University of Minnesota experts will be sharing their soil health knowledge at a pair of field days in Morris Sept. 7 and 8.
Over the years, we have experienced an increase in extreme weather-related events as a result of climate change. This global phenomenon affects health on many levels, making it of critical importance to physicians. Climate change refers to the change in temperature and weather patterns that have been occurring globally.1 According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) within the United Nations, the main drivers of climate change have been human activities, including burning fossil fuels such as gas, coal, and oil.2 Given the consistent change in global temperatures, extreme weather events will continue to occur until serious action is taken.
Climate Change Is a Public Health Crisis
At the 2022 annual meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA), climate change was declared a public health crisis. AMA Board Member Ilse R. Levin, DO, MPH, stated that “the scientific evidence is clear — our patients are already facing adverse health effects associated with climate change, from heat-related injuries, vector-borne diseases, and air pollution from wildfires to worsening seasonal allergies and storm-related illness and injuries. Taking action now won’t reverse all of the harm done, but it will help prevent further damage to our planet and our patients’ health and well-being.”3
Human health can be both directly and indirectly affected by climate change. The rising global temperatures are directly leading to an increase in severe weather, causing storms, floods, droughts, heat waves, and wildfires. These severe weather events can cause injury, starvation, heat stroke, and burns, for example. However, these weather events can also indirectly affect health by disrupting water quality and food availability, and causing air pollution, among other adverse effects.
Severe Weather Events Affect Patient Health
At present, more than 800 active wildfires are burning throughout Canada and more than 200 wildfires are burning in the United States, causing serious air pollution across both nations.4 The smoke from these wildfires is composed of toxic gases and fine particulate matter that can irreparably damage the lungs.5
These particulates have also been linked to cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.6 Damage to the lungs and heart can also leave patients susceptible to infectious diseases,7 which continues to be a significant concern with the exact COVID-19 pandemic still looming.
In 2016, persistent rainfall from a summer storm resulted in disastrous flooding in the state of Louisiana, having dropped 7.1 trillion gallons of water on the state.8 This storm was later attributed to climate change. Authors of a study published in 2016 estimated that the rise in global warming since 1985 has increased rainfall by up to 20%.9 In addition to leaving nearly 150,000 homes damaged as a result of flooding,10 a major result of this and similar floods is the rise in mosquito populations.11
The increase in precipitation and rising temperatures due to climate change encourage mosquito survival and replication. Certain infectious diseases — including those spread by mosquitoes — are increasing as a result of climate change. These diseases — referred to as vector-borne diseases — are caused by living organisms that transmit infections to humans.12 An example of vectors are blood-sucking insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, which transmit such diseases as malaria, Zika, Lyme disease, and plague, among many others.
Malaria — a blood-borne disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite — can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours if left untreated.13 Malaria outbreaks in the United States are rare, with the last outbreak occurring in 2003. As of July 2023, there have been 8 confirmed, locally acquired cases of malaria, with more likely to occur by the end of the year.14 The frequency of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria is predicted to increase in the years to come as a direct result of climate change.15
Mental Health Risks Due to Climate Change
In addition to physical health effects, climate change is also having direct effects on mental health. Changes in mental health as a result of climate change may be difficult to detect; however, addressing them is critical to ensuring overall well-being.
“Climate grief” is the experience many patients feel as a result of the looming effects of climate change. This phenomenon includes anxiety and fear about how the Earth will change over the coming years, as well as depression and stress over how to help reduce global warming, given the scope of the problem.16
Climate change can also affect mental health directly, as in the case of anxiety, depression, or/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by in those who experience a natural disaster, including floods17 and wildfires.18
Authors of a 2021 study published in Behavioral Sciences reported that patients who lived in communities damaged by wildfires experienced increased rates of PTSD up to 10 years after the fires ceased.18
Authors of another study published in 2022 in Neurotoxicology found that those who live in communities affected by heavy smoke exposure are at increased risk of developing anxiety and depressive disorders. These diagnoses have been linked to living in areas with drastically elevated air pollution levels.19
How Can Physicians Be Prepared To Discuss Climate Change With Patients?
Climate change affects human health in widespread and complex ways. Physicians therefore need to be prepared to handle the health-related effects of climate change.
The first step toward helping patients is to become educated on how climate change can affect health. The health effects of climate change are expansive and multifaceted. Numerous online continuing medical education (CME) courses on the health effects of climate change are available for physicians.20-22 These courses provide background information on the types of events caused by climate change, as well as the health risks to patients and treatment options for physicians.
