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Acupuncture: An Alternative Medicine for Pain Relief
Justine Andrews
Justine Andrews, NFS 330: Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Faculty Mentor: Professor Suk Oh, Health, Nutrition and Dietetics
Acupuncture is a therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been widely used to treat many body dysfunctions and especially pain conditions including headaches, migraines, chronic pain, arthritis and more. The principles of TCM and acupuncture state that the human body and food are made of a balance of yin/yang elements and a flow of energy called Qi. When the balance of yin/yang Qi is disrupted, or a blockage in Qi flow occurs, an illness results. Acupuncture is believed to restore the flow of vital energy called Qi and the balance of yin and yang Qi in the body. With this, life is sustained. According to a CDC survey, approximately 55% of American adults experienced some sort of body pains in the past 3 months. Of these, 17% considered their pain severe. The purpose of my research was to find evidence of effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as a method to alleviate symptoms of illness, such as pain. For this, a literature search and review was conducted on this therapy. Results were collected from studies within the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and other conducted trials. Both true acupuncture and sham (clinical) acupuncture shown non-placebo effectiveness in treating symptoms on a wide range of diagnoses. Trials also determined some conditions may be successful without additional pain medications. Lastly, acupuncture sessions of 30 minutes over multiple days proved most effective in delivering treatment. This poster presents these results and provides the best treatment using acupuncture. -
Healthy Eating Among Low-Income Populations
Kisanet Berhe
Kisanet Berhe, HEW 295: Research Experience in Health and Wellness
Faculty Mentor: Professor Jessica Kulak, Health, Nutrition, & Dietetics
Introduction: Healthy food is more expensive than unhealthy food. There are 23.5 million people (roughly about 20%) in the United States living in low-income communities who live more than one mile from a supermarket. Additionally, in the United States, there are nearly fifty million people who are “food insecure,” making food insecurity one of the nation’s leading health risk factors. Corner stores are more likely to be located in low-income neighborhoods, limiting access to healthy food. My research focused on how to improve eating healthy foods among low-income populations. I hypothesize that if we educate and create programs to help low-income populations to consume healthy food, they will gain and improve their health. Method: A literature review was conducted in March 2020. The key search terms used were "healthy eating" and "low-income populations". The primary database used to find articles was Google Scholar. Results: As a whole, the literature indicates low-income populations can eat healthy food under budget. If low-income populations are knowledgeable about nutrition and measurement, they can purchase healthy food under budget and still be healthy. Conclusion: Even though low-income populations have a supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) to help them purchase food, they may not always use it to buy healthy food due to the expense. Programs that help low-income populations improve healthy eating might wish to investigate lowering healthy food prices or increasing the price of unhealthy foods. -
Managing Anxiety
Sadira Brown
Sadira Brown, SWK 499: International Social Work Research
Faculty Mentors: Professor Kimberley Zittel-Barr, Social Work and Professor Beth Tripi, Social Work
My research project was administered in Trinidad at the Naomi Chin Kit Memorial School, which is located in a small community. The topic that was discussed was anxiety: specifically, anxiety management. I selected this topic, because the community wanted to learn more about how to manage anxiety when experiencing it in their daily lives. The method I used to carry out the project was a verbal presentation, followed by a discussion activity and data collection. One common theme that emerged from my evaluation of the data collected was that participants were apprehensive about letting others know they experiencing anxiety. Another theme was that those with symptoms of anxiety at pre-test changed their answers post-test, after learning that the psychological symptoms they were experiencing were actually symptoms of anxiety, and that management techniques could be learned to address them. -
Berries, Onions, and Cruciferous Vegetables: Functional Foods
Zachary Collins
Zachary Collins, Dietetics
Faculty Mentor: Professor Suk Oh, Health, Nutrition, and Dietetics
Functional foods are those provide additional and enhanced health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Although many foods are purported to have unique qualities, I will be specifically exploring whether berries, onions, and cruciferous vegetables provide a substantial health benefit beyond their nutrient content. Berries contain phytochemicals that are believed to have anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Additionally, depending on berry variety, a number of health benefits—such as treatment of urinary tract infection and control of postprandial glucose and insulin responses—will be explored. Different onion varieties are thought to have a host of benefits ranging from encouraging anti-platelet activity associated with decreased CVD risk, to increasing brown fat ratio, to having inhibitory effects on growth of cancer cells. Cruciferous vegetables—a family of vegetables that include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale—contain isothiocyanates that play a role in lowering cancer risk and have cardiovascular benefits. My research is based on review of literature and journals, and will explore current and ever-changing research. I will use also my presentation to debunk and clarify any falsehoods circulating about these particular functional foods. In a world full of inaccurate or misleading health and nutrition information, I will discuss scientifically relevant, peer-reviewed evidence in a way to help better understand functional foods. -
Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet: Can It Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?
Jenna Cully
Jenna Cully, NFS 330: Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Faculty Mentor: Professor Suk Oh, Health, Nutrition, & Dietetics
Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet: Can It Prevent Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and cognition abilities and, eventually, the ability to perform the simplest of tasks. The purpose of my research is to find if certain foods or diet can prevent the disease. A first symptom of the disease includes mild memory loss, progressively followed by more advanced symptoms such as changes in behavior and impaired motor skills such as speaking, swallowing, and walking. Is there a way to cure, prevent, or manage Alzheimer's disease? After a literature review, I found that there is currently no known cure for the disease, but research has been conducted to determine whether diet can reduce risks of the disease. Dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and folic acid have been tested, but research has not been able to find any evidence of prevention or cure. However, research with the Mediterranean diet or Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet show that both have been scientifically proven to decrease one's risk of developing the disease. In typical Alzheimer's cases, people have a reduced cortical thickness and increased amyloid plaques. By following the Mediterranean diet or the MIND diet, brain metabolism can remain stagnant and cognitive decline can slow substantially. Alzheimer's cannot be cured, but following one of the stated diets can possibly prevent the disease if followed through a majority of one's life, or prolong the onset if started in adulthood. -
Using Meditation to Relieve Stress in Trinidad
Cleo Gallagher
Cleo Gallagher, SWK 499: International Social Work Research
Faculty Mentors: Professor Kimberly Zittel-Barr, Social Work and Professor Beth Tripi, Social Work
Residents in Point Fortin, Trinidad are currently experiencing community-wide stressors following the recent closure of Petrotrin, a company that employed many residents in the area. I hosted and led a workshop open to the public in which members of the community could sign up to voluntarily participate in a session of progressive muscle relaxation and guided-imagery meditation. The session itself took about twenty minutes. Pre-test and post-test evaluations were administered to see whether the workshop relieved stress and tension for participants. Another goal was to gain insight into how the participating people of Point Fortin viewed this technique after completing the workshop. While the sample size was small, quantitative results include that 60% of participants reported their muscles felt tense before the workshop, while 0% reported that their muscles felt tense after. 60% of participants felt at ease before the workshop, while 100% felt at ease after. Qualitative findings show that overall, participants found the technique informative and would be interested in it becoming available more often. -
Learning Science and Math through Dance
Ke-nijah Holloman-Wilson
Ke-nijah Holloman-Wilson, SWK 499: International Social Work Research
Faculty Mentors: Professor Beth Tripi, Social Work and Professor Kimberly Zittel-Barr, Social Work
My study uses a constructive approach by integrating dance into science and mathematics instruction in order to help pre-schoolers of all learning styles to learn and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The study was intended to train pre-school teachers in Point Fortin, Trinidad to improve their students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills in science and mathematics studies. Background information pertaining to this topic comes from a Valls, Black, and Lee (2019) qualitative study about what can be learned by integrating dance into science. Valls, et al. found an increase of students' autonomy as they negotiated cognitive and personal problems, increased comprehension of science concepts, and an increase in students' motivation and interest in science. In the present study, my “eyeballing” method with data collection showed noticeable increases in teachers' comprehension of how dance and math connect, as well as understanding of how to use dance as a teaching tool. Future research with a larger sample size would be expected to yield even more statistically significant changes in these areas. The findings of this study include its participants’ viewing dance as a method to teach math and science as a user-friendly, creative, and integrative instructional tool for pre-K students. -
Nutrition Education Study for Cancer Survivors
Katherine Jastrzab
Katherine Jastrzab, Dietetics
Faculty Mentor: Professor Tina Colaizzo-Anas, Dietitian Education Program
Katherine is a senior in the Dietitian Education Program expecting to graduate this spring. She is interested in cancer prevention, oncology nutrition, and diet education for cancer survivors. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in oncology dietetics and a Master’s degree in Public Health.During her fellowship, Katherine provided educational grocery store tours to cancer survivors with the goal of increasing their adherence to the American Institute for Cancer Research’s (AICR) recommendations for survivors. The participants’ dietary intakes were measured before and one month after the grocery store tour. Participants were shown to have intakes of increased fruit/fruit juice, decreased saturated fat, and decreased added sugar following the tour, dietary changes associated with a closer adherence to the AICR’s recommendations. Katherine plans to continue researching the relationship between nutrition and cancer survivorship.
