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Category: Healthy Living

Topics in this category can include: recipes, mental health, medical and health awareness topics, and Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb topics.

Published on Leave a comment on Mental Health Awareness Month
An image from NAMI (the national alliance on mental illness) that says "small steps can lead to big progress in mental health"

When we talk about illnesses, one of the many things that might first come to mind is symptoms. A friend complains about a sore throat, a fever and white patches on the tonsils? We might advise them to go see a doctor about a strep test. A child complains of a headache and starts sporting a rash made of tiny red dots? It wouldn’t be outrageous to consider chicken pox the culprit. Of course, disease presentation can vary and many illnesses share symptoms, but at the end of the day, many illnesses provide a visible clue that something is wrong. 

Mental illness is far less visible to the naked eye. There is no rash that accompanies depression, nor is there a wheezing cough that comes with anxiety. The symptoms of mental illness, as the name implies, are often found in thought patterns and behaviors of those who have them. And while these thought patterns and behaviors can be observed, it often far more than a passing glance to properly diagnose someone. The average delay in treatment after a person starts showing symptoms of a mental illness is 11 years (1). 

Just because the symptoms of mental illness might not be as clear as other illnesses, they are just as debilitating. 

While mental illness may be hard to spot, that doesn’t mean it isn’t common. While one in five adults in the United States experience mental illness, only half of them receive treatment (1). The statistics for children are even more dire: nearly 70% don’t receive treatment (2).  

Treatment in itself is often difficult to access, with long wait lists to see a provider and spotty insurance coverage among other issues. 

To help raise awareness about mental illness, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is celebrating with the campaign “Take the Moment” which aims to highlight programs NAMI provides for patients and their loved ones dealing with mental illness, as well as working to erase stigma around mental health. Here at GW, our Resiliency and Well-Being Center has its own list of topics it will be discussing both this month and the month of June.

  1. Mindfulness and Stress Management (May 8-21)
  2. Healthy Eating (May 22 - June 4)
  3. Restorative Sleep (June 5-18)
  4. Physical Activity: Improving Movement  and Exercise (June 19 - July 2)

The center will also be offering classes about practicing mindfulness both online and in person. 

Here are some ways you can decrease stigma around mental illness: 

  • Language really matters. Terms like “bipolar” and “OCD” can be thrown around as slang for being “moody” or “neat” respectively, despite being terms for serious mental conditions. Don’t perpetuate stigma and stereotypes about these conditions: use different words rather than conditions to describe what you mean. 
  • Reach out to others: It’s okay to need help. If you haven’t been feeling well, you can find help. The school’s Resiliency and Well-Being Center provides resources to support those who are coping. There are also plenty of national resources one can use: NAMI offers a variety of resources in-house and also curates outside resources for those who either need help or want to help someone else.
  • Know mental health is for everyone: stigma about mental health implies that those who have mental illness are simply “not trying hard enough” or “seeking attention.” This couldn’t be further from the truth: mental health conditions are caused by a variety of factors including genetics and environment.  

1. Mental Health Awareness Month. NAMI. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/

2. House TW. A Proclamation on National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2024. The White House. Published April 30, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/04/30/a-proclamation-on-national-mental-health-awareness-month-2024/

Published on Leave a comment on Congratulations to Nicole Gunawansa – 2024 Spring Flowers & Blossoms Photo Contest Winner
Watergate in Bloom by Nicole Gunawansa
Watergate in Bloom, by Nicole Gunawansa, Winner of 2024 Spring Flowers and Blossoms Photo Contest

Himmelfarb Library would like to congratulate Nicole Gunawansa, MPH, the 2024 Spring Flowers & Blossoms Photo Contest winner! Himmelfarb's Healthy Living Committee had their work cut out for them by judging the many excellent entries to this year's contest. With so many fantastic submissions, it was extremely challenging to select a winning photo. Nicole, a graduating fourth year medical student, stopped by Himmelfarb last week to receive congratulations from members of Himmelfarb's Healthy Living Committee, and to pick up her prize -- a coffee mug showcasing her winning photo.