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides information on climate change and how it affects human health, and this information can serve as a useful tool for physicians.23 The WHO also organizes a Global Conference on Health and Climate Change every 2 years; this symposium supports engagement, education, and policy change.24
It is important for physicians to be aware of the effects of climate change so that they can consider these environmental changes in diagnoses. For example, if a patient presents with unusual symptoms, physicians should consider the potential increase in vector-borne diseases that may otherwise be overlooked. In an episode of “AMA Moving Medicine,” Renee Salas, MD, MPH, MS, a climate and health expert and emergency physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, encourages physicians to approach medicine with a “climate lens.” This approach includes considering all the current and future climate changes and how they can affect health and the provision of health care.25
In 2021, a physician treating a woman in the emergency department of a British Columbia hospital cited climate change as the underlying cause for her condition. The patient presented with dehydration and asthma, both of which occurred as a direct result of the heat wave and air pollution from wildfires caused by climate change.26 This unprecedented diagnosis serves as an example of how physicians need to consider the impact of climate change on health when evaluating patients.
By recognizing the effects of extreme weather caused by climate change, physicians can be better prepared to address symptoms and appropriately diagnose patients.
Physicians should also be aware of the mental health changes that can occur due to extreme weather events resulting from climate change, as well as the mental health changes that could be expected within their geographic region. Physicians should be prepared to talk to their patients about mental health and be aware of the resources available to them — including referring patients to mental health providers, when necessary.
Methods for Communicating Health Risks to Patients
The spread of misinformation within the United States has been on the rise in exact years.27,28 Physicians play an important role in countering misinformation as they have an ethical duty to provide patients with information regarding their health. By accurately educating patients on climate change and the health effects of climate change-related weather events, physicians can help overcome misinformation. However, some physicians may hesitate to discuss the effects of climate change with patients for a number of reasons, including avoidance of political resentment, lack of time, and a lack of knowledge as to how to appropriately broach the subject.29 The following are several approaches that physicians can use to discuss this syllabu with patients.
1. Incorporate Brief Educational Messages
Physicians can broach the syllabu of climate change and health by using brief educational messages with their patients. This could include mentioning that air pollution is currently higher than usual due to wildfires in Canada and the United States, and that difficulty breathing and increased coughing may occur as a result. By simply mentioning the change that is occurring and how it can affect the patient, the physician can avoid controversy while still delivering an educational message.
2. Ask Permission to Discuss Controversial Topics
Physicians can ask permission of their patients prior to discussing controversial topics. By first asking permission, the physician respects the patient’s decisions and feelings. This strategy helps to build trust and mitigate resistance and arguments when discussing difficult or sensitive topics.
3. Emphasize the Consequences to the Patient
An effective method for discussing the effects of climate change is to emphasize the health consequences of the weather event. By starting a discussion about how a particular symptom is caused by climate change, physicians can appeal to the patient’s main interest. For example, if a patient presents with asthma and difficulty breathing, physicians can start the conversation by mentioning that the difficulty breathing is likely a result of high air pollution caused by climate change. By first beginning with the cause of their symptoms, physicians can set the scene and allow the conversation to evolve.
4. Acknowledge the Difficulties Associated With Changes
If air pollution is the current issue a physician is trying to convey, simply stating that a patient should not go outside can be met with resistance and dismissal. Physicians can make sure to include statements of understanding at the arduous task of avoiding pollution when being outside is a part of a patient’s daily lifestyle. Providing simple alternatives (eg, wearing a pollution-filtering mask when outside) and qualifying that they recognize how frustrating it is for the patient can help to convey the importance of the message while building trust through empathy.
5. Be Open to Different Approaches
It is important for physicians to be open to trying different approaches with their patients. Each patient has a unique set of experiences and world views. Strategies that work for one person might not be appropriate for another. While this can make effectively conveying health risks to patients difficult, it is essential that physicians alter their approach to fit each patient’s needs.
Be an Advocate for Change
Physicians should consider the impact they can make on climate change. Providing community assistance can mean volunteering at local shelters and food banks, giving talks on how people can prepare for weather-related health events (eg, air pollution or extreme heat), and advocating for changes to the environmental footprint. Physicians can work to reduce the energy bill at their practice or support programs that work to reduce the environmental footprint in the community. Physicians can also encourage eco-friendly transportation, such as the use of bike paths and public transportation, instead of commuting by car. Small changes can have a huge impact, and encouraging others to make changes is the first step toward a global effect on climate change.
