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!
It’s that time of the year again, autumn is in full swing and trick-or-treating is just around the corner. Take a minute to ask yourself: what is on your plate? Whether you will be attending festivities or not, now is a great time to try something new.
If you are looking for something that captures the natural flavors of autumn, try making rosemary - pumpkin seed brittle. If your brittle is too sweet, don’t forget that you can always compliment it with some sea salt sprinkled on top. If you would like to add some more protein to your snack, the almonds in these pumpkin spice granola cups combined with oats make these yogurt cups a game-changer for fiber! You can also customize them to your liking with colorful fruit or candy.
If you are looking for something more savory, why not challenge yourself to make a more classic carrot soup? Carrots are not only vitamin-packed, but the recipe is perfect for those who adhere to a vegetarian diet. For best results, use a blender! This time of year, we all know it may be difficult to keep calories low. If calories matter to you, these cheese & spinach stuffed portobellos are only 196 calories per serving.
For a complimentary dessert, these candy corn gelatin cups are definitely an eye-catcher! Or if you are brave enough to fry, why not try these fried apple pie rolls? While fried foods may not be as healthy, there is a silver lining in the fact that coconut oil contains Vitamin E. Like most semester finals, holidays often include an underlying sensation of stress, especially when faced with busy schedules. This crockpot spiced cider will not only make your place of living a center of aromatherapy, but it might also serve to remind you that all things take time.
This season, don’t forget to take some time for yourself to enjoy what Autumn’s pantry has to offer. From the Himmelfarb Library, we wish you a safe and Happy Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, and a most cozy Autumn to all!
The Nobel Prizes are awarded annually on December 10 which marks the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. According to Nobel’s will, the prize and award funds “is to be distributed annually as prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” (Nobel Prize Outreach AB, 2023) Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been awarded over six hundred times and one thousand laureates have been recognized across the five award categories.
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman. Their research in mRNA and its potential therapeutic applications “contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times.” (The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute, 2023) Karikó and Weissman’s research not only significantly contributed to the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, but their work may be used as the foundation to create future immunizations against certain forms of cancer or other debilitating illnesses.
Prior to the work of Karikó and Weissman “In vitro transcribed mRNA was considered unstable and challenging to deliver…Moreover, in vitro-produced mRNA gave rise to inflammatory reactions.” (The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute, 2023) Despite these obstacles, the two researchers collaborated and through their efforts “Karikó and Weissman had eliminated critical obstacles on the way to clinical applications of mRNA.” (The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute, 2023)
In their first reactions interviews, Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman shared what winning the award meant to them and how their long careers led them to this moment:
The formal award ceremony will take place on December 10, 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden and will be broadcast live on television and on The Nobel Prize YouTube channel. To learn more about previous Nobel Prize winners or about the history of these awards, visit the Nobel Prize website.
The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute. (2023, October 2). The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institutet has today decided to award the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman [Press release]. https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2023/10/press-medicineprize2023-3.pdf
Fall is here! Head outdoors to admire the beautiful fall foliage around you and capture those amazing photos. Enter your best photo with a chance to win a PRIZE. All digital photos submitted will be showcased in the 2023 Himmelfarb Fall Colors Photo Gallery.
How to Enter and Contest Rules:
Photo submission dates: Monday, October 16, 2023 – Friday, November 3, 2023.
By submitting an entry, each contestant agrees to the rules of the contest.
Who Can Enter:
Staff or students affiliated with GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, and School of Nursing.
Judging:
Photo entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and overall artistic impact. One winner will be chosen by select participants and members of the Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb Committee.
*Himmelfarb Library reserves the right to cancel the contest or modify rules at its discretion. Himmelfarb Library reserves the right to reject any entrant whose entry appears off-topic or violates the rules.
The back-to-school season is upon us, and that means busy mornings, packed schedules, and the need for quick and nutritious meals. Having convenient and healthy eats on hand is essential. In this post, we're sharing some fantastic ideas for meals and snacks that are perfect for busy days and on-the-go moments.
If you are a smoothie lover, this 5-ingredient Banana- Peach smoothie is not only rich in nutrients but also packed with protein and potassium! Another simple and easy to fit into a jar recipe would be this Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal. Oatmeal is not only great for weight loss but also helps to decrease the risk of heart disease and high blood sugar levels. Another Mason jar and travel-friendly recipe are these sweet Rise and Shine Parfaits! Substitute the yogurt for Greek yogurt to obtain all the benefits that support bone, muscle, and gut health.
