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

In this solo episode, the podcast host, Dr. Kee Chan shares the inspiration, framework, and real-world applications behind her new textbook, Public and Population Health: Perspectives for Health Systems Management, published by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

Drawing from years of teaching public health management at the University of Illinois Chicago alongside co-author Richard Sewell, Dr. Chan highlights why design thinking and systems thinking are essential to solving today’s “wicked” health problems. This episode is both a behind-the-scenes look at the book and a conversation about why leadership, empathy, and strategic thinking are critical for the next generation of public health professionals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why design thinking belongs in public health classrooms and leadership circles.

- What makes this textbook different from traditional public health texts.

- How students and instructors can use the book to bridge theory and practice.

- Key topics and tools from Chapter 2: Design Thinking for Population Health.

- Why blending public health and population health perspectives is necessary in today’s systems.

Who this episode is for:

- Public health, healthcare administration, and nonprofit management students.

- Faculty seeking practical, case-based curriculum aligned with CEPH and CAHME competencies.

- Practitioners moving into leadership roles in health systems, community organizations, or policy.

- Anyone looking to integrate innovation, equity, and systems change into their work.

Resources Mentioned:

- Order the textbook: www.ache.org/learning-center/publications/books/2529I

- Request an exam copy or instructor materials: learnbooks@ache.org

- Learn more about Kee Chan: www.keechanphd.com

- Explore ACHE Learn digital platform: www.ache.org/learning-center

Share this episode with:A colleague teaching public health leadership, a student looking for real-world tools, or anyone rethinking how we design and manage health systems.

Connect with the host, Dr. Kee Chan, on LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/keechan

#designthinking #systemthinking #publichealth #populationhealth

In this powerful episode of What is Public Health Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Hurd, a passionate advocate and entrepreneur who created the EmpowHer app after her own experience navigating the emotional challenges of postpartum life.

We explore how the app is addressing a long-overlooked public health crisis: the maternal mental health gap. From prenatal anxiety to postpartum depression, far too many mothers face these struggles in silence. Nicole shares her journey and how EmpowHer is building digital bridges to connection, self-care, and support.

In this conversation, we discuss:

- Why maternal mental health is a critical part of public health

- The inspiration behind the EmpowHer app

- How digital tools can support emotional well-being for new moms

- The power of peer connection and community during early motherhood

Learn more about EmpowHer: https://empowherio.com

#MaternalHealth #PublicHealth #DigitalHealth #PostpartumSupport #EmpowHer #MentalHealthAwareness #WhatIsPublicHealth #MomsMatter

What happens when a routine newborn screening turns into life-changing news?

In this episode of "What is Public Health" podcast , I talk with Dr. Jennifer Brown — scientist, mom, and author of When the Baby is Not Okay: Hope’s Genes. We dive into her personal story of navigating the emotional rollercoaster that followed her daughter’s unexpected screening results, and how it led her to write a book that’s part memoir, part call to action.

Jennifer shares what it was like to go from researcher to parent facing uncertainty, what she wishes more people knew about newborn screening, and how families can find strength, support, and hope during overwhelming times. We also talk about how newborn screening has changed over the years, what still needs improvement, and why protecting these public health programs really matters.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever faced an unexpected diagnosis, supported a loved one through a health journey, or wants to better understand how newborn screening can be a powerful tool for early care.

It’s a reminder that even in moments of uncertainty, there is strength, connection, and hope — and that through stories like Dr. Brown's journey, we can all learn how to better support families and protect the programs that help them thrive.

Guest:
Dr. Jennifer Brown, author of When the Baby is Not Okay
Learn more at jjbrownauthor.com

As federal funded programs, public institutions, and universities roll back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, we are losing critical support for equity-centered initiatives. Now, public health leaders are faced with the question: How do we continue the work of advancing health equity in a time when DEI itself is under attack?

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Janine Hill—a leadership coach and founder of Soar Strategies—about the evolving landscape of DEI in public health. From disappearing datasets to legislative crackdowns on DEI programs, Dr. Hill offers clarity, context, and practical guidance on how public health professionals can stay grounded in equity despite external pressures.

We explore:

- Why DEI is essential to public health—not just a buzzword

- How universities and public health programs can adapt to shifting legal constraints

- What to do when DEI-related data is censored or retracted

- The power (and risk) of community partnerships in the absence of institutional support

- Creative strategies for continuing DEI work—even if you can’t call it that

- How to foster safe, resilient spaces for equity-driven leadership

Whether you’re a student, researcher, policymaker, or health leader, this episode will leave you informed and inspired to keep moving equity forward.

Learn more about Dr. Janine Hill’s work at

https://soar-strategies.com/about/

#DEI #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #Leadership #HealthDisparities #SystemsChange #Podcast #InclusiveLeadership #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth

In this episode of "What is Public Health" podcast, I'm your host, Dr. Kee Chan. April is the Autism Awareness month, and joining me in this special episode is Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage.

Michael’s personal experience as a father navigating his son’s autism diagnosis led him to create The Autism Voyage—a platform offering compassionate, practical guidance for families feeling overwhelmed by the emotional, logistical, and financial realities of autism care.

This conversation highlights the essential role of financial resilience in supporting long-term success, stability, and peace of mind for families managing the complexities of autism.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Why autism is described as a "spectrum," and how awareness has improved but major system gaps still exist.

• The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis: What families often feel—and need—when first hearing the word "autism."

• Financial Planning is Critical: Early financial organization can relieve long-term stress and open doors to better therapies, services, and educational support.

• Personalized Approaches Work Best: Every family’s autism journey is unique; there’s no one-size-fits-all financial or care plan.

• Common Financial Missteps: Myths families encounter about insurance, savings, government programs, and long-term care.

• Tools and Strategies from The Autism Voyage: How Michael’s platform is helping families prepare for both expected and unexpected challenges.

• Advocacy for Systemic Change: How public health systems, education, and insurance need to better support neurodiverse individuals and their caregivers.

About Our Guest:
Michael Pereira is a father, advocate, and founder of The Autism Voyage. Drawing on firsthand experience, Michael offers families a clear, empathetic guide for navigating life after an autism diagnosis. Through personalized coaching, practical resources, and financial planning strategies, The Autism Voyage empowers families to move from overwhelm to empowerment.

Website: www.TheAutismVoyage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismvoyage/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpereirafl/