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Samaritan House director Henry Miller talks about the benefits of being able to grow fruits and vegetables at the Orangeburg shelter.

Orangeburg, Bamberg and Calhoun county residents are more physically active, but are still struggling with adult obesity.

Orangeburg County ranks as the states 34th healthiest county in the 2023 County Health rankings report. South Carolina has 46 counties.

Orangeburg County moved up slightly in the rankings. It was ranked as the 35th healthiest county in last years national report.

The University of Wisconsin Public Health Institute releases the annual report with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Bamberg County is ranked the 33rd healthiest county, up from 34th last year.

Calhoun County continued to be ranked the 25th healthiest county in the state.

The region saw some of its worst rankings in the areas of adult obesity and child poverty.

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The report says 44 percent of adults in Orangeburg County and 43 percent of adults in Bamberg County are obese, up from 41 percent in both counties in last years report. In Calhoun County, 40 percent of adults are obese, up from 37 percent last year.

The state average is 37 percent.

An estimated 42 percent of children were living in poverty in Orangeburg County, much higher than the state average of 20 percent.

Its an increase over last years report, which said 30 percent of children lived in poverty in the county.

Bamberg County reported the same percentage of children living in poverty as last year at 34 percent.

In Calhoun County, 26 percent of children under 18 were reported living in poverty. Thats an increase from the 22 percent reported living in poverty in the county in last years report.

Some 31 percent of adults 18 years of age and older reported no leisure physical activity in Orangeburg County. The county improved slightly from 33 percent in last years report.

In Bamberg County, 31 percent reported physical inactivity, an improvement from 35 percent last year.

In Calhoun County, 28 percent reported no leisure physical activity, an improvement from 31 percent last year.

The state average is 26 percent.

Fifty percent of the Orangeburg County population were reported to have adequate access to locations for physical activity. Sixty-three percent of Bamberg Countys population reported access to exercise opportunities, while 17 percent of Calhoun Countys population reported having adequate access to locations for physical activity.

That state average is 70 percent.

The University of Wisconsin Public Health Institute report ranks the overall health of nearly every county in the nation. Each of South Carolinas 46 counties was ranked on key factors that affect health, such as obesity, binge drinking, access to primary care providers and the number of children in poverty.

The Tri-County Health Network, a nonprofit formed to improve the health of residents in the tri-county region, is housed at MUSC Health-Orangeburg. Its 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment can be found online at muschealth.org/orangeburg.

TCHN Manager Dr. LaShandra N. Morgan has cited the need to have meaningful data in assessing the community health needs.

According to the County Health Rankings report, the tri-county area improved in the percentage of individuals reporting to be in poor or fair health.

The report says 20 percent of individuals in Orangeburg County reported being in poor or fair health. It was 24 percent last year.

In Bamberg County, 19 percent of individuals reported being in poor or fair health. It was 25 percent in last year.

Also, in Calhoun County 17 percent of residents reported being in fair or poor health. It was 21 percent in last years report.

The state average is 18 percent.

Morgan says the Tri-County Health Networks coalition has been working with others to improve lives.

We have a lot of partners. We have things that we do, but we make sure that we work together and not in silos so that people arent duplicating effort. We put our minds together to come up with whats best for the community, Morgan said.

So we have been doing fresh produce distributions. Weve been pushing the Diabetes Prevention Program. Weve been having community conversations so that communities know that were listening to their community voice, she said.

Morgan continued, So we tend to work on things they want to work on and not things that we want to work on. I always tell folks that I dont sit in a public health bubble and decide what the community should do. I let them tell me.

The TCHN partners with the Bamberg County Community Rural Arts Work League, or CRAWL, to offer exercise classes in the county.

They applied for some funding to do exercise classes. Right now in Bamberg County, theres a lot of dance classes and line dance classes going on. So theres a lot of momentum around exercise. In Calhoun County, we worked with the county to do a lot of fresh produce distribution, Morgan said.

The network received a $50,000 grant from the Diabetes Action Council of South Carolina last year, funding which has allowed it to offer a diabetes prevention course in Orangeburg, Bamberg and Calhoun counties.

Right now we have seven cohorts running. Theyve been doing really well. A person here in the Orangeburg cohort was talking about needing surgery done on their knee, but theyve lost so much weight that they dont need surgery anymore. Its not bothering them as much.

We had another person participating in the cohort that said that theyve been implementing the things that they talk about in the class at home. Their child, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, no longer has to take insulin. So weve been having some success stories, Morgan said.

She said work has been done to create more walkable communities.

The TCHN and MUSC Health-Orangeburg encourage individuals to participate in Walk with a Doc, a health program that brings doctors and patients together to walk the first Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at the MUSC Health-Orangeburg track.

The TCHN has also started a Walk with Ease program through the Arthritis Foundation

Were working with DHEC right now to offer the Walk with Ease program in St. Matthews at the John Ford Community Center and the Orangeburg County Library. Were also looking to offer cooking classes. With the Cooking Matters class, its like they do cooking demonstrations, but they also like give you the ingredients to take home so that you can cook the stuff yourself, Morgan said.

Then there is another class called Its Your Health, Take Charge, where they teach you how to manage your hypertension, your blood sugar and things like that through diet. So were going to see about offering that at the Orangeburg County Library, and we will be offering it at the John Ford Community Center in St. Matthews, she said.

The TCHN is also home to the Food Policy Councils, which have a presence in Bamberg, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties.

They as a community decide what it is they want to work on in their respective communities as far as food. Some people want to do some data collection. Some people want to see what the community needs. Some want to offer healthy cooking classes and teach young parents how to cook healthy meals for their children, along with grandparents because there are a lot of grandparents raising their grandchildren. Then some Food Policy Councils are new and still trying to decide, Morgan said.

A $300,000 grant from the S.C. Center for Rural and Primary Health Care has allowed the TCHN to place a social worker in the Orangeburg County Library.

Shes doing an amazing job. She, along with the deputy director at the library are working together to launch Orangeburg County Move. So theyre going to be offering some movement activities and working with different folk in offering programs at the Orangeburg County Library, Morgan said.

Healthy food box distributions are also being held, while the development of school and community gardens has been another successful initiative within the tri-county area.

With the community gardens, we work with a group called Growing COB, which stands for Calhoun, Orangeburg and Bamberg. We actually have two new gardens launching hopefully by the end of the month in St. Matthews at the John Ford Community Center and in Cope at Macedonia AME, she said.

Morgan continued, Im really excited about the garden in St. Matthews because itll be our first one in Calhoun County at the John Ford Community Center. Theyve been very supportive in trying to implement programs for the community. Theyve been doing a really good job.

She has said the whole goal of the TCHN is to help reduce the risk of chronic disease, with an enhanced focus on holistic health beyond exercise and healthy eating.

Were also focusing on healing. So were starting to talk more about wellness in general, which includes mental health. So we try to tackle chronic disease. With obesity, its a multifaceted issue, though. It doesnt just have to deal with eating and exercise like people think.

It has to do with stress and how that actually impacts the body. ... Its not just about what you eat and whether youre exercising or not. Theres a lot behind that. So we also try to deal with the social determinants of health, policy systems and environmental challenges. Some things are a marathon and not a sprint, she said.

For more information on the TCHN and its initiatives, contact Morgan by email at morglash@musc.edu or visit the TCHN Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/TriCountyHN.

Contact the writer: dgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5534. Follow "Good News with Gleaton" on Twitter at @DionneTandD

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Residents more active, obesity an issue; health report looks at ... - The Times and Democrat

In today's fast-paced and competitive business environment, it's no surprise that workplace burnout has become increasingly common. Employees are expected to perform at high levels while facing mounting deadlines, heavy workloads, and competing demands. This constant pressure can take a toll on employees' physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, leading to burnout.

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stressful work conditions. It can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of employees, leading to decreased productivity, job dissatisfaction, and even physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is the act of taking intentional steps to prioritize one's physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It's essential for preventing workplace burnout, as it helps employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Self-care can take many forms, including exercise, meditation, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks throughout the workday.

When employees prioritize self-care, they're better equipped to manage work-related stress and remain focused and productive throughout the day. In addition, when employees take care of their physical and mental health, they're less likely to experience burnout, which can result in decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.

Tips for Employees

Tips for Managers

The Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist

For individuals looking to become experts in corporate wellbeing, the Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) program offered by the Corporate Health & Wellness Association is an excellent option. This program provides training and certification in the field of corporate wellness, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to promote healthy and balanced work environments.

The CCWS program covers a wide range of topics, including stress management, nutrition, fitness, and mental health. Participants will learn how to design and implement effective wellness programs, measure program outcomes, and develop strategies for promoting employee engagement and participation.

The CCWS program is designed for individuals who work in human resources, corporate wellness, employee benefits, and related fields. The program is also suitable for healthcare professionals, including nurses, dietitians, and occupational therapists who are interested in expanding their knowledge and expertise in corporate wellness.

The CCWS program is a comprehensive training and certification program that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to promote employee health and wellbeing. The program covers a wide range of topics, including stress management, nutrition, fitness, and mental health. Participants will learn how to design and implement effective wellness programs, measure program outcomes, and develop strategies for promoting employee engagement and participation.

The program is delivered online and is self-paced, allowing participants to complete the coursework on their own schedule. The program is also designed to be accessible and user-friendly, with interactive modules, case studies, and practical exercises.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and the designation of Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS). The CCWS designation is a recognized credential in the field of corporate wellness, demonstrating an individual's knowledge and expertise in promoting employee health and wellbeing.