Into Salads? Why not make your own? This DIY salad in a Jar recipe offers a perfect starting point for those who are unsure of where to start. It is easy to change to your liking. If you have some time to prep the night before, you can always make a delicious Chicken and Veggie Couscous meal that is both easy to pack and allows you to use your favorite vegetables.
Another perfectly packable and healthy lunch idea would be these Tomato, Avocado, and shallot sandwiches! Shallots are also great for those with high cholesterol.
When in doubt, go wholesome! Keeping a selection of nuts like walnuts, peanuts, and almonds is always beneficial as they have heart-healthy monosaturated fats and fiber. You can always mix them with your favorite dried fruit for something more filling. Add some dark chocolate for some extra magnesium and iron, which helps keep energy levels high.
With these quick and healthy eats, you'll be well-prepared for busy back-to-school days and on-the-go adventures. Remember, making nutritious choices doesn't have to be complicated – a little planning can go a long way in ensuring you have delicious and wholesome options at your fingertips.
Libraries have existed for many years, though ancient and medieval libraries operated differently than libraries today. Unfortunately, for many centuries, libraries were not accessible to everyone in society and only members of the elite classes (such as monarchs, religious leaders, or wealthy individuals) had the ability to use ancient libraries. The history of medical libraries is closely intertwined with the broader history of libraries. While many ancient civilizations created and archived medical texts, medical libraries as we know them today have only existed for a few centuries. To better understand the foundations of modern medical libraries, it is important to begin with the earliest foundations of all libraries.
Libraries in the Ancient World:
Professor Michael H. Harris wrote in History of Libraries in the Western World “Conceivably, it should be possible to decide just when and where the first library originated, but all we know is that at certain times and in certain locations early libraries existed.” (Harris, 1999, pg. 7) Many of the manuscripts that once existed in ancient libraries are no longer available. Historians know of these lost texts by references made in other works.
Despite the inconsistent access to primary sources, historians have been able to determine some characteristics of older libraries. For example, archeological and historical discoveries reveal that there were three common writing surfaces used in the ancient world: papyrus, parchment and the clay tablet. (Harris, 1999) . These texts were typically stored in jars or on open shelves. There was also a classification system so items could be easily retrieved, though these classification systems varied from location to location.
One of the earlier libraries was located in the Assyrian civilization. The library of King Assurbanipal consisted of over 30,000 tablets which covered a range of subjects, including medicine and medical procedures. “Several hundred of the tablets cover medical matters and give details of medical practices; others are on the borderline between medicine and magic arts.” (Birchette, 1973, pg. 302) Staff members helped run the library and the library was open to scholars within the kingdom. (Harris, 1999) There was also an organization system used in the library: “The clay tablets inside the rooms of Assurbanipal’s library were kept in earthen jars, and the jars in turn were kept in orderly rows on shelves. Each tablet bore an identification tag, indicating the jar, shelf and room of its location. On the walls of each room, beside the door, was a list of the works to be found in that room.” (Harris, 1999, pg. 19)
The library of Assurbanipal provides a glimpse of what libraries were like millennia ago. Similar institutions could be found in other civilizations in Egypt, Greece and Rome.
Medieval Libraries:
After the collapse of the western Roman Empire in 476 there was a decline in learning and a general societal stagnation in many parts of Europe. During this time, Middle Eastern civilizations flourished culturally and served as the center of learning. Scholars note that there are several reasons why medieval Muslim civilizations became a central hub for learning. Some of these reasons include the inexpensive cost of manuscript books, relatively high literacy rates among the upper and middle classes and the centrality of books to the Islamic faith. (Walbridge, 2016) Medical centers existed in cities like Salerno and Cordova and research shows that libraries at this time contained massive collections. “At their finest, Islamic libraries were large, well-organized institutions with specially built facilities for book storage and reading, professional staff, regular budgets and endowments, catalogs, and even lodging and stipends for visiting scholars.” (Walbridge, 2016, pg. 2)
While there was a lack of cultural growth in Europe during the early periods of the Middle Ages, the rise of Christian monasticism began in the 500s and the newly built monasteries continued the work of ancient libraries. The libraries in monasteries were much smaller in size and scope than libraries in the Islamic or ancient worlds. Not only were monasteries places where people could study and reflect on religious texts in seclusion, but they also served as places to care for the sick. “The monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy, founded in 529 by St. Benedict, was one of the first monasteries to assume the responsibility for nursing the sick.” (Birchette, 1973, pg. 304) Additionally, Cassiodorus, an influential figure in the monastic tradition, “felt it was very important that a Christian should study the medical practices of the past in order to prepare himself for the care of the sick. As a result of his feelings toward medical knowledge, Cassiodorus began to collect for the use of the monks all available medical and philosophical manuscripts both in his monastery and at Monte Cassino.” (Birchette, 1973, pg. 305)
During the medieval period, religions heavily influenced libraries and the curation of their collections. While medical texts were present in both Islamic libraries and Christian monasteries, these texts existed within larger general collections. With the rise of universities and a renewed interest in education and learning, there was a gradual shift in the organization of libraries and soon medical texts would exist in their own collections.
