< Previous One of the realities faced within the pandemic is the widespread hesitancy that has been experienced surrounding this disease. From its earliest detection, COVID-19 remedy efforts have been met with widespread resistance from many angles. The political divide has created distrust and conversations sur- rounding its existence or validity alone, and many became hesitant to ‘submit’ to the idea of the disease existing or being as dangerous as media outlets and healthcare organizations had positioned it for our society. Additionally, the continued trauma which had already been occurring in the most underrepre- sented and underserved communities has become compounded in the light of this disease. COVID-19 has ‘ripped the band-aid’ off the oftentimes guarded conversation around healthcare disparities, trauma, and modern medicine. Individuals in neighborhoods that were oftentimes used as social experiments or who hold an unfortunate past (and present) connection with healthcare efforts have been found to be significantly resistant to the COVID-19 CDC guide- lines and best practices as well. In seeing the ways in which financial assistance had helped to guide the stability of our nation in terms of businesses, more organizations began providing supplemental appropriation of funds from solely business initiatives to funding specifically budgeted to address the hesitancy factors which effected individual hesitancy in following CDC guidelines, adhering to mandates regarding COVID-19 precautions or administration of tests and vaccinations for those communities at high risk of spreading the disease. Data analysis was clear: hesitancy impacted the cure. Addressing this would require a shift of both perspective and funding. Relief funding and additional resources have since allowed local nonprofits, churches, area social service agencies, and grassroot organizations to assist in carrying the mantle to tackle those hesitancies that most often deter individuals from getting tested or vaccinated. They have also provided opportunities for accessibility of testing and vaccination sites to improve health outcomes in underserved areas. One specific grant, centered out of Temple University, created a community initiative focused on health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority groups focused on a trauma informed care approach. Trauma informed care approaches are not new to healthcare. Research has shown that the impact of trauma runs deep, effecting a person’s mental, physical, and emotional health. Implementation of trauma informed care approaches have led to both staff and clients creating frameworks of health and wellness that approaches treatment from a “what happened” to someone approach compared to a “what’s wrong” approach. This holistic approach not only focuses on creating a space of deepened understanding on underlying causes of trauma, but also assists in the medical and behavioral approaches in creating delivery of care that works for both clients and staff. This approach has seen significant positive outcomes within healthcare and behavioral health. But what, if any, effect would it have in combatting COVID-19 Hesitancy? Temple University’s COVID-19 Trauma Informed Workforce Initiative Fund, as described by it’s website “is focused on improving health outcomes among racial and ethnic minority groups, English language learners, and vulnerable populations, including older adults, adults with intellectual and other disabilities or chronic conditions in communities throughout Pennsylvania. The fund is supported by a $5.5 Million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), part of the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services (See: https://ambler.temple.edu/news/2021/08/temple-creates-com- munity-initiative-decrease-vaccine-hesitancy). Through this initiative, an innovative approach towards those disparities was created to allow for prioritized efforts in communities that have long faced systemic and social inequities, with focus on the wide range of inequities around healthcare accessibility, racism and discrimination, poverty and wealth gap impacted communities, and members whose educational and income-based disparities have led them to serve in spaces with the highest COVID-19 exposure. Awardees from across the State would have to utilize those funds to address the specific hesitancies created because of traumatic impact in those spaces. In the state’s capital, approx. 3 awardees would take on that task: Reentry program AMiracle4Sure, The World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, and heartshine, a newly rising trauma informed care focused organization tackling similar issues of equity and access for underserved community members in the area. Of those organizations, heartshine is the newest in the community. The COVID-19 Trauma Informed Workforce Initiative fund for their organization is currently being driven by some of the area’s most trusted community messengers, individuals who, as the grant suggested, could connect with commu- nity members. Credible messengers- something the program strived to provide to members from communities that have a longstanding history of trauma around healthcare and other systems of care. heartshine’s credible messengers, Lamont Jones and Aisha Mobley are no strangers in taking on that task. “This is the type of work that I’ve always done” stated Mobley, who already holds a longstanding reputation as a community advocate. As she spoke about the impact of COVID-19, she noted that many in the community are still hesitant to wear masks despite not being vaccinated and are still not following precautions. She had too many stories to name but identified one account of an elderly client who she educated on the effects of social discrimination based on being unvaccinated, and clients who like many, were against vaccination until they themselves fell victim to contracting COVID-19 and have reconsid- ered precautions and recommended vaccinations. Funding through organizations like heartshine and grant funding from Temple has significantly impacted her ability to engage in deeper programming efforts and public engagement. Mobley’s position as a credible messenger allows her to provide surveys to the community, collect necessary data on hesitancies experienced in those areas, and provide educational resources and even vaccination assistance for members in the community she serves. “These are people who already know me. They trust me, so it’s easier for me to talk to them and connect with them” she says. “These Since being labeled a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, COVID-19 has significantly impacted the lives of many in the United States. As the conditions of COVID-19 began to worsen and directly impact businesses and work environments, financial relief through gov- ernment funding went from being an emergency to funding opportunities which are now being con- sidered and threaded into local, state, and federal governments. While the nation’s recovery leans into supports through the U.S Congress in the form of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES, funding has also been provided in other spaces across the nation to not only address the pandemic from a health outcomes lens, but also from a socioemotional perspective as well. by FiordalizaWhite 18 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 Funding That Speaks to the Heart of the Issue Trauma and COVID-19are the people we see most impacted by other things on a day-to-day basis” she notes. “It’s our ability to connect with them and provide more education and resourc- es that can help to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the area”. Programming efforts includes immersion meals, where English and Spanish Speaking residents can receive education and resources in an informal setting while being served a free meal, Trauma Informed Edu- cational Zoom meetings where stakeholders can learn more about how to ease anxiety for their workers sur- rounding COVID-19, Adult Substance Abuse Recovery Programs, Weekly somatic experiences, Community Townhalls and partnerships with local organizations to address anxiety and COVID-19 hesitancy across different demographics. Lamont Jones, heartshine’s Lead Credible Messenger, believes this work extends the work being done by community leaders like himself and others. “Temple’s funding initiative helps us to provide the best resources to places that need to have accurate information to make informed decisions” he states. Part of Temple’s Initiative funding comes with ongoing education for the credible messengers as well as updated and accurate information from lead healthcare organizations, with tools on how to best share informa- tion across social media platforms and outreach events. “We’re able to provide accurate information, the best infor- mation available to them” he adds “so that they’re able to protect themselves and their families.” Funding for medical assistance continues to be critical with lowering COVID related deaths and health complications, but there’s something to be said about the importance of funding that, like Temple, specif- ically addresses the undercurrent of hesitancies and disparities that make it difficult to smoothly tackle the issue of COVID-19 spread in our nation. Approaching relief will come with programs funded to detect and address core issues in healthcare and decision making, with as much grace and support provided by funders towards communities in need. By leading with a trau- ma informed lens, Temple and many others are placing much needed funding into communities oftentimes overlooked, undervalued, and unheard. As we move through yet another season of COVID-19 cases, pro- grams like these offer much more than education and resources. They offer support and hope. World Affairs Council of Harrisburg 2021 Walk Against Hate with Covid 19 VaccinationsHeart shine Programming WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 19WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 21 CHEYNEY At Cheyney, we understand that there’s more to you than your academic pursuits. That’s why we’re committed to a campus-wide culture of wellness that promotes total fitness of the mind, body and soul. Our campus-wide Wellness Initiative offers holistic support for our students and includes coaching, tools, and strategies for your wellbeing. We provide useful techniques for students to address aspects of your life that could hold you back from reaching your full potential. Our comprehensive Health and Wellness pre- vention services and activities include: • Emotional and Mental Wellness – Being the Best You • TEST – Stress Less • Women, Wisdom and Well-being • Wellness Day – Massage, aromatherapy, energy balancing and health information • Intergenerational Wellness Word conversation • Cheyney Community Wellness Culture activities • Online courses on prescription drugs, sub- stance abuse, depressants and opioids. • Mental Health Mondays • Restorative Yoga & Hip Hop Yoga • Healthy Campus Initiative • Tobacco Free Initiative • Health and Wellness – Sexual & Reproductive Health Initiatives Cheyney University also considers recreation and leisure to be one of the best ways to balance school, work, family, relationships and play. To this end, healthy and fun activities are organized for students throughout the school year. The Pillars of Wellness Wellness is the overall fitness of a human being. But that goes beyond physical abilities. It includes intellectual, financial, family and even digital wellness. Discover what truly constitutes wellness and well-being of the whole person. Life Scholars' Wells of Life Learn the life habits that define a Life Scholar, and how a Cheyney education can help you discover and master them. LA ROCHE La Roche University values all students and strives to provide the best care while you are here. UPMC Urgent Care McCandless is designed to provide a source of care during your years as a student at the University. When an emergency or expanded medical treatment is necessary, La Roche has made an optional policy available. Your family plan also may be used to provide coverage. UPMC Urgent Care McCandless can meet your medical needs with the following services: • Primary care and specialist referrals • Laboratory services • Non-emergency urgent care • These services are available between the hours of 