Self-care is an essential aspect of preventing workplace burnout, and both employees and managers should prioritize it to promote a healthy and balanced work environment. By implementing the tips outlined in this article and investing in resources such as the CCWS program, individuals and organizations can work together to promote the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of employees. The Corporate Health & Wellness Association's CCWS program is an excellent option for individuals looking to become experts in corporate wellbeing, providing comprehensive training and certification in the field of corporate wellness. To learn more about the CCWS program and how it can benefit your organization, visit https://www.corporatewellnesscertification.com/.

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The Importance of Self-Care in Preventing Workplace Burnout: Tips ... - Corporate Wellness Magazine

Employee burnout is a growing problem in todays workforce. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can lead to reduced productivity, low morale, absenteeism, and high turnover rates. According to a survey conducted by Gallup, nearly two-thirds of full-time workers experience burnout at some point in their careers. This can have a significant impact on a company's bottom line.

Leadership plays a crucial role in preventing employee burnout. Managers who prioritize the well-being of their employees and create a positive work environment are more likely to retain top talent and boost productivity. Here are some best practices for leaders to create a healthy work environment and prevent employee burnout.

Leadership plays a crucial role in preventing employee burnout. By implementing these best practices, leaders can create a healthy work environment that supports employee well-being and productivity. Encouraging work-life balance, fostering a positive work environment, providing resources for mental health, offering employee benefits, encouraging physical activity, creating opportunities for social interaction, providing clear expectations, and addressing workplace culture issues can all help prevent employee burnout.

If you are interested in learning more about corporate wellness and becoming a certified corporate wellness specialist, check out the Corporate Health & Wellness Association's Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist program. This program is the leading training and certification program for individuals in corporate well-being and can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to make a difference in your organization. Click here to learn more: https://www.corporatewellnesscertification.com/

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The Role of Leadership in Preventing Employee Burnout: Best ... - Corporate Wellness Magazine

Bloomington, Ind. Bloomington is a vibrant community filled with activity. Each month there are numerous opportunities to enjoy and engage socially and civically. The City will provide monthly updates on what is happening in and within the City, and you will discover that no matter your interests or inclinations, there is something for everyone.

Hidden River Pathway Walking Tour

Date: Friday, May 5

Time: 3:30-5 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Meet at Waldron, Hill, and Buskirk Park, 331 S Washington St.

Please join the City of Bloomington Utilities for a guided tour of the Hidden River Pathway Project. We will take a shuttle to Sample Gates, then walk mile over the culvert that carries Clear Creek beneath downtown Bloomington, learning fun facts about stormwater and recently completed upgrades to our underground infrastructure.

Register at https://forms.gle/dfCDsuhEkTQ9f6g87

The Art of Giving: An Event for Children

Date: Saturday, May 6

Time: 1-3 p.m.

Cost: $5

Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St.

This family-friendly event shows grade school-age kids what gratitude means and helps them recognize the many opportunities they have to express it toward others on Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, holidays, or simply just because! For ages 3-12 yrs. w/parent. More information at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts

50+ Expo

Date: Wednesday, May 10 (Rain date: Thursday, May 11)

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St.

The community's premier showcase of businesses and organizations whose products and services are geared toward Baby Boomers, seniors, caregivers and their friends and families. The event includes a large expo filled with exhibitors and free health screenings by local healthcare professionals. More information at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/50expo

A Fair of the Arts

Date: Saturday, May 13

Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Showers Common, 401 N. Morton St.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation hosts a celebration of art and community with sales, demonstrations, and displays of arts and fine crafts by local and regional artists.

More information at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/a-fair-of-the-arts

Public Information Meeting: Resource Recovery Study

Date: Thursday, May 18

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Monroe Convention Center. 302 S College Ave.

City of Bloomington Utilities and the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District sponsored a study of the potential for energy and resource recovery from wastewater treatment sludge and other organic materials. The study indicates that a resource recovery facility could generate enough electricity to power the Dillman Road Wastewater Treatment Plant and reduce the amount of organic solids that go to landfill. Please join CBU and MCSWMD for a public information meeting to present the findings.

Link: https://bton.in/C1W4v

Peoples Park Concert Series

Date: Thursday, May 18 & Thursday, May 25

Time: 4:30-6 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Peoples Park, 501 E. Kirkwood Ave.

Free, live performances by local and regional musicians and performers.

May 18: Sofia Crespo, a traditional dance from Spain

May 25: Rearview Rhonda, a local indie rock/punk band

More information at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts

Summer Launch Party

Date: Saturday, May 20

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Bryan Park, 1001 S Henderson St.

Start your summer off right with a party in Bryan Park! Sample programs, events, and activities hosted by Bloomington Parks and Recreation this summer. For all ages.

More information at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/a-fair-of-the-arts

Outdoor Fitness Classes in Switchyard Park

Date: Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays, May 1 through June 18

Mondays at 7 p.m.: Tai Chi

Tuesdays at 7 p.m.: ZUMBA

Fridays at noon: Beginning Yoga

Cost: $5 per class, or buy a 10-class pass for $45

Location: Switchyard Park Main Stage

Bloomington's favorite fitness instructors lead outdoor classes for all ages and fitness levels. No registration is required; just show up and pay the $5 per class admission with cash, check, or credit card. For more information, contact Shelby Drake at 812-349-3700 or shelby.drake@bloomington.in.gov.