“Climate Change is Widespread, Rapid, and Intensifying”
The IPCC reported that “climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying.”2 The effects we are seeing so far are only the beginning, and they will continue to worsen in years to come unless significant changes are implemented. The unfortunate reality is that we all need to be prepared to handle these changes, and it is the duty of physicians to be prepared to educate their patients on how to do this. Although this is a difficult task, becoming educated on the events, how they affect human health, how to effectively convey these messages, and how to help combat these changes are necessary for physicians to ensure positive outcomes among their patients.
Originally appeared on Infectious Disease Advisor.
References:
1. What is climate change? United Nations. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change
2. Climate change widespread, rapid, and intensifying – IPCC. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Published August 9, 2021. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.ipcc.ch/2021/08/09/ar6-wg1-20210809-pr/
3. AMA adopts new policy declaring climate change a public health crisis. Press release. American Medical Association. Published June 13, 2022. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/ama-adopts-new-policy-declaring-climate-change-public-health-crisis
4. Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://ciffc.net/
5. Kekatos M. Toxic smoke from Canadian wildfires could impact health of millions in the US. ABC News. Published July 17, 2023. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/toxic-smoke-canadian-wildfires-impact-health-millions-us/story?id=99837839
6. Smoke and stroke: investigating the long-term effects on wildfires on heart health. The University of Tennessee at Knoxville Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Published November 17, 2022. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://cee.utk.edu/smoke-and-stroke-investigating-the-long-term-effects-on-wildfires-on-heart-health/
7. Aguilera R, Corringham T, Gershunov A, Benmarhnia T. Wildfire smoke impacts respiratory health more than fine particles from other sources: observational evidence from Southern California. Nat Commun. 2021;12(1).
8. Samenow J. No-name storm dumped three times as much rain in Louisiana as Hurricane Katrina. Washington Post. Published August 19, 2016. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2016/08/19/no-name-storm-dumped-three-times-as-much-rain-in-louisiana-as-hurricane-katrina/
9. Wang S‐YS, Zhao L, Gillies RR. Synoptic and quantitative attributions of the extreme precipitation leading to the August 2016 Louisiana flood. Geophys Res Lett. 2016;43(22):11805-11814. doi:10.1002/2016GL071460
10. Yan H, Flores R. Louisiana flood: worst US disaster since Hurricane Sandy, Red Cross says. CNN. Published August 19, 2016. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.cnn.com/2016/08/18/us/louisiana-flooding/index.html
11. Domangue D. Louisiana experiencing a rise in mosquito problems after exact hurricanes. KALB. Published October 23, 2020. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.kalb.com/2020/10/23/louisiana-experiencing-a-rise-in-mosquito-problems-after-recent-hurricanes/
12. Vector-borne diseases. World Health Organization. Published March 2, 2020. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases
13. Malaria. World Health Organization. Published March 29, 2023. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria#:~:text=Malaria%20is%20a%20life%2Dthreatening
14. Bendix A, Alexander B. New malaria case in Florida brings national total to 8, the first U.S. acquired cases in 20 years. NBC News website. Published July 18, 2023. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/new-malaria-case-florida-brings-national-total-8-first-us-cases-20-yea-rcna94899
15. Berger E. Experts say climate change likely to increase US malaria cases. The Guardian. Published July 6, 2023. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/06/malaria-us-mosquitoes-climate-crisis#:~:text=The%20last%20time%20there%20were.
