mind, body, spirit
FALL 2023 VOL. 24 ISSUE 1
Front Cover:
Why Plants Make the Best Roommates: The Benefits of Greenery in Dorm Environments
Microwave Usage: Understanding Microwave Safety
Inside Front Cover:
Dean: David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Jeremy S. Jordan.
Editorial Director: Luvenia W. Cowart, Ed.D.,R.N.
Student Managing Editor: Shelby Fenton
Editing Support: George S. Bain G'06
Graphic Designer: Bob Wonders, Executive Art.
Student Editorial Board: Maya Civil, Hannah Cohen-De La Rosa, Ashley Colombo, Julia Favaro, Molly Santaniello
Contributing Authors: David Larsen, Chair and Professor, Department of Public Health
Maureen Thompson, Associate Professor and Director, Undergraduate Programs, Department of Public Health
Cate Willing '22, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
Contact Us: Healthy You News magazine, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics White Hall, Syracuse, New York 13244, 315.443.9808.
Healthy You welcomes letters to the editor and story ideas.
Healthy You is a student-run health magazine of the Department of Public Health. It is a jointly funded publication of the Syracuse University David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and the Divisions of Undergraduate Studies, and Enrollment and the Student Experience. This publication enhances, broadens and supports the academic and social experiences of students. The Student Editorial Board is responsible for providing work structure for the magazine’s production, which includes the content, design, production and distribution. The information contained in this publication is not to be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult a medical professional before engaging in any activity described. The contents of this magazine may not be reprinted without the expressed consent of the editorial director.
In The Know
By Luvenia W. Cowart and Shelby Fenton
Racism Link To Dental Anxiety And Fear Among Black Women
According to a recent article published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, oral health may be inadequate or delayed due to fear and anxiety associated with racial experiences among Black women. The study found that this anxiety, which reaches beyond fear of needles and drilling, is linked to experiences of racial discrimination in daily living and housing, work or from law enforcement that before “contributed to elevated dental fear and anxiety among nearly 1 in 5 Black women, more than double the prevalence of dental fear among white women.” According to lead author Brenda Heaton, associate professor of epidemiology at Boston University, “Black women with higher levels of dental fear and anxiety said these fears were fueled by a perceived lack of control during dental exams or procedures, painful or uncomfortable procedures, and unsympathetic or unkind dentists.” Researchers posit that these stressful experiences only elevate perceived discrimination during a health care visit. The study findings also suggest poorer health outcomes and avoidance of dental services for a population already disproportionately affected by many health disparities in oral health and quality and affordable health care services.
Source: Boston University School of Public Health
Have A Laugh: Mental Health Minute
In a video presentation, clinical psychologist Gabrielle Roberts, from Advocate Children’s Hospital in Illinois, points out the impact of laughing on physical and mental health. Roberts strongly encourages family members to participate on a rotating basis in making the other family members laugh. This may look like assigning a schedule where one member oversees producing a laughable minute to share with the rest of the family per week. However, Roberts identifies this schedule as fluid, depending on household dynamics. Roberts’ main objective is to identify intentional laughter. Even in times of stress, taking time to find comical clips or review things that may have made you laugh in the past is extremely beneficial to your well-being.
Source: CBS News
Introducing the New Public Health Chair
By David Larsen, Ph.D. MPH
Chair and Professor, Department of Public Health
David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
Dear students,
In April 2023, my colleagues elected me as the new chair of the Department of Public Health at Syracuse University. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities ahead as I serve in this role, and I hope to get to know each of you. Please feel free to stop in and say hello.
As you consider your path toward graduation and beyond, I would like to share my circuitous path toward a public health career. As a child, I hated it when people asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I just gave them my older brother’s answer: Air Force pilot. But I didn’t care about it as he did and didn’t pursue that career. I was a young adult before I knew what an epidemiologist even was.
At Brigham Young University, I studied psychology, principally because it was interesting to me. Perhaps I wanted to be a therapist? During the summer of my junior year, I worked as a backpacking guide for troubled teens at Red Cliff Ascent in Utah. Young people would arrive at this program (or
others like it) as an alternative to juvenile detention or at the behest or demand of their parents. Spending a week at a time in the high-altitude desert of southern Utah was amazing, and I took some time off from classes that fall to do my internship at Red Cliff. I learned that I did not want to be a therapist.