Night Paddle

Date: Friday, May 5

Time: 8:30-10 p.m.

Cost: $12/Bloomington residents, $15/non-city residents

Location: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve; meet at the boathouse.

Experience an evening of peace and serenity under the full moon on Griffy Lake! Watercraft, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Register by April 28.

More information and registration at: https://bton.in/zFRUw

Healthy Soil, Healthy Garden

Date: Wednesday, May 10

Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

Cost: $10/Bloomington residents, $12/non-city residents

Location: Butler Park Community Gardens

Learn about the importance of healthy soils, methods that improve soil health, and how to test your garden soil to better understand its composition and needs. Register by May 7. More information and registration at: https://bton.in/M60kZ

Sunset Paddle

Date: Thursday, May 18

Time: 8-9:30 p.m.

Cost: $12/Bloomington residents, $15/non-city residents

Location: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve; meet at the boathouse.

Enjoy the sunset from the water on Griffy Lake! Watercraft, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Register by May 11. More information and registration at: https://bton.in/fMYnt

Birdwatching for Beginners

Date: Saturday, May 20

Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Cost: $3/Bloomington residents, $5/non-city residents

Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park; meet in the parking lot

Take a leisurely walk with a naturalist and look for some of the many different kinds of birds in our ecosystem. Binoculars and field guides are provided. Register by May 16. More information and registration at: https://bton.in/_NIsB

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Learn to Paddle

Date: Saturday, May 27

Time: Multiple sessions; see registration link for additional information

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Pools and Spray Pad Open; Concerts in Peoples Park; and the ... - City of Bloomington

ELEVEN MEN ROLL OUT yoga mats and gather in a circle. Theyre wearing lime green or red- and white-striped jumpsuits. Fluorescent lights buzz from the ceiling, and correctional officers man the entrance of the cinder block classroom. Theres no athleisure, natural light, or fragrant aromas that are staples in most yoga studios. This is what an hour-long yoga session looks like inside Winnebago County Jail in Rockford, Illinois.

Yoga can be free-flowing, but here, everything is intentional and monitored. Each person gets a mat and one yoga block. Music plays in the background to provide one transportive element to the experience, and the men sit in a circle so they can see everyone else in the room as they practice. The lights always stay on. Instructors wear simple, loose clothing, and all their personal items must be stored in a locker outside the jail: no cellphones, food, books, or papers with staples. A red emergency button is on the wall at the front of the room; officers are posted on either side of the hallway.

County jail technically serves as a transitional place to be held awaiting sentencing before someone is either convicted and sent to prison or released, but the average time at Winnebago County is a year and a half.

Letting go does not mean forgetting a memory, says volunteer facilitator Stacy Morrissey, the founder and yoga program director at Winnebago County Jail. She inhales and tells the group to set an intention, like whatever happened in the past is not happening right now. The men sit on their mats and take a deep breath before pushing up the sleeves on their worn jumpsuits and transitioning into the first pose of the daydownward dog. This [pose] usually irritates me, but after [the breathing] we just did, it doesnt bother me, says one of the men while still in position (names have been withheld due to privacy concerns and legal restrictions).

Theres a clear correlation between trauma, aggression, and criminal behavior, and according to 2021 research published in Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, over 90 percent of incarcerated people have experienced deeply disturbing events and up to 20 percent are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. These events can change the nervous system, skewing the bodys ability to regulate itself, says Morrissey, who underwent a 32-hour training on trauma-informed yoga. For some people, this means theyre always ready to react, instead of rationally respond. For others, it means theyre overstimulated. As a result, the nervous system triggers and induces panic, anger, anxiety, and ragewhether in or out of jail, she explains.

Research has found that being detained in prison increases stress, triggers anxiety and depression, reduces sleep, and hurts overall well-being, further stimulating the nervous system in deleterious ways. Having an outlet like yoga can help counter these challenges. Yoga has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improves sleep patterns. Thats why a small but growing number of correctional facilities are offering yoga classes. The practice of yoga helps us develop and strengthen overall emotional intelligence, says Morrissey. We cultivate insight, and with that comes accountability and improved rational decision making.

The Prison Yoga Project was founded in 2014 by James Fox, a certified yoga instructor, after he recognized the need for a body-based healing program for people who are incarcerated. His stated mission was to improve lives, foster self-rehabilitation, and develop self-awareness and self-worth, so he created a curriculum focused on mindfulness (the state of being conscious and aware of the present moment), compassion, and the mind-body connection (the correlation between thoughts and feelings). Today the Prison Yoga Projectthe largest program of its kindhas more than 100 programs across 15 states, and eight countries, including Winnebago Country Jail. Some of the programs are volunteer run, while others are funded by the state or correctional facility.

