Public Health Education
The Medical Foundation of Nashville equips physicians, patients, and community members with knowledge and tools to address pressing public health challenges, fostering informed decision-making and collaboration. By focusing on education, outreach, and community-engaged solutions, we strive to advance public health throughout Middle Tennessee.
FEATURED CONTENT THIS QUARTER
Welcome to our quarterly featured content. Each quarter, this hub highlights key public health observances aimed at raising public awareness on key health issues. Under each tab you will find information and resources about health observances happening this month.
April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month. Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal (GI) condition that causes recurring attacks of abdominal pain or discomfort in association with bowel habits. This condition affects 10-15% of individuals worldwide and it affects all ages of both children and adults. However, 2 in 3 IBS sufferers are female. People with IBS tend to restrict their daily activities an average of 70+ days per year making IBS one of the most burdensome chronic ailments reported by patients. With GI-related issues on the rise, follow these links to learn more about IBS and how to prevent or alleviate symptoms.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
The Gastroenterologist and His Daughter Podcast Episode What's New with IBS
IBS Awareness Month Media Toolkit
GastroGirl Podcast Episode Featuring Dr. Brian E. Lacy, Board Certified Gastroenterologist
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral Cancer awareness amongst the American public is low. Approximately 58,500 people in the U.S. and approximately 450,000 people around the world will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. On average, one person dies every hour from oral cancer complications, which is almost 10,000 people a year. Men are twice as likely to be affected by oral cancer, so knowing your risk factors is important. The use of alcohol and tobacco, prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds, and the sexually transmitted HPV16 virus can all increase a person’s risk of developing oral cancers. Knowing the signs and symptoms such as:
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal.
- A lump or thickening on the lips or gums or in the mouth.
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsils or lining of the mouth.
- Bleeding, pain or numbness in the lip or mouth.
- Change in voice or Swelling of the jaw.
- Sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat.
Looking for these symptoms can help with early detection to prevent or limit oral cancer risks.
American Dental Hygienists Association Information and Events
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. Every year, nearly 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms can include tremors at rest, slowness of movement, limb stiffness, loss of smell, postural balance problems and trouble with one’s normal gait. There are also additional non-motor related symptoms that affect people’s mood, emotional regulation, sleep patterns and cognition. The cause of PD is still unknown, and scientists have yet find a cure, however they are working to improve treatment options through lifestyle changes and surgery. While not considered a fatal disease, Parkinson’s can become very serious depending on the patient, so click here to learn more.
Parkinson's Foundation
The Peterson Foundation for Parkinson's
Parkinson's Foundation Podcast
"Substantial Matters"
The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Parkinson's Podcast
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and has been nationally recognized since 1949. Our mental health is one of the most important facets of our overall well-being and recognizing certain behaviors and daily stressors can play major roles in how we take care of ourselves. This is why having access to health services, affordable counseling, data-driven information and a strong support system can offer millions of people a lifeline to improve their health. To date, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW) states that:
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
- 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.
“Mental health awareness plays a crucial role in reducing stigma, encouraging early intervention and fostering empathy and understanding. By normalizing conversations around mental health, it nurtures a more compassionate society where individuals feel empowered to seek help, leading to improved mental wellbeing.” – National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
National Alliance of Mental Illness
National Institute of Mental Health
NPR Mental Health Matters Podcast
Rural Health Association of Tennessee
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. About 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke each year, so knowing what signs to look for is the best way to help prevent or assist with someone having a stroke. Remembering the acronym F.A.S.T. can help save someone’s life:
- F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
- A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
- T = Time to call 911 – Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.
Other recognizable symptoms are numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion and trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, issues with walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and a severe headache with no known cause. Click here to learn more about your risk factors, causes and other ways to decrease the likelihood of a stroke.
American Stroke Association
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes
TN Stroke Alliance Resources
American Heart & Stroke Association Tennessee Chapter
May is Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month. “Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both.” This can cause bones to become weak and more easily injured from a fall, minor bumps, or even sneezing. Under a microscope, healthy bone looks like a honeycomb, but when osteoporosis occurs, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger. “About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.” – Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because one can’t feel bones weakening. Several health conditions and certain medical procedures can increase our risk of developing osteoporosis, so talking with your health care provider is a vital step in preventing bone loss.
List of some risk factors:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Different Cancer Diagnoses
- Digestive/Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Hematologic/Blood Disorders
- Neurological/Nervous System Disorders
- Medical Procedures and Certain Medicines
- Mental Illness
- Endocrine Disorders
- Other Conditions
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Osteoporosis Information
Mayo Clinic Talks Episode on Osteoporosis
Alzheimer's Association
2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness Month. Over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. The most common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia are: Memory loss that disrupts daily living, difficulty completing regular tasks, confusion about times and places, new issues with speaking and writing, decreased of poor judgement, withdrawal from activities or social life, and changes in mood or personality. In the next 5 years, all members of the “Baby Boom generation (Americans born between 1946 and 1964) will be age 65 or older, the age range of greatest risk of Alzheimer’s dementia. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s may grow to a projected 12.7 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease. – Alzheimer’s Association
Quick Facts:
- Health and long-term care costs for people living with dementia are projected to reach $384 billion in 2025 and nearly $1 trillion in 2050.
- The lifetime risk for Alzheimer’s at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men.
- Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
- Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.
- Approximately 25% of dementia caregivers in the “sandwich generation” — meaning that they care not only for an aging parent but also for at least one child.