My winter job during college was teaching snowboarding at Sundance Ski Resort. If I could have made a decent living as a snowboard instructor, I might have continued that job, but all the older snowboard instructors lived in their vans. It wasn’t the life I wanted to pursue. Still, early-morning lift rides provide a great place to think, and I began to reflect more on global health issues I had observed in Brazil a few years prior. After my first year of university, I had served a religious mission for two years in Belém, Brazil, at the mouth of the Amazon River. It took me time to process the poverty that I had experienced in Brazil, including a lack of clean water, no access to basic sanitation and food insecurity. I had no framework for making sense of the situation. Over time, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in addressing what I know now as social determinants of health and global health disparities.
How does one work on global health disparities? I considered the Peace Corps and applied to master of public health (MPH) programs that offered a master’s international and embedded a Peace Corps service into the curriculum. Tulane University felt right, and I decided to attend. Then, in July 2007, my general idea of a career in global health became laser-focused when I saw the National Geographic article “Bedlam in the Blood” about malaria. Here was this mosquito-borne parasite that is entirely preventable and treatable, killing more than 1 million young children every year. Wealthy nations had long ago eliminated malaria, but it plagued and continues to plague sub-Saharan Africa. I became passionate about fighting malaria and joined a research group working on the malaria problem in Zambia. I learned about insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying and larval source control.
Throughout my studies, I noticed that malaria control focused on fighting the mosquito while ignoring the parasitic reservoir in the human population. I wrote proposals to study the impact of human-focused malaria control. Fortunately, one of these was funded, and four years after reading that first article on malaria, I was working with the Gates Foundation on a massive malaria testing and treatment trial in southern Zambia. It was a surreal moment. Just four years earlier, I had merely a vague impression of what I wanted to do with my career. Now, I was an epidemiologist, a profession I had not known existed for most of my life.
I hope you will find your “malaria,” a problem to inspire you and to which you can dedicate the next few years of your life. Whether your route is circuitous or not, the best lies ahead. With hard work and dedication, in four years it will be fun to reflect on how far you’ve
come.
Sincerely,
David Larsen
Professor
Public Health And The Accreditation Process: What Students Need To Know About Accreditation
By Maureen Thompson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Public Health
Director, Undergraduate Programs in Public Health
Chair, Program Review and Assessment Committee
David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
Our public health program, consisting of our bachelor of science in public health (B.S.P.H.) and master of public health (MPH) degrees, is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools and programs of public health.
What Is Accreditation?
In higher education, accreditation is considered a voluntary quality assurance process that colleges and universities undertake to confirm that their academic programs meet high-quality educational standards. Specific to public health accreditation, CEPH says it “assures quality in public health education and training to achieve excellence in practice, research, and service, through collaboration with organizational and community partners” [1]. Accredited status is for a designated period of time. To maintain accreditation, programs apply for re-accreditation before the endpoint of the initial accreditation period. Thus, accreditation is also a form of continuous quality improvement and assurance, whereby schools participate in internal review leading up to the point of re-accreditation.
Why Is Accreditation Important?
Accreditation creates a set of standards that all public health programs follow. It also assures the public, including students, that the degrees provide high-quality and professionally relevant training. Graduates of CEPH-accredited MPH programs are also immediately eligible to
sit for the Certified in Public Health exam, a credential awarded by the National Board of Public Health Examiners.
History of Public Health Accreditation At Syracuse University.
In 2016, our bachelor of science in public health was one of the first in New York state to be accredited as a standalone bachelor’s program, a new accreditation for undergraduate public health programs. In 2021, we were certified as a public health program, including the B.S.P.H. and MPH degrees. We will submit our self-study for re-accreditation in fall 2026 with an anticipated CEPH review in spring 2027.
Engaging Students And The Community In The Accreditation Process.