16. Knight V. “Climate grief”: fears about the planet’s future weigh on Americans’ mental health. KFF Health News. Published July 18, 2019. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://kffhealthnews.org/news/climate-grief-fears-about-the-planets-future-weigh-on-americans-mental-health/
17. Stanke C, Murray V, Amlôt R, Nurse J, Williams R. The effects of flooding on mental health: outcomes and recommendations from a review of the literature. PLoS Curr. 2012;4:e4f9f1fa9c3cae. doi:10.1371/4f9f1fa9c3cae
18. To P, Eboreime E, Agyapong VIO. The impact of wildfires on mental health: a scoping review. Behav Sci. 2021;11(9):126. doi:10.3390/bs11090126
19. Zundel CG, Ryan P, Brokamp C, et al. Air pollution, depressive and anxiety disorders, and brain effects: a systematic review. Neurotoxicology. 2022;93:272-300. doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2022.10.011
20. Harvard University: the health effects of climate change. edX. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.edx.org/course/the-health-effects-of-climate-change?utm_medium=partner-marketing&utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=harvard&utm_content=harvard-online-blog-best-continuing-education-courses-health-care-professionals
21. Building resilience against climate effects: educating physicians. University of Illinois Chicago. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://braceillinois.uic.edu/take-action-2/educating-physicians/
22. Internet-based studies in education and research. University of Pittsburgh. Published November 17, 2020. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://cme.hs.pitt.edu/ISER/app/learner/loadModule?moduleId=22273
23. Climate change. World Health Organization. Published August 9, 2019. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.who.int/health-topics/climate-change#tab=tab_1
24. Climate change and health: global conferences on health and climate change. World Health Organization. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/climate-change-and-health/advocacy-partnerships/global-conferences
25. Lubell J. How physicians can see health care through climate lens. American Medical Association. Published January 26, 2022. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/how-physicians-can-see-health-care-through-climate-lens
26. Hammond J. ‘Climate change’ diagnosis reflects latest trend in health care. NBC News website. Published December 17, 2021. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/climate-change-diagnosis-reflects-latest-trend-health-care-rcna7429
27. Muhammed TS, Mathew SK. The disaster of misinformation: a review of research in social media. Int J Data Sci Anal. 2022;13(4):271-285. doi:10.1007%2Fs41060-022-00311-6
28. van der Linden S. Misinformation: ssceptibility, spread, and interventions to immunize the public. Nat Med. 2022;28(3):460-467. doi:10.1038/s41591-022-01713-6
29. Crowley RA; Health and Public Policy Committee of the American College of Physicians. Climate change and health: a position paper of the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(9):608. doi:10.7326/M15-2766
Professor Barbara Ryan, Consultant Gastroenterologist in Tallaght University Hospital, joins Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 to discuss gut health. Listen back above.
There's a lot of information when it comes to health and wellness on the internet, but how do you separate gut health fact from gut health fiction?
The woman for the job is, of course, Professor Ryan who is co-founder of The Gut Experts and co-author of What Everywoman Needs To Know About Her Gut.
When asked why gut health is such a hot syllabu at the moment, Ryan said that she believes there are two reasons: firstly, people are becoming more vocal about the things affecting them; secondly, our diets are broader than ever.
Getting stuck into listeners' questions, Ryan gave us plenty to digest.
Is bloating normal?
"A little bit of bloating is normal, a lot of bloating is very uncomfortable and can cause people quite a lot of distress as it can be quite painful."
Bloating is one of the cardinal symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome) which affects one in 10 adults and one in six women.
"In part it's to do with what you eat, but it's also in part to do with the gut-brain axis and how the muscles in your tummy respond to putting anything into your gut."
According to Professor Ryan, sufferers should be wary of any "magic solutions" that are being sold advertised as there is no simple fix for bloating as it usually involves taking a number of considerations into account.
Can antibiotics mess with your gut?
A distressed listener text into say that they were having prolonged issues with diarrhea, a rash and anal bleeding following a course of antibiotics. Professor Ryan had this to say:
"An antibiotic can change your gut bacteria. Usually, for more people, it rights itself in 6-8 weeks, but in some people it can lead to a more persistent change."
Although she advised the listener to book in for a half hour consultation for personalised care, she does note that giving a stool demo can be helpful as healthcare professionals will be able to check for markers of infection or inflamation.
Diarrhea can occur for a number of reasons, but a particularly bad case may come about because of a bile imbalance which can lead to bile acid diarrhea.
How to cope with chronic slow transit constipation?
The next listener wrote in about her son who is suffering with chronic slow transit constipation, also referred to as lazy bowel syndrome, which is characterised by the slow movement of waste through the digestive system.
"Chronic constipation is a multifactorial condition," explains Professor Ryan, who says that although there is no "magic cure", there are plenty of things you can do to alleviate symptoms.
Fibre intake and fluid intake are the first port of call but some helpful medications are available through the GP.
"There are a number of newer medications that have been licensed specifically for constipation. Some of those can be subscribed by GPs, some of them are available through what's called a hardship scheme, so they're not covered up front by the drug payment reimbursement scheme but if you fail to respond to other medications, your GP or gastroenterologist can make a case for you to try these other medications."
To hear more about IBS, probiotics, gas, endoscopies and colonoscopies, listen back above.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Newport Healthcare, a national network of evidence-based treatment programs for teens and young adults with mental health disorders, was pleased to sponsor and present on multiple subjects earlier this month at the American Psychological Association's APA 2023 held in Washington D.C., with over 5,000 mental health practitioners, researchers, educators, and psychologists from around the world in attendance.