The focus of our yoga is giving folks a safe container to connect with their body, says Nicole Hellthaler, the assistant director of the Prison Yoga Project. We want people to really grow their ability to come back in touch with their body and know whats going on. Anytime someone becomes angry, they might be unable to avoid lashing out, physically or verbally, says Morrissey. But if they're able to pause, feel supported, and understand the way the nervous system works and how they might respond, they can make better choices, she explains.

Im glad you said to breathe, because Ive been holding my breath, says one 39-year-old male as Morrissey wraps up class with a breathing exercise; the men repeatedly plug one nostril on the inhale, then the other on the exhale. Breathing has been the center of my life since yoga, he says. Its the glue that holds me together.

There are no windows in the Winnebago County Jail, and the air conditioning blasts to the point that your nose starts to run. The cramped cells include two stacked metal beds with a toilet an arms distance away. Guards walk the hallways, belts strapped with weapons. Meals consist of meatloaf half the size of your palm, canned vegetables, and a side that resembles mashed potatoes.

After the breathing exercise, class ends with five minutes of Savasana, the Sanskrit name for the resting and restorative period when practitioners lie supine to relax, regroup, and calm the nervous system. Motivational posters are taped to the wall. One reads, If your life was a movie, what would it be rated?

This is a source of peace, says a middle-aged man in a lime green jumpsuit, as he slides back into his neon orange sandals. Green jumpsuits represent the general population and red- and white-striped jumpsuits signify federal crimes such as commercial fraud, drug trafficking, armed robbery, and sexual assault. I try to have mini sessions of Savasana on my own, but its not the same, he adds.

Courtesy of Andi Breitowich

In jail, everything about life is predetermined; everything from meals to showers to calls home. The men have limited choices and no freedom. But during yoga, theyre able to move with agency. They choose to stay or not stay in a pose, they pick if they want their arms on their hips or above their head, and they decide if they want to start a move on the right or left leg. If somethings unpleasant, they can stop. Its their practicethey are taught and instructed, but not ordered.

I used to be so depressed that I would sleep 14 hours a day, says a young man, with black-framed glasses and a low ponytail. Once I started coming to yoga I felt better, you know, less depressed, and I now feel rested after only seven hours of sleep.

Current research reaffirms yogas value as a practice for rehabilitation, ultimately affecting how someone will respond in the face of future stressors. Studies show that yoga and meditation trigger neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety and may boost levels of serotonin and dopamine, which can help the men manage post-traumatic stress disorder and underlying mood conditions like anxiety and depression.

Its psychological warfare in here, says a man as he sits cross legged on the mat. His jumpsuit so worn, the knee patches are practically see-through. But after yoga, my anxiety disappears, and it usually lasts for two days [before returning].

Courtesy of Andi Breitowich

The more obvious physical benefits of a yoga practice are also invaluable for these men. One man describes terrible back pain from the beds, which consist of a less-than three-foot-wide steel sheet mounted to a wall and a thin camping sleep mat on top. Ive learned how to properly stretch and release [back muscle] tension.

Despite the safety precautions which remind the men of where they are, the hour-long class on Thursday afternoons always wins as the weekly highlight. Once you get a taste, you want more, says one of the guys.

I first came [to yoga class] just to get out of my room, but it became easier and really enjoyable, says another of the men, who recently received a certificate for attending eight classes in a row. Comfort, connection, and support are all emphasized in the program, and commitment does not go unnoticed.

Ive got this breathing thing in a chokehold, says another.

There are plans to expand the yoga program at the Winnebago County Jail beyond just one session each week, but implementing more classes will face some hurdles. Security protocols have to be observed at all times for the classes, and staff shortages have made it tough to hold more than just the weekly class.

The Prison Yoga Project is also working to expand more broadly, bringing its mission to more jails and prisons around the nation. "We've grown in our program offering to over 100 places pre-COVID, but the number is slightly lower right now, just because not all of our programs have come back online since the big pause," Hellthatler says. "We're providing programming and training, and overall have this vision and mission of not just serving incarcerated folks specifically now, but all those impacted by the system."

For now, the mission remains clear: providing a physical and mental outlet for as many people in the jail and prison system as possible.

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. Shes a mass consumer of social media and cares about womens rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.

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How the Prison Yoga Project Brings Movement to Incarcerated Men - Men's Health

A trio of Army National Guard soldiers put their marksmanship skills on display this month, taking home the top spot at the 2023 International Sniper Competition, held April 10-13 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Team leader Sgt. 1st Class Erik Vargas of the New Mexico Army National Guard, along with Staff Sgts. Benjamin Cotten and Allen Smith, both of the Arkansas Army National Guard, bested 34 other teams representing different branches of the U.S. military as well as snipers from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

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For three days straight, the snipers were tested on their shooting skills, physical endurance, and problem-solving abilities across a variety of scenarios and with multiple weapons systems.