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. seven days a week. Where to Go UMPC Urgent Care McCandless 9401 McKnight Road (Arcadia Center) Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Medical excuses are not provided for missed classes, examinations, etc. Students are respon- sible for notifying professors. A record of service may be requested to verify a health service visit. What You Need to Take With You You must have your student identification card and health care insurance card in order to receive services. Your La Roche student ID must have an updated sticker. You should update your sticker each semester at the offices of Public Safety or Counseling & Health Services. Please call 412-366-1528 if you have any questions. To arrange transportation to UPMC Urgent Care McCandless, contact Public Safety at 412-536-1111. Routine, non-emergency care is provided at no cost under the terms of the UPMC / La Roche University agreement. This includes tests and/or procedures normally handled in a primary care physician's office. You may seek emergency care after hours at the closest emergency room. Health services will be billed as emergency services to the student or your own insurance provider if services are provided outside regular business hours, or if services are over and above routine care or at another facility such as an emergency room. For More Information If you have questions or need additional in- formation, please contact the Counseling and Health Center located in Bold Hall II, or call Lori Arend at 412-847-2506. MILLERSVILLE All services (medical care, health education) are provided by appointment. Students may be given an appointment with any of the prac- titioners at Health Services (physician, nurse practitioners or registered nurses), or referred to an appropriate healthcare facility (hospital, specialists) as indicated. Services offered include: • Evaluation and treatment of acute illness and injury • Cooperative care with family practitioners to manage chronic medical conditions such as: • Immunotherapy/Allergy injections and monitoring laboratory tests for disease or medication management. • Student teacher certification examinations • Athletic physicals • Pre-employment, Driver's License Exam- inations • Women's health (Pap smears, pelvic exams, breast exams) • Sexually Transmitted Infection testing and treatment • In-house laboratory testing: • Strep A • Mononucleosis • Urinalysis • Pregnancy • Tuberculosis • Blood sugar • Covid-19: Rapid PCR and Rapid Antigen • Outside laboratory testing Laboratory specimens can be collected and sent to independent laboratories as ordered by a medical provider. Health Services works cooper- atively with Quest, Labcorp, MDL, PSP, ACM, and CDD laboratories. The costs of these tests are the student's responsibility. Health Promotion and Education MERCYHURST At Mercyhurst University, our top priority is the physical and emotional safety and wellbeing of our students. Heading off to college can be a difficult adjustment at first. But no matter what life throws at you, we have the people and services in place on our campus to help you through. Each year, the American College Health Asso- ciation conducts its National College Health As- sessment survey, a portion of which asks college students the causes of any academic issues they have at school. An academic issue could be as small as a missed assignment, or as large as failing or having to withdraw or retake a class. continued on page 22 College Health Care22 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 Across 140 large and small campus in the U.S., the top five causes for academic issues were: • Stress • Acute health issues (colds, flu, bronchitis, allergy flare-ups) • Anxiety • Sleep problems • Depression We recognize that coming to college represents years of planning and saving to provide young adults with an opportunity to pursue their dreams. No one wants to see their future goals delayed or derailed by the stresses or illnesses that can occur in the lives of students. With that in mind, we have the services and resources in place to ensure our campus and staff are prepared to address any physical, emotional, mental or social issue our students experience. Cohen Health Center Getting sick when you're away at college doesn't have to be a frightening experience, thanks to the Cohen Health Center. With the atmosphere of a small family practice, our experienced, compassionate doctors and nurses are knowledgeable in a range of health issues affecting students. Appointments are available usually within 1-2 days (or same day, if needed) at no cost to you, your family or insurance. Services available through the Cohen Health Center include: • Treatment for minor ailments and injuries (colds, bronchitis, respiratory illnesses, flu) • Follow-up care for concussions • Allergy shots • Free flu shots and tuberculosis screenings • Completion of physicals required for student teaching, practicum placements or internships • Consultation on preventive health, nutri- tion and other topics • If need be, we’ll help arrange appointments and transportation to off-campus health care providers, and even coordinate with your professors to provide academic accom- modations for chronic health issues. Learn more about the Cohen Health Center at mercyhurst.edu/campus-life/cohen-stu- dent-health-center Counseling Center The Counseling Center is equipped with the personnel and resources necessary to serve the mental health needs of the Mercyhurst commu- nity. Our licensed, experienced therapists are available at any time to address clinical concerns ranging from depression, anxiety and eating disorders to homesickness, stress management and relationship problems. There is no charge to the student or insurance provider for the clinical services provided at the Counseling Center. Services available at the Counseling Center include: • Individual and group counseling and psychotherapy • Crisis response • Consulting psychiatrist available to students requiring medication • Biofeedback programs • Relaxation room Learn more about the Counseling Center at mercyhurst.edu/campus-life/counseling-center LINCOLN The university has secured a new testing ven- dor through a continuation