Problem gambling - it's on the rise here in Rhode Island but it's not just happening at the casino or the racetrack. Online forms like sports betting have become a powerful draw for many. How does one know when it’s become a problem? What are the warning signs? In this episode, Dr. Samantha Rosenthal, a professor of Health Science at Johnson & Wales University and Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at Brown School of Public Health joins Dr. Chan to talk about what to look out for, who is most at risk, and much more.

September is suicide prevention month. It’s a time to raise awareness, dispel stigma, and take action around this urgent mental health issue. In this episode, the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Area Director, Kerrie Constant and Board Chair, Keely Taylor talk about how we can best look out for each other and take steps to prevent suicide in our communities.

To learn more about the work of AFSP, visit afsp.org.
For Rhode Island based suicide prevention resources, visit Preventsuicideri.org.

After losing his son to cancer five years ago, Dr. George Beauregard, a twenty-year internal medicine physician and life-long resident of Massachusetts, used his grief to spread an important message. In this episode he joins Dr. Philip Chan to talk about his new book, “Reservations for Nine: A Doctor's Family Confronts Cancer,” as well as important advice on prevention and symptoms that should not be ignored.

To learn more about Dr. Beauregard's book, visit www.georgebeauregard.com

August is National Breastfeeding Month – a time to celebrate and bring awareness to breastfeeding. In this episode, Mary Catherine or “MC” Curran, a WIC lactation consultant and nutritionist at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and RIDOH’s own Dr. Olutosin Ojugbele, a pediatrician at Hasbro Children's Hospital and assistant professor of pediatrics at Brown University’s Warren Alpert School of Medicine talk about why breastmilk is the perfect nutrition, how support is key to success, and how the Rhode Island is taking part in this annual observance.

It's National Health Center Week - a time to recognize and celebrate the role of health centers in our communities. These nonprofit clinics provide affordable, high-quality care to more than 200,000 Rhode Islanders. At a time when primary care is at a critical shortage in Rhode Island, the community health center model may be just what the doctor ordered. In this episode, Dr. Elena Kwetkowski, chief medical officer at Comprehensive Community Action Program in Coventry and Karen LaChapelle, medical director and nurse practitioner at Tri County Community Action Agency in Johnston fill us in on their critical work and how funding challenges and low reimbursement rates may hinder their ability to serve.

There has been a lot of talk about cannabis in the news lately and some people question whether cannabis is the answer to a wide variety of health conditions, including pregnancy-related morning sickness, anxiety, and sleep disorders. But what should you know about cannabis products if you are planning a family?

In this episode, Dr. Mara Coyle, a neonatologist at Women & Infants Hospital and professor of pediatrics at the Warren Alpert Medical School, joins Dr. Chan to share some of her clinical experience and research-based insight into the effects of cannabis on babies, both during, and after pregnancy.

Every community has its own story. These stories are shaped by it’s residents, as well as policies and systems that influence community well-being. Comparing data by neighborhood or zip code, can not only help tell that story, but can also help shape policies that better serve those communities. In this episode, RIDOH's Michelle Wilson, chief of the Health Equity Institute and JoAnna House, a manger on the COVID Data Team join Dr. Chan to give specific examples of why data is critically important, especially when it comes to health equity.

Resources: Rhode Island COVID-19 Tiers Data Brief

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by men and boys. In this episode, Dr. Samantha Rosenthal, a professor of Health Science at Johnson & Wales University and adjunct professor of Epidemiology at Brown School of Public Health joins Dr. Chan to talk about why encouraging men to prioritize their well-being and seek help when needed is so important.