Members of Healthy Living Committee with photo contest winner Nicole Gunawansa

Left to right, Laura Abate, Valerie Bowles, Nicole Gunawansa, Deborah Wassertzug.

Let's get to know Nicole!

Can you share your journey to GW? What led you to pursue an MPH in addition to an MD?

It has actually been a while since my journey at GW started. I graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2014, moved to Japan for a fellowship program where I did research in Sendai (the area affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami) for about 1.5 years, then came back to the States to work for a bit as a medical scribe because I wanted to make sure that applying to medical school was the right fit for me. Overall, I took 4 years off before coming into medical school in 2018. Actually, I was recommended to apply to GW by a professor from college, because of the focus on public health and advocacy! I had done work with AmeriCorps and had also worked with a 501c3 non-profit in college that focused on addressing food deserts, so going to a medical school that focused on public health was a good match for me.

Honestly, I was on the fence about the MPH at the start of medical school, because it is already such a long journey and because I had taken so much time off before school. However, being a part of the class of 3rd years who got thrown into the hospital/clinic right as COVID was starting in 2020 was what made me ultimately decide to take time off after clerkships to pursue the MPH. Doing rotations during the height of the pandemic made the gaps in our healthcare system glaringly apparent and kind of made me doubt if you can truly be a good doctor within a broken system.

In the end, I did the MPH because I wanted to explore the world of public health and its interaction with medicine, and also because I really needed some time to do some soul searching about what I saw myself doing in the future within the medical field. I am so happy and grateful that I did end up doing the MPH and taking a little extra time off in medical school to figure out what I wanted, because it ultimately led me to the decision to pursue family medicine, and I have found an amazing community of passionate doctors with similar goals about mitigating health disparities within this space. 

How long have you been taking photographs, and what are your favorite subjects?

I have always enjoyed photography, especially of natural landscapes. I remember getting my first camera in high school, before I went on a school trip to Italy and Greece. I don't think I am a pro at all though; very much an amateur photographer who has never taken a photography class but has always wanted to. My favorite subjects are flowers (nature) and animals! I have been told I take pretty good pet photos.

How did you hear about the Spring Flowers & Blossoms Photo Contest?

I found out about it through an email that was sent out to the student body, and thought it would be fun to enter given that I already take so many pictures of flowers and greenery. 

You'll be graduating and heading off for residency soon! Where are you headed and what is your specialty?

I am going to be going back home to the Tidewater area of Virginia. Specifically, to Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA for Family Medicine Residency! Thinking about FMOB or possibly a palliative medicine fellowship in the future.

Published on Leave a comment on May 2024 Study Break Guide

Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb

May 2024 Study Break Guide with a photo of a cute chihuahua

International City Food Festival
Date: Fri, May 3, 2024. 4:00 PM–9:00 PM. / Sat, May 4, 2024. 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Location: The Square. 1850 K St, NW.
Cost: FREE!

Join Events DC for a weekend filled with celebrations built on food that brings us together. Featuring international performances, food, and crafts presented by vendors from around the world, the International City Food Festival offers an opportunity to journey across the globe and celebrate diverse cultures within the heart of DC.

Running of the Chihuahuas
Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024. 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: District Pier. 760 Maine Ave, SW.
Cost: FREE! No registration required

It’s time for Little Dogs, Big Fun! This free event features the iconic Chihuahua races, an adoptable pet parade, all-breed dog costume contest, and more! The highlight of the afternoon features over 150 Chihuahuas racing in groups of eight on a sixty-foot racetrack. All the action is captured on a huge video screen and the winners take home pet-friendly gifts, prizes, and more! All race proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue – a non-profit organization dedicated to pulling dogs from high-kill rural shelters.

Market SW + Farmers Market SW
Date: Alternate Fridays starting May 10, 2024. 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Southwest Lot, corner of 4th & M St, SW.
Cost: FREE!

