Himmelfarb Library’s building will be closed during Winter Break starting Saturday, December 23rd at 6:00 pm, but our online collections will remain open and accessible. The library building reopens on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 7:30 am and resumes 24-hour operations. To see our complete hours, take a look at our website.
Even though our building is closed, our electronic resources (databases, e-books, and e-journals) are always available from anywhere!
We’re taking a break from new blog posts during Winter Break. New blog posts will return on January 3, 2024.
If you’ll miss being in the library while we’re closed, here’s some library ambiance to tide you over:
December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month. We are in the full swing of celebrating the holiday season. There are office parties, family and friend’s parties and dinners, and community get-togethers. According to The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) in 2019, 210 people lost their lives during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day to alcohol-related fatalities.
As far back as the 1980s, there has been an effort to bring awareness to the problem of driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Television networks would regularly broadcast PSA commercials about the consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. One of the more vocal organizations against drunk driving is a non-profit named Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. MADD was founded in 1980 in Sacramento, California by Candace Lightner and Cindi Lamb after the women lost children in accidents caused by a drunk driver. Then there was the designated-driver campaign during the late 1980s. Now that ride-share apps are available, there is no reason this should still be an issue in the United States.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a serious issue that poses a threat to the safety of everyone on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020 there were 11,654 people killed in drunk-driving crashes nationwide. This accounts for nearly one-third of all crash fatalities that year. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) runs two campaigns during the holiday season, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and If You Feel Different, You Drive Different - Drive High Get a DUI. While these videos are helpful, it is up to the individual to take responsibility for their actions and make the right choice when it comes to drinking and driving.
December is Universal Human Rights Month and this past Sunday (December 10th) was the 75th commemoration of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN. The declaration was formed three years after the ratification of the United Nations charter. In the wake of the horrors of World War II there was a strong impetus to establish both a peacekeeping body and an agreed set of fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
Among the rights in the declaration are:
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.
There are over 30 articles in the declaration, ensuring freedom of movement, right to asylum, right to education, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of religion, and right to privacy among others. It recognizes the right to marry and equal rights and dignity in employment. Article 25 specifically addresses the right to medical care:
“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. (United Nations, 1948)”
The United States is a signatory to the Declaration. Despite this, our government does not always live up to the ideals of the document. The structure of the health care system in the US does not support the standard of universal care guaranteed in Article 25 and the US has failed to ratify most of the international treaties that include a right to health (Willen, 2019). FDR advocated a Second Bill of Rights to include the right to “adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health” in his 1944 State of the Union. President Truman was also an advocate of a national health insurance program tied to Social Security. But in the 1940’s private health insurance became more common in the US, covering about half of the population, and the insurance industry created a barrier to further proposals for a national health program at the federal level (Berkowitz, 2005).
The Johnson administration established Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 after a many years long fight and negotiation with the insurance industry. It was largely successful because it covered vulnerable populations who typically were too high risk to be privately insured. For decades many Americans fell through the gaps between the coverage of those programs and private insurance.
While the Affordable Care Act of 2010 brought affordable health care to millions more, the country still fails to provide care to everyone and the current complex system of public and private funding increases inefficiencies and costs. A post pandemic study documented how our “fragmented and inefficient health care system” cost over 200,000 more lives and billions more in expenses during the Covid pandemic than a single payer system would have (Galvani, et al. 2022). A 2022 survey published by KFF (formerly Kaiser Family Foundation) estimates that 41% of adults currently have some debt as a result of medical or dental treatment and one in 10 has significant medical debt. A quarter say they have debt that is past due or that they are unable to pay. One in four black adults, lower-income adults, and uninsured don't think they will ever pay off their health care debt.
However it is achieved, further progress in health care reform is necessary to provide the universal coverage all Americans deserve and reduce the costs and inefficiencies that are negatively impacting the delivery of healthcare in the US.
Sources
Berkowitz E. (2005). Medicare and Medicaid: the past as prologue. Health care financing review, 27(2), 11–23.
