Platt comments on proposed social media health warning

The U.S. Surgeon General has called for a warning label to be put on social media platforms to alert people about negative health effects for young people. Jonathan Platt, assistant professor of epidemiology, said a lot more research needs to be done on why and how social media is impacting kids, but he thinks a warning label could be a good thing. (KCRG) Published June 27, 2024

UI launches network to expand cancer care for rural patients

The Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network helps rural hospitals provide the highest level of care for cancer patients so that patients don't have to travel as far for treatment. The network was created in response increasing cancer rates in Iowa. (KWWL) Published June 27, 2024

Petersen discusses bird flu concerns and monitoring

Iowa has seen two bird flu (H5N1) outbreaks in poultry flocks so far this year, and it has spread to at least seven dairy herds in the state. Christy Petersen, CPH professor and director of the UI’s Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, shared how her team has been monitoring the bird flu. (Iowa Public Radio) Published June 20, 2024

Initiative aims to improve traumatic injury care in Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova

The Increasing Capacity for injury Research in EAsTern Europe (iCREATE) grant emphasizes translation across three-related cultures. Led by researchers from the University of Iowa College of Public Health and Babes-Bolyai University of Romania, the program aims to improve acute injury treatment while expanding on previous capacity building efforts in Georgia, Armenia, and the Republic of Moldova.  Published June 18, 2024

Platt studies how pro-family workplace benefits can affect women’s mental health

A new study from Jonathan Platt, assistant professor of epidemiology, investigates the effects of employer-sponsored benefits on working women’s mental health.  Published June 18, 2024

Charlton discusses Iowa’s high cancer rates

The Telegraph Herald examined the causes and impacts of Iowa’s high cancer rates, as well as efforts to combat the disease locally, in a recent three-part series. The first story examined Iowa’s cancer rate and the many factors driving it, with commentary from Mary Charlton, CPH professor and director of the Iowa Cancer Registry.  Published June 18, 2024

Petersen comments on Iowa’s active tick season

This year’s tick season — expected to be one of the worst in years — is in full swing. Hotter weather and a wet spring — ideal weather for ticks to reproduce — are among the reasons this tick season is worse, said Christine Petersen, CPH professor of epidemiology. (The Gazette) Published June 14, 2024

Keeping Cancer Care Close to Home

The Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network helps community hospitals provide enhanced levels of cancer care to rural patients. Published June 7, 2024

Hamann comments on safety of kids bicycling to school

An article about kids riding bicycles to school as part of a group "bike bus" includes commentary from Cara Hamann, CPH associate professor of epidemiology. While safety concerns are valid, Hamann says generally "the benefit of cycling outweighs the risks." (Washington Post - subscription required) Published June 6, 2024

Semprini studies incentives for dental visits

A new study from Jason Semprini, a postdoctoral researcher in the College of Public Health, examines whether a special waiver from a public insurance program incentivizes people to visit the dentist. Published June 4, 2024