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Author: puroa

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Did you know that August is nationally recognized as National Breastfeeding Month? This year’s theme is Together, we do great things! A thriving community is something that cannot be achieved without the daily effort of all. What better time to recognize those who give effort and service to growing infants, and provide support to new mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, yet many mothers struggle to reach these goals, and sixty percent do not breastfeed as long as they intend to. 

AAP’s  Policy Statement on Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk includes survey data from mothers of different cultural backgrounds. As much as we stand together in this common need, statistics show that initiation rates differ greatly between racial groups with the highest breastfeeding initiation rates occurring within non-Hispanic White and Hispanic populations. 

Advocacy is important and help is available for those struggling with breastfeeding. The Office of Women’s Health offers a helpline that is staffed with breastfeeding counselors who are ready to assist. The Women, Infants and Children’s program (commonly called WIC) also offers food, care packages, peer counselor support and healthcare benefits to new mothers who have low incomes. 

The final week of August is Black Breastfeeding week with the theme “BBW2022: 10 Years, A New Foundation”. Nasheeda Pollard, author and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, talks about her personal breastfeeding experiences, her thoughts on Black Breastfeeding week, inher recently published children's book, Magical Milk. Similar stories that reflect on personal experiences and why Black Breastfeeding week is important can be found on La Leche League USA’s website. 

Last but not least, Himmelfarb Library has resources available on breastfeeding that may assist you in further reading & research:
The Ethics and Politics of Breastfeeding : Power, Pleasure, Poetics
The International Breastfeeding Journal (2006 - Present) 
The Journal of Human Lactation (1999 - Present) 
Breastfeeding basics for moms : your breastfeeding questions answered.
Breastfeeding answers : a guide for helping families
Breastfeeding management for the clinician : using the evidence
Breastfeeding and human lactation
Core curriculum for interdisciplinary lactation care

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Monkeypox, COVID, the seasonal flu, shingles, tetanus, HPV. Now it is a critical time to be vaccinated. If you are not sure where to start on the topic, a good question to ask yourself is: “which vaccinations do my patients need?” 

The CDC has a vaccine index that clearly outlines recommended vaccines based on age group, co-existing conditions, healthcare workers, international travel, and immigrants and refugees.. The CDCalso provides details on who should not be vaccinated. 

The CDC includes a clinical & professional practice resource which provides insights on talking with patients about the importance of vaccines, provider requirements and support, interim clinical considerations, and Covid tracking and reporting systems. It also includes articles and guidelines for children as young as six months and older. 

If you are feeling wary or overwhelmed with the number of sources and information about vaccinations, there are a few simple ways to spread the word about the importance of vaccinations. In addition to educating others, be transparent about the life cycle of a vaccine. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases has an article on Evaluating Vaccine Safety, which might assist in easing any fears of the unknown about vaccines. Let your patients know that each vaccine has to undergo a series of clinical trials and reviews before it can be approved. 

Are you interested in becoming a provider of the COVID-19 vaccine? Find more information and see if you qualify on the CDC’s How to Enroll page.


Last but not least, if you have been recently vaccinated take the time to document the date, and the type of vaccine you receive. If you are uncertain where such information should be kept, a spreadsheet or notebook should suffice just fine depending on if you prefer print or electronic format. For your patients, make sure their records are up to date in their file. If you are uncertain of your own previous vaccination records, check with your current or previous health care provider for records.  

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While we continue to endure the ongoing pandemic, it is more important than ever to stay aware of emerging health threats.  The following are some recommended websites for staying current..

The CDC newsroom provides information on regional outbreaks such as salmonella and monkeypox, vaccine effectiveness, and a plethora of COVID resources as part of  their COVID-19 Digital Press Kit. They also have a digital archive that contains the previous three years of their news releases. 

Remember that the source of your information matters. Many popular resources today are misleading in their facts, and are tailored specifically to extract a response from you, not to inform you. 

Did you know that the US has more monkeypox cases than any other endemic country? This is based on CDC data that has been sourced by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) for their reporting. With a global total of over 18 thousand cases and growing, the importance of reliable and accurate information can not be overstated. You can follow developments on CIDRAP’s Monkeypox Resource Center or via their RSS feed.

The World Health Organization always has up to date news to keep you informed on health topics worldwide. Johns’ Hopkins Center for Health Security has helpful infographics, a testing toolkit, and further findings on Monkeypox. 

In a developing situation where every minute counts; ensure that your sources are based on credible sources. Your time and your research matters. If you need support from the Himmelfarb library, remember to ask a librarian! We are here to assist in your medical research endeavors. 

