ztroutman's blog

Hearths all aglow, candles burning, round-the-clock cooking, stringing up lights left and right; around the holidays, there's more ways than you might realize to set things on fire!  Franklin Fire Marshall Andy King will teach you all about how to decorate safely to avoid fires, as well as how to develop an emergency plan for your family in the event of an accident.  And for more great safety tips and information, visit NFPA.org, and CLICK HERE.

The holidays can be a very stressful time, but that doesn't mean they have to get you down.  Clinical psychologist Katheryn Sherrod, PH.D. talks about how to quit being such a taskmaster with cooking and cleaning and ask for help when you need it, how to let go of self-image issues around the holidays, how to deal with continuing grief from losing a loved one this time of year, and how in terms of focusing attention and emotional support on others, giving can be better than receiving.  You can contact Dr.

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, bringing to the forefront the disease many refer to as "the long goodbye".  Tiffany Cloud-Mann from the Alzheimer’s Association’s Mid South chapter lists the warning signs of Alzheimer's, names some possible contributors to the disease, and explains the best ways to interact with those who have it.  Also, Donna Kumar and Rosemary Ramsay from the Council on Aging explain how they consolidate resources for caregivers as well as programs to assist seniors with everyday needs.  The Council on Aging is available at <a href=

November is Prematurity Awareness Month.  Ashley Turner, Ambassador Mom to the March of Dimes, shares the story of how the March of Dimes saved her little girl, Ellie, born 13 weeks early, and Tamara Currin from March of Dimes also gives us an update on how Tennessee is stacking up against nationwide numbers for premature births, and how new research is linking obesity and inactive lifestyles to early labor.  You can find March of Dimes online at MarchofDimes.com/Tennessee.

November is National Adoption Month, and who better to share what the experience of adoption is like firsthand than Mix 92.9's own Clint Redwine and his wife CJ, who recently adopted a lovely little girl, Johanna, from China.  The two talk about the unexpected criticism and insensitivity they faced as a result of their decision, as well as how the process changed their entire perspective on their home and material possessions.  CJ also recounts their journey, from the first trip to the Chinese orphanage, to Johanna’s first Christmas at home, and why the couple has decided to do it

November is National Adoption Month.  Author Jennifer Lauck shares her own story of adoption, and how it served as the inspiration for her New York Times bestseller, "Blackbird".

Every year you see the Salvation Army on every corner, ringing bells and collecting change.  But their Red Kettle program is only one of many that are offered not only around the holidays, but year round.  Col.

This week is Red Ribbon Week, an annual push for more parents to be aware of the drug risks their kids may face.  DeWayne Holman from the Nashville Prevention Partnership lists warning signs that your child may be abusing drugs or alcohol, explains why prescription medications are the new substance abuse threat, and gives tips on how to limit the accessibility of harmful substances.  Vaughn Ownbey from the Partnership for a Drug Free America then lists the biggest drug threats to Tennessee, including meth and alcohol, and how parents and the media can take an active role in stoppi

Dr Bill Schaffner of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School tells why getting a flu vaccination is vital, from how deadly it can be to children to why it's important to prevent the disease from spreading to those around you, explains which forms of the vaccine are now available, such as the traditional vaccination and now the nasal spray, and which one suits which patients depending on age and health.  He also addresses other common ailments such as whooping cough, the "super bug" we sometimes hear about, and those pesky bedbugs.  Murfreesboro pediatric

Anyone who lives in Middle Tennessee knows we can get some pretty crazy weather.  WKRN, News 2's resident weather expert, meteorologist Allison Chinchar talks about how to prepare your own "weather kit", just like you would for any other emergency.  She tells what to do if you're caught in your car during a flood or a tornado, explains why only 6 inches of water is enough to drown in and also move a vehicle, advises you to fill your bathtub with water if you anticipate a lengthy power outage, and talks about what types of buildings, and also which rooms in your house, are safest d