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Preseason Fitness of Division III Male Soccer Players
Sydney Littlejohn
Sydney Littlejohn, HEW 495: Special Project
Faculty Mentor: Professor Leah Panek-Shirley, Health and Wellness
Assessments of Division III athlete’s fitness levels are essential for coaches to design appropriate training programs. Ineffectively targeted training programs may limit a team’s ability to perform well during the season. However, there is limited comparative data specific to Division III athletes. The aim of this study was to provide comprehensive data describing fitness levels of Division III male soccer players across two winning seasons. Preseason, male soccer players were assessed for anaerobic capacity and power, muscular strength, muscular power, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. Testing modalities included Wingate, handgrip dynamometer, Margaria-Kalamen, Bruce protocol, waist-hip ratio, BMI, and bioelectric impedance with segmental analysis. On average, the athletes had 23.4 kg/m2 BMI, 12.7% body fat, and 53.7 ml/kg/min VO2predicted. Coming into two winning seasons, the team was rated “above average” and “superior” across all fitness domains. These values begin to build a benchmark for other Division III male soccer teams. Future research conducted on Division III athletes will offer comparative data post-season and off-season, and provide applications for female athletes and other sports such as lacrosse, hockey, and football. -
Can Cancer be Prevented with Food and Dietary Supplements?
Kassidy Manke
Kassidy Manke, NFS 330: Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Faculty Mentor: Professor Suk Oh, Nutrition and Dietetics
Cancer research has been at the forefront of the medical field for decades now. To many, it seems that this disease is looming over them and their families, waiting to strike at any moment. There have been small bits of hope for families with developments such as chemotherapy and cancer fighting drugs, but these treatments often cause side-effects that are detrimental to the individual’s health and sometimes still do not completely eradicate the disease itself. Genetics has been taking the main blame for cancer, leaving individuals feeling more hopeless than ever in the belief they can do nothing to stop it. However, in more recent years, there have been indications that lifestyle factors have a big impact on the development of cancer. If lifestyle choices are poor, they are much more likely to activate cancer causing genes. This link can be viewed in the relationship between smoking and lung cancer. It has been suggested that by adding more whole foods/plant-based foods into your diet, cancer can possibly be prevented. I will analyze the current research and determine the links between cancer and nutrition that have been discovered in recent years. It seems too simple for many to believe that nutrition could be the key to unlocking the secrets of cancer, but maybe overlooking this simple factor is what has led the medical field down a long, complex and confusing path that has not produced significant results. -
Marijuana Usage as Related to Depression in Teenagers and Young Adults in the United States?
