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Public Health Matters

Public Health Matters

Written by: Dakota Media Access
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About this listen

 Public health is all around us — in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the choices we make every day. Public Health MATTERS dives into the real stories shaping our health and how communities support each other. Whether you’re health-savvy or just curious, join us for insights that connect us all. Because when we care for each other, our whole community gets stronger — and it all starts with us.Copyright Dakota Media Access Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Public Health Matters Ep. 7 - Healthy-ish Little Things Count

    Public Health Matters Ep. 7 - Healthy-ish Little Things Count
    Jan 9 2026
    In this episode of Public Health MATTERS, we explore a refreshing truth about wellness: you don’t need a perfect routine or a major life overhaul to feel healthier. Small, simple choices can make a big difference over time.

    Host Becky is joined by Katie Johnke for a practical, down-to-earth conversation about what health can look like in real life. From busy schedules to everyday stress, this episode focuses on realistic ways to support your well-being—without pressure or perfection.

    💛 Segment Highlights:
    ✨ Movement That Fits Your Day – Easy ways to add more movement without carving out extra time.
    🥕 Nutrition That Sticks – Small, manageable food swaps that support health without feeling restrictive.
    🎶 Creativity & Mental Well-Being – How music, art, and hobbies can lift your mood and reduce stress.
    👯‍♀️ Connection Matters – Why staying connected to your community plays a key role in overall health.
    ⏱ 5-Minute Wellness Wins – Simple actions you can start today to support your physical and mental health.

    Whether you’re balancing work, family, or just trying to feel a little better day by day, this episode offers practical ideas you can actually use.

    Because wellness isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the little things that count. 💛

    Public Health MATTERS.

    GUEST INFORMATION
    Katie Johnke has served as the Nutrition and Health Promotion Coordinator for Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and the City of Bismarck since 2013. A Licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Lactation Counselor, she leads initiatives focused on nutrition education, active transportation, maternal and child health, and chronic disease prevention. With more than a decade of experience in public health, Katie is passionate about community wellness and enjoys running, coaching, and supporting her kids in sports.

    RESOURCES
    Website www.bismarcknd.gov/359/Nutrition-and-Health-Promotion
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    39 mins
  • Public Health Matters Ep. 6 - Surviving the Holidays

    Public Health Matters Ep. 6 - Surviving the Holidays
    Dec 5 2025
    In this episode, we get real about something many people quietly struggle with during the holiday season: mental and behavioral health.
    Even when the holidays are wrapped in glitter, traditions, and high expectations, the reality is that this time of year can feel overwhelming and you're not alone. Our guest, Dr. Shauna Eberhardt, joins us to walk through why this season can be so challenging and how we can care for ourselves and each other.

    💜 Segment Highlights:
    ❤️ Behavioral Health Is Health – Understanding why mental well-being is just as essential as physical health, especially during a high-pressure season.
    ✨ Holiday Chaos vs. Holiday Connection – Why the season can lead to overthinking, overextending, and emotional burnout.
    🎄 Letting Go of “Perfect” Traditions – How shifting expectations and setting boundaries can bring back calm and meaning.
    💬 How Public Health Can Help – From connecting people to mental health resources to supporting those navigating alcohol or nicotine use, learn how public health plays a vital role in seasonal well-being.
    🧘 Small Steps for a Healthier Season – Simple, realistic ways to find steadiness, comfort, and connection when the holidays feel heavy.
    Whether you're juggling stress, navigating family dynamics, or just trying to stay grounded, this episode offers support and perspective to help you move through the season with more ease.
    Because it’s more than cheer and cookies. It's about finding the support that helps you feel healthier and more connected this holiday season.

    Public Health MATTERS.

    GUEST INFORMATION
    Dr. Shauna Eberhardt, is a licensed clinician in mental health and substance use disorder services in North Dakota. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and is currently the Clinical Director at the Behavioral Health Policy Division within ND Department of Health & Human Services.

    RESOURCES
    Website hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health
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    26 mins
  • Public Health Matters Ep. 5 - Forget Me Not: Brain Health 101

    Public Health Matters Ep. 5 - Forget Me Not: Brain Health 101
    Nov 7 2025
    In this episode, we dive into one of the most important and often misunderstood topics in public health: brain health. Our guest, Melanie, joins us to explore what brain health looks like across a lifetime, how communities in North Dakota are supporting those living with dementia, and what we can all do to protect our minds as we age.

    💜 Segment Highlights:
    🧠 Dementia Care Services in North Dakota – Discover a free, statewide program that helps families navigate memory loss with compassion and support.
    🥦 The “Brain Health Recipe” from the US POINTER Study – Learn the lifestyle ingredients proven to reduce dementia risk at any age.
    🔍 The Power of Early Diagnosis – Why knowing sooner can open doors to treatment, research, and hope.
    🤝 Public Health Is a Team Sport – See how communities, caregivers, and local partners can make brain health everyone’s business. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, curious about prevention, or simply want to better understand brain health, this episode reminds us that it’s never too early — or too late — to start caring for your brain. Public Health MATTERS.

    GUEST INFORMATION Melanie Gaebe, is the North Dakota Public Policy Director for the Alzheimer’s Association. She earned a Master of Arts in Political Science from American Military University while working as the policy analyst for the ND Department of Agriculture. Melanie is a member of a number of public health organizations and serves on multiple boards. In her spare time, Melanie spends her time reading, knitting, and camping when the weather allows. RESOURCES 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/alzmnnd
    🐦 Twitter/X: x.com/alzmnnd
    📸 Instagram: instagram.com/alzmnnd
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alzheimer’s-association-minnesota-north-dakota
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    59 mins
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