Its a full team event, Vargas told Task & Purpose. I was primary for the [M-17] pistol and [MK-12 special purpose rifle] carbine, Allen was shooting primarily with the 7.62 round and Ben used the Magnum [.300 Norma Magnum] rounds, but everyone is tested on all their abilities.

The first event was a stalking exercise, which required the teams to infiltrate at night, and continue movement into the day.

For this event, they had drones, thermal capabilities, Cotten told Task & Purpose. It was really designed to replicate a near-peer enemy.

Other events tested the ability of the snipers to think and act quickly.

Youd have the team leader have to assemble basically a jigsaw puzzle, and then that would reveal a target designation, then we would have to identify the target and engage, said Cotten.

Instead of a jigsaw puzzle, competitors would also have to, for instance, solve a math equation, the answer to which would give them the correct target to engage. Other exercises involved the snipers engaging targets from multiple firing positions, in urban environments, and in timed scenarios. In one event, for instance, the teams were presented with weighted ammunition boxes before a ruck march the less weight they chose to carry, the fewer rounds of ammunition they would have to shoot.

There was always a physical stressor element, said Smith. And very little sleep.

All the events had a very low round count, Vargas added. So you really couldnt afford to miss.

Despite winning this years competition, the winning team remained humble.

The best part is just the networking and learning from everyone else. We all come from different backgrounds, so its a chance to interact with other people, learn from other people, and share experiences, Cotten said.

We see a lot of the same people at different events, Smith added. Everyone has been training and putting in the work for a while.

Vargas, the team leader, enlisted in the Army in 2008. He served in the 3rd Ranger Battalion, including time as a sniper team leader, before transferring to the National Guard, where he is assigned to 1-200 Infantry Battalion, as well as working full-time as a security executive in Las Vegas. Cotten enlisted in the National Guard in 2006 and deployed to Iraq in 2010. He was previously a sniper section leader and has been an instructor at the Army National Guard Marksmanship Training Center for the past three years. Smith joined the National Guard in 2003, deployed to Iraq in 2004, and has also served as a sniper team leader and marksmanship instructor at the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center. The two of them are also firefighters in Shreveport, Louisiana.

All three are members of the All Guard Marksmanship Team, composed of some of the best marksmen from across the various state national guards, and all have competed before in the Winston V. Wilson sniper competition, another international sniper competition that is organized by the National Guard.

A lot of the train-up, before we come together as a team, is on the individual, said Vargas. But once we have all the fundamentals down, its all about communication within the team.

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Army National Guard team wins this years International Sniper Competition - Task & Purpose

Michigan State University biologists have studied damselflies which resemble dragonflies and are abundant as both predator and prey in wetlands to understand what happens throughout their lifecycle from nymph to winged insect, along with what they eat, when summers grow warmer and longer.

Their work in this weeks Proceedings of the Royal Society B has a twist combining seasons of observational and experimental work in the field and lab with input from a theoretical ecologist, a mathematician with supersized modeling creds.

The results: A new respect for the blinding speed of global warming and a more realistic look at what a hot summer can bring to a nearby pond.

We are seeing the pace of climate change is much more rapid than organisms have endured in their evolutionary experience, said co-author Phoebe Zarnetske, an associate professor of integrative biology, PI of the Spatial and Community Ecology (SpaCE) Lab and director of the Institute for Biodiversity, Ecology, Evolution and Macrosystems, or IBEEM. That rapid pace is going to be even more of an issue with the increase in extreme events like heat waves.

The work in Life-history responses to temperature and seasonality mediate ectothermconsumerresource dynamics under climate warming finds that inserting the right level of data gleaned from field experiences, specifically the effects of seasonal changes in temperature on consumer lifecycles, creates a more robust predator-prey simulation model.

The work differs from findings of similar models with less biological realism that predicted warming trends would doom predators. They see Michigan damselflies surviving climate warming by shifting into a lifecycle similar to their southern relatives squeaking out two lifecycles in a season rather than one.

Laura Twardochleb

Twardochleb, now with the California State Water Resources Control Board, was part of MSUs Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, or EEB, Program and as a part of that took a class by Chris Klausmeier, MSU Research Foundation Professor of plant biology and integrative biology.

Klausmeier and Zarnetzke, both in the College of Natural Science, are EEB core faculty members and Twardochleb is an EEB alum.

Twardochleb saw that early models projecting how warming climates would affect ectothermic predators were significantly simpler than the nature she was observing. For one thing, the models didnt allow for a northern climates change of seasons. The models also werent keeping track of predator size and growth rate and changes in their lifecycle with warming.

Meanwhile, Klausmeier, a theoretical ecologist, was recognizing the special sauce an experimentalist brings when creating mathematical models that make assumptions about how organisms behave, grow, birth and die.

I can make up any model I want unconstrained by reality, Klausmeier said. But thats a little dangerous because of course you want something related to the real world. When you join with an experimentalist you can bring not just the experimental results and parameters, but also bring the deep natural history and knowledge to the system to know the key variables and constraints.

