Think tank to spark health research collaboration Do you like to discuss new ideas? Solve problems? Make new connections? Then WE-Spark Think Tanks are for you. The event will begin with an update on local health research activities and new funding opportunities, followed by five-minute presentations on three projects that are looking for creative input and collaborators. The majority of the afternoon takes place in breakout sessions to move each idea forward. The latest round features the following presenters and topics: New Routes into Fluoroorganics with Medical Imaging Applications Presented by UWindsor professor Marcus Drover of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, who is looking for those with a particular interest in medical imaging and chemical synthesis and drug discovery. When Signs Don’t Work: Reframing Beach Safety as a Public Health Concern Presented by Chris Houser, dean of science and professor in the School of the Environment, for those with an interest in public health and expertise in how to communicate…
Local Expert Blog: Caregiving to Loved One with Mental Illness: An Emotional Rollercoaster When was the last time you experienced a strong emotion? You might agree that those closest to us – parents, partners, siblings, children – have the deepest impact on our emotions. For the families providing support to a loved one experiencing mental illness or addiction, those emotions can be intense. Riding the Highs and Lows The best way to describe what it means to be a caregiver is by using a roller-coaster analogy. Imagine you’re on a roller-coaster ride even though you’re terrified of heights. The ride is fast and turbulent. You’re in constant panic, your stomach is in knots, you feel nauseous, anxious, and worried all the time. Sometimes, the ride slows down, and you feel better but also uneasy as you know it won’t last and you’re in constant anticipation for another unpleasant trip. Your loved one is also on the same ride. Unlike yours, their seat is falling apart, their seatbelt is not working properly, and their fear of heights is even greater than yours. So, in…
Virtual Conference Planned for Caregivers to People with Mental Illness, Addictions AM800's Kyle Horner sits down with Dr.Edward Cruz and Clementa Stan to discuss the upcoming Caring for the Caregivers conference. Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, The University of Windsor and WE SPARK Health Institute will host this inaugural Caring for the Caregiver Conference on Oct. 16 and Oct. 23. The half day event will be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at no cost to attendees. For more information about the conference visit: https://www.wesparkhealth.com/caregiver-conference. Listen to the interview here: https://omny.fm/shows/am-800-cklw/live-local-care-for-the-caergivers-conference-inte.
Erie Hack competition looks to address the lake's most pressing problems Mike McKay says Erie Hack provides shared solutions to shared problems Erie Hack, a data and engineering competition designed to generate innovative technology solutions for some of Lake Erie’s most pressing problems, is now open for registration. Since its inception in 2017, the program has leveraged the expertise of researchers, designers, engineers, developers, and creative individuals across the region to activate, cultivate, and accelerate solutions to the health of the lake. The multi-month challenge is a collaboration among Cleveland Water Alliance and partners from Toledo, Buffalo, and Windsor-Detroit, including WEtech Alliance and Tech Town Detroit. This year’s event kicks off virtually September 21st. Mike McKay, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER) says Erie Hack provides shared solutions to shared problems, noting that one of the lake’s most challenging issues is dangerous algae bloom. These annual formations of cyanobacteria,…
Study identifies what caregivers need most Edward Cruz is leading a study focusing on caregivers of loved ones with mental illness and addictions. Many of the needs identified in the study will be addressed at an upcoming conference entitled Caring for the Caregiver The personal stories of people caring for loved ones with mental illness or addictions tug at Edward Cruz’s heart. The UWindsor nursing professor recalls the dread some said they felt at the prospect of taking ill or dying. Who would care for their loved ones then? Some never take a vacation for fear of leaving their loved one alone. Some are afraid to leave the house for even a few hours. Others spoke of putting their lives on hold, quitting their jobs, or using retirement savings for their loved ones’ care. “Caregivers make significant sacrifices in their time, finances, and even their own health in order to care for a loved one with mental illness or addictions,” said Dr Cruz. “Their dedication to their loved ones is immeasurable, but it’s heartbreaking.”…
UWindsor researchers hope to lessen vaccine hesitancy Paula van Wyk, associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Windsor, pictured on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, helped lead a team to develop a website to combat vaccine hesitancy. PHOTO BY DAX MELMER /Windsor Star The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront just how many people are hesitant about getting a vaccine of any sort. They are not all anti-vaxxers or misguided freedom fighters, they’re ordinary people who would never think to book an appointment for a tetanus or shingles shot. Paula Van Wyk, a University of Windsor kinesiology professor, is leading a research project aimed at educating adults about vaccines and boosters for a range of illnesses. The project’s goal is to combat vaccine hesitancy among adults that exists because of misleading information often promoted through social media. “What COVID has done is catapulted vaccines back to the forefront of discussions,” said van Wyk. “It’s illuminated the fact that a lot of adults don’t…
Researchers aiming to increase vaccine awareness Kinesiology professor Paula van Wyk is leading a project to educate adults about vaccines and boosters for a range of illnesses. The project, which includes an interactive website and printed materials, has received $50,000 in federal funding. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a lack of knowledge about vaccines, and a team of UWindsor researchers has a plan to remedy it. Kinesiology professor Paula van Wyk is leading a research project that will use a variety of tools to educate adults about vaccines and boosters for a range of illnesses. Together with fellow kinesiology professor Patti Weir, nursing professor Debbie Kane, and computer science professor Ziad Kobti, van Wyk will work with community agencies and local pharmacies to combat the vaccine hesitancy among adults that exists because of misleading information being promoted through social media. “The evidence is clear that a large percentage of the adult population is not fully vaccinated for conditions and diseases…
Virtual conference planned for caregivers to people with mental illness, addictions In a report released on Wednesday Aug. 24, 2016, Ontario's ombudsman said some extreme cases he has seen amount to "a modern-day version of institutionalization." Several community partners are coming together in response to conducting a needs assessment asking caregivers of adults with mental illness how they can be supported. Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), The University of Windsor and WE SPARK Health Institute will host its inaugural Caring for the Caregiver Conference on Oct. 16 and Oct. 23. The half day event will be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at no cost to attendees. The virtual conference is also for caregivers of loved ones with addictions. Participants will hear from experts on topics such as Navigating the Healthcare System, and Compassion Fatigue, as well as Consent and the Mental Health Act. Each day will also include connection and support from peer groups and an opportunity to engage with fellow caregivers. “From the more than 75 individuals…
Social work professor made Royal Society of Canada college member Adrian Guta has been inducted as a member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. A UWindsor professor who specializes in addictions research has been inducted as a member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. Social work professor Adrian Guta is one of 53 new members announced by the RSC Tuesday. They have been selected for their contributions in the arts, the humanities, and the sciences, as well as in Canadian public life. “I am honoured to be amongst this year’s impressive list of inductees and part of a scholarly community dating back to 1882,” Dr. Guta said. The college is Canada’s first national system of multidisciplinary recognition for the emerging generation of Canadian intellectual leadership. Its members are Canadians and permanent residents who, at an early stage in their career, have demonstrated a high level of achievement. The criterion for election is excellence, and membership…