Newport Healthcare's Chief Clinical Officer Barbara Nosal, PhD, LMFT, LADC, and National Advisor for Healthy Device Management Don Grant, PhD, MA, MFA, DAC, SUDCC IV, facilitated two sessions for the Convention's Exchange program curriculum focused on their current research topic: how the digital world potentially reinforces insecure attachment in relationships. Dr. Grant also co-presented "Illuminating the Dark Shadows of Cyber-Aggression," in which he explored the dangerous digital phenomenon and offered strategies and skills for how to identify, assess, approach, and reconcile cyber-aggressive events. Additionally, Dr. Grant was a presenter in the Presidents' Summit on the History, Status, and Future of Media Psychology and Technology.
Dr. Grant is a well-respected media psychologist and digital media expert who has appeared across major news outlets discussing trends and behaviors. He was the 2022 President of the APA Division 46, and serves as chair of the APA (D46) Device Management & Intelligence Committee. His cyber-aggression presentation was especially timely as a pair of bills aimed to childproof the internet—the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) 2.0—progress through Congress. The session explored this increasingly deleterious digital threat, offered education, data, illustrations, and examples of events and behaviors surrounding it, then provided skills, strategies, and recommendations for clinical cyber-aggression identification, assessment, evaluation, approach, and reconciliation towards optimal positive outcomes.
Dr. Nosal, the founding clinician of Newport, also participated in the symposium "Strategies for Engaging Parents in Diverse Settings in Child Therapy," chaired by Dr. Guy Diamond. Panel experts represented medical inpatient and outpatient settings, while Dr. Nosal focused on adolescent residential treatment, presenting unique treatment strategies utilized at Newport, including how Attachment-Based Family Therapy informs its clinical approach.
Drs. Nosal and Grant's Exchange presentations were standing-room-only with attendees intensely focused on learning more about digital media's effect on mental health, specifically the potential impact of a caregiver's device use behaviors on attachment bonds. APA Exchange sessions offer a collaborative setting for industry experts and convention attendees to come together to discuss challenges within the profession of psychology.
The American Psychological Association is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 133,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students as its members. Newport Healthcare is a proud corporate sponsor of the APA and partners with mental healthcare organizations and professionals around the country to further the shared mission of supporting young people and families' access to care and sustainable healing.
Visit NewportHealthcare.com for more information about treatment locations, affordability/accessibility, outcomes research, and more.
About Newport Healthcare
Newport Healthcare is the nation's leading provider of evidence-based mental health treatment for youth, young adults, and families. Comprised of Newport Academy, Newport Institute, Center for Families, and PrairieCare, its full continuum of care includes psychiatric inpatient services, residential services, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and virtual programs. Newport's family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from a foundation of compassionate care, clinical expertise, and unconditional love. With a commitment to advocacy, Newport is creating a movement to shift our mental health culture from awareness to action, with the primary mission to empower lives and restore families.
CONTACT: 5W Public Relations, NewportAcademy@5wpr.com, 212-999-5585
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newport-healthcare-shines-at-american-psychological-association-annual-convention-301908165.html
SOURCE Newport Healthcare
For Brandon Christian Church (BCC), the approach of autumn signifies more than just highly anticipated cooler temperatures but also an opportunity to foster awareness for an emerging syllabu in Hillsborough County: mental health.
On Saturday, September 16, BCC will be hosting its first-ever ‘Fall Into Wellness’ fair, an event designed to facilitate conversation between mental health professionals and members of the surrounding community. Sponsored by Brandon Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), BayCare Behavioral Health and the Florida Psychological Association, the fair will operate between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the BCC property. The fair will offer attendees a chance to explore various psychological services and mental health resources made available to them by local providers and practices.
“It’s just reaching out to the community and being able to deliver people access to mental health professionals and organizations that can help them access resources or support services or whatever is needed to help deal with the issues that they’re struggling with,” said Karlita Konnerth, a member of BCC and the Fall Into Wellness planning committee.
Upon receiving a grant from the Florida Region Disciples of Christ to offset some of the marketing and supply purchases, the BCC planning committee officially began to piece the project together.
Hosted in BCC’s sanctuary, the Fall Into Wellness fair will feature seven speaker sessions, during which each professional/provider will speak on their chosen syllabu or specialty.