Galvani, A. P., Parpia, A. S., Pandey, A., Sah, P., Colón, K., Friedman, G., Campbell, T., Kahn, J. G., Singer, B. H., & Fitzpatrick, M. C. (2022). Universal healthcare as pandemic preparedness: The lives and costs that could have been saved during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 119(25), e2200536119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2200536119
Willen S. S. (2019). Invoking Health and Human Rights in the United States: Museums, Classrooms, and Community-Based Participatory Research. Health and Human Rights, 21(1), 157–162.
With Winter around the corner, there is bound to be plenty on the mind: study sessions, final exams, and the upcoming Holiday break! Taking time off for yourself is important, not only to relieve stress but also to take the time to enjoy what the season has to offer, especially when it comes to culinary treats!
Feeling adventurous? Dare to try something new and indulge in a Beet Salad! Rich in antioxidants that help support good cell health, Beets also help to maintain and even increase your oxygen intake. Is food presentation your preference? This festive red and green Kale Salad with Cranberries includes heart-healthy ingredients such as kale, almonds, and extra virgin olive oil that will give you every reason to feel guilt-free about seconds!
For those who are watching their gluten or salt, a No-Sugar-Added Sweet Potato Casserole may be just the answer. With both savory and sweet in check, the pecans in this recipe are sure to compliment the sweet potatoes and cinnamon! Similarly, this vegetarian dish is not only holiday colored and festive, but these Roasted Brussels sprouts with Goat cheese and pomegranate are delicious and pomegranates naturally promote healthy digestion!
For a main course that is high in protein and lean, a Garlic-Rosemary Roast Beef with a tangy horseradish sauce is bound to impress, and can even be prepared on the skillet! For a better roast, season the beef with salt and pepper and refrigerate for one day before making.
For dessert, if you have a crock pot or a slow cooker, why not try an Apple Crisp? Apples and cinnamon combined offer an unforgettable wintery warmth! If apple is not your flavor, some Cranberry-Lemon Cheesecake bars offer a perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
No matter what is on your plate this winter break, we wish you all a safe holiday season filled with cheer!
Communicating health information with the public or segments of the public requires clarity, an understanding of the target audiences and a variety of modes of dissemination. Health communication campaigns must also be receptive to evaluation to understand the campaign’s successes and limitations. Communicating health information requires a wide skill set and an awareness of theories in various disciplines. Here is a brief introduction to the field of Health Communication and how it informs the public of health information and emerging crises.
Health communication is “an area of study that examines how the use of different communication strategies can keep people informed about their health and influence their behavior so they can live healthier lives.” (Tulane University, 2020) This field is based on “many theories and disciplines, including social cognitive and communication theories, marketing, and public relations.” (Tulane University, 2020)
Communicating health information provides people with information based on research in an accessible format. Successful health communication campaigns reach a wide audience and mitigate the harmful effects of misinformation or disinformation. Campaigns also “promote behaviors and choices that can positively impact people’s general well-being and everyday lives.” (Tulane University, 2020)
There are different types of health communication. Factors such as target audience, time, location and format may determine the type of communication you use to share health information.
Health Education: This form of communication educates people about a specific health topic. Examples of health education include explaining the harmful effects of smoking or excess alcohol consumption, ways to manage blood pressure or anti-bully campaigns.
Health Advocacy: This “promotes health by working to ensure people can access health care, advocating for effective healthcare policies and reforms, and developing ways to make it easier to navigate the healthcare system.” (Tulane University, 2020)
Risk Communication: Risk communication aims to educate people about the risks associated with certain health behaviors. This includes drunk driving campaigns or “Click it or Ticket” signage.
