In this episode, Alexis talks with MHA/JD candidates Danny Bush and Sam Cropper. They discuss the dynamic field of health law and policy, the intersection between health law and public health, and how lawyers can be utilized to serve as patient advocates.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-law-policy-and-public-health-working-together/

Have an idea for a show? Questions or comments for our hosts? Send email to cph-gradambassador@uiowa.edu

Common Ground: a conversation about law, policy, and public health working together

We celebrate National Public Health Week with a conversation about partnerships, resiliency, and community and what it's been like to work in local, community-based public health during the COVID19 pandemic. Our guest is Danielle Pettit-Majewski, director of Johnson County (Iowa) Public Health and MPH alumna of the University of Iowa.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-celebrating-local-public-health/

Have an idea for a show? Questions or comments for our hosts? Send email to cph-gradambassador@uiowa.edu

Partnerships, resiliency, and community: celebrating local public health

Anya and Logan chat with Francisco Olalde from the University of Iowa's Office of Statewide Clinical Education Programs (OSCEP). He talks about his work with visiting consultant clinics in the state of Iowa, especially in rural communities. He also covers his experience working on both MBA and Executive MHA degrees...at the same time.

Learn more about OSCEP at https://medicine.uiowa.edu/oscep/

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-clinical-education-outreach-programs-in-rural-communities/

Have an idea for a show? Questions or comments for our hosts? Send email to cph-gradambassador@uiowa.edu

The importance of clinical education outreach programs in rural communities with Francisco Olalde

This is the first of a 3-part series on vector-borne diseases (transmitted by insects). Today's episode features a interview with Dr. Ryan Smith, entomologist at Iowa State University. He talks with Radha and Anya about about mosquito surveillance and mosquito-borne diseases.

Look for upcoming episodes on tick and flea-borne diseases.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-vector-borne-diseases-episode-1-mosquito-surveillance-and-mosquito-borne-diseases-with-dr-ryan-smith/

Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email Anya at anya-morozov@uiowa.edu

Vector-Borne Diseases Ep. 1: mosquito surveillance and mosquito-borne diseases with Dr. Ryan Smith

Dr. Lucie Laurian of the University of Iowa School of Planning and Public Affairs is our guest as we explore how urban planning and the built environment impact the health of communities and individuals.

Learn more about Dr. Laurian and her work at https://sppa.uiowa.edu/people/lucie-laurian

Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

Public health, urban planning, and the built environment with Dr. Lucie Laurian

NEW EPISODE! Rasika and Radha welcome MHA student Emily Molden to discuss the Upstream Initiative, an interdisciplinary group of graduate health professions students, nursing students, and undergraduate students who volunteer in the High-Risk Obstetrics Clinic at University of Iowa Health Care and serve to connect patients with resources in their hometown to combat food insecurity and transportation needs.

Learn more about the Upstream Initiative at https://medicine.uiowa.edu/md/upstream-initiative

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-the-upstream-initiative/

Have an idea for a show? Questions or comments for our hosts? Send email to cph-gradambassador@uiowa.edu

The Upstream Initiative and working with high-risk obstetrics patients to overcome barriers to care

Joe Cavanaugh, professor and head of the University of Iowa Department of Biostatistics is this week's guest. He chats with Amy and Anya about the central role that biostatistics plays in public health and medical research and explains the concept of P-value and its use in biostats.

A transcript of this episode is available at  https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-using-biostatistics-and-p-value-in-public-health-research/

Have an idea for a show? Questions or comments for our hosts? Send email to cph-gradambassador@uiowa.edu

Making Sense of the Data: using biostatistics and p-value in public health research

This is the final episode of our series examining recent legislation restricting abortion in Iowa and its potential impact on public health.

Lauren's guest is Dr. Abbey Hardy-Fairbanks, OBGYN at University of Iowa Healthcare and medical director of Iowa City's Emma Goldman Clinic who shares her perspectives on the bill and discusses the future of abortion restrictions and  how they can impact the availability of OBGYN care, and create access and equity issues.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-iowas-fetal-heartbeat-bill-impacts-on-obgyn-care-access-and-equity/

Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

Iowa's "Fetal Heartbeat" Bill episode 3: potential impacts on OBGYN care, access, and equity

Rasika welcomes second-year Master of Health Administration students AnnaVay and Jashanjot to discuss their summer internship experiences and the valuable opportunities they provide for learning, networking, and professional growth.

A transcription of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-mha-students-reflect-on-their-summer-internship-experiences/.

Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

The Value of Internships: MHA students reflect on their summer internship experiences

Amy welcomes Ti Hsu, a PhD candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Iowa to discuss stereotypes and stigma surrounding the mental health of Asian Americans and creating culturally responsive therapy services among different populations.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-asian-americans-mental-health-and-culturally-responsive-care/

Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

Stereotypes and Stigma: Asian Americans, mental health, and culturally responsive care

Lauren welcomes Dr. Mark Berg and Kaylin Campbell from the University of Iowa's Public Policy Center to talk about intimate partner violence (IPV) from sociological, psychological, and public health perspectives and how views and policies about IPV have been changing.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-intimate-partner-violence-evolving-understanding-and-changing-policy/

Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

Intimate Partner Violence: evolving understanding and changing policy

This week's episode is a panel discussion on rural pharmacies hosted by the University of Iowa's Student Association for Rural Health. The panelists included Erin Riffel, Pharmacist in Charge at Cornerstone Apothecary in Marengo, Iowa; Sarah Fitzpatrick, a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Washington County Hospital & Clinics; and Jeanine Abrons, a Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Science at University of Iowa  College of Pharmacy.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-rural-pharmacies-role-in-providing-vital-health-care-services/


Have an question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

Rural Pharmacies: exploring their pivotal role in providing vital healthcare services

Part 1 of 2...Lauren welcomes guest Dr. Josiah Rich for a discussion on addiction treatment and public health, particularly in relation to the HIV epidemic and injection drug use in Rhode Island. He highlights the impact of a law outlawing the possession of a single syringe, which led to a decrease in HIV transmission. He also mentions the routine testing program in the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, which identified a significant number of HIV cases. Dr. Rich explains the current state of opioid use in the United States and the restrictions on prescribing methadone for opioid use disorder. He emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to address the opioid epidemic and the importance of getting people into recovery.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/from-the-front-row-addiction-treatment-and-public-health/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support "From the Front Row" by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

Addiction Treatment and Public Health Part 1: a discussion with Dr. Josiah Rich

Lauren interviews Daniela Moga about her professional journey from medical training in her home country of Romania to pursuing degrees in public health and epidemiology at the University of Iowa to her current career in pharmacoepidemiology at the University of Kentucky.

A transcript of this episode is available at  https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-a-professional-journey-with-dr-daniela-moga/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

How Did I Get Here? A professional journey with Dr. Daniela Moga

Lauren welcomes her guest, Dr. Steven Levy, to talk about the role of fluoride in public health and oral health and the controversy about a recent study making an association between fluoride exposure and children's IQ. 

They also touch on:
The history and rationale behind water fluoridation as a key public health intervention to prevent tooth decay, including how it provides benefits across socioeconomic groups and is a cost-saving measure.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between fluoride exposure and children's IQ, and the concerns raised in Dr. Levy's editorial about the scientific validity and interpretation of those findings.

How the debate around this meta-analysis has been amplified in the media and by opponents of water fluoridation, and the importance of carefully evaluating research evidence from multiple qualified sources.

Current fluoride guidelines and standards, and advice for parents and individuals concerned about fluoride exposure, including the safety of community water fluoridation at recommended levels.

The continuing importance of fluoride as the foundational preventive measure in dentistry, and the limited evidence so far on potential alternatives like hydroxyapatite toothpastes.

A transcript of this episode is available at  https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/podcast-the-role-of-fluoride-in-public-health-and-oral-health-with-dr-steven-levy/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #education #oralhealth #fluoride

The Role of Fluoride in Public Health and Oral Health: with guest Dr. Steven Levy

This episode features an interview with Dr. Anjali Deshpande, a clinical associate professor in epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health and the current president of the Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA). Dr. Deshpande discusses her journey into public health, the role of IPHA in advocating for and strengthening public health practice in Iowa, and the challenges facing the public health field, particularly around funding. She provides advice for students looking to build careers in public health, emphasizing the importance of getting involved in organizations like IPHA to develop advocacy skills and make connections. Dr. Deshpande expresses hope for the future of public health in Iowa, highlighting the need to build bridges with policymakers and the public to make the work of public health more visible and impactful.

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

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth

Building Bridges: advocating for public health with Anjali Deshpande

Lauren welcomes Mary Charlton to the podcast to discuss the Iowa Cancer Registry's "99 Counties" project.

The "Cancer in Iowa 99 Counties" project aims to educate Iowans about the high cancer rates in the state, the types of cancer driving these rates, and risk factors that can be addressed through policy and community action

Iowa has the second-highest cancer incidence rate in the U.S., with the most common cancers being breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and melanoma

The project involves creating detailed reports on cancer trends and risk factors for each of Iowa's 99 counties, which are presented to local public health officials and community members to spur action

Key findings include geographic patterns in different cancer types (e.g. higher lung cancer in southern Iowa, higher melanoma in northern Iowa), highlighting the complex, multifactorial nature of cancer

The goal is to empower Iowans to advocate for evidence-based policies (e.g. tobacco tax increases) and community initiatives to reduce the cancer burden in the state.

A transcript of this episode is available at  https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-the-iowa-cancer-registry-and-the-99-counties-project/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #cancer #canceriniowa

The Iowa Cancer Registry and the "99 Counties" project

This week, Lauren welcomes UI College of Public Health alumnus and recipient of the college's 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award, Dr. Vijay Golla. They discuss his journey into public health that began with his medical training in India, where he became interested in preventive medicine and social medicine. This led him to pursue a Ph.D. in industrial hygiene at the University of Iowa, where he focused his dissertation on assessing pesticide levels and related doses among farm families in Iowa.