Southwest DC's eclectic Friday night market returns with a diverse mix of art, crafts, handmade jewelry, accessories, bath and beauty goods, and vintage and antique furnishings. On stage, local musicians and DJs will curate a mix of live music for your fun and enjoyment. Specialty food businesses and select food trucks add to the programming mix. Don’t miss the Farmers Market every Saturday from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM throughout the 2024 market season for healthy fresh produce and foods from local farmers and producers.

EU Open House
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: 23 Embassies throughout DC (see Special Google Map)
Cost: FREE! No registration, tickets, or passport required!

The European Union and its embassies will open their doors to the public for a day of culture, food, music, and more so that Americans can catch a glimpse of the European cultures that make up the European Union. This event falls every year on the first Saturday after Europe Day on May 9. This date marks the signing of the Schuman Declaration on May 9, 1950, which established the European Coal and Steel Community, a multinational entity that would eventually become the European Union. Normally you have to cross the Atlantic to visit the EU, but at Open House, you just have to cross the street!

National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024. 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Constitution Ave, NW, between 7th & 17th Streets
Cost: FREE!

Join the Memorial Day celebration to honor the service and sacrifice of generations of American veterans. Attend the DC parade in person or watch on television. The event is a magnificent salute to America's Veterans and in honor of those who died in defense of our country.

Jazz in the Garden (Summer concert series)
Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas
Date: Friday, May 31, 2024. 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Sculpture Garden. 7th St & Constitution Ave, NW.
Cost: FREE! Registration required through a lottery. Opens May 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM-Friday May 24, 2024 at Noon.

DC’s favorite summer concert series returns from May 31 - August 9 (except July 5) with a variety of musical performances including jazz, Latin fusion, zydeco, and more. On May 31, get ready for the fast and furious accordion-driven dance music of 2023 Grammy nominees Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas. Zydeco flows in the veins of these South Louisiana musicians with deep roots in Creole tradition, shown in their trademark rubboard percussion, electric guitars, and R&B soul.

Attendance will be through a lottery. All entrants whether or not they were selected will be notified the Monday before each concert. Those who are selected can register for up to four passes.

Image source: Pexels

Published on

Himmelfarb’s 36th annual art show is in full swing, bringing an exciting range of photography, acrylics, water colors, knitting, and mixed media to Himmelfarb’s first floor. If you haven’t already, come take a study break and peruse the work of your fellow students, staff, and faculty. 

In the meantime, enjoy this sampling of work and the artists in their own words. 

And if you’d like to drop a few lines about your art or creative process, email them to randy.plym@gwu.edu. Every piece has a story, and we love to hear them. 

Frederick Jacobsen's "Giverny Lilies" [Photograph]

Photograph of water lilies on a pond with a reflection of sky in the water.

As a photographer and clinical researcher into the effects of light on the brain and behavior I am very attuned to the continually shifting perspectives of light and color in my environment. Visiting Monet's Giverny pond and gardens provided me the opportunity to view and feel how this exquisite environment facilitated his remarkable Nymphéas paintings while suffering progressive visual loss (due to bilateral cataracts). "Giverny Lilies" is an homage to Monet’s work and vision through a 21st century lens.

Frederick M. Jacobsen, Faculty, SMHS

Brittany Smith's "VA Mountains" [Watercolor on Paper]

Watercolor painting of the Blue Ridge mountains.

I believe 'VA Mountains' is one of my earliest watercolor paintings. It is inspired by a photo I took many years ago during my time at UVA when some friends and I drove along Blue Ridge Parkway. That day was one of my favorite days when I was an undergraduate student and the painting serves as a reminder of that mini-road trip. 

In terms of process, I have a simple painting style since I'm trying to figure out watercolor as a medium. This was painting in a beginner's class and my instructor actually helped with the texture of the stone railing along the road. I haven't painted anything new in a few years, but I want to return to watercolor soon and fill a sketchbook with watercolor experiments to build my confidence as a painter.

Brittany Smith, Staff, Himmelfarb

Rebecca Kyser's "Quackery" [Ink and Colored Pencil on Paper]

Comic about medical quackery.
Part 2 of a comic about medical quackery.