Marissa Montroy, Daniel Jarzynka, Keitaya Taylor, and Sayry Arzu
Marissa Montroy, Daniel Jarzynka, Keitaya Taylor and Sayry Arzu, CWP 102: Argumentation and Research
Faculty Mentors: Professor Susan Mary Paige, Academic Success Program and Professor Jane E. Sullivan, College Writing Program
Marijuana, otherwise known as “weed,” is a natural psychoactive drug used for medical and recreational purposes. Marijuana consumption among young people is on the rise all over the world, particularly in America. There is evidence indicating that nearly a quarter of students who reach 12th grade have tried marijuana. The effectiveness and safety of marijuana has been highly scrutinized by doctors, researchers, and journalists, sparking a national debate over whether or not it should be legalized for all citizens. Those who argue against marijuana legalization claim that the drug can cause or worsen serious mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, in addition to a number of other adverse health effects. Those who argue for legalization say that cannabis is a completely safe and natural medicinal and recreational substance. This research project collected demographic data on first-year students’ academic standing in an urban four-year public college program compared with their marijuana usage. With prior IRB approval, we formed a participant sample of convenience of participants who (a) tried marijuana; (b) report the frequency of their usage; and (c) indicate the amount of the drug used consumed. A second group was comprised of first-year students who do not use. Our findings compare the group data with students’ current academic standing. -
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Healthy Mind and Body
Sophia Osmond
Sophia Osmond, NFS 330: Integrative and Functional Nutrition/HON 400: All College Honors Colloquium
Faculty Mentors: Professor Suk Oh, Health, Nutrition and Dietetics, Professor Drew Hemler, Health, Nutrition and Dietetics and Professor Andrea Guiati, Modern and Classical Languages
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be imperative to a healthy mind and body. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and fish oils, and in some plants such as flax and chia seeds. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is the omega-3 fatty acid present in plant sources. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish that provide the most benefit to human health. ALA is the precursor for EPA and DHA in the body. The latter two play important roles in smooth muscle contraction, blood pressure, platelet aggregation and thrombosis, and inflammatory response as prostaglandins in different cells. In addition, DHA is present in the retina and brain and influences brain development and function. Recent nutrition research highlights the importance of adequate consumption of omega-3 fats to promote reduced inflammation and thrombosis, and to support cognitive function and vision acuity. For a healthy body, consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has been found to influence the body's inflammatory response, platelet aggregation, cardiovascular disease risk, and to provide a complementary treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and reduce the risk of adverse effects of pregnancy. For a healthy mind, consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has been found to be essential for fetal brain development and a child’s cognitive performance, general mental health, and treatment of cognitive diseases and disorders. In summary, omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in prevention, treatment, and function of numerous aspects of the mind and body. -
Barriers to Access to Care for Mental health in Trinidad
Shayla Rhodes
Shayla Rhodes, SWK 499: Independent Study
Faculty Mentors: Professor Beth Tripi, Social Work and Professor Kimberly Zittel-Barr, Social Work
The research that was conducted for this study in Point Fortin, Trinidad was regarding the barriers for access to care for mental health within their population. The research consisted of a 30 minute interview with a clinician at a mental health facility. Many of the interviewer’s questions were very general and open-ended which yielded many results to explain reasons why mental health is not taken as seriously as in the U.S. For example, adults who live in Trinidad are not supportive to family members who have a mental health diagnosis because they view it from spiritual perspective, such as that the individual is possessed by a demon rather than having a mental illness. Doctors and social workers work together to provide services to this population because they understand the clients situation and do not view their illnesses how other people in their country do. Further interviews and research in this area would be expected to yield similar results. -
College Health Providers and E-Cigarette Use
Sally Salzer and Jessica Kulak
Sally Salzer and Jessica Kulak, HEW 495:
Faculty Mentor: Professor Jessica Kulak, Health and Wellness