The University Library:
Universities began to emerge in the Western World around the 12th century and with the rise of these institutions, libraries once again began to change to fit the needs of these new crop of scholars. Many early universities did not have the funds to establish a central library. As such instructors frequently opened up their private collections to their students. Alternatively, students would keep books in a communal area and money would be collected for the purchase of new books.
Two documented instances of medical libraries were the libraries located at the University of Florence and the University of Paris. (Birchette, 1973) As with all other university libraries, the development of medical libraries was slow for many years. “Not until printed books became common did the library book stocks reach into the thousands.” (Harris, 1999, pg. 79) Private book collections were a common practice for those who could afford to frequently purchase books and these private collections sometimes became the foundations for many early university libraries.
When European countries began to colonize the Americas, colonial figures brought over their private collections. John Winthrop who lived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony is credited with one of the earliest medical collections in the United States. In 1812, his collection went to the New York Hospital, before eventually moving to the New York Academy of Medicine. The Pennsylvania Hospital Library is the oldest medical library in the United States and by 1856, its collection contained over 10,000 volumes. (Birchette, 1973) In the 1800s, more medical libraries were established in the United States and near the end of the century, there were an estimated 120 medical libraries in the country. (Birchette, 1973)
Modern Libraries:
After 1850, the growth of libraries in the United States increased significantly. “Using economic terms, the “take off” in the development of American libraries can be said to have occurred between 1850 and 1900, and by the latter date most of the library forms known to modern librarians were firmly established and their patterns of development clearly visible.” (Harris, 1999, pg. 165) From 1850 onward, there was an intentional and systematic development of libraries in the United States and other parts of the Western world. These libraries soon became the institutions we are familiar with today.
In 1898, the Association of Medical Librarians (now known as the Medical Library Association) was founded by four librarians and four physicians. The purpose of this association “was the fostering of medical libraries and the maintenance of an exchange of medical literature among its members.” (Medical Library Association, 2023) Several years earlier, in 1836 the Library of the Office of the Surgeon General of the Army was established and in 1956, Congress voted to rename this the National Library of Medicine.
In the 1900s, special department or college libraries were established as many university libraries became too large to effectively maintain. Libraries in hospitals also grew during this time. Hospital libraries served both health sciences professionals and their patients, providing technical, medical texts and consumer health resources. Special libraries such as medical school and hospital libraries are typically smaller than public or general university libraries. But the subject specificity of these libraries are greatly valued by fields like the health sciences. Harris noted that special libraries “can often experiment with new ideas, new methods, new technologies, and new services more easily than the older, larger, and more standardized libraries.” (Harris, 1999, pg. 189) Examples of this include the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database or the consumer health website, MedlinePlus.
The development of libraries has a long history and at different points, certain groups worked to preserve literature, culture and share that information with the select elite. While this history spans multiple countries and points in time, it is important to note the limitations of this Western perspective. The history of libraries focuses primarily on Western Europe and the Americas after colonization. Thus this history is only a sliver of the larger story of libraries in the world.
National Healthy Vision Month is an annual reminder of the importance of prioritizing our eye health and well-being. Throughout July, individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness about the significance of a healthy lifestyle, preventive care, and the pursuit of wellness for all. Let's explore the essence of Healthy Vision Month and discover how to help protect your vision.