The work, factoring in a warmer, but still seasonal climate, shows how the damselflies can grow and breed more quickly. Creating a model that only allowed the virtual damselflies to live a one-year lifecycle in a warmer world resulted in burn out and death. Extinction was on the horizon.

But allow the bugs the option of bringing two generations into a season, and thriving was a possibility. A lot of models said [predators] were going to starve, Twardochleb said. Thats whats exciting that we can make models more realistic.

Twardochleb said the research is good groundwork to understand how other species will respond to a warmer world, particularly species like mosquitoes which are nuisances and potentially carry diseases.

Zarnetske added that the continual challenge will be beyond the idea that different species will be adapting to a new world. Climate change is outpacing that kind of evolution in an unprecedented way. And the weather extremes heat waves, droughts, floods are a whole variable.

Thats our next step, Zarnetske said. Unpredictability is hard.

The work was supported by the National Science Foundation, NASA, the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Environmental Science and Policy Program, Kellogg Biological Station and the Society for Freshwater Science.

Original post:
Mixing theory, observation to envision adaptations in a warmer world - MSUToday

HPU graduates are leading prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other esteemed organizations thanks to their journey at HPU. Heres a glimpse at one extraordinary member of the Class of 2023:

Name: Lauren Dinkla

Hometown: Lisle, Illinois

Major: Exercise science with a minor in psychology

Post-graduation plans:Dinka will attend Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the MS of Health and Exercise Science program.

How HPU helped you get there:

HPU provided me with hands-on experiences creating and conducting research with numerous faculty members since my freshman year. These diverse research experiences differentiated me from other graduate school applicants and prepared me for future research projects.

Most impactful mentor at HPU:

My most impactful mentor at HPU is Dan Tarara, chair and associate professor of exercise science. He taught me new research techniques in the Human Biomechanics and Physiology Lab as we created and tested our research study. He also opened my eyes to all the possible careers in exercise science which made me excited for graduate school and a future career in the field.

Most impactful moment at HPU:

My most impactful experience at HPU was living in Finch Hall where I met my best friends. Throughout my four years at HPU, I created memories I will never forget with my friends.

How has HPUs inspiring environment contributed to your success?

HPUs inspiring environment encouraged me to become involved as an anatomy tutor and clinic liaison at the Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic to reach my future goals. Every day at HPU I was surrounded by students and faculty who strive to become involved and succeed, which encouraged me to do the same.

What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success?

HPU helped me develop creativity and innovation in my research projects and in my daily life. Through working with faculty members and students, I have developed an ability to search for the unknown and create innovative studies.

What are the values and virtues HPUs campus helped you develop that youll take with you after graduation?

HPU emphasizes having a growth mindset which helped me develop the tools to overcome any challenge I face.

Advice for underclassmen:

Be open to new career options in your desired field, and have the courage to reach out to current professionals.

Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?

Share your news with usfor a chance to be featured!

View more Graduate Profiles

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Class of 2023 Outcomes: Lauren Dinkla Graduates with Courage - High Point University

DALLAS, April 24, 2023 TheAmerican Heart Associationand theNational Football League(NFL), in collaboration with its 32 NFL clubs, are challenging kids to move more with an NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break for the NFL Draft happening later this week. The free program on Wednesday, April 26 at 1 p.m. ET/ 12 p.m. CT/ 10 a.m. PT will offer a 15-minute synchronous broadcast to help students learn how to add movement to their day leading up to the live Draft coverage from Kansas City.

Rooted in American Heart Association science, the Fitness Break broadcast helps students learn more about how physical activity supports their overall wellness. The NFL Draft host team, the Kansas City Chiefs, will bring several members from the Chiefs Kingdom to the broadcast. NFL Legend Will Shields, Chiefs mascot KC Wolf and members of the Chiefs cheerleaders will get kids moving with exercise instruction. Local Kansas City high school student and congenital heart defect survivor, Devyn Davis, hosts the broadcast.Advanced registrationby parents, teachers or school administrators for the broadcasts is required.

NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children to develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The program encourages kids to get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans[1]. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity are key to immediate and long-term health for children.

Working together with the National Football League on NFL PLAY 60, were excited to continue to support getting youth across the country moving towards a healthier and more active lifestyle, said American Heart Association and American Stroke Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. Wellness education and lifesaving skills, such as CPR, are critical to help people across generations live longer, healthier lives.

This is the third broadcast of the school year. The NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break Kickoff broadcast was held in September and the NFL Super Bowl Fitness Break took place in February. There will be a new suite of NFL PLAY 60 resources, including Fitness Break Broadcasts, for the 2023-2024 school year.

Were excited to partner with American Heart Association for the NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break ahead of this years NFL Draft especially when heart health and wellness is at the top of mind for the NFL family, said Anna Isaacson, NFL SVP of Social Responsibility. Providing free, educational resources to help youth lead a healthy lifestyle is a priority and the NFL PLAY 60 fitness break provides a fun and engaging way to do so.