Crisis and Outbreak Communication: This type of communication is associated with emerging health crises. A recent example includes communication about the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are practical and theoretical factors to consider when sharing health information. Rimal and Lapinski write that “...communication interventions do not fall into a social vacuum. Rather, information is received and processed through individual and social prisms that not only determine what people encounter (through processes of selective exposure), but also the meaning they derive from the communication (known as selective perception), depending upon factors at both the individual (prior experience, efficacy beliefs, knowledge, etc.) and the macro-social (interpersonal relationships, cultural patterns, social norms) levels.” (Rimal and Lapinski, 2009, pg. 247)
They also state “...it is reasonable to expect discrepancies between message disseminated and received” and “...communication is a dynamic process in which sources and receivers of information continuously interchange their roles.” (Rimal and Lapinski, 2009, pg. 247)
People are inundated with information from different sources. Successfully employing health communication strategies and theories ensures that the public is connected with trusted health professionals and capable of making informed health decisions.
Rimal, R. N., & Lapinski, M. K. (2009). Why health communication is important in public health. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 87(4), 247–247. https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.08.056713
Winning photograph: Fall Ride - Roof of Kennedy Center by Mehrshad Fahim Devin
Himmelfarb Library would like to congratulate Mehrshad Fahim Devin, MPS, the 2023 Fall Colors Photo Contest winner! Himmelfarb's Healthy Living Committee had their work cut out for them by judging the 39 entries to this year's contest. With so many fantastic submissions, it was challenging to select a winning photo. But after much deliberation, Mehrshad's photo, Fall Ride - Roof of Kennedy Center, was chosen by the committee as this year's winner! Mehsrshad, a first-year medical student, stopped by Himmelfarb earlier this week to pick up his prize, a coffee mug showcasing his photo.
Left to right: Deborah Wassertzug, Lonnie Williams, Mehrshad Fahim Devin, and Laura Abate.
We recently asked Mehrshad about his photography. Here's what he had to say:
How long have you been taking photographs, and what are your favorite subjects?
I have always loved taking photos, but 99% of the time they remain hidden in my camera roll! My interest in photography especially peaked when I took a class in high school. Learning about concepts like "the rule of thirds" and "depth of field" allowed me to take photos that brought me a feeling of satisfaction. But I don't consider myself a professional photographer at all, just someone who enjoys casually capturing the beauties of the world. Beyond tons of selfies, my camera roll is filled with photos of friends, pets, nature, and dishes I cook.
How did you hear about the Fall Colors Photo Contest? Tell us about your winning photo.
I first learned about the contest while browsing my inbox and it definitely piqued my interest. As I was walking around the Kennedy Center with a friend, we came across the rooftop patio and decided to have a look at the Georgetown waterfront. The sky, the skyline, the foliage, and the water were all breathtaking sights. I wanted to capture that moment to look back on later. Fortunately, while I was clicking away on my phone camera, a boat floated into the frame. I wanted to submit the photo to share the beauty I witnessed with the rest of my community.
Himmelfarb would like to thank all of you who submitted photos to our 2023 Fall Colors Photo Contest! And congratulations to this year's winner, Mehrshad Fahim Devin, MPS and first-year medical student!
Photo by Elviss Railijs Bitāns: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-vinyl-record-playing-on-turntable-1389429/
Music, broadly defined, is vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm or harmony. While it means different things to different people, one thing is certain: life is much better with a soundtrack. Medical evidence points to music having an impact across the lifespan, from birth to old age. The members of the SMHS student group Musicians in Medicine feel this perhaps more deeply than others: as medical students and musicians, they have incorporated music into their past work, and plan to continue to weave music throughout their careers.
Musicians in Medicine co-president Spencer Bennett finds singing to be a “great creative outlet through a stressful journey through school.” He has also found that music can help mitigate the lack of sleep endemic to students in the program. As a singer, his preferred genres are R&B and pop.
Co-president Rachel Furman, a classical violinist who is learning to play pop music on the piano, is focusing on hematology/oncology in her studies. She has observed that every patient she works with listens to music, and adds, “I try to find out what kind of music they like, as a way to connect with them.”