It is important that we involve our students, alumni and community members in our program and evaluation. We seek feedback from these groups through various means, for example, representation on department committees, course feedback surveys, exit surveys, alumni surveys and employer surveys.
What can you do? Review the assessment plan found in your course syllabus. How do the course learning objectives and assignments relate to accreditation criteria and standards? Discuss assignments with course faculty. What knowledge and skills will be demonstrated and how do these relate to accreditation? Ask questions and provide feedback. We depend on you to keep our programs strong.
[1] “About,” Council on Education for Public Health, accessed October 25, 2023,
For More Information:
A Look Into Global Health: How A Public Health Degree Can Prepare You For A Diverse Work Environment
By Cate Wiling '22, B.S.P.H., B.A.
David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Alumna
and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Alumna
When I applied to Syracuse University in 2017 as a public health major, I had yet to learn how I would be setting myself up for success. In fall 2018, I started at Falk College as a public health student, unsure of what would come and what I wanted to do with my life. I had dreams of helping people for the common good, which were only strengthened during my time in the public health program.
Early on, I knew that I didn’t want to study public health to become a practicing medical professional. Instead, I knew I wanted to use my knowledge and skills to do my part in solving the world’s toughest public health issues. To do this, I paired my public health B.S. with a B.A. in policy studies at Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a perfect combination of degrees. These skills became even more invaluable when the pandemic hit, as I could digest and navigate public health orders. My public health knowledge continues to equip me with the tools to succeed daily in my career.
Today, I work in health public relations (PR) and communications at Edelman, the world’s largest PR agency. Since I didn’t study PR or communications, my public health background made my perspective novel among my colleagues, who mainly hold PR backgrounds. If your interests align, joining the workforce—whether it is communications, business or the technology field—with a topic specialization in public health will differentiate you from your colleagues, further supporting your work.
While at Syracuse, my interests were focused on domestic public health issues, including mental health in the U.S., early childhood nutrition and SNAP/EBT programs, and harm reduction programs for addiction. Through research with SOURCE and Professor Bernard Appiah, I was exposed to global public health for the first time in depth. Appiah and I worked with another public health student to conduct a content analysis of COVID-19 responses in the United States, the United Kingdom and Ghana. We accomplished this by analyzing press releases and media communications against the WHO health systems framework to quantify the impact of health communications during pandemic times. Much of the work I do today is similar to this project.
At Syracuse, you can study with a true global perspective. Appiah says that global health is what brought him to Syracuse University: “Here, there is a substantial global focus for students receiving public health training. There are many opportunities to learn about global issues.” He is excited to apply his research and subject matter expertise in public health to “shape the future students in the public health program.” Working with professors like Appiah at Syracuse exposed me to the world of possibilities within public health. In my current position as an account executive at Edelman, I support nonprofit organizations, foundations and biotechnology companies focused on media and policy tracking. I’ve supported global public health outreach and education in Africa through a prominent foundation, supporting activation at the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, D.C. Most recently, I’ve worked with Stop TB, a hosted entity of the United Nations Office for Project Services, working to end tuberculosis through aligning partner organizations (including international and technical organizations, government programs, research and funding agencies, foundations, NGOs, civil society and community groups, and the private sector). For this project, I leaned on my public health knowledge of public-private partnerships and epidemiology experience in disease.
For the first year and a half of my career, I consistently rely on my background knowledge of public health frameworks, regulatory pathways, health care systems and cultural competence to guide my work. I continue to be amazed at how applicable my major is to my career, and I would recommend a public health degree to anyone interested.
If you’d like to talk more about public health careers, please contact me on LinkedIn or at cathrynwilling@gmail.com.
One Celsius Is Equal To How Many Cups Of Coffee? The Pros and Cons of Celsius
By Hannah Cohen-De La Rosa
First-year student, Public Health
David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
Celsius, the enticing energy drink, has become increasingly present on college campuses. Whether found in the vending machines around campus or stashed away in dorm room refrigerators, this beverage has quickly become a go-to source of energy for college students. But what exactly are the benefits and drawbacks of consuming Celsius?
