Sarah Mae Dizon

“Mason: Health Starts Here” 5-year Cohort Study Underway with 500+ Total Participants So Far

Anonymous — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 15:39:25 +0000

“Mason: Health Starts Here” 5-year Cohort Study Underway with 500+ Total Participants So Far Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 06/02/2021 - 11:39

In This Story

Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD

Alison Evans Cuellar, PhD, MBA

The longitudinal study is an important effort seeking to improve the health of young adults.

Launched in Fall 2019, the Mason: Health Starts Here study is well underway and continues to collect data on the habits and health of student participants at George Mason University. Principal investigators, Drs. Larry Cheskin and Alison Cuellar recently published the protocol of the study in BMC Public Health. They noted that the university’s highly diverse student population makes it an ideal setting for the 5-year cohort study. So far, Mason: Health Starts Here has collected data from two cohorts—freshman from Fall 2019 and Fall 2020. The study will help researchers understand how habits developed in young adulthood affect health outcomes over time. Students are historically an under-studied population.

“Almost all other studies look at older folks, or at already-sick people to understand risks for health and disease,” says Cheskin, professor and chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. “We are looking at young adults proactively, before health starts to decline.”

So far, Mason: Health Starts Here has collected data from two cohorts—freshman from Fall 2019 and Fall 2020.

The study will look at at dietary patterns among the students and will compare them to national averages for young adults. The study will also look at racial and ethnic parameters as Mason is a minority-majority campus.

Mason: Health Starts Here will continue to collect data on participants and recruit freshman students between the ages of 18-24 years old. Researchers maintain check-ins with participants every semester for the next 4 years through online surveys and in-person clinic visits.

“The data we’ve gathered will allow researchers, but also the participants themselves, to learn more about the connections between health, mental health, and academic success,” says Cuellar, professor of Health Administration and Policy. “Our long-term goal for this study is to support the development of effective, low-cost interventions that will encourage young adults to be healthy and succeed in college.”

The study team includes Rana Ziaul, postdoctoral fellow and Alyssa Wilson, research assistant.

Students who wish to participate can visit the Health Starts Here website for more information.

Topics

Food and Nutrition

Students

College of Health and Human Services Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

College of Health and Human Services Department of Health Administration and Policy

Young Adults

College of Health and Human Services

CHHS News

Center for Health Equity

Dr. Amira Roess Awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Mason Community and Beyond

mthomp7 — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 11:50:46 +0000

Dr. Amira Roess Awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Mason Community and Beyond mthomp7 Thu, 04/08/2021 - 07:50

In This Story

Amira Roess, PhD, MPH

Professor of Global and Community Health Amira Roess has been recognized for her excellence in community involvement, teaching, and research during the COVID-19 pandemic and Mason’s safe return to campus.

Amira Roess, an epidemiologist and professor of Global and Community Health, has received Mason’s Outstanding Achievement Award. Every year, George Mason University recognizes employees for significant achievement in their contributions to Mason. The Outstanding Achievement Award is given to individuals whose outstanding work exemplifies Mason’s values.

Roess has played a vital role in Mason’s response to COVID-19 and the safe return to campus.

With expertise in infectious disease epidemiology and pandemic response, Roess has played a vital role in Mason’s response to COVID-19 and the safe return to campus. When the coronavirus led to the shutdown of businesses and campuses across the country, Roess led a team to create and launch the nation’s first online COVID-19 symptom and exposure tracker. This tool, the Mason COVID Health Check™, has been vital to the university’s randomized testing and surveillance protocol. Last June, Dr. Roess was requested by the Virginia Council of Presidents to share the Mason COVID Health Check™ with all Virginia universities.

Roess has also served on several committees that have informed Mason’s safe return policies and protocols. These committees involved coordinating efforts on screening, contact tracing, testing, and vaccinations. Her contributions have been foundational to Mason’s response to COVID-19 and these successful strategies have played a big role in Mason’s low positivity rate. Furthermore, Roess is the recipient of two extramurally funding grants on COVID-19 transmission.

“These time-intensive initiatives of service to the University and the community are in addition to countless hours she has dedicated to ensure accurate translation of COVID-19 health information to various communities,” said Dean of the College Germaine Louis on Roess’ extensive work in the Mason community and beyond.

Additionally, Dr. Roess is also directing the new PhD in Public Health degree program within the Department of Global and Community Health, teaching a course on epidemiology, and working with several students on COVID-19 related projects in the disciplines of public health and engineering.

Her tireless, multifaceted work demonstrates a clear commitment to excellence in the face of adversity. Congratulations to Roess on this well-deserved honor.

