   

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.   

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0   

Unported Video Link: https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg  

 

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10 months ago
24 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Empowering Parents to Support Early Literacy at Home | Families on Fridays

About the Guest:

Donna Shope: Donna Shope is the Senior Director of Early Literacy for the Department of Education in Tennessee. With over 20 years of experience in education, Donna has held various roles including Head Start teacher, kindergarten to fourth-grade teacher, assistant principal, and literacy coach. Her extensive background in literacy and dedication to serving young learners has equipped her as a vital contributor to Tennessee's educational landscape, advocating for early literacy and development across the state. Donna's work emphasizes the importance of understanding the science of reading and its application in the classroom and at home to foster literacy development from a young age.

Episode Summary:

Join host Kim Hale in this insightful episode of "Growing Stronger Together" as she welcomes Donna Shope to discuss the importance of early literacy. Broadcasting from the cozy confines of Napop Media in Johnson City, Kim and Donna delve into the resources and strategies that can bolster children's reading skills at home. This episode sheds light on how parents and guardians can actively engage in their children’s literacy journey using a well-curated set of tools and techniques.

In their conversation, Kim and Donna explore a variety of critical topics concerning early literacy development. They dive into essential reading tips, emphasizing the critical role of parents in establishing a reading routine and fostering an enriching reading environment. Donna introduces several Tennessee Department of Education resources designed to support literacy at home, such as interactive decodables and toolkits aimed at improving reading comprehension and facilitating engaging parent-teacher conferences. With an emphasis on understanding RTI and the complexities of reading as a skill, this episode is rich with SEO keywords like "early literacy development," "reading comprehension," and "parent-teacher communication."

Key Takeaways:

  • Establish a daily reading time to cultivate a habit in young learners and make reading a consistent part of their routine.
  • Focus on choosing books that match your child's interests to foster a love for reading and show them that reading can be enjoyable and educational.
  • Utilize interactive decodables and available online resources to support what is being taught in schools, ensuring reinforcement of literacy skills at home.
  • Understand the role of Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI) in literacy and how it supports struggling readers through targeted methods.
  • Equip parents with effective communication strategies for parent-teacher conferences, ensuring they are prepared to engage in meaningful discussions about their child's progress.

Notable Quotes:

  • "Choosing books that interest your child will not only make them more interested in reading, but it's going to show them they can learn from books." — Donna Shope
  • "Be a good reading role model…read with expression." — Donna Shope
  • "In Tennessee, we have an approach called Response to Instruction and Intervention…it's designed to strengthen a student's foundational knowledge." — Donna Shope
  • "The more we have learned about the science of reading, the ability to teach that code is miraculous to me." — Kim Hale
  • "Learning to read is often a hard job too." — Donna Shope

Resources:

  • Tennessee Department of Education
  • Interactive Decodables Website
  • Toolkits: Understanding Literacy, Understanding A Sounds First Approach, Supporting Literacy at Home
  • RTI Resources
  • Guide for Parent-Teacher Conferences

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for parents and educators alike, offering useful tips and resources to enhance children's reading skills. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into early literacy development and stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on "Growing Stronger Together."

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10 months ago
54 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Chronic Illness and Mental Health with Dr. Haley Bradshaw | Teens on Tuesdays

Chronic Illness and Mental Health with Dr. Haley Bradshaw


During our Teens on Tuesday's segments with host Dr. William Dodd, learn more about ways to support adolescents' well-being during their journey to adulthood. 


Join us today for a discussion about chronic illness and mental health.


Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program.


Further reading / resources: 


https://childmind.org/article/mental-health-in-children-with-chronic-illness/


https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/conditions/psychological-complications-chronic-illness


Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy  

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.  

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0  

Unported Video Link: https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg 

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10 months ago
23 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Rising Syphilis Rates: Prevention and Treatment Insights for Families | Moms on Mondays

About the Guest:

Dr. Cynthia Thomas is a primary care physician and assistant health officer at the Tennessee Department of Health's Northeast Regional Health Office. With 13 years of service at the Department of Health, Dr. Thomas provides primary care services to uninsured patients and oversees clinical STI and family planning services. She also supervises nurse practitioners and engages in the development and implementation of prevention initiatives, specifically focusing on maternal and child health and the prevention of congenital syphilis. Her extensive experience and leadership make her a key figure in addressing public health concerns in the region.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of "Growing Stronger Together," host Dr. Karen Schetzina engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Cynthia Thomas about a pressing public health issue—syphilis, particularly its impact during pregnancy and on newborns, termed congenital syphilis. Dr. Thomas shares her extensive experience from the Tennessee Department of Health, emphasizing the alarming increase in syphilis cases and its profound implications. With over a decade of experience in public health, Dr. Thomas provides a detailed narrative on the historical context, symptoms, complications, and prevention strategies for syphilis.

The conversation delves deep into the multiple stages of syphilis infection, elucidating why it's known as the "great imitator" due to its varied symptoms. Dr. Thomas explains that syphilis remains a significant concern today, underscored by the startling rise in congenital syphilis cases. She highlights the importance of early screening and treatment, particularly for pregnant women, to prevent congenital infection in newborns. The episode also addresses the crucial role of healthcare providers and families in curbing the spread of syphilis through awareness, testing, and appropriate medical interventions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The rate of syphilis infections has alarmingly increased over the past decade, notably affecting pregnant women and newborns.
  • Syphilis is known as the "great imitator" due to its ability to present symptoms similar to a variety of other diseases.
  • Primary penicillin treatment remains effective for curing syphilis, yet individuals can be reinfected without preventive measures.
  • Prenatal care and screening for syphilis are crucial in preventing congenital syphilis and its severe health impacts on newborns.
  • Healthcare professionals are encouraged to consider syphilis testing at diverse healthcare encounters, especially for individuals capable of becoming pregnant.

Notable Quotes:

  1. "Syphilis is not an infection that's probably been on everyone's radar in recent years, but because of increasing case rates and prevalence in our region, I would just want families to understand what the infection is and how to prevent it."
  2. "The alarming increase in syphilis cases in the general population, particularly among women, is a growing concern, leading to more cases during pregnancy and congenital syphilis in newborns."
  3. "We are here to support healthcare providers with resources, reporting, and partner treatment to effectively tackle the rise in syphilis cases."
  4. "Early screening and treatment with penicillin can prevent the transmission of syphilis and its severe health consequences, especially in unborn children."
  5. "Regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay, testing and treatment for syphilis are readily available at local health departments."

Resources:

  • Tennessee Department of Health
  • Local health department resources for STI testing and counseling
  • From the Tennessee Department of Health: Syphilis

    From CDC:
    About Syphilis | Syphilis | CDC
    About Congenital Syphilis | Syphilis | CDC

    From End the Syndemic Tennessee:
    STIs – End The Syndemic

Don't miss this enlightening episode on the "Growing Stronger Together" podcast for a deeper understanding of the public health challenges surrounding syphilis. Stay tuned for more episodes focused on the health and wellbeing of mothers, children, and families.

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11 months ago
21 minutes

Growing Stronger Together
Growing Stronger Together is a podcast for people who care about children. Growing Stronger Together was developed by faculty at East Tennessee State University, including members of the ETSU Health Department of Pediatrics, the ETSU Center for Early Childhood Learning and Development, and the ETSU Child and Family Health Institute. East Tennessee State University is located in the beautiful Appalachian Highlands. We appreciate the financial support provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health.