In addition to the NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break, the NFL and the American Heart Association will host an NFL PLAY 60 Play Space refurbishment project at Frank Rushton Elementary School in Kansas City. The PLAY 60 Play Space refurbishment project will help kids to get active and work towards their 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

Also, at the NFL Draft Experience in the days leading up to the game, April 27-29, attendees are invited to Be The Beat and learn Hands-Only CPR with the American Heart Association. During this engaging and interactive instruction, attendees of all ages will learn the two simple steps to help save a life and can try out skills.

For more information on NFL PLAY 60, visitheart.org/NFLPLAY60. For more information on CPR, visitcpr.heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the publics health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us onheart.org,Facebook,Twitteror by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About NFL PLAY 60

NFL PLAY 60 is the League's national youth health and wellness campaign to encourage kids to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Since PLAY 60 launched in 2007, the NFL has committed more than $361 million to youth health and fitness through PLAY 60 programming, grants and media time for public service announcements. Over the past decade, the NFL has partnered with leading academic, scientific and nonprofit organizations to help children of all abilities lead healthier, active lives. The NFL and its clubs have supported programs in over 73,000 schools and constructed more than 282 youth fitness zones nationwidegiving more than 38 million children an opportunity to boost their physical activity levels. NFL PLAY 60 is also implemented locally, as part of the NFL's in-school, after-school and team-based programs. For more information, visit NFL.com/PLAY60.

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association -Linzy Cotaya: 504-872-3446;linzy.cotaya@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.organdstroke.org

NFL -Jordyn White:Jordyn.White@nfl.com

The rest is here:
NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break broadcast keeps kids active in advance ... - American Heart Association

For the 1 million people living with Parkinsons diseasein the U.S.shaking, stiffness, and difficulty walking and talking become a daily reality. Living well with this progressive neurological condition takes a village. But these inpatient and outpatient services can help patients better control symptoms and maximize their abilities.

What It Is: PingPongParkinson is a non-profit with local chapters that host weekly ping-pong exercise groups for people living with Parkinsons disease. It provides opportunities for physical, cognitive, and social engagement.

Why It Helps: Ping-pong (or table tennis) can help people with Parkinsons disease maintain their coordination and fine motor skills. The idea is based on the concept of neuroplasticity, the brains ability to make new nerve cells and connections through challenging exercise. Although medication remains the main treatment focus for Parkinsons, compelling evidence suggests regular exercise significantly helps manage the disease.

What It Is: A unique two-week inpatient rehabilitation program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, the Parkinsons Wellness Program aims to help patients actively address any decline or required medication changes to enhance as much functionality as possible. After completing the inpatient admission, patients may transition to outpatient services that include the SPEAK OUT! and LOUD Crowd programs, which help patients regain voices dimmed by the disease by combining education, speech therapy, daily home practice and group sessions.

Why It Helps: The program empowers patients to develop and meet their own individual goals, which can range from scaling back medication dosages to avoiding falls, improving voice quality or just functioning better during daily activities. SPEAK OUT! Combines both education and one-on-one speech therapy, while LOUD Crowd promotes accountability, camaraderies and encouragement through group sessions.

What It Is: Rock Steady Boxing is a non-profit Parkinsons wellness exercise program that uses a surprising techniquenon-contact boxingto support people with Parkinsons disease. Its regimen was largely adapted from boxing drills, helping patients beat back the opponent with rigorous exercises.

Why It Helps: The exercises focus on improving speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to empower people with Parkinsons and instill a renewed sense of hope.

What It Is: Through a Parkinsons Foundation community grant, JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Instituteoffers the ParkinSINGS choir that brings together Parkinsons patients for fun and vocal fitness.

Why It Helps: Parkinsons disease can weaken speaking and swallowing, but research shows that singing can help maintain the muscles involved in these key tasks. Plus, the choir also promotes camaraderie and social interaction.

What It Is: Hackensack Meridian Health runs support groupsat hospitals throughout the network that meet at various days and times. Some of the groups also meet virtually.

Why It Helps: Parkinsons patients, along with their caregivers, benefit from sharing their challenges and triumphs with others going through the same experience.

What It Is: Working with Abbott Laboratories, Hackensack Meridian Health uses a wireless app to remotely adjust electronic stimulation levels for patients who have undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, which implants a pacemaker-like device in the brain to control tremors, stiffness and other Parkinsons symptoms. Another partnership, with medical device company Medtronic and Rune Labs, offers Parkinsons patients a free Apple watch if they use a Medtronic battery in their DBS device. With the Apple watch, patients can use motion-sensing software to better manage their disease by tracking aspects such as sleep, tremor frequency and abnormal movements that persist after medication use.

Why It Helps: At the touch of a button, these smartphone apps connect Parkinsons patients with information and resources that can help monitor symptoms and tweak certain therapies.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

Read the rest here:
Support Services Give Parkinson's Patients Healing and Purpose - Hackensack Meridian Health

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