In this timely episode, the host of "What is Public Health" podcast, Dr. Kee Chan unpacks the recent changes to the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations—particularly the shift from a strong recommendation to a more neutral “may get vaccinated” stance for healthy children and pregnant women. But what’s raising eyebrows is that this shift was publicly announced first by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., before the CDC’s advisory panels weighed in.

We explore:

• ​What the policy change says and why it matters
• ​The science behind vaccine efficacy and herd immunity
• ​The implications of political announcements overriding scientific process
• ​What individuals and families should do in light of these updates

Key Takeaways:

• ​Understand how vaccines work and why herd immunity matters
• ​Learn how political interference may impact science-based recommendations
• ​Get tips on how to make informed decisions for yourself and your family

Referenced News & Resources:

• ​CDC’s Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance – May 2025
• ​HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s May 2025 Announcement
• ​Washington Post: Tensions Between CDC and HHS on Vaccine Policy
• ​American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Statement on Maternal Vaccination
• ​KFF: Vaccine Hesitancy and Political Messaging

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From brain berries to mushroom powders, today’s smoothie comes packed with promises: sharper focus, better memory, and even protection against dementia. But are these claims backed by science—or just wellness marketing with a green glow?

In this episode, the host, Dr. Kee Chan breaks down the most talked-about “brain foods” like MCT oil, turmeric, lion’s mane, and collagen through the lens of nutritional neuroscience and public health.

You’ll learn:

• What the latest research really says about these trendy ingredients

• Why individual superfoods aren’t magic—but daily habits might be

• How public health reframes brain health as a collective issue, not just a consumer choice

• What smoothies reveal about equity, access, and health misinformation

Spoiler alert: That $14 smoothie might taste amazing—but it’s not your brain’s entire wellness plan.

Tune in if you’ve ever wondered:

• Is this actually helping my brain—or just making my wallet lighter?

• What’s hype and what’s evidence when it comes to cognitive health and nutrition?

• How can we make brain health accessible, inclusive, and supported by systems—not just supplements?

Public Health Takeaway:
Smoothies are fine. But systems matter more. Brain health is about policy, prevention, and daily practices that work for everyone—not just those who can afford tasty magic .

In this episode, we explore the power of music as a tool for emotional healing and developmental support in childhood. I’m joined by two remarkable guests: Dr. Nicole St. Jean and Dr. Sarah Bartolome, who are co-leading of the Music for Childhood Well-Being Initiative (MCWI) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Together, they bring deep experience in education, public health, and the healing arts.

Dr. Nicole St. Jean is an educator, counselor, and advocate for trauma-informed practices in schools. Dr. Sarah Bartolome is a music educator and researcher whose work bridges music, identity, and child development. Together, they share the vision behind MCWI and how music can be integrated into the lives of children to support their mental health and emotional growth.

Key takeaways from this conversation:

• Music is more than art—it's a therapeutic tool that can promote regulation, resilience, and connection, particularly for children who have experienced trauma.
• The Music for Childhood Well-Being Initiative (MCWI) is creating new models that blend public health, education, and music to meet the emotional needs of children where they are across the globe.
• Healing through music often happens without words. It creates a safe space for children to express what they may not yet be able to say.
• Supporting children's well-being requires collaboration across disciplines—and a willingness to listen, adapt, and lead with empathy.

Whether you’re an educator, health professional, or parent, this conversation offers powerful insights into how music can be used to support the whole child.

Resources:

https://buffett.northwestern.edu/research/global-working-groups/trauma,-music,-and-the-breath-working-group.html

Featured articles from Northwestern:

https://buffett.northwestern.edu/documents/buffett-brief-trauma-music-and-the-breath.pdf

https://music.northwestern.edu/news/2024/music-childhood-well-being

https://dailynorthwestern.com/2025/05/01/campus/music-for-childhood-well-being-initiative-uses-music-to-support-childrens-well-being-worldwide/

#MusicForWellbeing #ChildhoodMentalHealth #MCWI #PublicHealth #TraumaInformedCare #ArtsInHealth #WholeChildDevelopment