Session syllabu titles include ‘Mental Health 101’; ‘Cultivating a Healthy Brain’; ‘Drama and Tragedy: An Ancient Approach to Healing’; ‘Psychological Services for First Responders’; ‘Psychological Services for Maternity Clients’; ‘Effective Parenting Strategies’; and ‘Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Testing and Counselling for Kids.’
Additionally, BCC’s fellowship hall will feature booths operated by professionals/providers available to speak more about select topics. Fair attendees will also receive complimentary swag bags provided by BCC, which will include more information about local resources and practices. Light refreshments and children’s activities will also be provided.
Excited to play a role in mental health education, BCC also hopes the Fall Into Wellness event will encourage locals to turn to the church as a center for information on community resources.
“We are a small church striving to not only help the community but also to help get the name of BCC out there,” said Konnerth. “We’re hoping that people will take a look at us and also realize that BCC has a mission to provide community education and information for community resources to help people.”
More information about this event and BCC can be found by visiting https://brandonchristianchurch.org/, going to the Brandon Christian Church Facebook page at @BrandonChristianChurch or calling 813-689-4021. BCC is located at 910 Bryan Rd. in Brandon.
Jacqueline Basham (pictured left), fellow in the WKU Center for Environmental and Workplace Health, and instructor in the Department of Public Health, recently presented research on "Female Leaders in Occupational Safety and Health" at the 2023 Board of Certified Safety Professionals Foundation's (BCSP) Research & Innovation Summit, a national conference.
The purpose of the study was to determine what challenges women serving in safety leadership positions face as part of their careers, and to identify potential interventions that could be used to increase the number of females working in the safety industry.
Basham’s research identified six barriers to the majority of participants. These included:
- Work hours and travel required
- Lack of formal education in the safety industry before beginning their career
- The low number of females overall in the safety industry
- Frequently having their authority questioned while performing their job
- A stigma of the safety industry not being for females
- Being young and inexperienced adding to frustrations in performing their job
Three major types of interventions were identified. These included:
- Resources including those related to childcare and maternity leave, financial support, and flexibility in scheduling
- Training including leadership training and specific occupational safety and health topics
- Support mechanisms including support from upper management, mentorship programs, and having the support of a safety team
Basham shared, “This research was important to me because I am passionate about occupational safety and health, as well as ensuring everyone is safe no matter their background. After seeing an article from the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) about the low number of women in the safety field, and being a female in the industry myself, it made me want to understand how that influences women in the industry and how we could make it easier for other women to get into what I believe is a great career. It's also important that workers know they are represented. With almost half of the workforce being women, it is important that they feel represented in safety, and know their safety at work is important and acknowledged.”
Jacqueline Basham is an Associate Safety Professional who is currently a student in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Western Kentucky University. She also serves as an instructor at Western Kentucky University in the Department of Public Health where she is the program director for the Environmental and Occupational Health Science (EOHS) undergraduate program. More information about her research can be found here.
The first day will explore methods to enhance farm productivity by promoting healthy soil. The second is geared toward women in agriculture who want to learn about soils.
Both are free and open to the public, held at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 W Highway 329, Morris.
One of the main challenges faced by farmers is the dilemma between long-term soil health goals and the immediate benefits of tillage for residue management and seedbed preparation. This predicament is particularly prominent in the west-central region of Minnesota, where the planting window is already narrow.
The Soil Solutions Field Day Sept. 7 will address this issue by discussing management tweaks that can be tailored to each farm’s unique soil content. The aim is to help farmers strike a balance between building soil health and profitability.
A wide range of sessions will be offered throughout the day, covering various subjects such as tillage choices in different soil conditions, water management through cover crops, planting green during dry years, and the detrimental impact of soil erosion on crop productivity.
Attendees can hear from experienced farmers, university experts, and industry professionals who will share their knowledge and expertise on soil health, cover crops, reduced tillage and erosion control.
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“We’re thrilled to provide farmers and industry experts with the chance to explore the latest research findings and strategies for improving soil health and crop productivity,” said Jodi DeJong-Hughes, the event organizer.
The Soil Solutions Field Day is open to farmers, whether they have prior experience with soil health practices or not, as well as anyone who works closely with farmers and wishes to gain real-world insights on cover crops, reduced tillage, and soil health. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude with a farmer panel from 1:05-2 p.m.
For additional information about the event and to assure a complimentary lunch, interested individuals can visit http://z.umn.edu/Sept7. For any inquiries, contact DeJong- Hughes at dejon003@umn.edu or 320-815-4112.