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It’s the time of year for outdoor gatherings, recreation, and events. While the idea of being outside, especially after being cooped up for so long may be appealing, it is fundamental to consider our skin, and how we can protect it. Yes, outdoor boating and barbecues may be important to us, but let’s not forget the SPF -  Sun Protection Factor that can enable us to enjoy those outings that much more. 

Skincancer.org reports that wearing SPF 15 can reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by about 40 percent, and lower the risk of melanoma by 50 percent. Not only that, but sunscreen can also prevent wrinkles and aging. 

Perhaps you, like me, are someone who forgets to keep sunscreen on hand! If you are struggling to keep your skin protected it might not hurt to consider always carrying a travel sized container! 

Which sunscreen to use? Look for terminology that includes ‘Broad Spectrum’ which protects against both UVB, the rays that cause sunburn and UVA, the rays that cause premature aging. If you are uncertain of which SPF to use, the higher the number, the more protected your skin will be. If you plan on spending less time outside, SPF 15 should suffice but for any prolonged exposure to the sun your best bet is to use SPF 30 or higher. 

Avoid cancer and aging, fight off the shrinking ozone layer. This season, why not protect your skin so that you can enjoy those hot summer days? Lastly, be sure to avoid products that contain benzene, which is a known carcinogen. For further education, the American Academy of Dermatology has an insightful FAQ on sunscreen.

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Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate the 4th of July than to try something new, rich, savory or saucy while still making healthy choices? For this 4th we have found some fantastic and healthy recipes that will make you consider throwing out the deep frier all together!

For an appetizer or side dish, why not try this protein packed three bean salad? The mix of cumin, lemon and garlic have certainly caught my attention! If beans are not your favorite protein, this Chicken Caesar Pasta salad is low sodium and heart healthy! If you are catering to a younger audience, or simply want to level up your creative cooking skills, these Patriotic Pops only require 3 ingredients and are a perfect way to cool off from the summer heat! Speaking of cooling down, you can always quench your thirst with these colorful & flavorful Summer Lemonades. 

Dinner or lunch, which meal do you want to zest up for the occasion? If you are vegetarian, or trying to avoid carbohydrates, these Marinated Grilled Vegetable kebabs won’t even make you miss the meat! Craving classic? How about classic with a twist - Ambitious Kitchen’s Sweet Potato Cheddar BBQ Chicken burgers are completely customizable with their own paleo and gluten free options in the recipe as well. If Kebabs and Burgers don’t appeal, these low calorie, gluten free Grilled Fish Tacos are bound to impress! 

Just as fun as fireworks, no 4th of July is complete without a festive dessert! What better way to garner attention than with these No-Bake Berry cheesecake bars? They are not only egg free, but also high in fiber! Traditional enthusiasts should definitely try this Peach Custard Pie.

Regardless if you are staying in or seeing every firework show and parade in town, we wish you a safe and fun filled 4th of July weekend!   

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If you are a student, staff or faculty member of the GW SMHS, SON, GWSPH, GW Hospital and MFA, you can use our 3D printer to support teaching, learning, and research related to the core missions of the schools and institutions we serve. There is no limit on the number of circulated requests; we aim to support you in your educational, clinical, and research pursuits! Before submitting your print request, please note some limitations on use such as copyrighted images. Check out our 3D Printing Guide for more information.

There are a few steps to take before printing your item, firstly make sure you have your STL (.stl) or OBJ (.obj) files prepared and with you at the time of submitting your request. Make sure that your item is smaller than 8 x 8 x 8 inches. Keep in mind that requests are processed on a first come first serve basis, processing time might take 5-7 business days for your request to be printed. 

WIth 10 different filament colors available, we are happy to be able to offer these printing services to you. Printed requests may only be picked up by the requester at the Himmelfarb library Circulation Desk. 

To learn more,  review our 3D Printing policy, and explore these web pages that have a variety of 3D models for you to use! 

If you have read the guidelines, have your file and are ready to submit your project, you can do so through our submit request page. 

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In case you haven’t heard, Himmelfarb Library has a new electronic payment method for our Interlibrary Loan service! 

Have you ever received an invoice for your Interlibrary Loan (Documents2Go) requests? Receiving an invoice is an uncommon occurrence for most GW users, but in some circumstances, such as ordering a rush request (which incurs a $10 fee) or going over the Rule of 15 (which allows users to request 15 free articles in each half of the year, it is possible to accumulate a fee for ILL. We are excited to announce the implementation of TouchNet, a new platform that allows the electronic processing of payments for ILL invoices. Not only does TouchNet streamline the process of paying and processing an invoice as a whole, the straightforward process is convenient for both the library and the patron, and both recipients will receive an emailed copy of their invoice. 

