A Way to HEAL, Utah

It's been nearly four years since we began this podcast spreading the word about the great work being done by first the EPICC Program at the Utah Department of Health, and now the HEAL Program at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. It's been our pleasure over that time to share important and timely health information. As we share the final episode of our podcast we're gra...

Breastfeeding can be a challenge for mothers in many ways. In this episode Judy Sharpe from the DHHS HEAL Program joins us to discuss the many ways we can support moms, and how that can benefit us all.

The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word nutrition may not be breastfeeding, but it is so important for our infants and babies. In this episode lactation consultants Ellen Lechtenberg and Judy Sharpe join us to discuss the ideal food custom made for our little ones. Links mentioned in this episode: Intermountain Moms: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs Stepping Up for Utah B...

It's Pioneer Day weekend in Utah and we're definitely in the hottest part of the year. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl, Judy Sharpe, and Dr. Brett McIff from DHHS HEAL join us to discuss the importance of staying properly hydrated in the heat, and offer a few tips.

It's time to celebrate our Independence! In this episode Dr. Brenda Ralls, Laura Holtrop Kohl, Judy Sharpe, and Dr. Brett McIff from DHHS HEAL join us to discuss a few ideas to make this 4th of July weekend a little healthier as we enjoy all the family and fun.

In this episode we experience an unexpected, albeit peaceful coup as DHHS HEAL's Dr. Brett McIff turns the tables on the host to lead a Men's Health Month discussion on media, and how it can play a role in men's health.

June is here and with it comes Men's Health Month. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff joins us to discuss how men can often be their own worst enemy when it comes to their health, and how a little knowledge and understanding can go a long way toward healthy change.

Whether it's work, shopping or running errands we all need to get places. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff and Brenda Ralls from the Utah DHHS HEAL Program join us to discuss the benefits of combining our travels with physical activity. We also chat about how our Utah communities have made active transportation more safe and convenient by building miles of scenic trails throughout the state.

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports month and in this episode Dr. Brett McIff from the Utah DHHS HEAL Program joins us to share his top ten reasons not to workout. Wait... what? Yep, not to work out. After all, why would we care about having energy and feeling good? It's a fun tongue-in-cheek look at the importance of being active.

Why should you make the effort to grow your own produce when it's so easy to just go to the grocery store? You might be surprised to learn how much a garden has to offer. In this episode USU Extension Horticulturist Taun Beddes joins us, along with Laura Holtrop Kohl and Dr. Brett McIff from DHHS HEAL, to discuss all the unexpected ways gardening benefits us and our families. If you're loo...

It finally looks as though spring has actually arrived in Utah, and just in time to celebrate National Garden Month. In this episode Utah State Extension Horticulturist Taun Beddes joins us to talk about the crazy weather we've had so far this spring, and how that might impact your garden preparation.

One of the easiest and most fun ways to eat better is by growing your own fresh produce. In this episode Kristi Strongo from Create Better Health, and Judy Sharpe from Utah DHHS, join us to talk about how individuals and families are getting free help to learn gardening skills, and how gardening can improve our nutrition. To find your county extension office please visit https://extension.ou.usu.e...

Every March we shift our focus to nutrition as we celebrate National Nutrition Month. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl joins us as we take a look at Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, and how they can help all of us improve our health and meet our nutrition goals.  

We've heard about cholesterol over and over again, but it can be confusing. There's a good kind and a bad kind, but which is which, and why does it matter? In this episode DHHS HEAL dietician Laura Holtrop Kohl joins us to explain the basics of cholesterol, why it matters, and what we can do about it.

February is often a time we pay attention to affairs of the heart. In this episode we do just that when Danielle Forbes, Laura Holtrop Kohl, and Dr. Brett McIff from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, HEAL Program join us to discuss heart health, and how we can help keep our hearts happy for a lifetime.  

There's something about a fresh start or new beginning that helps boost our confidence and determination. However, when it comes to setting a new year resolution to get physically active, reality can sometimes weaken that determination. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff from the Utah DHHS HEAL Program joins us to offer some strategies to help stay on track and keep that resolution to be more active...

Prediabetes is a serious health condition that affects many Utahns. In this episode John Stuligross and  Maria Velasco from HEAL join us along with Leanne Raborn from Utah 211 to learn more about the services Utah 211 provides, and the unique partnership between HEAL and Utah 211 to offer help to Utahns in managing prediabetes and diabetes. To learn more about the services available at U...

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but if we're not careful it may not be so great for our waistline. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff, Laura Holtrop Kohl, Brenda Ralls, and Judy Sharpe join us to discuss navigating all the dinners, parties, and treats that are so abundant, and offer some ideas to indulge in healthier ways. 

Utah's food pantries are a lifeline for many families in the state, and at this time of year the need for donations is great. In this episode Brittney Johnson, Program Director for the USU Extension's Create Better Health Program, and Laura Holtrop Kohl from DHHS HEAL join us to discuss that need. We also talk about the importance of donating healthy foods, how you can learn what your local pantry...

Thanksgiving is almost here! Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and fun, but let's face it too much food can be more painful than fun. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl, Brenda Ralls, Judy Sharpe and Brett McIff from the DHHS HEAL program join us to share ideas and tips to make your Thanksgiving celebration a little more healthy and more about the fun. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Diabetes and prediabetes impacts the lives of so many Utahans. In this episode Brittany Ly, Maria Velasco, and Sydney Williams from the Utah Division of Health and Human Services join us to talk about how to assess and reduce your risk, along with the many options available to help in managing diabetes. To take the diabetes risk test please visit: https://utahgov.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1BxU...

When it comes to Halloween, healthy may be the last thing that enters your mind. In this episode Laura Holtrop Kohl and Dr. Brett McIff join us to share some ideas to make the Halloween fun a little healthier in your home. No, we can't turn your kids candy into broccoli, but we do have some healthier ways to approach the holiday.

School nurses are a great asset for our students. In this episode BettySue Hinkson, our State School Nurse Consultant joins us with an update on school nurses in Utah, and highlights the important work they're doing with vision screening in our schools. 

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. In this episode Dr. Brett McIff and Judy Sharpe from the DHHS HEAL Program join us to take a closer look at how we're doing, and the factors that influence childhood obesity in Utah.

September is a wonderful time of year. It's finally cooling down, the autumn leaves begin to appear, it's harvest time, and Governor Cox has declared it Family Meals Month in Utah! In this episode Rebecca Fronberg from the DHHS HEAL Program, and Paula Scott from the Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) join us to talk about some of the benefits that come from something simple like having a...