U of M Extension Women in Ag Network is hosting the Thriving Roots Field Day Sept. 8 specifically for women who are passionate about farm productivity through healthy soil and who want to bring ideas back to the farm. Organizers said they can learn to unlock the secrets of soil health and empower themselves to make informed decisions about sustainable soil management practices.
This Extension Women in Ag Network event will be from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. For details and to register go to: z.umn.edu/Sept8.
Various Extension educators, soil specialists and syllabu experts will offer hands-on sessions throughout the day at the Research and Outreach Center on subjects including tillage in different soil conditions; cover crop roots and their effects on soil; planting green information about cereal rye crops; methods to reduce soil erosion; and the economics of cover crops.
The free field day will be held outdoors and under a tent. Wear your walking shoes and bring your hat or sunscreen. A complimentary lunch and beverages will be provided. Ample informal and structured networking time is built into the day so that participants can connect with others who are making innovations in soil health.
“We’re excited to offer women in agriculture an opportunity to explore the latest research and strategies on soil health and crop productivity,” DeJong-Hughes said.
Can nature make you happier? Make you feel less stressed? Heal you? That’s the idea behind the nature photography by Todd Winslow Pierce at Vail Health.
“Research studies have shown that incorporating art, specifically nature scenes, in health care settings can have a positive impact on patients’ restoration,” said Amy Keller, vice president of the Vail Health Foundation. “At Vail Health, our Art Council collaborates with local photographers to showcase nature photos from our area in public spaces throughout our facilities.”
Pierce grew up in the valley and knows the landscape and wildlife patterns well enough to get the perfect shot to showcase it in an almost larger-than-life setting at Vail Health. The timing to be involved in this project worked out for Pierce as well as he had just finished reading up on the syllabu of nature’s restorative benefits.
“I had just read the book called “The Nature Fix,” by Florence Williams, that examines the benefits of nature on health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally,” Pierce said. “I already believed in the healing powers of the natural world from my own experience growing up here in the mountains, but the scientific and medical references throughout the book were really inspiring and sparked the idea about collaborating with Vail Health.”
In 2019, Vail Health started looking for permanent exhibit artwork for the new east wing, so it worked with Pierce to place a number of images in public areas as well as hospital and imaging rooms. During that time, Pierce was also developing a concept called Eagle Valley Wild, which is a nonprofit enterprise that provides professional photographic services to conservation organizations and initiatives in Eagle County. The project educates and inspires locals and visitors with compelling content to increase awareness, appreciation and protection of Eagle County’s land, water and wildlife.
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“Although I couldn’t bring genuine forests, waterfalls and wildlife into the hospital, I thought I could offer compelling imagery of all that in ways that could resonate with patients, staff and visitors,” Pierce said.
“We currently have 12 images on display at three different locations within Vail Health Hospital and the Shaw Cancer Center building,” Keller said. “These images will be periodically rotated to maintain visual variety in these spaces. The exhibit has received great interest from patients and staff, with many expressing their appreciation for the photography.”
Alongside the photos are extended captions that go into more detail about each photograph, whether it’s an elk herd in the Brush Creek Valley, the bighorn sheep in East Vail, or a black bear bathing in a small watering hole in Cordillera.
“The photo of the black bear in the water is a staff favorite,” Keller said.
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There are also scenery shots that are very soothing, such as the pond lilies in the Homestake Valley, the fall colors along the Eagle River, or the change of seasons in November on Homestake Creek after a storm has passed through. The large photographs make it almost seem like you are right there in nature.
Along with informative and inspirational exhibits, Pierce is continuing to develop relaxing video segments and creative outings for staff and patients as well.
“My goal with sponsors is to design true win-win relationships that of course help fund the project, but also provide unique benefits and opportunities for them that ultimately promote the importance of our land, water and wildlife in a way that’s informative, inspirational and honest, not preachy or depressing, but rather reveal and educate in a balanced way that evokes reflection, appreciation, affection and a subsequent desire for protection,” Pierce said.
Pierce said the positive feedback so far has been really encouraging and certainly helps drive him through a lot of the difficult and tedious work that’s involved.
“I really enjoy catching someone pausing to look carefully at the images, and I really enjoy it when they actually take a moment to read the extended captions,” Pierce said.
Editor's Note: This article on the recently released book by Beth Grayson, recounting her experiences within the New England women's prison system, contains graphic and distressing subjects including violence, abuse and drug use.