grant from Testing for America or TFA, who facilitated a partner- ship with Delaware State University and New Castle County to create a local testing laboratory, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory or MDL, to expedite results in the Northeastern region. Faculty, staff, and student will have the ability to upload information related to their coronavirus vaccination and activate their profile to request a COVID-19 test through health services. MDL will provide Lincoln University with an end-to-end, on-site COVID-19 testing service, which will include: HIPAA-compliant user registration, on-site sample collection, labora- tory testing, and confidential results reporting. Lincoln University’s Office of Health Services will have access to the results of the test and are available for any questions. MDL will commu- nicate positive test results to the Chester County Health Department as required by law. The version of MDL’s test is a saliva-based test and is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based test designed to detect the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory specimens. The official portal used to consent to testing and indicate one’s vaccination status is https://lucovidtesting. lincoln.edu/login.php. Testing Portal Weekly Testing Requirements We require all members of the campus community to be tested weekly based on their vaccination status. Vaccinated: Once (1) per week Unvaccinated: Twice (2) per week Testing Sites To achieve this new requirement, we have strategically identified 3 testing sites within the campus community: • Health Service’s (Wellness Center) • Student Union Building (SUB) • Mario Rivera Hall, Room 220 (Athletics’ Department Only) On a given test day, a Lion will proceed to one of the three locations; provide your Lincoln email address; retrieve a sample collection kit; provide 0.5 ml of saliva and return it the testing staff. Results will be communicated via email from lucovidtesting@lincoln.edu. SETON HILL Seton's Hill's Office of Health Services is staffed by one board-certified family nurse practitioner and two registered nurses. Compre- hensive, evidence-based and confidential health care is provided to all part-time and full-time undergraduate and graduate students. Services include: • Point-of-care testing • Laboratory/phlebotomy services • Acute illness management • Injury care • Allergy injections and specialized injections • Tuberculosis (TB) screening by PPD skin test • Health education • Referrals to other disciplines • Required Health History and Immuniza- tions for On-Campus Students All incoming resident and commuter un- dergraduate and graduate students (part-time, full-time, auditing classes, or transferring from another college or university) who will be physi- cally present on the Seton Hill campus must: • Upload proof of university-required immu- nizations to MedProctor • Complete the online Health History • Complete the online TB Risk Assessment Forms • Students who check “Yes” to a response on the online questionnaire will require a tuberculin skin test (TB) and/or Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) blood test prior to the start of the semester. International students must provide documen- tation that they have been tested for tubercu- losis in the United States, the date the test was performed, and the results of the test. This must be done by August 1 for the fall semes- ter and December 31 for the spring semester. If you are accepted after August 1, immunizations must be uploaded and verified by MedProctor or Health Service staff before you can attend class. University Required Immunizations: • 2 doses Measles, Mumps and Rubella • 2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox) • 1 dose of Meningococcal Quadrivalent (ACY, W-135) Vaccine on or after 16th birthday: either Menactra or Menveo • 2 doses of Meningococcal B Vaccine: either Bexsero or Trumenba • Tdap within the past 10 years Please note: Student-athletes must upload in- formation both to MedProctor and the Athletic Training System (ATS) platform; athletes are required to have a physical. In addition, specific majors may have additional requirements. A Seton Hill ID is required to access the Med- Proctor system. New students will receive this as part of the enrollment process. Penalty for Noncompliance Resident students who fail to comply with the mandatory health requirements by the correct deadline will not be permitted to move into the halls or go to class. Commuters will be unable to attend class. Athletes will not be cleared to participate in their sport. Email Health Services with any questions: healthservices@setonhill.edu.WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 23 Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today applauded proposed legislation that will statutorily establish policies and programs to ensure that small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses continue to receive the support and opportunities they deserve in state contracting. SB900 was announced at a press conference in the Capitol Media Cen- ter where PA Department of General Services Secretary Curt Topper and Deputy Secretary for Diversity Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities Kerry Kirkland were joined by Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair- man Vincent Hughes and Senator Camera Bartolotta, the prime sponsors of the bill. Pennsylvania State Representatives Jake Wheatley, and Donna Bullock, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, also showed their support for the legislation. The catalyst for the proposed legislation evolved from the Governor’s 2015 Executive Order on Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Oppor- tunities in Commonwealth Procurement and in Pennsylvania’s Economy. The order created the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities, or BDISBO, within the Department of General Services, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Busi- ness Opportunities and led to the 2018 Statewide Disparity Study which examined disparities in the commonwealth’s contracting system and made recommendations for improvement. “We have been very successful in implementing