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Month: December 2020

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Published on 1 Comment on Healthy Living: How to Stay Cozy this Winter

Winter can be a difficult time for some people. From the frigid temperatures, to the constant gray days, to the snow that we’re forced to dig through after a storm, winter is often met with extreme distaste or contempt when it arrives. But winter is also time to hunker down and enjoy some comforts in our homes. Hygge is a Danish cultural concept that encourages making room for coziness and comfort in our busy lives. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate hygge into your life or if you just want to experience a low stress winter, then check out this short list.

  1. Light a candle or melt a cube of fragrant wax- Sometimes the easiest way to change a space is to light a candle and enjoy the new scent that fills the air. Stock up on different scents or pick your favorite and stick to it. Personally, my current favorite candle smells like a library and has hints of leather and sandalwood. It sits on my desk and I typically light it just before sitting down to work. Want a safe alternative to a traditional candle? Consider using wax melts which work just as well as any candle without the potential fire hazard. 
  2. Wear your softest pajamas- If it’s an extremely cold day, nothing makes me feel cozy like putting on a pair of my favorite pajamas and lounging around the house. From sweatpants and t-shirts to soft cotton nightgowns or even a onesie or long johns, pajamas are great for putting you in a state of relaxation. For an extra dose of comfort, consider popping them in the dryer for a good 10-15 minutes. The warmth will likely make you sleepy and will be the perfect excuse to curl up and take a nap in the middle of the day. 
  3. Enjoy a mug of your favorite warm beverage- Tea, hot chocolate, coffee, warm cider with spices added to it. These are just a few hearty, warm drinks that are perfect for the days when the temperatures are in the forties or lower. Grab a favorite mug and curl up on the couch with your drink of choice. Add slices of fruit or different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to your drinks for extra flavor. I’m a fan of dropping a piece of candy cane into my hot chocolate and sipping on it throughout the day. 
  4. Watch a comfort film/show or read a favorite book- If you have a free day, but no idea how to spend it, consider putting on a favorite film/show or rereading a book that you adore. I’m a fan of a Great British Baking Show marathon on rainy or snowy days. If you want to watch or read something new, pick something heartwarming that will leave you in a good mood. Be sure to have a cozy blanket or throw nearby to drape over you as you relax. 
  5. Enjoy a favorite meal or try a new recipe- One of my greatest winter pleasures is enjoying a warm bowl of ramen from a local shop. This is a great reward after a long week. Consider ordering a meal from your favorite restaurant and pair it with your drink of choice. Want to save money instead? Prepare a meal at home. There are countless soup recipes out on the web. Or experiment and concoct your own perfect, winter soup. 
  6. Mix and combine to your heart’s content- There’s no one way to experience a cozy winter. Wear your favorite pajamas while enjoying a midday cup of tea. Commit to no social media or breaking news alerts and dig into a book that sat on your nightstand for months. Search the internet for a new hearty recipe and make a huge pot to enjoy over the next few days. Light a candle and stare out the window. (Energetic squirrels love to play in our backyard and I love watching them while I nurse a cup of tea.) Find what works for you and fit it into your schedule as often as you like or need. 

This time of year is hard and with 2020 being a challenging year, this winter may feel ever more difficult. Take the time to care for yourself and use this list to maintain a cozy, warm atmosphere in your home.

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Around this time every year, we start seeing blog posts for the top ten books of the past year and the top ten resolutions for the year ahead. These listicles help us to reflect and look forward. 

This post is inspired by this seasonal spirit of list-making.

Every year, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) adds new concepts to the controlled vocabulary Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). As a reminder, NLM is one of our National Institutes of Health and is the institution behind PubMed, among other tools. Around this time each year, NLM adds new MeSH concepts. This may seem like something only librarians - particularly indexers - would get excited about, but the annual release of the new MeSH list is a reflection of research trends and priorities, as represented by the scientific literature. 

Before I dive into the new concepts for 2021, a quick aside: what are medical subject headings? Subject headings are tags assigned to articles to increase findability. Imagine you are searching for articles on “soda”. Some authors write about soda, while others write about pop. It is best practice to use all synonyms of a term for the most comprehensive search. That’s where subject headings come in. A search using the subject heading for soda would return all articles, whether the authors use soda or pop or another term ( What term does your hometown use? Let me know in the comments below!).