Naiya Osiyemi, Musicians in Medicine vice-president, plays piano and guitar and sings. Her preferred genres are R&B, rock, and classical. In her high school days, Naiya played music in hospitals. She mentions that she may pursue music therapy once she is further along in her career. She is particularly interested in the link between music and the treatment of specific conditions, such as traumatic brain injury.
The social media chair for the group, Sarah Nanziri, is a singer who likes R&B and pop and likes to spread positive messages through music. She listens to music while studying, and loves its healing and grounding properties. In her former work as a medical assistant in a pediatric office, she would sing kids’ favorite songs to reduce their anxiety when receiving shots.
Members of Musicians in Medicine occasionally incorporate music into mnemonics (to remember Lynch syndrome, think about Ross Lynch), but most often, they see music as a way to ease their stress and anxiety, and they consider ways to incorporate music into their professional lives, because music can be linked to virtually any specialty. As Spencer notes, “Music is not considered to be a part of medicine. But in Brain & Behavior, the importance of therapy & support networks is emphasized. Music is great for these purposes, and it is very patient centered.” Music helps people focus, but also offers a welcome escape from reality.
Himmelfarb's Healthy Living Committee hopes to host Musicians in Medicine for a lunchtime concert after the winter break. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, take a study break with one of these medically indicated tracks!
Himmelfarb Library is proud to support GW Nursing students, faculty, researchers, and staff by providing professional-level, scholarly full-text nursing resources. Today’s post will highlight some of our top nursing databases, journals, books, and guides.
Databases:
CINAHL Complete is one of our most highly used nursing resources! CINAHL Complete provides access to nursing journals and publications produced by the National League for Nursing and the American Nurses Association. In addition to full-text access to 600 titles, CINAHL Complete provides easy-to-understand Evidence-Based Care Sheets and Quick Lessons for a variety of conditions. Topics covered include nursing, biomedicine, alternative/complementary medicine, consumer health, and 17 allied health disciplines.
ClinicalKey for Nursing is another top nursing database available through Himmelfarb. With access to full-text evidence-based nursing monographs, clinical trial modules, books, journals, practice guidelines, and core measures with nursing recommendations, ClinicalKey for Nursing is a great resource for all things nursing-related!
TelemedInsights, developed by the GW School of Nursing and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, supports interactive self-paced learning to support high-quality, culturally competent patient care using telehealth technology. This great resource is designed for students and healthcare professionals. To access this resource, click the login button. No login or password is required. However, if accessing this resource from off-campus, you must use the GW VPN.
Journals:
Himmelfarb provides access to more than 200 nursing journals! Our most popular, highest-use titles are:
American Journal of Nursing (AJN): As the oldest and largest circulating nursing journal in the world, AJN promotes excellence in professional nursing with articles focused on cutting-edge, evidence-based information while providing a holistic outlook on health and nursing.
Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA): With content geared to nurse executives, directors of nursing, and nurse managers, JONA is an authoritative source of information on developments and advances in patient care leadership. This journal prides itself in delivering practical, solution-oriented articles that provide the information and tools to help you excel in a changing healthcare environment.
International Journal of Nursing Studies (IJNS): IJNS published original research on a wide range of nursing topics including healthcare delivery, organization, management, policy, and research methods.
Journal of Advanced Nursing (JAN): JAN publishes articles related to evidence-based nursing, midwifery, and healthcare. Topics include cancer nursing, community nursing, geriatric nursing, home care, mental health nursing, nursing research, and more!
E-Books:
We also have some great e-books available! Notable titles include:
Learn more about Himmelfarb’s nursing resources by visiting our Nursing Guide. You’ll find information about nursing textbooks, and NCLEX resources, as well as information for BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioners, DPN, and Ph.D. nursing students. We also have a Nurse Practitioners Guide that includes information on physical examination, diagnosis, drug information, links to professional organizations, and evidence-based medicine. Himmelfarb’s Antiracism in Healthcare Guide is another fantastic resource providing resources to help you learn about antiracism and racial bias in healthcare.
