Wonks at Work

ACHI
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS
Wonks at Work

Podcast by ACHI

  1. 28 OCT

    Answering Machine: Dr. Debbie Jones

    Arkansas recently joined a growing number of states that support cell phone restrictions in schools, launching a $7 million pilot program to create “phone-free” schools as part of a broader effort to improve student mental health and curb screen addiction. While research on cell phone bans is mixed, some studies show associated improvements in student mental health and academic performance, as well as decreases in bullying. For a firsthand perspective on the impact of such bans on students and the school environment, we’re joined on this episode by Dr. Debbie Jones, superintendent of Bentonville Schools.

    20 min

  2. 14 OCT

    The Air That I Breathe: Dr. Matthew Steliga

    Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in Arkansas, claiming more lives each year than HIV, illicit drug use, alcohol, motor vehicle injuries, and firearm-related incidents combined. Tobacco use in the state has dropped significantly over the past decade, but Arkansas’s smoking rate still ranks among the highest in the U.S. Plus, the use of e-cigarettes has drastically increased, with roughly 1 in 10 Arkansans vaping regularly. To explore these challenges, as well as some hopeful new treatments for lung cancer, we’re joined on this episode by Dr. Matthew Steliga, a thoracic surgeon at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and a member of the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Advisory Committee for Arkansas.

    31 min

  3. 27 SEPT

    We Can Do Better: Dr. Whit Hall

    Firearms are the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., and the number of gun-related fatalities has continued to climb for the past decade. Following the September school shooting in Winder, Ga., that left two students and two teachers dead, the question of how to stem the tide has risen again. In this episode of the Wonks at Work podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Whit Hall, a neonatologist with Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Recently, he shared how gun violence has impacted him and his family in a testimony before state lawmakers, who are considering an update to Arkansas’s gun laws.

    28 min

  4. 23 SEPT

    Safe Passage: Craig Wilson

    Data is great to have, but to work toward solutions to the challenges we face, it’s essential that we turn that data into understandable and actionable information. ACHI has been working with the Arkansas State Police on a deep dive into vehicular crash data to support strategic planning efforts for traffic safety. In this episode of the Wonks at Work podcast, ACHI Health Policy Director Craig Wilson takes a turn in the guest seat to share a few of the insights uncovered by ACHI’s analysis of roadway fatalities in Arkansas.

    18 min

  5. 9 SEPT

    On the Road Again: John Landosky

    Arkansas has the fourth-highest roadway fatality rate of all the states. Fortunately, policymakers have begun to respond. In May, the Little Rock City Board voted to adopt the Central Arkansas Regional Safety Action Plan, part of which is to seek federal funding to address safety concerns by improving lighting, signals, and other roadway infrastructure. Last week, the city announced that it will receive $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin that work. On this episode of the Wonks at Work podcast, we’re joined by Dr. John Landosky, Little Rock’s bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, to learn more about the city’s plan.

    28 min

  6. 27 AUG

    History Lesson: Dr. Sam Taggart

    Arkansas’s rural communities face many challenges. Communities are shrinking due to out-migration, rural hospitals are under financial strain, and the state’s rural residents are, on average, older, poorer, and less healthy than their urban counterparts. Primary care physicians are also far less plentiful in rural areas, making the role of the family doctor even more important. In this episode of the Wonks at Work podcast, we speak with Dr. Sam Taggart, a retired family medicine physician and author of several books about the medical profession in Arkansas. His latest book is “For Every Family, a Family Doctor,” which explores the history of family medicine in our state.

    26 min

  7. 13 AUG

    The Kids Aren’t Alright: Dr. Tiffany Howell

    There is growing concern about the role social media plays in the mental health and development of young people. Arkansas’s governor, multiple other states, Congress, and the courts are all delving into this issue. The U.S. surgeon general has even called for warning labels on social media platforms. As those efforts move forward, it falls upon parents, families, educators, and others in the community to support our children as they navigate these new technologies. On this episode of the Wonks at Work podcast, we learn more about the impact of social media on Arkansas youth with Dr. Tiffany Howell, a pediatric psychologist at Arkansas Children's Hospital. For more information and resources related to social media and youth mental health, visit ACHI's Maternal and Infant Health topic page.

    13 min

  8. 31 JUL

    Sweetest Devotion: Tyler Faircloth

    There are numerous risks along the birthing journey that contribute to poor outcomes for Arkansas moms and babies. One effective practice for promoting healthy outcomes for babies is breastfeeding, which supports their immune systems and cognitive development. Unfortunately, breastfeeding is not an option for some mothers. To learn more about a new alternative available in Arkansas to those mothers and their families, we’re joined on this episode of the Wonks at Work podcast by Tyler Faircloth, program director for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Milk Bank.

    12 min
See All (70)

About

Podcast by ACHI

Information

  • Creator
    ACHI
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Wonks at Work

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