ztroutman's blog

March is National Nutrition Month, and according to recent statistics, a lot of us are struggling.  66% of the population is considered overweight or obese, and Tennessee currently ranks 39th of 50 in national health rankings.  Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. John Dreyzehner says if you're having a hard time getting healthy, you are not alone; anyone can get healthy with the proper attitude.  Dr.

In today's uncertain economic environment, it helps to be prepared.  Melissa Hammel, a Certified Financial Planner and Nationally Certified Counselor, joins us to talk about how to lay the groundwork for solid financial planning, and how to identify if you're in trouble.

In the state of Tennessee, about 30 babies are born prematurely every single day, and there will only be an explanation as to why for about half of them.  That's why March of Dimes, with their research funding, education outreach, and volunteer efforts are so important.  Tamara Currin, Program Services Director for March of Dimes, explains the biggest risk factors and warning signs of a premature birth, as well as a risky new trend of professionally induced early labor.  Amy and Bob Pate, this year's March of Dimes Ambassador Family, also share the story of their son, Hawkins

Over 71% of baby boomers still have a living parent in need of care, while taking care of themselves and often children as well.  This is called the "Sandwich Generation".  Van Cluck, CEO of the Blakeford senior living community discusses how to identify when an aging loved one is going through a lifestyle change, what senior living care options are out there and how to approach the topic, and what you should do to plan now for yourself. For more, visit FiftyForward.org or Blakeford.com.

What if there was a one-stop-shop for all the services you needed from the from the city?  Well, there is!  Gwen Hopkins and Don Reid from Metro Nashville Public Works explain how from trash collection, recycling, street sign and traffic light maintenance, mowing grass and trimming trees along roadways, roadside litter cleanup, pothole repair; Metro Nashville Public Works is responsible for all of it.  If you have a question, request, or complaint, simply call Public Works at 311, or find them online at Nashville.gov/Public

Every year, heart disease also kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, about 1 in every 3.  That’s because women display the symptoms differently, and often, in much more subtle ways.   Patty Clements from the American Heart Association explains how to lower your risk through heart disease through diet and exercise, the huge role that reading your food labels plays, and how Go Red for Women, celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year, is making a difference.  Lori Anne Parker-Danley shares her personal account of how she suffered 2 massive heart attacks at a

You might be shocked to know that 1 in 4 people will suffer from some form of arthritis, of which there are over a hundred, which costs the economy $128 billion a year in lost productivity and hospitalizations, and is the #1 cause of disability in America.  Dorothy Scobey, Development and Services Director for the Middle Tennessee chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, talks about the warning signs of the two most common forms of arthritis, shares what factors, including genetics, can lead to it, and also explains how increasing more children are finding themselves afflicted.  Anna

Does the crazy weather we've experienced lately have you feeling a little nervous?

As the old saying goes, "you are what you eat", so wouldn't you rather be something healthy?  Nan Allison, Registered Dietician, joins the program to give us simple tips and tricks that we can use everyday to avoid overeating, stay satisfied, and do it all in cheap and cost effective ways.  She also dispels common myths about diet pills and serving sizes, and explains the importance of meal planning.

Assistance League of Nashville is a nonprofit volunteer organization that puts caring and commitment into action through community based philanthropic programs.  Four of the Assistance League's former and current leaders explain their two biggest programs, Operation School Bell, which provides clothing to children of low income families, and Hand in Hand, which provides food and clothing to children who are victims of abuse, as well as share testimonials from the families these programs are doing so much for.  And don't miss their upcoming wine tasti