Note, the “soda” subject heading search may also return articles for specific types of soda through automatic explosion - interested in learning more about this, also let me know in the comments!

Now, “soda” hasn’t always been around, and researchers have not always been writing about soda. The number of articles published on “soft drinks” has increased since the 1970s, as depicted by the graph below.

But, soon enough, more and more papers are published on the topic, and then we need additional headings to capture new concepts, like ice cream soda. 

Trends in research are reflected in the papers researchers publish, and trends in biomedical research can be seen in the articles indexed in PubMed. Medical Subject Headings have to keep up to help users locate papers on new technologies like “automated facial recognition” and “surgical navigation systems” or specific fungi and bacteria of increasing interest and clinical importance

Tree LocationNumber of New Terms for 2021  
ascomycota12
actinobacteria8
basidiomycota5
cyanobacteria5
actinomycetales2
clostridiales2
gram negative2

In the new MeSH terms for 2021, perhaps unsurprisingly, we see a number of headings related to COVID-19, from the physiological (i.e. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2) to the socioeconomic (i.e. teleworking). Remember when the first tweets, anecdotes, and news stories came out on loss of smell as a clinical sign? A 2020 search for “loss of smell” in PubMed would be  mapped to “olfaction disorders”. In other words, the algorithm found the closest subject heading and searched for that as well as similar keywords to expand the search. However, in 2021, your “loss of smell” search might be mapped to the more specific heading “anosmia”, which will be applied to newly indexed articles. 

Certainly COVID has dominated publishing in 2020. What else is trending? The word cloud below depicts the most frequently used words in the subject headings and scope notes in the New MeSH Headings for 2021. Ascomycota, bacteria, family, fungi, genus, phylum, and species might all be indicative of the new headings for specific bacteria and fungi. Viral, virus, and covid also appear. There are other terms, too, that reflect a broad view of health and medicine. Behavior, food, social - these and other terms are seen relatively frequently. 

We see, for instance, subject headings related to structure, society, and psychology, some of which were added to integrate into MeSH terminology from the NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (for instance, Correctional Facilities; Food Deserts; Models, Biopsychosocial; Water Insecurity) an expansion of the biomedical to address the impact of various factors on individual health. There appears to be interest in whole-person health ( which is also likely a reflection of work published during COVID), for instance “financial stress” and “food security”. We see terms for different hobbies and activities, “marathon running” and “internet use”. 

Tree LocationNumber of New Terms for 2021  
food supply4
psychotherapy3
social behavior3
behavior addictive2
human rights2
interpersonal relations2
social problems2
socioeconomic factors2
stress psychological2

Every year, changes in language are often reflections of dramatic social shifts, and 2020 is certainly no exception. Want to learn more about the 2021 MeSH terms? Find out What’s New in MeSH for 2021 and, as always, Ask a Librarian for help using MeSH in your search strategy. 

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Starting fall of 2020, GW staff, faculty, and students have free digital access to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. This new access is available in response to the GW Student Association’s request for better access to legitimate and reliable news sources. 

Newspapers image

For the New York Times, users must create a NYT account with their GW email address. Create a password for the account that is different from your NetID password. You will get access to digital content via the website and the New York Times app. All content is available except for NYT Cooking and Crosswords which require separate subscriptions.

For the Washington Post , access is only available via the website, not the app. There is no need to set up a separate account.  As long as you are signed in with your NetID on the device and browser you’re currently using you should get passed through to Post content.  

For the Wall Street Journal , users must create an account with their GWmail address and identify whether they are a student or staff/faculty. Students will need to provide a graduation date. Again, do not use your NetID password for this account. Use a different password when setting it up. The account provides access to both website and app content for the Journal.

There is a GW Libraries page with more information, including what to do if you already have a subscription to one of these publications that’s linked to your GWmail address, and contacts for technical assistance.