After graduating, Dr. Golla returned to Western Kentucky University, where he obtained a training grant to support undergraduate and graduate students in environmental health sciences. In his current role as Vice Provost for Research and Health Sciences at Texas A&M, Dr. Golla has been able to significantly increase research funding and expand the university's health science initiatives, which he sees as a critical part of public health's future focus on disease prevention.

Dr. Golla emphasizes the importance of field experience, networking, and staying research-active for current public health students and young professionals. He is excited about public health's growing influence and its potential to play a pivotal role in providing personalized preventive healthcare recommendations, much like a vehicle's diagnostic system.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-a-conversation-with-dr-vijay-golla/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth

Diagnostics and Data: How Dr. Vijay Golla is Redefining Public Health Strategy

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/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #breastcancer #prevention #cancer #culturallyresponsivecare

Culturally Responsive Breast Cancer Prevention, Screening, Treatment, and Care

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 CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #ruralhealth #nursinghomes #covid19 #pandemic

Examining the impacts of relaxed staff training and licensing requirements on nursing homes

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 CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #disabiltyadvocacy #inclusiverecreation

Talking disability advocacy, inclusive recreation, and entrepreneurship with Megan Mindy

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/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #emergencypreparedness #healtheducation #public health degree

From Iowa to Impact: Madison Snitker Harrelson on local public health and emergency readiness

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 CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #exercise #activity #health

Prescribing Movement: Dr. Lucas Carr on exercise as medicine for chronic disease prevention

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 CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #environmentalhealth #toxicology #climatechange

Regulating Risk: Dr. Peter Thorne on EPA & FDA Science (Part 1)

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/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #environmentalhealth #toxicology #climatechange

Regulating Risk: Dr. Peter Thorne on EPA & FDA Science (Part 2)

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/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

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

Persistent Pollution: Reducing the Risk of PCBs on Brain Health with Dr. Amanda Bullert

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/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

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

Aging, Joy, and Changing the Narrative (Part 1)

Part 2: Care-giving, Innovation, and Lessons from Older Adults: what does it take to age well in practice—and what can younger generations learn from those who’ve gone before us? In Part Two, we continue our conversation with Jennifer Jones and Angela Charsha-Harney to look at the realities of care-giving, promising practices like age-friendly health systems, and the power of inter-generational connection.

You’ll hear stories from the nonprofit thinkJOY, lessons Jennifer and Angela have learned from working closely with older adults, and reflections on why joy, dignity, and storytelling are vital for public health. This episode is packed with insights for anyone—whether you’re caring for aging parents, thinking about your own future, or curious about how public health can shape healthier communities for all ages.


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-2/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

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

Aging, Joy, and Changing the Narrative (Part 2)

Pregnancy pain is common, often dismissed, and rarely easy to manage. At the same time, recent headlines have stirred anxiety by suggesting that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy may be linked to autism. These claims spread quickly online, leaving many parents-to-be with more questions than answers.

In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, host Lauren Lavin talks with Dr. Julie Vignato, assistant professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing and a leading researcher on pain in pregnancy. Dr. Vignato brings both professional expertise and personal insight as a mother, helping us unpack what the science actually says, where misinformation creeps in, and how healthcare providers and public health communicators can share clearer messages.

Topics discussed include:

-Why pregnancy pain is too often under-treated and misunderstood
-What the evidence shows about acetaminophen and NSAIDs during pregnancy
-How a large Swedish “sibling study” helps rule out Tylenol as a cause of autism
-The role of maternal guilt, stigma, and communication in shaping these conversations
-Practical advice for both pregnant people and healthcare providers navigating pain management
-How to identify trustworthy evidence and avoid misinformation online


Resources mentioned in this episode:

-Swedish sibling study on acetaminophen and autism: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406 
-Cochrane Library – Plain language reviews: https://www.cochrane.org/evidence 
-Dr. Vignato’s study on OTC pain relievers during pregnancy: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406 


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

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #pregnancy #autism #pain #painmanagement #healthcare #acetaminophen #NSAIDs #maternalhealth #evidence #misinformation

Tylenol & Pain in Pregnancy - Following the Evidence with Dr. Julie Vignato

When a mumps outbreak hits a small progressive school in Berkeley, California, parents who once agreed on everything find themselves suddenly divided. Eureka Day, a play by Jonathan Spector, uses humor and heart to explore the messy intersection of personal choice, public health, and community trust.

In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, we talk with Kathleen Johnson, Director of Outreach and Education at Riverside Theatre and the director of Eureka Day in Iowa City. Kathleen shares how the production connects with real-world public health issues—especially vaccine hesitancy and communication across different beliefs—and why theater can sometimes say what data alone can’t.

From PTA politics to social media comment sections, this conversation dives into how we navigate disagreement, how empathy shapes public dialogue, and what it means to keep communities healthy and connected.

Show link: https://riversidetheatre.org/eurekaday/

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

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #riverside #theatre #iowacity #vaccines #healthcare #outbreaks #community #personalchoice #evidence #misinformation #politics

Eureka Day: Public Health Takes the Stage

The University of Iowa College of Public Health is a top-ranked school of public health, meeting the public health challenges of the 21st century through education, research, outreach, and community engagement.

University of Iowa College of Public Health

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