I'm a big believer in the power of comics to make scientific and historical topics more accessible to the public. So when I heard about the art show, it seemed the best opportunity to put that belief into practice.

Rebecca Kyser, Staff, Himmelfarb

Mehrshad Fahim Devin's "Post-Op" [Photograph]

Photograph of a person wearing a medical gown running towards the ocean waves on a beach.

Post-op was inspired by the conversation's I've had with patients as a medical student. I've had the opportunity to speak with some patients both before and after a surgical operation. I found that pre-op patients held a lot of uncertainty and fear for the future; but after the surgery, amidst the pain and recovery, their eyes almost always glimmered with relief. The piece is meant to represent this relief. 

Mehrshad Fahim Devin, Student, SMHS

Basil Considine's "The Faerie Queene of New Prague: the Court" [Digital Photo Painting and Composite]

Image of Faerie Queen with two women playing wooden instruments on either side.

You probably haven't heard of New Prague, Minnesota (population: 8,000), but hundreds of schoolchildren in Madagascar can find it on a map. Why? The city – and its mischievous Faerie Queen, who wants everything done properly and turns pirates into frogs – were front and center in a series of storytelling performances that I delivered as a Fulbrighter. Each time I visited their school, the children begged to hear more stories about cold, snowy Minnesota (Brr!) and the beautiful Faerie Queen. And then, one day, a teacher asked me if there was a picture of her...

How can you compete with a child's imagination? That's a challenge for any artist, but I had a good set of raw materials: a photo shoot with the model for the Faerie Queen (Lisa Bark, an actor from New Prague, MN), a flair for theatrical makeup, and a lifetime of adoring complex Renaissance tableaus and Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Throw in a set of original fairy tales that I'd crafted for the children, a set of digital painting brushes in Photoshop, and I started to sketch a set of storybook scenes and fill them with extra details – to reward staring at the picture again and again.  

Some people say that digital painting is faster. You don't have to wait for paint to dry, but after more than 400 layers and more than 10,000 brush strokes...not for me!

Basil Considine, Student, SMHS

Published on
Picture of a hand holding the globe with a starry background.
Image by Artapixel from Pixabay

Today is Earth Day, a day that serves as “a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and a brighter future” (Earthday.org, 2024). Earth Day is about protecting the environment and improving global environmental health. Environmental health has direct and dramatic impacts on our physical and mental health. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 24% of all estimated global deaths are linked to environmental factors, and the cost of environmental direct damage to health by 2030 is estimated to be between $2 to $4 billion yearly (WHO, 2024). Climate change directly impacts clean air, safe drinking water, a nutritious food supply, safe shelter (WHO, 2024), and environmental emergencies that lead to humanitarian crises such as heatwaves, wildfires, floods, drought, tropical storms, and hurricanes (WHO, 2023). 

The links between environmental health and public health are strong. “Environmental quality has a profound effect on health and the burden of disease” (Koehler, et al., 2018). The United States has the highest environmental burden of disease, “an estimate of the proportion of the global burden of disease that could be prevented by changes to the environment,” among high-income countries (Koehler, et al., 2018). Risk factors for many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in the US, are directly impacted by environmental factors. For example, exposure to air pollution and “built environmental factors” such as car-centered development that discourages physical activity like walking and biking are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. 

Koehler et al. propose a public health approach to addressing environmental health problems, including incorporating health into the built environment. Urban planning development “ranging from increasing opportunities for walking and cycling, to provide access to healthy food, to building recreational facilities”, is one way of incorporating health into the built environment (Koehler et al., 2018). Other methods include providing access to green and blue spaces such as parks and waterfront areas, reducing air pollution emissions by promoting public transportation, walking, and bicycling by making these options safe and convenient, promoting renewable energy, and improving housing options and conditions (Koehler et al., 2018). 