Georgetown Glow – Free Light Art Experience Date: Friday, December 1 – Sunday, January 7, 2023. Nightly 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm Location: Throughout Georgetown Commercial Districts Cost: FREE!
Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, Georgetown GLOW is the region’s only free curated outdoor public light art experience. The popular holiday celebration will feature national and international artists and their commissioned works, on display at outdoor locations throughout Georgetown. In addition to the light art installations, GLOW programming will include more than 30 walking tours, a special shopping night, and much more!
District's Holiday Boat Parade Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023, 6:00-9:00 pm. Location: District Wharf. 760 Maine Ave. SW. Cost: FREE!
Celebrate the holidays with this iconic DC event that features over sixty beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. This year’s parade will be supporting the Washington Area Fuel Fund. Get into the spirit with ornament decorating by the Recreation Pier. Roast s'mores at the Camp Wharf at the Firepit and visit the lighted 45ft Christmas tree. Skate at the Wharf Ice Rink on the Transit Pier, bring your camera for pictures with Santa, and more!
Winter Festival Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Rain date Sunday, December 3, 2023. Location: National Arboretum. 2400 R Street NE. Cost: FREE! Registration is encouraged but not required.
Shop from local vendors and enjoy free holiday-themed activities at the Winter Festival Holiday Market. There will be vendors who specialize in jewelry, home goods, gardening accessories, food, drink, and more including a Christmas tree sale. While at the event, explore the Gotelli Conifer Collection, Camellia Collection, and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum which offer spectacular things to see during the winter months.
Downtown Holiday Market Date: Thru December 23, 2023, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Daily (Closed Thanksgiving Day and 12/4) Location: F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW. Cost: FREE!
Kick off the holiday season at DC’s beloved outdoor shopping village. The market supports small businesses across the region, welcoming shoppers for a safe, secure, and enhanced shopping experience. This year’s retail lineup will feature more than 70 exhibitors including Black-owned and minority-owned businesses, local food vendors, and live entertainment.
Yoga Under the Stars (GW) Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023. 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Location: City View Room. 1957 E Street NW, Top Floor Cost: FREE! RSVP to the Event.
Join GW Campus Recreation and the Health Promotion & Education office for a yoga class in the City View Room! Often considered GW's best view of DC, the City View Room is an incredible place to prioritize yourself and your body during finals. All attendees will be entered to win a raffle prize. This class will be accessible to all levels.
In the Spirit of Kwanzaa: Every Girl Has a Story Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023. 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Sunday, December 17, 2023. 4:00 pm. Location: Dance Place. 3225 8th Street NE. Tickets: Students $20 (General Admission $30, Seniors $25)
Celebrate Kwanzaa and the Black experience through the eyes of the young women of Coyaba Dance Theater. Along with Coyaba’s signature live drumming and dance, various stories will be told that honor and highlight the Seven Principles of the Nquzo Saba: Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani. In the Spirit of Kwanzaa is a holiday festival of heritage and Black culture filled with love, excitement, and tradition.
2023 Annual Hanukkah Party Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023. 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Location: National Museum of American Jewish Military History. 1811 R Street, NW. Tickets: FREE! Tickets Required.
Join the Annual Hanukkah Party for latkes, jelly doughnuts, gelt and song! Explore the museum while you eat, play games and sing. Learn about the ways Jews in the American military have continued the tradition of the Maccabees. Tour the museum at 6:00 before the party begins at 6:30. Bring your own Hanukkah menorah for a group lighting. They will also be collecting winter clothing to benefit homeless veterans. This event is co-sponsored by Jewish Study Center
The Peace and Carol Ringers Date: Saturday, December 30, 2023. 6:00 pm. Location: Kennedy Center Millennium Stage Cost: FREE! Seating is first come, first served. Limited number of advanced registrations available on a rolling basis.
Under the direction of Tamara Freeman, the Peace and Carol Ringers will perform Songs of the Season. The program will include a variety of sacred and secular music performed on seven octaves of handbells, chimes, and an assortment of other percussion instruments.