In the event that you have received an invoice, you may remit payment through our TouchNet portal. We encourage all ILL users to take advantage of this method as payment will be processed in a timely manner at your convenience (for example, no waiting for staff to be available or to call you back). If you are unable to pay via credit card online, you can also call our ILL department at 202-994-286.

If you have not used ILL before, GW students, staff and faculty may access our Documents2Go portal and login with their GW UserID and password. Further information on both our Consortium Loan Service (CLS) and Interlibrary loans can be found on our new Research Guide. Invoices are sent out in the mail at the beginning of each month, so if you have any concerns about not receiving an invoice following your request right away, expect to see it in the mail at your registered address.  Additionally, you can reach out to our Interlibrary loan department at mlbdoc@gwu.edu with any questions you may have.  

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You may have already heard, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In order to cultivate a better understanding and to educate theGW community, GW is hosting interviews with a panel of experts available throughout the month of May. These professionals are well equipped to answer questions on various topics that may relate to marginalized populations, teacher/student, adolescent and youth health, war and conflict, and more. If you are interested in scheduling an interview with one of GW’s experts, please contact GW Media relations at gwmedia@gwu.edu. 

It is also critical to understand that your mental health matters, and GW cares. If you feel like you are overwhelmed or stressed, GW offers Counseling & Psychological services that are confidential and safe for our students, staff and faculty members. No appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome. 

The GW Office of Integrative Medicine and Health offers a number of resources to GW employees through its GW Resiliency and Well Being Center.  Contact them to schedule educational talks, group workshops, or individual coaching on a number of topics including stress management, substance abuse, self-care and lifestyle (mindful eating, restorative sleep, etc.). And check out theOffice of Integrative Medicine and Health’s weekly A Mindfulness Experience online sessions on Fridays from 2-3 pm addressing online stress relief, immune system support, and evidence based answers to COVID-19 questions. The sessions include a 30 minute mind-body practice.

Just as our physical health is vital to a healthy life, so is our mental health. Remember, GW is here for you. 

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Did you know himmelfarb has a bookshelf on the 1st floor that is reserved for you? 

We call it the “take a book, leave a book” bookshelf, and it works exactly the way it sounds. The take a book, leave a book shelf is in the nook area next to the Humanities and Health Collection. If you’re familiar with little free libraries, this is the same concept. We invite you to take any of the books on the shelf for personal reading. There is no need to check them out at the circulation desk.

Do you have books at home that are collecting dust, or do you have a few titles that you would like to share with your classmates? Feel free to leave them on the “take a book, leave a book” shelf. Keep in mind that leaving a book is discarding the book - these titles are not added to our collection, and we do not keep track of them. That being said, isn’t it fun to try something new? Who knows, you might find your next favorite book on our take a book, leave a book bookshelf!

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Happy Earth Day!

What exactly is Earth day? 

Founded in 1970, Earth Day became an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection worldwide. Today, Earth Day is celebrated by billions of people worldwide. Not sure what you can do to help make a positive impact? Here are some small changes you can make that can make a difference:

Reduce plastic use. 

Did you know that every minute, two garbage truck loads of plastic are dumped into our oceans? If we continue our plastic use like this, there will be more garbage in the ocean by weight than there are fish in the ocean. You can reduce the amount of plastic you consume by purchasing foods that come in glass or cardboard packaging, avoiding single use plastics like straws or silverware, and storing leftovers or other foods in reusable containers instead of plastic baggies.

There are several ways we can contribute to cleaning up the plastic and trash in our environment. One of them is to participate in the Great Global Cleanup. Several locations within the DC area are participating in removing trash from local neighborhoods, rivers and parks. It also would not hurt to educate your own students about the impact of pollution and plastic on our ecosystem. 

The air we breathe, the water we drink, and our habitat matters. There are inexpensive and simple ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint at home. Only use heating and air conditioning as needed, and changing the degree by one degree can actually save a significant amount of energy! Shut the windows, unplug electronics and appliances when they are not being used to reduce energy usage. Invest in reusable bags and use them when you go shopping instead of using single use plastic bags! 

If you are interested in finding out what more you can do as an individual to make a big difference for Earth, the Sustainable GW initiative offers information for students and for faculty and staff for introducing more sustainable and earth friendly habits in our life. They also feature different ways that you can become involved. 

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to understand what we can do to make an environmental difference in our lives!

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