Topics

coronavirus; covid-19

Safe Return to Campus

Mason COVID Health Check™

CHHS News

faculty spotlight

Mason’s College of Health and Human Services Joins Johns Hopkins Clinical Research Network

dhawkin — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 14:04:05 +0000

Mason’s College of Health and Human Services Joins Johns Hopkins Clinical Research Network dhawkin Tue, 03/02/2021 - 09:04

Mason joins university and health care system collaboration to conduct translational research to improve health outcomes.

George Mason University’s College of Health and Human Services (the College) has recently joined the John Hopkins Clinical Research Network (JHCRN). This collaboration between regional health care systems and research institutions will have a direct impact on health care delivery throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.

The JHCRN is a translational research organization dedicated to facilitating collaboration between diverse, community-based health care delivery systems and researchers. Translational research focuses on applying knowledge to address the needs of health care systems; it is specifically designed to improve health outcomes.

The JHCRN specializes in clinical trials across a variety of disciplines including oncology, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal conditions, neurological disorders and genomics. Sites within the network also collaborate with Johns Hopkins physicians. Some of the topics the College plans to explore with JHCRN include health disparities, social determinants of health, and health care costs.

“As part of the JHCRN, we look forward to improving the flow of scientific information and bringing a collaborative approach to clinical and translational research,” said Dr. Rosemary Higgins, associate dean of research for the College.

Collaborations between regional health care systems are an important part of the College’s dedication to making a positive impact on local communities in the surrounding areas. The College will join a number of other regional sites within the network including the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Luminis Health, TidalHealth and Reading Hospital, an affiliate of Tower Health.

“We are proud to join this highly-respected network of health care delivery organizations to bring research discoveries into clinical practice in a timely manner to improve the health of those we serve,” says Dr. Germaine Louis, Dean of the College. “It is only through partnerships such as these that we can improve health equity and make health visible and accessible for all people.”

About George Mason University

George Mason University is Virginia's largest and most diverse public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. For more information, visit https://www2.gmu.edu/.

About the College of Health and Human Services

George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services prepares students to become leaders and shape the public's health through academic excellence, research of consequence, community outreach, and interprofessional clinical practice. George Mason is the fastest-growing Research I institution in the country. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,370 graduate students in its nationally-recognized offerings, including: 5 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 7 certificate programs. The college is transitioning to a college of public health in the near future. For more information, visit https://chhs.gmu.edu/.

Topics

CHHS Research

Social Determinants of Health

Health Disparities

health care

Health Care Finance

College of Health and Human Services

CHHS News

CHHS Offers More Student Scholarship Awards than Ever Before

mthomp7 — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 19:20:26 +0000

CHHS Offers More Student Scholarship Awards than Ever Before mthomp7 Wed, 08/19/2020 - 15:20

Lin Zhao is enrolled in the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program and recently received the William R. Hearst Scholarship.

Scholarship recipient Dung Ngo wants to serve underrepresented populations after graduation. She is a Community Health major with a concentration in clinical science.

College’s Development Office reports that students have been awarded a record number of scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year.

According to new data from the College of Health and Human Service’s Development Office, 91 students have been awarded scholarships for the upcoming academic year, with $430,000 total distributed. This is a record high for the College, representing 59% growth in scholarship dollars distributed and 52% growth in number of students that received scholarships between 2017 to present. An increase is also anticipated for the spring 2021 semester. This represents a growing trend for the College and is due to an increase in new and existing donors continuing to support the need for student scholarships. Scholarship support comes from alumni, faculty, staff, and partner organizations, including businesses and foundations in the community that wish to support students pursuing a career in the health field.

“Each scholarship means so much to its recipient, and positively enhances their academic experience. Scholarships build students’ confidence, reduce the stress that comes with jugging school and work, and instill a desire to pay it forward to the next generation of Patriots,” says Shannon Donohue, a development officer who oversees the CHHS scholarship program. “None of it would be possible without the incredible support and generosity of our scholarship donors.”

The William R. Hearst Foundation Scholarship was one of several new awards distributed in the 2020-21 academic year. It was established for undergraduate students who wish to work in health fields and serve vulnerable and uninsured populations. In its inaugural distribution year, the scholarship was awarded to 10 student recipients.

“A huge weight was alleviated from my shoulders as I gravitated closer to my goal. For the longest time, I have always aspired to become a health advocate for our community as a nurse,” says Hearst Scholarship recipient, Savina Yang. She is a nursing major in the class of 2023. Mason’s diverse community has been vital to continuing her education and her journey to pursue nursing. “With the scholarship, I can turn my goals and ambitions into a reality and demonstrate to other first-generation students to never give up on their dreams.”

“This scholarship will keep my passion burning by providing financial support that I need in order to be successful in the nursing program,” notes Deborah Deperio, another Hearst Scholarship recipient with plans to provide care to underserved communities after completing her nursing degree. The scholarship is one of many ways Deperio feels supported by her Mason community and motivated to continue her studies to her best ability, “It serves as a reminder that there are people who believe in me and are willing to help in reaching my dreams and future endeavors.”

