HoCo Health Podcast

This episode explores the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations for respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV.  Our Health Officer sits down with public health experts to discuss how vaccines protect children, adults, and high-risk community members. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions, vaccine safety, and additional steps people can take to prevent the spread...

The shadows of the fentanyl crisis are touching lives in unexpected ways. But what if hope isn't just a distant wish, but a tangible strategy? This episode isn't just about survival; it's about shifting paradigms. We explore the profound principles of harm reduction and unveil life-saving strategies for overdose prevention, guided by experts who are pioneering compassionate, community-based approa...

In July of 2023, Maryland legalized the recreational use of cannabis for adults aged 21 and over. It's crucial to understand the health implications associated with different methods of cannabis consumption, especially vaping. In this episode we’ll talk about the specifics of Maryland's new cannabis legislation and what it means for residents, the health risks associated with vaping both nicotine...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode, we're dedicating our discussion to raising awareness about this critical health issue. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but with early detection and increased understanding, survival rates continue to improve.  Join us as we talk with two of our health professionals, to explore the importance of regular...

Infectious diseases have been a part of human history for as long as we've existed. These are illnesses caused by harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. They can spread directly or indirectly from one person to another, and some can even be spread by animals or the environment. In this episode we’ll learn more about these diseases and what you should know that will help...

In the 2021 Howard County Health Assessment Survey, 7% of Howard County residents reported not having any kind of healthcare coverage. This includes 22% of adults between the ages of 18 and 24 and 12% of adults between the ages of 25 and 34. In this episode we talk about how the Health Department can help you navigate the health insurance landscape to locate the coverage that is appropriate for yo...

Food Insecurity is a problem in Howard County, just like in many communities across the country. In the 2021 Howard County Health Assessment, nearly one in six residents reported concern about running out of food before they could afford more.  Hear the story of a community member who struggles with food insecurity and listen to what the Health Department’s LHIC and others are doing to address the...

In this episode, Healthy Babies, Healthy Pregnancies, Dr. Rossman meets with three women to discuss the exciting programs recently introduced in Howard County and across the State to help improve birth outcomes in our community that will result in more healthy pregnancies and more healthy babies! 

The Health Department is observing Black Maternal Health Week throughout the month of April. Each year in the United States, about 700 people die during pregnancy or in the year after.  Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. Every pregnancy-related death is tragic, especially because two in three of them are preventable.  In this podcast, we...