Background: The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among college students has continued to increase in the United States. College health providers are in a leadership position with an opportunity to counsel and educate students; however, providers have expressed barriers in effectively reducing student use. Objective: Qualitative interviews assessed college health providers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding use of e-cigarettes on their campus. Methods: Data was collected from six phone interviews with college health providers in March 2020. A variety of open-ended questions were asked, such as: (1) providers position at the health center; (2) awareness and knowledge of e-cigarette use on their college campus; (3) perceived student knowledge of nicotine in e-cigarettes; (4) reasons students on campus provide for their e-cigarette use and what the college provides as alternatives; and (5) college health provider training preference and current trainings available. Results: All providers acknowledged that e-cigarette use on their campus is a health concern. During traditional health intakes, a question regarding e-cigarette use is asked, but not necessarily followed up on. All providers mentioned a lack of student awareness on the amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes. Two providers mentioned the use of motivational interviewing when counseling students, and one mentioned the use of peer educators as an option on their campus. Conclusion: Results suggest that provider knowledge and access to tangible resources on e-cigarettes would help facilitate smoother conversations with students regarding e-cigarette use. Training on motivational interviewing and implementing peer education programs may be needed to effectively support students on college campuses. -
Domestic Violence in Point Fortin, Trinidad: Gathering Knowledge to Help Protect the Community
Alicia Scott
Alicia Scott, SWK 499: International Social Work Research
Faculty Mentors: Professor Beth Tripi, Social Work and Professor Kimberly Zittel-Barr, Social Work
This study was designed as a qualitative interview study between the researcher and an expert from the Point Fortin, Trinidad community. The study was intended for the researcher to learn more about domestic violence in Point Fortin. This study aims to use information input from an expert to learn more about the experiences of community members experiencing domestic violence. According to Gopaul and Gain (1996), in the Caribbean and throughout the United States, most victims and their families do not report domestic violence when they are aware of it. Therefore, the majority of domestic violence cases are underreported to police, and victims often do not seek or receive support from social service agencies. During my qualitative interview in Trinidad, I learned that domestic violence was seldom addressed as an issue, and although government policies were in place and police were trained, law enforcement did not always follow through with proper procedures. My findings show that women often return to abusers, which is among the reasons that domestic violence is not being addressed sufficiently in Point Fortin. Research with more than one expert and in different parts of Trinidad would be expected to yield similar results. -
Mindful Meditation for Mind, Body and Soul
Kelly Steurrys
Kelly Steurrys, NFS 330: Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Faculty Mentor: Professor Suk Oh, Nutrition and Dietetics
Mindful meditation has been used for years to reduce anxiety, stress and depression. Mindful meditation is an ancient spiritual practice that came from the eastern part of the world and is a component of Buddhism. There have been many studies that have shown that people who use this mediation have had reduced symptoms of anxiety, stress and/or depression. The main purpose of this type of meditation is to focus on one thing, then become mindful of the accompanying feelings and sensations. An example of this is focusing on your breath and how it feels breathing in and out while noticing how your abdomen moves as you breath. Just by focusing on your breath, you begin to relax. There are many different exercises a person can use to practice mindful meditation. Some exercise are even specific to what you want to use mindful meditation for. In my studies of mindful meditation, I have found there has been much success in the reduction of anxiety, stress, or depression. The purpose of this research is to observe the effects of mindful meditation on anxiety, stress, and depression. I use clinical studies that explain research performed through clinical trials, the different data collection methods employed, and corresponding results. -
E-Cigarette Knowledge Among College Healthcare Providers
Hannah Voit and Jessica Kulak
Hannah Voit and Jessica Kulak, HEW 495: College Health and E-Cigarettes
Faculty Mentor: Professor Jessica Kulak, Health, Nutrition, & Dietetics
Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), or vaping, have become an epidemic in the United States. One of the most common medical facilities for college students to use is the health center on campus. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and confidence of college healthcare providers regarding vaping among college students. Methods: Pilot data was collected within the State University of New York (SUNY) system; 51 college health providers responded, located at 26 colleges in the 64-campus system. The survey assessed demographics, training, and previous e-cigarette exposure or experience, both personal (e.g., personal use of the products) and professional (e.g., participation in trainings). Knowledge of vaping was assessed using several items, including, “Are you confident in relaying the message of your training to your patient/student population?” Response options ranged from “very confident” to “not at all confident,” and included a don’t know option. Results: Half (52%) of the health providers reported “no” to participating in training or educational activities related to e-cigarettes. Despite this, participants indicated that they are “very confident” in relaying messages regarding e-cigarettes to patients/students (23%) and to faculty/staff members (13%). Conclusion: Overall, the knowledge being shared about vaping between college healthcare providers and students varies. These findings indicate opportunities for interventions. Proper education on e-cigarettes could allow a universal understanding of vaping for the college community. Future research is needed to enhance the understanding of the knowledge and confidence of healthcare providers in regards to vaping.