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This is it - the time of the year for which you've been waiting! 2020 has been an experience for us all, and what better time to treat ourselves to some sweet and savory delectables. At the same time, if you are like many of us out there, you might have been hit by the ‘Covid 15.’ Pounds, that is. If you are looking to watch your weight, and have the dedication to make healthy choices during the holidays, we have some suggestions for you that can help to keep the numbers on your scale down!

If you are looking for some appetizers to impress not only your friends, but also to keep your waistline from growing, EatingWell has these alluring Easy Stuffed Mushrooms that should be relatively easy to make. Remember, the less moisture in your mushrooms the better! I would refrain from washing them prior to making this dish. Or if you are looking for something without meat, dairy or nuts, these Vegan Scalloped Potatoes are not only high in fiber but also low calorie too! 

For the main course, this low carb Perfect Prime Rib will give a new definition to Rosemary and Thyme! Not feeling beef? This Cotter Crunch Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken combines both sweet and savory ingredients that will have anyone asking for seconds! For a side course, why not try Country Living’s Chopped Salad that requires absolutely no store bought dressings or kits? A little red wine vinegar with some dijon mustard and olive oil has captured my attention more than any bottle of ranch could! They also have an entire slideshow of recipes you can incorporate into your healthy Holiday meal. 

Last but not least, to wrap up our feast with something sweet, something festive that we would not make any other time of the year. If you are up to the challenge, Delish has a Gluten Free Christmas Pudding that will add a taste of English History to your table. Or, if you’re craving a bit of cinnamon, these Cheesecake Stuffed Apples are bound to be packed full of a rich and creamy flavor that will satisfy that desire without the side of nutritional regret. 

Want to skip refined sugar all together? This fructose packed Kiwi & Strawberry Christmas Tree has got the colors on point! If I were you, I would add a few raspberries to the mix too.

We wish you the absolute best of holidays and remind you to stay safe, and healthy during these uncertain times. 2021 is around the corner, and hopefully we will be seeing you sooner rather than later!

Additional Reading: 

https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g4738/healthy-christmas-recipes/

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/17959/holidays-occasions/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g1875/healthy-diet-christmas-recipes/

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In the interest of minimizing travel to and from campus, Himmelfarb Library has automatically extended the due date for all circulating books that were due on or after 11/30/2020. The new due date is 1/11/2020. If you require a longer extension, please contact the Circulation Desk at 202-994-2962 or at mlbcir@gwu.edu.

If you have equipment, such as a laptop, headset with microphone, or digital camcorder, that is due back this month, the due date has not changed. Please contact Catherine Sluder at 202-994-9453 or at crharris@gwu.edu should you require a loan extension.

If you have borrowed books via the Consortium Loan Service (CLS), the due date has not changed, either.  Please arrange to return items that are currently due at your earliest convenience. Books borrowed just before the library closed in the Spring 2020 semester had due dates extended to 10/31/2020 and will not be extended further. 

All books, including CLS loans, can be returned to Himmelfarb library in person (in the library or via Courtyard return) or can be shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx; we recommend USPS and that you insure the shipment.  Please ship to this address:

Himmelfarb Library Circulation Department

c/o Kathy Lyons

2300 Eye St. NW

Washington, DC 20037

For questions or further inquiries, contact Himmelfarb Library Circulation at 202-994-2962 or at mlbcir@gwu.edu.

Published on
Woman doing yoga stretch at home.
Photo by Akemy Mory on Unsplash

Staying or getting fit might seem a bit overwhelming in the midst of a global pandemic when many gyms are closed. Even though some gyms are open with a limited capacity, many don’t feel safe going to a gym right now. Working and studying from home means that we are spending significantly more time at home than we did a year ago. Many of us are also spending more time sitting in front of screens: working on the computer, checking our phones and social media, video conferencing with friends and family, or binge watching the latest season of our favorite show. All of this sitting can take a toll on your fitness level. 

Focusing on fitness during these times can have numerous benefits. Exercise not only has fantastic benefits for your physical health, but it can also be beneficial to your mental health. Exercise can relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and even improve your sleep. Here are some tips that can help you stay fit from the comfort of your home:

Be realistic: If you weren’t exercising regularly before the pandemic started (or even before Thanksgiving), it might not be reasonable to expect to exercise 5-7 days a week at first. Start small and aim for 3-4 days of exercise per week. Congratulate yourself when you meet this goal on a consistent basis, and then add on from there.