While these are great ways to improve environmental health, and thus improve public health as a result, these are also issues that must be dealt with on a societal and large-scale level. But there are things you can do as an individual that positively impact the environment. Here are some practical things you can do that can make a difference:

Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle

Following the “Four R’s” can have a big impact. A recent Standford Report article explains that “people should try to focus more on reducing and reusing, rather than recycling” (Kubota, 2024). While many people tend to focus on recycling, reducing the amount of products you buy that will eventually end up in the recycling bin will have a larger impact. A practical way to do this is by being mindful of the amount of packaging included in the things that you buy. If there is an option that comes with less packaging, buy that product instead if you can. 

For some things, you can’t avoid buying the packaging. Take jelly for example. You can’t buy jelly without a jar. But you can choose to reuse the jar when you are finished with the jelly. Not only will reusing the jar keep the jar out of the recycle bin, or even worse, out of the landfill, but reusing it will help you save money on storage containers. 

In today’s society, it’s easy and convenient to replace items when they get worn out or break. But these items end up in the recycle bin, or the landfill when we replace them with a new version. Rather than just replacing items, try to repair or repurpose them! Not only will this help the environment, but it will also save you some money.

And of course, recycle the things you can! 

Eat More Plants

Meat production has a much higher carbon footprint than plant food production. Simple things like replacing one red meat-based meal per week with a plant-based protein option, eating smaller portions of meat, and eating more beans and nuts can reduce your diet’s carbon footprint all while improving your cardiovascular health (Kubota, 2024). 

Reduce Food Waste

While we’re on the subject of food, reducing the amount of food that ends up in the trash is another way to make a big difference. Roughly 40% of edible food in the US is wasted, accounting for 37% of US greenhouse emissions (Kubota, 2024). When you eat out at restaurants, try bringing your own reusable containers for your leftovers - and don’t forget to eat those leftovers once you have them in your fridge (Kubota, 2024)! Do you get tired of eating leftovers? Try finding recipes to turn leftovers into something completely different for a future meal. 

Composting your food scraps is also a great option! But what if you don’t have the space to compost? Apartment living can make it difficult to compost. GW Compost makes it easy to compost! Just drop off your compost at Kogan Plaza during designated drop-off hours. 

Interested in learning more about how you can help diminish your environmental impact? Check out Sustainable GW to learn more about campus initiatives and how you can participate!

References:

Earthday.org. (2024). Earth Day 2024. https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2024/

Koehler, K., Latshaw, M., Matte, T., Kass, D., Frumkin, H., Fox, M., Hobbs, B. F., Wills-Karp, M., & Burke, T. A. (2018). Building healthy community environments: A public health approach. Public health reports, 133(1_suppl), 35S–43S. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033354918798809

Kubota, T. (January 22, 2024). Eight simple but meaningful things you can do for the environment. Stanford Report. https://news.stanford.edu/report/2024/01/22/eight-simple-meaningful-eco-friendly-actions-can-incorporate-life/

World Health Organization (WHO). (October 12, 2023). Climate Change. WHO Fact Sheets, Climate Change. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health

World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Public health and environment. The Global Health Observatory. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/public-health-and-environment

Published on
Picture of a sign that says "You Matter. Text. Call. Chat. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline."

Mental health is a vital contributor to our overall physical health and well-being. However, the stigma surrounding mental health can prevent us from seeking out resources and reaching out for help during times of mental health struggles. If you or someone you know needs support, help and resources are available. Please know that you matter. You are not alone.

Suicide Prevention Resources:

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7 access to free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices information for health and mental health professionals.
  • Student Health Center (SHC): If you are thinking about suicide, call 202-994-5300 (option 2). Counselors are available 24 hours a day. If you believe someone you know is in danger of suicide, call GW Emergency Services at 202-994-6111, 911, or seek help at the nearest Emergency Room.
  • National Suicide Prevention Resources:
  • District of Columbia Suicide Helpline:

Resources for Students: 

  • GW Listens: This student-run anonymous hotline (202-902-8255) is a place where students can talk to peers about struggles. Hotline hours are from Sunday through Thursday, from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am.
  • Student Health Center (SHC): If you are thinking about suicide, call 202-994-5300 (option 2). Counselors are available 24 hours a day. If you believe someone you know is in danger of suicide, call GW Emergency Services at 202-994-6111, 911, or seek help at the nearest Emergency Room.
  • TimelyCare: All GW students have free, 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare, a virtual health and well-being platform designed for college students.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Part of the Colonial Health Center, CAPS is GW’s center for mental health treatment. Telehealth and in-person counseling appointments are available.