Healthy Vision Month serves as a platform to educate, motivate, and inspire people to make informed choices regarding their vision health. It emphasizes the significance of preventive measures, regular check-ups, and self-care practices that contribute to long-term well-being. By spreading awareness, we empower individuals to take control of their health and work towards healthier futures.
If you are uncertain of how to begin, make sure you are taking some simple steps to keep your eyes healthy. This includes encouraging physical activity, proper nutrition, stress management, and adequate sleep. Small changes in daily habits can have a significant impact on overall health. By incorporating healthy practices into our routines, we enhance our quality of life and reduce the risk of preventable diseases.
For further information, you can check out some of Himmelfarb’s resources:
Are you looking for some summer reading? Himmelfarb Library’sHumanities and Health Collection might have the right book for you! Literary accounts of illness can provide valuable insight to healthcare providers about the lives of sick people. Popular health sciences-related non-fiction titles can help those working in the health sciences understand how far the implications of their work can reach.
Himmelfarb’s Humanities and Health Collection is composed of fiction and popular non-fiction selections that offer a variety of perspectives on being a health provider and a patient. This collection is located in the “nook” to the right as you enter the library, past the service desks, near the first-floor restrooms. If you need a break from textbooks and journal articles, consider trying our Humanities and Health Collection!
Here are some recently published books that are part of this great collection:
All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto: This series of personal essays explore the childhood, adolescence, and college years of prominent journalist and LGBTIA+ activist George M. Johnson. Call number: HQ76.27.A37 2020
Compassion Amidst the Chaos: Tales Told by an ER Doc: This book follows Dr. Davis’ personal journey and lessons learned while caring for people in their most vulnerable moments during his 35-year career as an Emergency Department physician. Call number: R690.D385 2020
Homeland Elegies: A Novel: Part family drama, part social essay, part picaresque novel, this novel is the story of identity and belonging in a nation coming apart at the seams in a post-9/11 world. Call number: PS3601.K53 H66 2020
The Covenant of Water: A Novel: Set in Kerala, South India, this epic story of love, faith, and medicine follows three generations of a family seeking answers to a strange secret. Call number: PS3622.E744 C68 2023
The Facemaker: A Visionary Surgeon’s Battle to Mend the Disfigured Soldiers of World War I: Harold Filles dedicated himself to reconstructing the burned and broken faces of the injured soldiers of World War I. This book is a vivid account of how medicine can be an art, and of what courage and imagination can accomplish in the presence of relentless horror. Call number: RD27.35.G555 A3 2022
Under the Skin: Racism, Inequality, and the Health of a Nation: This incredible book lays bare the forces in the American healthcare system and American society that cause Black people to “live sicker and die quicker” compared to their white counterparts. Anchored by unforgettable human stories, this book is dramatic, tragic, and necessary reading. RA448.5.B53 V55 2022
With the end of June and the 4th of July holiday just around the corner, it is a good time to ask yourself: have I been eating well this summer? Summer is the perfect time to zest things up with a bit of flavor while keeping your meal healthy!
If you have a busy lifestyle and find yourself on the run, the health benefits of raw fruit and vegetables may be something to consider. Did you know that watermelon has potassium and protein, and it helps to keep you hydrated? If you are looking for more ways to be innovative with watermelon, try making a Cucumber and watermelon feta salad. Or you can try a perfect pack-and-go snack, a fresh fruit salad is not only low in calories and carbs but is also a fantastic heart-healthy vegan option! If you are looking for a vegetable alternative, these Braised Green Beans and Summer Vegetables are low in sodium and gluten-free. A more savory and wholesome option would be this no grill required Salt-and-Pepper Cauliflower.
If you want a reason to use the grill, try this Grilled Buttermilk Chicken. The buttermilk, garlic, and thyme-based marinade offers a unique and appealing blend of heart-healthy herbs! If you are looking for a classic sweet and savory recipe, look no further than this Healthyish Barbecue Chicken recipe. Want some vegetarian options? No problem! A Lentil Burger or these Creamy Avocado and White Bean Wraps not only offer a unique flavor but are also low in calories and high in fiber.
Craving something sweet? How about a three-ingredient diabetes-friendly Cherry Sorbet? Chocolate and banana lovers can’t miss the S’mores Banana Bread!
Whatever the occasion may be, don’t forget that eating healthy does not necessarily mean eating ‘boring’ or bland foods. Every day offers a new chance to try something new, and the potential for flavor opportunities is endless!
