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An Ancient Solution to a Contemporary Medical Problem: Separating Fact from Fiction
Meghan McCallum, Christopher Morillo, and Sarah Rosado
Meghan McCallum, Christopher Morillo, Sarah Rosado, CWP102: Argumentation and Research
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Susan Mary Paige, Academic Success, Professor Jane Sullivan, College Writing Program
The current pandemic medical climate is tumultuous, which has overwhelmed doctors and scientists alike and changed the culture of entire countries. This may be the perfect opportunity to combat our contemporary problems with an ancient approach: Eastern medicine. Is now the time for people to recognize the benefits of Eastern medicine? There is a belief that Western medicine is better for acute medical emergencies. But for long-term ailments and illness, might Eastern medicine be a better choice for long-term care? Western medicine's wide acceptance allows for insurance coverage but negates health care covered options if a patient chooses to follow Eastern medical practices. Is this just a case of Western medicine having better public relations and/or funding supported by large pharmaceutical companies? If people knew the successful outcomes of Eastern medicine, would more people be accepting of those who choose to follow Eastern medical advice? Is the preference for Western medical practice more dependent on financial or medical considerations? With IRB approval, this project seeks to determine the perception of Eastern medicine through a case study of (a) one insurance provider, (b) two medical professionals (MD and OD), and (c) two patients (MD and OD). -
Improving Mental Health for Inmates at the Erie County Holding Center
Tania Miah
Tania Miah, Social Work
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Tonya Myles-Day, Social Work
During the summer of 2020, I did research pertaining to the mental health of inmates at the Erie County Holding Center. ECHC reported numerous inmate deaths due to suicide over the past ten years. I believe the deaths could be prevented with better mental health services for the inmates. Although mental health awareness is on the rise, prisoners are a forgotten population. For my research project, I wanted to find out what the assessment process was like for inmates at the Erie County Holding Center. I also wanted to know what resources are available to inmates while they are at ECHC and resources given to them after their release. The project data was collected through an anonymous survey completed by staff members at the Erie County Holding Center. Ten surveys were given out, however only six were completed due to COVID-19. This is because many deputies were reassigned to other Erie County building locations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and for the safety of employees and inmates. The surveys provided me with very useful information and gave me an insight into the processes when dealing with inmates who have mental health disorders at the Erie County Holding Center. I also consulted the book To My Brother Who Did A Crime by Barbara Habenstreit, which shared personal stories of inmates during their time in jail, providing me with the raw feelings and needs of inmates while they are incarcerated. -
Self-Determination is Related to Cardiorespiratory Fitness but not Body Composition
Ashley Rackley
Ashley Rackley, HEW499: Independent Study
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Leah Panek-Shirley, Health, Nutrition, and Dietetics
The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between factors associated with performance within NCAA Division III male athletes. Factors that alter the athlete's performance are essential for trainers and coaches to understand, so that they can apply these changes to proper training and practice. Performance between pre-season and post-season is expected to improve within these athletes and is influenced by training regimens and competition, however, training regimen off-season may affect preseason body composition and physical fitness, and this may vary by sport. Psychosocial behaviors such as motivation may also have an effect on preseason fitness-whether it be positively or negatively. Those who show a higher internal motivation score have increased odds at better performance in preseason training, as well as those who have better self-discipline in reference to their workouts. Collegiate athletes pre-pandemic, pre-season, male soccer and football players, were surveyed about their source of motivation for exercise and completed anthropometric testing (body composition, BMI, and waist-hip ratio) as well as physical fitness testing (muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness). Increased autonomy and self-determined motivation for exercise was positively associated with greater cardiorespiratory fitness. These Division III male athletes had effects on their performance which were influenced by their internal motivations and other behavioral/psychosocial behaviors which also affected their overall physical fitness. Further research is needed evaluating any differences by gender, sport, and pre-post pandemic.
