11/15
Wellness
During sleep, one brain region teaches another, converting novel data into enduring memories
During sleep, one brain region teaches another, converting novel data into enduring memories
Using a neural network model, Penn neuroscientist Anna Schapiro and colleagues found that as the body moves between REM and slow-wave sleep cycles, the hippocampus and neocortex interact in ways that are key to memory formation.
The allure of fad diets, and why they fail
The allure of fad diets, and why they fail
In a new book, Penn nutritional anthropologist Janet Chrzan and Kima Cargill of the University of Washington, Tacoma, explain the cultural, social, and psychological fixation on fad diets and why they don’t typically succeed.
Quit removing wax from your ears
Quit removing wax from your ears
For the vast majority, ear wax does not cause any problems and there’s no need to remove it—not only do cotton swabs not remove ear wax, but they can pose a risk of hearing loss.
Biometric screenings for wellness return to campus
Biometric screenings for wellness return to campus
Be in the Know, Penn’s faculty and staff wellness campaign, begins a new year and is bringing back on-campus biometric screenings.
Cat Hammer named head sports dietitian at Penn Athletics
Cat Hammer named head sports dietitian at Penn Athletics
Hammer served as part-time sports nutritionist at Penn Athletics and oversaw the nutritional strategies and approach for 16 of the University’s intercollegiate teams.
Adjusting to back to school while prioritizing family well-being
Adjusting to back to school while prioritizing family well-being
Penn Medicine experts offer tips on how to manage anxiety over COVID-19 variants, monkeypox, and other stressors as the new school year begins.
Do art museums prioritize visitor well-being enough?
Do art museums prioritize visitor well-being enough?
Research from the Humanities and Human Flourishing Project in Penn’s Positive Psychology Center reveals that the people working in these institutions want to see greater emphasis on human flourishing, but they feel ill-equipped to make it happen.
‘In These Times’ explores the intricate riddles of life through art
‘In These Times’ explores the intricate riddles of life through art
Episodes 6 and 7 of the latest season of the OMNIA podcast explore how art like music and dance have been the pulse of social movements, and how individual artistic experiences impact mental health and well-being.
Five things to know about COVID-19 protocols for the fall semester
Five things to know about COVID-19 protocols for the fall semester
In an effort to keep everyone within the Penn community healthy, Benoit Dubé, Penn’s chief wellness officer, says it is critical that University students, staff, and faculty adhere to the recommended public health guidelines.
‘Trusted messengers’ distill science, debunk myths about COVID-19 vaccine
‘Trusted messengers’ distill science, debunk myths about COVID-19 vaccine
VaxUpPhillyFamilies, led by Penn’s School of Nursing, engages Philadelphia parents and caregivers as vaccine ambassadors to identify concerns and provide support related to COVID-19 vaccines, increase vaccine uptake, and address social support needs.
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
Penn is offering free Narcan through vending machine on campus
A vending machine on Penn’s campus will offer free Narcan and other wellness and health products, with remarks from Jackie Recktenwald and Benoit Dubé of Wellness at Penn.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
My brother’s recovery from a car crash became a lesson in how to talk to doctors and nurses
Emily Largent of the Perelman School of Medicine writes that communication is part of healing, as she experienced when her brother was in a car accident and unable to notify family himself.
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Fortune.com
Millennial HR professionals are entering the C-suite, and their priorities reflect their lived experiences: ‘We spend a lot of time getting to know folks deeply’
Matthew Bidwell of the Wharton School points to an uptick in student interest in employee wellness strategies.
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US News
Stressed? Depressed? Mindfulness training could offer long-term relief
Yvette Sheline of the Perelman School of Medicine is quoted on how many cultures have used different variations of mindfulness, and that classes are generally affordable and accessible in most cities.
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The Washington Post
The less college students sleep, the worse their grades, study finds
Two hundred Penn students and staff participating in a seven-week online course to build better sleep habits have reported an overall decrease in symptoms of insomnia, according to Rebecca Huxta of Wellness at Penn.
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Inside Higher Ed
New on the job: Penn director of well-being initiatives creates tools for success
As Wellness at Penn’s inaugural director of well-being initiatives, doctoral candidate Jackie Recktenwald of the Graduate School of Education is looking to improve student health and wellness across campus.
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