Summary of CHP Participation in the 2009 King Day of Service Wellness Fair

Faculty and students from 6 departments from the College of Health Professions joined many other volunteers to show support for holistic wellness and commitment to Dr. King’s legacy of active citizenship. More than three thousand individuals attended this event held in the Liacouras Center on January 19, 2009. The following lists the departmental contributions.

Dr. Brian Goldstein, Ms. Beth Levine, Dr. Barbara Mastriano and students from the Department of Communication Science and Disorders shared pamphlets about the best ways to assess for hearing loss, speech and language development and disorders. They answered many individual questions from concerned parents and teachers. Vouchers for a 50% reduction in future speech-language evaluations at the TU Speech-Language-Hearing Health Center were also provided.

Dr. Laurinda Harman and Cathy Flite from the Department of Health Information Management taught attendees how to keep track of their own medical information. Website information and sample records for “My Personal Health Record” were distributed.

Dr. Vanessa Yingling and several students from her research laboratory in the Department of Kinesiology shared posters and pamphlets (provided by the NIH) on as well as discussed
the importance of orthopedic bone health. Information on the effects of exercise and nutrition on bone health was also presented.

Dr. Michael Brown and students from the Department of Kinesiology provided blood pressure measurements, counseling regarding non-pharmacological treatments for hypertension, and distributed pamphlets addressing the role of hypertension with stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Dani Moffit and the Owls Athletic Training students from the Department of Kinesiology provided tips and information sheets about the importance of hydration. They also distributed sample drinks to help attendees remember the best choices.

Faculty and students from the Department of Nursing provided several services. Dr. Dillon responded to individual general health questions and distributed informational pamphlets. Drs .Karen Schaeffer, , Kathy Black, Susan Dickey, Rhonda Maneval, Delores Zygmont, Anne-Marie Kiehne, and Ms. Monica Jelic, Ms. Patricia DiGiacomo, and Ms. Sara Eldridge screened interested attendees for diabetes, hypertension and other disorders. Nurse Practitioners, Drs. Fran Ward, Kathleen Mahoney, discussed appropriate follow-up interventions and made referrals. Those attendees who were screened for tuberculosis via the intra-dermal skin test returned to the nurse-run health center, THC-PHMC, under the leadership of Dr. Nancy Rothman, in 48 hours for results and referrals.

The Department of Occupational Therapy was represented by Drs. Moya Kinnealy , Gerg & Weiss. They provided home safety guidelines and demonstrated the correct way to carry a backpack without strain or injury. Attendees with backpacks were able to consult with OT specialist regarding personal effects of the over-weighted packs. Many attendees also took advantage of the opportunity to be evaluated on the ergonomically correct way to sit at a desk to prevent injury or strain.

Drs. Shank, Coyle, Nelson & Wilhite and seven students from the Department of Therapeutic Recreation promoted active recreation “for the health of it”. Students invited Wellness Fair visitors to complete a brief lifestyle assessment regarding their current level of physically active leisure activities along with tips for becoming more active. They provided a listing of recreation resources in Philadelphia, including agencies that provide recreation services for people with disabilities. Visitors of all ages also tried out “Dance-Dance Revolution” an interactive video dance game that encourages active recreation.

Finally, from the dean’s office Dr. Jane Kurz with 3 CHP students provided the latest information regarding organ donation and distributed “Donate Life” bracelets and many pamphlets. Ms. Yvonne Smith, Director of Admissions and Enrollment, distributed informational brochures describing the CHP departments and admission guidelines.