Resources for Medical Residents and Fellows:

Resources for GW Employees:

Himmelfarb Library Mental Health Resources:

Himmelfarb’s Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb Collection includes several mental health-focused titles including:

Take Care of Yourself and Those Around You

While it’s vital to take care of your mental health, it’s equally important to look out for one another. Check in with your friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Listen without judgment and offer support as you are able. Mental health involves taking care of yourself and those around you.

If someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, reach out for help. Take advantage of the resources listed in this post. Don’t forget that the GW Resilience and Well-Being Center and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 for help) are always available.

Published on
Picture of a person meditating in lotus pose on a yoga mat with a Virtual Reality headset nearby.
Photo by Eren Li

April is Stress Awareness Month. Himmelfarb Library’s Oculus Virtual Reality (VR) headsets now include healthy living apps that can help you manage your stress! These new apps help users meditate, alleviate anxiety, and generally relax. Take a few minutes to unwind and get recentered in virtual reality so you’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated in actual reality!

Our Oculus headsets can be checked out from the circulation desk on Himmelfarb’s first floor for four hours at a time. You’ll need some unobstructed space to use the headset since the apps allow you to move around within a virtual space. Our VR Headset Overview page includes recommended spaces within Himmelfarb to use the headsets that can accommodate the space needed to use these apps comfortably. 

Guided Meditation VR

The Guided Meditation VR app helps users detach and relax with guided or unguided meditation sessions with calming music and ambient noises from more than 40 digitally-generated environments. This app has over 30 hours of meditations geared toward alleviating anxiety, finding resilience, improving sleep, and even maternity meditations. If you’re unsure about VR but want to experience some of the sessions, you can try them out for free online! This app is available on both of Himmelfarb’s Oculus headsets. 

Nature Treks VR

The Nature Treks VR app lets users choose between nine different natural environments and lets them explore and play. You can choose to explore forests, beaches, or even outer space! You even get to choose your preferred weather and time of day and can summon animals. These individually designed spaces can be used as places to meditate or perform breathing exercises. This app is available on Himmelfarb’s “Walter” headset so that you can ask for it by name at the Circulation Desk. 

National Geographic Explore VR

The National Geographic Explore VR app lets users choose between two different ecosystems to explore: Machu Picchu and Antarctica! In Antarctica, you’ll get to navigate around icebergs in a kayak, climb a massive ice shelf, and survive a raging snowstorm while searching for a lost emperor penguin colony. Or you can visit Machu Picchu, Peru, and explore digital reconstructions of the ancient Inca citadel, raise a cup of sacred chicha, and encounter alpacas while you match Hiram Bingham’s photographs from when he rediscovered the Inca citadel. Not only can you experience the landscape, but you’ll get to take photographs as well. This app is a bit more physically strenuous and can need some additional room to navigate. This app is available on Himmelfarb’s “Paul” headset.

While the noises generated by all three of these apps are gentle and soothing, they are audible outside of the Oculus headset, so it’s best to use these apps in a quiet space away from others who may be studying or trying to concentrate. Himmelfarb study rooms are a great option for using this app and can be reserved in advance!