DICKINSON — In a remarkable new book, Beth Grayson, a retired healthcare worker, peeks into her journey as a nurse and later as the medical director at the New England women’s prison. The book, comprising only 76 pages, offers a concise exploration of Grayson's experiences, spotlighting 22 distinct women. It further delves into their stories and includes dedicated sections addressing inmate memos, prison cell searches and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic within the prison system.
"Nurses Behind Bars" is full of harrowing details, including Grayson's emphasized recounting of instances of suicide and suicide attempts have left a lasting impact on her. She distinctly and vividly recalled one successful attempt among these tragic events. The woman in question had been incarcerated for nearly two decades and had faced a disheartening outcome during a parole board hearing. Tragically, she ended her life by hanging herself in a storage room, utilizing a bathrobe belt.
She expressed profound shock at the heinous nature of numerous crimes detailed in the book, giving readers a glimpse into the chilling realities she encountered. One case that stands out involves a tragic incident of child abuse resulting in death, located near Bismarck, which led to a perpetrator serving a life sentence.
“This woman had beaten and starved her 14 year old son to death. She called for paramedics after he had been dead for some time. They couldn't even open his mouth. He had rigor mortis set in already, so she had been dead for a while. But he was only about 20 pounds,” Grayson said. “She had him locked in a closet, but the windows were covered so there was no light.”
The book delves into the deeply troubling stories of many inmates who share a common history of childhood sexual abuse. Grayson paints a vivid picture of the prison environment, where it is not uncommon to witness both mothers and daughters facing incarceration simultaneously, further illustrating the intergenerational cycle of struggles within the system.
Among the varied narratives, a prevailing theme emerges: drug offenses as the predominant reason for incarceration. Grayson draws attention to the prevalence of this issue within the prison population, shedding light on the complex intersection of addiction, criminality, and the justice system.
“One girl was there at the same time as her mother. The mother would hold parties and prostitute her teenage daughter,” she said, explaining another disturbing case. “I did a blood draw on a girl. I think she was 18 and her father would start shooting her up with different types of drugs when she was seven years old.”
The book uncovers a series of peculiar incidents, one of which examines the world of drug smuggling within the prison walls. Grayson narrates a particularly baffling case where a woman used a visitation with her boyfriend as an opportunity for illicit activity. In a daring attempt, the woman received a number of pills enclosed in Saran wrap from her boyfriend. To evade detection, she resorted to a method of concealment that was both audacious and appalling.
This remarkable story encapsulates the inventive lengths individuals may go to for smuggling contraband and the challenges faced by prison staff in maintaining security. It offers readers a glimpse into the intricate dynamics that unfold behind bars, highlighting the ongoing battle between those seeking to circumvent regulations and those tasked with upholding them.
Jason O'Day / The Dickinson Press
Dickinson Press file photo
Amidst the chaotic and often tumultuous environment depicted within the book, Grayson acknowledges the presence of numerous rewarding moments. These instances offer a glimmer of positivity, showcasing the resilience and healing potential even in the most challenging circumstances.
One poignant episode Grayson recounts is that of a young woman in her twenties who entered the prison system burdened with severe psoriasis that covered her entire body.
“We had a girl in her 20s that came in with severe psoriasis and it covered her body. She was in so much pain,” Grayson said. “It felt so good to see her walk out without all those patches of painful burning flesh. And she was healed. She just had a little bit, that's all she had. So she was very thankful and that made me feel good.”
Grayson's meticulous documentation of events spanning 15 years paved the way for the creation of this book. The narrative shares insights from her diverse experiences, honed by her unique vantage point. The journey to translate these notes into a written work took around six months, revealing the undeniable commitment Grayson had to share these narratives.
“Once I sat down I thought, I’ll never finish this but I’ll start. And it just kept flowing. It just kept coming back to me,”
For those interested in exploring the insights and stories woven within the book, it is available for purchase at a price of $10.99 on authorhouse.com . It can also be found in bookstores located in both Bismarck and Fargo, offering readers the opportunity to delve into the complexities and nuances of the prison environment through Grayson's unique perspective.
Jason O’Day is a University of Iowa graduate, with Bachelor’s Degrees in Journalism and Political Science. Before moving to Dickinson in September of 2021, he was a general news reporter at the Creston News Advertiser in southwest Iowa. He was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. With a passion for the outdoors and his Catholic faith, he’s loving life on the Western Edge. His reporting focuses on Stark County government and surrounding rural communities.