June is Men’s Health Month and each year, the week leading up to and including Father’s Day (this year it’s the 9th -15th) is specifically Men’s Health Week. This is a great time to focus on keeping our fathers, brothers, uncles, and sons healthy — by educating them on health issues that disproportionately affect men, raising awareness of preventable health problems, and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease. – Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for U.S. men and nearly 350,000 men die of cardiovascular disease each year. Currently, about 34% of U.S. adult men are obese, and 32% have hypertension. Plus, men aged 60 and over are more likely to be obese than younger men. Another area of Men’s Health that needs more attention is around cancer risks. More than 700,000 men are diagnosed with cancer each year; 300,000 of those cases will result in death. More U.S. men die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer and regular screenings can help reduce the risks of developing other types of cancer. Prostate cancer and colorectal cancer are the second and third most common causes of cancer death in U.S. men, respectively.
Men's Health Month Organization
Vanderbilt University Center for Research on Men's Health
The Men's Health Podcast
June is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in some people after experiencing a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Most people experience a range of reactions after a traumatic event and recover from those initial symptoms naturally. However, people who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. Symptoms can range from re-experiencing the event through intense memories of sounds, smells and other sensations, disassociating or avoiding from their surroundings, or becoming hyper-aware of their environment as if they are in danger. “Anyone can develop PTSD, including children, teens, and adults, who have been through physical or sexual assault, abuse, accident, disaster, war or combat, or other serious events.” – National Institute of Mental Health
As of 2024, the World Health Organization stated:
- Approximately 70% of people will experience a traumatic event in their lives and about 6% of those people will develop or experience symptoms of PTSD.
- An estimated 3.9% of the world population has had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some stage in their lives.
- Feeling supported by family, friends or other people following the potentially traumatic event can reduce the risk of developing PTSD.
- More women are affected by PTSD than men.
US Department of Veteran Affairs
National Institute of Mental Health
World Health Organization (WHO)
- Alcohol Awareness Month
- National Autism Acceptance Month & Day (April 2nd)
- Autism Speaks Information
- Autism Speaks Podcast
- The Neurodiversity Podcast
- Autism Awareness in Tennessee Video
- National Stress Awareness Month
- National Institute of Health Stress Awareness Info
- Working for a Healthier Tennessee Info
- National Alliance of Mental Illness Video
- How to Manage & Better Understand Stress – Dr. Elissa Epel & Dr. Andrew Huberman – Podcast
- 5 Tools to Protect Your Brain from Stress & Feel Calmer with Aditi Nerurkar, MD – Podcast
- Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center
- NSVRC Podcast
- NSVRC Resources
- RAINN Resources
- TN Coalition to End Domestic Violence Resources
- Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts & Figures 2025 Report
- CDC National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
- Rural Health Association of Tennessee Resources
- Prevent Cancer Foundation Resources
- Cancer Research Institute Information
- NIH National Cancer Institute: Division of Cancer Prevention Resource
- World Health Organization Preventing Cancer Information
- National Public Health Week April 7-13
- American Public Health Association Information
- Tennessee Public Health Association Information
May
- Arthritis Awareness Month
- Arthritis Foundation Information
- Arthritis Foundation Toolkit
- Osteoarthritis Action Alliance
- Arthritis National Research Foundation
- Tennessee Department of Health Flyer
- Pediatric Associates of Franklin – Juvenile Arthritis Information
- National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Information
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Asthma Resources
- American Lung Association Resources
- US Environmental Protection Agency Resources
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Information
- Lupus Awareness Month
- Lupus Foundation of America Information
- Lupus Foundation of America Toolkit
- LFA Podcast Series
- Lupus Research Alliance
- Tennessee Valley Living Lupus Awareness Month Video
- National Preeclampsia Awareness Month
- Preeclampsia Foundation
- Preeclampsia Foundation – “Blood Pressure Key to Healthy Pregnancy”
- (USDA) WIC Works Resource System “Preeclampsia and Other Hypertensive Disorders”
- Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Tennessee Chapter
- CFF – Events Page
- CFF Webinar – “Research Overview: Path to a Cure”
- Vanderbilt Health – Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic –
- Cystic Fibrosis Trust Podcast (UK)
- Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute – CF Community Voices Podcast
- John Hopkins Nursing Podcast Episode – “Understanding Cystic Fibrosis”
- Food Allergy Awareness Month
- World AIDS Vaccine Day
June
- National Scleroderma Awareness Month
- National Scleroderma Foundation
- Cataract Awareness Month
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- PreventBlindness.org Information
- Cataract Awareness Month Video
- National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
- American Migraine Foundation Information
- National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Information
- National Headache Foundation
- National Headache Foundation “HeadWise” Podcast
- Men’s Health Week (9-15)
- Men’s Health Week Information
- Men’s Health Foundation Podcast
- National Cancer Survivor Day
- National Cancer Survivor Day Information
- Cancer Community Clubhouse Information
- World Blood Donor Day
- Impact Life Initiative Information
- World Health Organization Information
Public Health Resources
Tennessee Department of Health
Metro Nashville Public Health Department
Sycamore Institute
My Healthcare Home
MULTI-MEDIA PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES
Featured Podcast Feeds
Humans in Public Health
Brown University Podcast
George Washington University Health Education Podcast
KFF Health News
Podcast
TED Health
Podcast
Public Health On Call Johns Hopkins SPH Podcast
CDC Emerging Infectious Disease Podcast
GRANT FUNDERS