Other Stress Relief Resources at Himmelfarb

If Virtual Reality isn’t of interest to you, Himmelfarb’s healthy living collection has other stress relief resources that may suit your style. Take a look at our Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb Guide for a full list of resources. Check out the Wellness Apps page of this guide to find useful meditation and stress relief apps. Our healthy living collection also includes books on stress reduction including Stress, Cognition, and Health by Tony Cassidy, The Psychology of Meditation by Peter Sedlmeier, and Managing Stress by Brian Luke Seaward. As always, feel free to stop by the healthy living collection on Himmelfarb’s first floor to make use of our exercise equipment if you’d prefer to manage your stress with some physical activity and use our exercise balls, hand weights, hula hoops, or yoga mats. We also have plenty of games including chess, Sorry, Scrabble, Blokus, and Pandemic. As always, a jigsaw puzzle is in progress on our puzzle table, and we are waiting for your contributions! 

Picture of a jigsaw puzzle on a wooden table.

Want more resources to help you manage your stress? Check out the GW Resiliency and Well-Being Center’s Stress Management page for resources related to mindfulness practice, well-being, physical activity, healthy lifestyle tips, and student resources related to stress management. 

Published on
Decorative image of yogurt and strawberries as an example of wholesome snacks.

With the arrival of Spring and the flurry of holidays during this season, making healthy eating choices can be a challenge. However, with foresight and planning, we can elevate our eating experiences to promote healthy and nutritious food choices. While I was researching this topic I came across the Eating Well website and discovered some tasty-looking options.

Indulge in the irresistible goodness of this simple, high-protein snack that reminds you of a Reese’s peanut butter cup. Peanut Butter Yogurt Cup with the Magic Shell Topping is easy and versatile, you can use any nut or seed butter to make this four-ingredient recipe.

Enjoy these wholesome bars Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars as a snack on the go or with morning coffee. Created from a blend of shredded carrots, oats, and brown sugar carrot cake oatmeal bars make for a quick and easy recipe. These healthy Banana-Peanut Granola Bars will put you in the mind of a peanut butter sandwich with a crunch. These bars pack a punch with a blend of ground ginger, brown rice cereal, macadamia nuts, and more. Both of these recipes would be good for a quick breakfast on your way out the door.

Who doesn’t love a good avocado toast? Salsa-topped avocado sounds delicious. Using fresh salsa really wakes up the taste buds. Making homemade salsa allows you to add your favorite ingredients and customize the salsa to your taste. However, to save time using store-bought salsa can be a convenient option.

These are just a few ideas for healthy snacks. Now get out there and enjoy this Spring weather!

Published on

Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb

April 2024 Study Break Guide with images of potted flowers and a wooden bench

Artomatic
Date: Monday, April 1-April 28, 2024
Wed-Thurs 5:00 PM-9:30 PM / Fri-Sat 12:00 PM-12:00 AM / Sun 12:00 PM-9:00 PM. Mon-Tues Closed.
Location: 2100 M Street, NW.
Cost: FREE!

Artomatic returns close to campus for its signature art event drawing hundreds of artists and performers from throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area for a seven-week free exhibition to celebrate the arts! Stop by to see and admire works by local artists.

Student Discount Tickets: Washington Nationals
Dates: Available for nearly all regular season home games; Offer not valid for the Futures Game, Opening Day, or Postseason
Location: Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street, SW.
Cost: Save 30% off face value; Tickets start at just $8

Baseball is here! Have fun at the ballpark and cheer on the Nats! The Nationals have a special ticket offer to help college students save on tickets all season long!

OUR SONGS: A Musical Revue
Date: Thur-Sat, April 4, 5, 6, 2024 at 7:30 PM / Sun, April 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Location: Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre. 800 21st Street NW.
Cost: $10 Students/Seniors, $20 General Admission

Curated by GW students, Music and Theatre & Dance programs join forces to showcase all that musical theatre can offer. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer J. Hopkins with music direction by Sammy Grob, go see a performance that draws from the wellspring of musical stage including Carrie, Cabaret, Follies, La Cage Aux Folles, 9 to 5, A Strange Loop, and more!

Jacqueline Woodson’s Block Party!
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024. 1:00 PM-5:30 PM. (Rain date: Apr. 14, 2024)
Location: REACH Plaza, Kennedy Center
Cost: FREE! Reservations encouraged.

