May 17, 2017
Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses have become the most prolific zoonotic diseases in our nation. Because of their proximity to tick environments, rural areas are more susceptible. In this article, we hear from a Lyme disease patient, a scientist, psychiatrist, nonprofit leader, and a medical doctor about the spread and what's being done about it.
May 3, 2017
From over-the-counter medication use, to decisions about personal or family disease treatments, health literacy impacts the most everyday of health decisions. But, distance and internet connectivity challenges make it difficult for rural residents to get health information. To navigate health information gaps, school nurses, newspapers, public libraries, churches, public health departments, and hub-and-spoke academic institutions are working in creative ways.
April 19, 2017
Every rural provider has a horror story attached to low health literacy. Health literacy, or getting, understanding, and using health information, involves two sides. Researchers and experts explain that by understanding both the skills and demands side of health literacy, providers and organizations can help their patients move to improved health.
February 22, 2017
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will focus on rural health issues in a special series of its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) that will run throughout 2017. Learn about the impetus for the series, topics that will be featured, and upcoming webinars to share findings from the series.
January 25, 2017
Tea Time with Teens is a South Carolina program that taps into the area's traditions to lower the teen pregnancy rate. While bonding over tea with the women of the community, girls learn how to make healthy decisions and become more confident, capable leaders.
November 2, 2016
Women in Chuuk, Micronesia, often serve as caregivers for their families and communities. But without a formal education, many women can't move beyond their immediate environments. The Chuuk Women's Council provides education and training for Micronesian women, empowering them to become leaders in health.
October 19, 2016
Much of a person's health is determined by social and environmental factors such as housing or access to healthcare. When these factors negatively affect a person's health, legal intervention combined with medical care may be the best treatment.
October 5, 2016
Dr. Ali Mokdad uncovers reasons behind the United States' high infant and maternal mortality rates. A Professor of Global Health at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and Head Faculty Member on U.S. Studies at the University of Washington, Dr. Mokdad shares his perspective on this issue through a rural lens.
August 24, 2016
A unique wellness program in rural Ohio has impacted nearly 2,000 adults. Participants of Trinity Hospital Twin City's Fit for Life program have reversed their diabetes, lowered cholesterol, lost weight, and are even sleeping better. The secret lies in Dr. Timothy McKnight's curriculum that centers around a change of mindset to spur long-term physical health.
July 27, 2016
Built environments significantly influence community health and individual behaviors of physical activity. Rural communities may face infrastructure barriers to active living, but a little innovation can get an entire town moving.
