News and Events
Three Ways You Can 'Check Your Health' with WDKX, University of Rochester
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
In case you missed it: The University of Rochester and local radio station WDKX have teamed up to launch season two of the "Check Your Health" show. The show includes weekly episodes that invite listeners to learn more about community health topics that matter most to them, along with helpful community and UR Medicine resources.
From left to right: WDKX Host Tariq Spence, Center for Community Health & Prevention Communications
Manager Becca Youmell, Infectious Diseases Specialist Brenda Tesini, and WDKX's DJ Sight.
Shaun Nelms, EdD, the University's VP for Community Partnerships and host of the show, sees this collaboration as an important opportunity to strengthen our institution's commitment to health equity. "WDKX is not only the sole Black-owned radio station in our area but is also a trusted source of information for our community. With the highest Nielsen rating in our market, WDKX plays a crucial role in sharing the University’s work with the community while also providing valuable feedback to guide our practices. I’m proud that the University remains committed to building and nurturing meaningful partnerships with valued community organizations to further our health equity efforts," said Nelms.
The first season of the show included 18 episodes highlighting a variety of topics, including teen suicide and prevention, eye health, and healthy lifestyle choices. Season two kicked off Oct. 7 with an episode on flu, COVID, and RSV with Infectious Diseases Specialist Brenda Tesini, MD. Upcoming episodes will feature maternal health, smoking cessation, HIV/AIDS awareness, and more. The effort also includes "Check Yourself Health Moments," a rotating roundup of on-air PSAs that provide an hourly health tip for listeners.
The live show airs on 103.9 FM at 10 a.m. Thursdays now through April 2025. Listeners can also tune in via the livestream or listen to podcast recordings of each episode at wdkx.com. Topics for each episode are reviewed and selected by an internal leadership team including:
- Shaun Nelms, EdD
- Telva Olivares, MD, interim senior associate dean for Equity and Inclusion
- Wendy Parisi, MS, senior director of the Health Equity Program Support Office (HEPSO)
- and Edith Williams, PhD, MS, director of the Center for Community Health & Prevention (CCHP) and the Office of Health Equity Research
"Prioritizing equitable healthcare requires truly engaging our community and ensuring people are aware of the resources and information available to help them live and feel their best," said Olivares. "Highlighting health topics that are top of mind for our community is one important way we can continue to do our part to make health equity a reality for those we serve."
As season two continues to hit airwaves, below are three ways you (and your colleagues, friends, and loved ones) can support this initiative.
- Tune in to the show on Thursdays at 10 a.m. (now-April 2025)
Listeners can tune in to the radio broadcast at 103.9 FM or join the livestream at wdkx.com. - Visit WDKX's "Check Your Health" page for an archive of podcast recordings
Missed an episode? Catch up on all past episodes online. Links to the recordings will also be periodically shared in the URMC This Week e-newsletter on Wednesdays - Like, comment, and share WDKX and UR Medicine social media posts
Look out for social posts on Facebook and Instagram with reminders for upcoming episodes and links to the podcast recordings.
Have feedback or questions? Email HEPSOProgramOffice@URMC.Rochester.edu.
This article originally appeared in URMC Today newsletter.
Global Health Equity Featured at ID Week
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
The Infectious Diseases division took the spotlight at the annual conference in Los Angeles, where their impactful work was on the silver screen for ID Week TV. The featured video showcases URMC’s transformative work in northern Uganda. The initiative exemplifies the team’s global impact through education, improving patient care, and research aimed at improving health outcomes.
The Uganda program focuses on addressing HIV, meningitis, and other infections in rural areas. By providing targeted treatments, advanced diagnostics, and training for local healthcare providers, the initiative expands access to healthcare and builds sustainable infrastructure. It also offers invaluable learning opportunities for URMC and Ugandan faculty and trainees, equipping them with experience in global health that influences both local and international practices.
Watch the five-minute video on YouTube: Addressing Health Disparities in Rural, Northern Uganda
"Our partnership in northern Uganda is a testament to how collaboration and innovation can bridge gaps in healthcare delivery,” said Paul Bohjanen, MD, PhD, chief of Infectious Diseases, “ultimately transforming the lives of patients who need it most."
In addition to the focus on global health equity, URMC had a major impact at ID Week through numerous talks and poster presentations on topics including respiratory infections, infectious diseases epidemiology, antibiotic stewardship, wound care, and brain infections.
Flying Together: Mural at Strong Memorial Honors Ongoing Pandemic Teamwork and Perseverance
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
The Infection Prevention team at Strong Memorial Hospital was center stage in the early days of the pandemic, and they received the University of Rochester's Meliora Award in 2022. The team unanimously decided to use the award funds to commission a public art piece by Rochester-based artist, Christine Knoblauch, to honor the teamwork and sacrifice of health care workers.