Enjoy music, food, and fun at the Kennedy Center Block Party hosted by Education
Artist-in-Residence and award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson! Free performances, fun-filled games, and various activities will be on the REACH grounds all afternoon, featuring DC area artists and entertainers. Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase from local food trucks. This is a perfect way to spend a beautiful spring afternoon.

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, April 13-14, 2024
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. (Between 3rd and 7th Streets)
Cost: $15.00 - One Day Ticket Advanced. $20.00 - Same Day

The Sakura Matsuri, a Japanese street festival is the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States. The festival features over 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances on four stages (including J-Pop, traditional Japanese music, and martial arts) and a diverse range of cultural exhibitors, artisan and commercial vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese goods. Japanese and other food and beverages will be available. The festival also spotlights travel and tourism opportunities and innovative Japanese technologies.

Georgetown French Market
Date: Fri-Sun, April 26-28, 2024. Fri-Sat. 10:00 AM-5:00 PM / Sun. 12:00-5:00 PM.
Location: Wisconsin Avenue from O St to Reservoir Rd.
Cost: FREE!

The annual Georgetown French Market is a popular open-air market originally inspired by the outdoor markets in France that has become a tradition in DC, and one of the biggest shopping events of the year for local small businesses. More than 35 local boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries display their discounted wares for up to 75% off. Neighborhood restaurants also offer food and drink specials, sale on French wines, pastries, croissants, and macarons from French bakery Patisserie Poupon. On Saturday and Sunday, the French Market will feature live music, a balloon artist, roaming stilt-walkers, a unicyclist, pop-up flowers, book sales, and more.

Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) Garden Fair & Plant Sale
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024. 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Rain Date April 28, 2024.
Location: U.S. National Arboretum. New York Ave Parking Lot. 3501 New York Ave NE. Free shuttle service is available between event parking lots. Parking is free.
Cost: FREE!

Celebrate spring and Arbor Day at the National Arboretum. They will have a fantastic array of plants, expert gardening advice, dozens of local vendors, and outdoor activities! Over 30 local gardening, home goods, food, and beverage vendors will bring products specially picked for this event. While there, don’t miss the wonderful Azalea Collections that are often in full bloom this time of year.

Image source: Pexels

Published on
Close of picture of a purple flower.
“Summer Beauty” by Dana Bolsteins (2022 Art Show submission, photography)

Calling all artists! Do you have a painting, print, or photograph that you'd like to share? How about some needlework, pottery, or hand-made jewelry?  

Himmelfarb Library is excited to announce its 2024 Annual Art Show, which will run from  Monday, April 15th through Friday, May 10th. This event, now in its 36th year, is open to all students, faculty, and staff of the SMHS, GWSPH, and GW Nursing. Join us for an opening reception in the library on Monday, April 15th, from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm.

Key Dates:

  • Submission Deadline: April 11, 2024 (Thursday)
  • Opening Reception: April 15, 2024 (Monday), 4:00pm - 5:30pm
  • Art Show Dates: April 15, 2024 (Monday) - May 10, 2024 (Friday)

We are accepting submissions through Thursday, April 11th. Please drop off your artwork at the first floor Circulation Desk. Digital copies of your work can be included in our Virtual Art Show, by sending the file(s) to himmelfarb@gwu.edu. You can submit exclusively to the Virtual Art Show if you prefer.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact us by email at himmelfarb@gwu.edu or by phone at (202) 994-2850.

If you need some inspiration, enjoy these submissions from previous years. Check out more prior submissions in the Himmelfarb Library Annual Art Show collections in the Health Sciences Research Commons! 

Painting of a Faerie Queen with two women playing woodwind instruments looking at her.
“The Faerie Queen of New Prague” by Basil Considine (2023 submission)
Picture of a 3D printed knee joint with red wax resembling blood dripping from the joint.
Picture of multiple submissions.
Picture of multiple fabric art submissions.
Picture of multiple submissions.
Photographs by Frederick Jacobsen, MD, MPH (2023 submissions)
Picture of a crochet submission of staph infection with smiley faces.
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