Be Safe: If a new move or routine doesn’t feel right, or leaves you feeling worse, consider waiting until you can work with a trainer, virtually or in a studio. Working with a professional can help you achieve the right alignment, proper technique, clean form and can help prevent an injury that could leave you unable to exercise. 

Be Accountable: Being accountable to others or to a program is a great way to stay motivated. Whether you work out with a partner, participate in weekly fitness challenges, or just share workout selfies, it’s nice to have someone who can share the experience and provide support and inspiration. Not sure where to start? Ask a friend or two who have similar fitness interests to be your accountability partners. Find a social media group to join. Find a program like FitnessBlender, or a YouTube channel with week or month-long playlists to follow.

Be a Good Neighbor: If you live above someone else, or share a wall with a neighbor, look for low-impact routines. Take that HIIT routine outside. Resist the urge to drop the weights. Like to exercise to loud music? Wear headphones or earbuds. Your neighbors are spending more time at home as well - your exercise routine shouldn’t be an annoyance to your neighbors. 

Woman doing yoga video on laptop.

Find Workouts Online: The internet is an amazing resource for finding free workout routines and videos. Whether you prefer yoga, Pilates, HIIT, Tabata, Zumba, strength training, or circuit training, you can find routines and videos to suit your preferences online. YouTube is a fantastic resource for workout videos. If you prefer less structure, you can find sample routines and mix and match exercises to suit your needs. There are also numerous fitness apps you can download on your phone or tablet.

Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash

Get Some Fresh Air: Take your workout outside by going for a walk, run, or bike ride. Even a short walk on your lunch break can get your blood moving and be a much needed break from staring at a screen all day. Remember to follow mask guidance, and follow social distancing guidelines while you are out to reduce your risk of COVID-19 exposure. Don’t let winter stop you from getting outside - bundle up and get outside! 

No Equipment? No Problem! If you don’t have equipment or weights at home, don’t worry! You can still get in some great exercises just by using your own body weight. Body weight exercises are a great way to get toned and lean. Take a look around your house for items you can use instead of weights. Water bottles or soup cans can be a good substitute for light weights. Use gallon water jugs in place of kettlebells. Use a chair or step stool for tricep dips or elevated side planks. You might also want to consider ordering inexpensive fitness equipment such as resistance bands, suspension trainers, jump ropes, yoga mats, or pull-up bars. 

Don’t let being at home during the pandemic keep you from focusing on your fitness. You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money at a gym to be fit. There’s a lot you can do from your own living room! 

Special thanks to Stacy Brody for her valuable input on this post.

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There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year and that life has changed dramatically for all of us.  Through these changes, we're grateful for the GW community.  If you're interested in giving back both to and as part of the GW community, please explore these options:

GW COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund: The GW COVID-19 Response Fund supports the critical needs of patients, frontline care providers, staff, residents, and students. Gifts will help meet the most urgent needs, including:

  • Research efforts to develop vaccines, innovative treatments, and advance our understanding of the pandemic’s effect on society
  • Protective equipment to ensure the health and safety of GW's frontline team members
  • Patient resources to support the individual needs of the community, including outdoor exam tents and mobile testing sites
  • Technology to increase telemedicine and distance learning capabilities for our future doctors and care providers
  • Essential resources for our frontline caregivers to continue practicing, including hot meals and alternative lodging

Give-A-Gift from GW's Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service: Give-A-Gift is a signature event and tradition at George Washington University where all members of the GW community -- students, faculty, staff and alumni -- provide holiday gifts to families in Washington, D.C.   For 25 years, the GW community has stepped forward to support our neighbors with gifts for the holidays. This year due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to collect and distribute physical gifts, so this year we are hosting a fundraiser to continue our support of the D.C. community. Please contribute to this GW tradition!

Published on

This year the holidays may be different for many of us, however, Himmelfarb Library’s Healthy Living Calendar has compiled some fun and innovative ideas for December 2020. 

Kirsten Marie Ebbesen-Unsplash
Kirsten Marie Ebbesen on Unsplash

Find information on all of these activities on Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb’s December calendar!

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