Celsius drinks have infiltrated college life, offering students a caffeinated alternative to coffee. With the promise of “boosting metabolism and energy,” Celsius drinks have gained popularity over the past few years. The primary attraction to Celsius is the caffeine content, typically 200 mg of caffeine per can, equivalent to over two 8-ounce cups of coffee.
The caffeine content can be beneficial in providing energy boosts for students pulling all-nighters or attending early-morning lectures. However, while caffeine can give individuals a much-needed boost, excessive consumption can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, insomnia and dependence.
For college students already prone to irregular sleep patterns, relying on Celsius should be taken as a precaution. Studies from the University of Oklahoma show that the metabolism enhancement that Celsius claims to have with its natural ingredients, such as green tea extract, guarana and ginger extract, did help individuals lose weight. One study from the University of Oklahoma suggested that “overweight and obese women drinking Celsius before moderate exercise resulted in increased fat loss, increased muscle mass, increased endurance performance with significant improvements to blood lipid profiles when compared to exercise alone” and “sedentary men drinking Celsius before moderate exercise yielded significant improvements in body composition. Participants’ results included decreased body fat, increased lean muscle and cardiorespiratory improvements compared to exercise alone.”
For individuals consuming Celsius without engaging in physical activity, no studies say Celsius help you lose weight. The convenience of Celsius may encourage unhealthy habits, such as relying on caffeine to stay awake and alert instead of prioritizing a balanced sleep schedule.
For college students, moderation is key. Understanding the ingredients and their effects can help students decide when and how much Celsius to consume. The Celsius website recommends no more than two 12-ounce servings per day and notes that the Food and Drug Administration advises drinking up to 400 mg of caffeine, the equivalent of two 12-ounce cans of Celsius is “safe for most individuals.” In addition, this is for all individuals over the age of 18. Joe Whittington, a board-certified emergency medicine doctor, says on a blog post about Celsius drinks: “Those who want to enjoy the drink should stay aware of the potential risks and make informed decisions about their beverage choices to safeguard their health and well-being.”
The drink will likely not have favorable side effects for individuals with underlying heart conditions, anxiety or panic disorders, or sleep disorders, he says. In general, the key is to be aware of your health factors and individual tolerance, Whittington says. While Celsius drinks offer an appealing solution for college students seeking an energy boost, it’s essential to approach consumption with caution and moderation.
For More Information:
Diversity In Your Milk Selections: Benefits Of Various Plant-Based Milks
By Molly Santaniello
First-year student, Public Health
David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
While working as a barista, I have noticed plant-based milks in coffee becoming increasingly popular among all generations, specifically college-age students.
Initially, plant-based milks were primarily consumed by people with dietary restrictions, but now people are learning about their health benefits and plant-based milks are more mainstream. Different plant- based alternatives can be found in grocery stores for milk, creamers, ice cream and more. They can also be used in coffee, cereal, baking and other forms of cooking. Ranging from oats, almonds, coconut, cashews, soy, sesame and more, each plant-based alternative has a
slightly different taste and different nutritional benefits.
Various other plant-based milks are widely accessible to college students in university dining halls. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Dairy and plant-based alternatives are both healthy, but each carries its nutritional benefits and different amounts of vitamins and
minerals. Emma Laing, Ph.D., director of dietetics at the University of Georgia, says, “Most plant-based milk does not contain nutrients comparable to dairy milk.” So, if you were relying on dairy milk for your daily intake of vitamin D (necessary to absorb calcium, the building block of bones) and switch to a plant-based alternative, you must acquire vitamin D in another food or supplemental vitamins. Plant-based milks can have comparable amounts of protein, calcium and other vitamins.
Via Healthline.com
These are some of the available milk alternatives on the market, and the Syracuse University campus dining halls provide mini fridges (often located near the cereal bars or beverage station) with some of these options. Students considering dietary restrictions, intolerances, preferences or trying to reduce their carbon footprint still need to ensure they get the proper daily intake of essential nutrients.
For More Information:
Seven Healthiest Milk Options
16 of the best dairy-free milk brands for your tea, coffee and cereal
Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk vs. Coconut Milk: What Is the Best Plant-Based Milk?