“Being an independent student responsible for education and living expenses, life has offered me financial challenges and barriers at every step,” says Nazia Kazim, an award recipient studying Health Administration. “Through this scholarship I will successfully be able to continue working towards my degree and achieving my goal.” Kazim is a senior that hopes to improve healthcare settings by combining health with information technology and reduce the steep costs of health care for patients across the country. “My educational pursuit would have been very difficult without the generous support from William R. Hearst scholarship. I am appreciative of their support of my education.”

Due to COVID-19, many students are experiencing financial uncertainty. Scholarships are one way to help students pursue their education and focus on their studies, instead of worrying about the cost of tuition. CHHS offers a variety of scholarships for students of various backgrounds, areas of study, and interests. Applications for the spring 2021 semester scholarships will open later this fall.

Study Finds Athletes Who Play Indoor Sports at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency

dhawkin — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 14:00:00 +0000

Study Finds Athletes Who Play Indoor Sports at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency dhawkin Mon, 03/09/2020 - 10:00

FAIRFAX, VA ― College athletes participating in indoor sports, especially African-Americans, might be vitamin D deficient and put themselves at risk of injury or poor performance according to a study recently published in the journal Nutrients.

George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and the Mayo Clinic Health System Sports Medicine Research in Onalaska, Wisconsin conducted this collaborative study. They assessed vitamin D status among basketball players from the George Mason Patriots men’s and women’s teams. During the 2018-2019 season, players were either allocated a high dose, low dose or no vitamin D, depending on their circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at the start of the study with the objective to identify the dosage of vitamin D₃ supplementation required for optimal status.

According to MayoClinic.org, vitamin D is necessary for building and maintaining healthy bones. Without it, bones can become soft, thin and brittle and can lead to other medical issues down the road including osteoporosis as well as some types of cancer.

“Many athletes are now engaging in supplementation and we don’t currently know what the optimal or safe amount of supplementation may be,” says Dr. Sina Gallo, assistant professor in Mason’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. “Prior studies that have addressed this topic typically report data from non-athletic, older populations. Because athletes may not get the necessary vitamin D through natural dietary sources, supplementation offers a safe, affordable, efficacious method to combat deficiencies. This may be particularly beneficial for athletes living at higher latitudes during the winter months.”

During the season, players were monitored regularly. Compliance to supplementation was assessed by the athletic trainers designated to each team. Each player’s body composition, skin pigmentation, sun exposure, dietary intake, and blood were collected during the study.

“Overall, our findings showed that 13 of the 20 (65%) participants were vitamin D insufficient at baseline,” says Dr. Margaret Jones, professor in Mason’s School of Kinesiology and sport scientist for the Frank Pettrone Center for Sports Performance. “This result is consistent with a recent systematic review and meta-analysis wherein 56% of a total sample of 2,000 athletes residing in nine different countries including the United States had inadequate levels of vitamin D.”

Of those sampled in the study, athletes with darker skin pigmentation exhibited heightened risk of vitamin D insufficiency at baseline, and none of the participants with fair or very fair skin fell into the insufficient category at baseline.

Nicole Sekel led the study for her master of science in nutrition thesis at George Mason University, mentored by Gallo and Jones. Sekel is interested in bone health as well as the optimization of athletic performance through nutritional intervention. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Pittsburgh.

“Albeit a pilot study with a small sample size to derive from, the current results provide further evidence of the high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among a sample of highly-trained, NCAA-DI basketball athletes,” says Dr. Andrew Jagim, Sport Medicine Research, Mayo Clinic Health System. “We, as authors, agree that a larger sample is warranted to aid in the development of screening protocols which will enable medical and sports nutrition staff around the country to identify key risk factors of athletes becoming vitamin D deficient.”

This research was funded by NOW Foods, George Mason University, and the Frank Pettrone Center for Sports Performance.

Media contacts:

Danielle Hawkins, George Mason University College of Health and Human Services and Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Fairfax, Virginia 703-993-1931, dhawkin@gmu.edu
Maureen Lewis Nasser, Associate Athletic Director and Communications, George Mason University, 703-993-3263, mnasser@gmu.edu
Mayo Clinic Health System: Rick Thiesse, Public Affairs, La Crosse 608-386-6865, newsbureau@mayo.edu

About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia's largest and most diverse public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls 38,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. For more information, visit https://www2.gmu.edu/.

About Mayo Clinic Health System
Mayo Clinic Health System consists of clinics, hospitals and other facilities that serve the health care needs of people in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The community-based providers, paired with the resources and expertise of Mayo Clinic, enable patients in the region to receive highest-quality physical and virtual health care close to home.