Health in the Commonwealth
Health in the Commonwealth
Podcast Description
Health is more than being free from illness; it's an active process of change and growth. This involves making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.
Welcome to Health in the Commonwealth, where we delve into various public health initiatives shaping lives across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Join host Dr. Melicent Miller, public health practitioner, and health equity consultant, as we venture into the heart of public health initiatives that are shaping lives throughout Virginia. We'll explore state-led programs, lifestyle approaches, and the impactful work of the Virginia Department of Health. From breastfeeding to health education, physical activity to safety, join us as we discuss health equity, community wellness, and creating healthier environments across the lifespan. Listeners can expect not only to gain insights but also inspiration and actionable steps towards creating healthier communities for all.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various public health initiatives shaping lives in Virginia, with episodes covering topics such as transportation equity, community wellness, and health education. Specific examples include discussions on making communities more walkable, the impact of art on health equity through the Lansdowne Street Mural Project, and the role of the Virginia Department of Health in promoting physical activity and safety.
Health is more than being free from illness; it’s an active process of change and growth. This involves making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.
Welcome to Health in the Commonwealth, where we delve into various public health initiatives shaping lives across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Join host Dr. Melicent Miller, public health practitioner, and health equity consultant, as we venture into the heart of public health initiatives that are shaping lives throughout Virginia. We’ll explore state-led programs, lifestyle approaches, and the impactful work of the Virginia Department of Health. From breastfeeding to health education, physical activity to safety, join us as we discuss health equity, community wellness, and creating healthier environments across the lifespan. Listeners can expect not only to gain insights but also inspiration and actionable steps towards creating healthier communities for all.
One in two aging Virginians say they don’t have access to affordable, quality food — yet this crisis often stays invisible. In this episode, host Dr. Melicent Miller examines how Virginia is tackling senior food insecurity through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which gives qualifying adults 60 and older a $50 benefit to spend on fresh, locally grown produce at authorized markets statewide.
Dr. Miller speaks with Kelly Wright, registered dietician and nutrition coordinator at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services; Tegan Moore, manager of the Birdhouse Farmers Market in Richmond’s Randolph neighborhood; and Steve Zollos, CEO of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia. Together they explore the program’s statewide expansion (14,000+ seniors served last year), a new app-based payment system that makes transactions more flexible for both seniors and farmers, and how markets like Birdhouse are serving food deserts and seeing surging senior participation.
The conversation also digs into a key barrier: digital literacy. Steve Zollos introduces the “Silver Surfers” coaching program, which helps older adults navigate smartphones and the internet — and why cracking that barrier could be the catalyst for connecting seniors to a whole network of services. Guests close with a call to advocate, volunteer, and get involved in senior services now.
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