policies and programs that give our small-, diverse- and veteran-owned businesses a fairer and more equi- table chance to compete for – and obtain – contracting opportunities with state government,” Governor Wolf said. “We also know the important role that consistency plays in ensuring the continued success of any policy or program, which is why this effort to legislatively establish the programs and policies administered through the Department of General Services Bureau of Diversity Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities is so significant." “The progress we’ve made is a result of the willingness of elected officials and private sector stakeholders to put politics to the side and focus on the issue at hand – helping our small, diverse and veteran businesses become stronger and thrive in our economy. This legislation is a continuation of those bipartisan efforts.” SB900 legislatively establishes the goal-setting program administered by the PA Department of General Services, Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities. Goal setting establishes minimum SDB participation and spending commitment levels for solicitations for con- struction, design professional services, supplies and services. In addition, the legislation calls for a disparity study to be completed every five years to maintain the constitutionality of the programs and keep aspirational targets up-to-date for the goal-setting program. The legislation further removes the 100-employee limit from the definition of “Small Business” allowing size and revenue limits to be set on an industry-by-industry basis which is more consistent with federal program eligibility requirements. Pennsylvania Department of General Services Secretary Curt Topper discussed the success the commonwealth has experienced and how this legislation will have a positive, lasting effect on the small, diverse, and veteran business community. “Since 2015, we’ve seen the creation of the first-ever advisory council for di- versity, inclusion and small business opportunities; the first-ever disparity study for state contracting; the highest-ever participation and spending percentages and now this ground-breaking legislation will establish certainty for the future of those efforts,” Topper noted. “Right now, we have more than 5,000 small, diverse and veteran businesses who will benefit from this legislation’s intent to keep programs and policies in place to provide a financial benefit for these business by making them a focus of our spending plans. Hopefully, this com- mitment we’re making will give these businesses more confidence in becoming certified in our programs.” Since 2015, the commonwealth has spent a total of nearly $2.72 billon with small, diverse, and veteran owned businesses. During that same time, the percentage of the total commonwealth spend that went to small, diverse, and veteran businesses rose from 7.6 percent in 2015, to 17.9 percent in 2019. Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Vincent Hughes and Sen- ator Camera Bartolotta commented on the importance of this legislation and the role it will play in solidifying a place in state contracting for small, diverse, and veteran business. “With the introduction of the Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunity Legislation, we are taking the first steps to increasing the partic- ipation of small and diverse businesses in commonwealth contracts,” Senator Hughes said. “These updates will give the Department of General Services the tools they need to encourage and enhance the participation in contracting from minority owned businesses, women owned businesses, veteran owned business- es and those businesses not dominant in their field. With this proposal, the commonwealth can become a nationwide leader in contracting participation by small and diverse business.” “As the proprietor of a small, woman-owned business, I know firsthand how important this legislation is in helping small and diverse businesses to not only compete for state contracts, but also to grow and contribute to our economy,” Senator Camera Bartolotta said. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and we have a responsibility to ensure that they are given the atten- tion they deserve. With this legislation, I am confident that the Department of General Services will be able to attract more small and diverse businesses, expand the use of its programs, and strengthen our business community.” Visit the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunity for more detailed information on the new policies and programs as well as the Wolf Administration’s efforts to diversity state contracting and oppor- tunities for small and diverse businesses. MEDIA CONTACTS: Lyndsay Kensinger, Gover- nor’s Office, ra-gvgovpress@ pa.gov | Troy Thompson, DGS, 717-787-3197 Gov. Wolf, Legislators Laud Proposed Legislation to Provide Consistent Support for Small, Diverse, Veteran Businesses24 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My friend's father recently died from a medica- tion error. One of his prescriptions was filled incorrectly and caused a fatal reaction. I take multiple medications for various conditions. How can I reduce my risk for a medication error? ANSWER: Medication errors refer to mistakes in prescribing and dispens- ing medications. These errors injure hundreds of thousands of people every year in the U.S. Common causes of medication errors include drug names that sound alike, medications that look alike, and medical abbreviations. Most medication errors can be prevented. Knowledge is your best defense against medication errors. One of the best ways to reduce your risk of a medication error is to take an active role in your health care. Learn about the medications you take, including possible side effects. Never hesitate to ask questions or share concerns with your health care provider or pharmacist. Medication errors can happen to anyone in any place, including your home and at your health care provider's office, as well as a hospital, pharma- cy or senior living facility. Children are especially at high risk for medica- tion errors because they typically need different drug doses than adults. An example of a medication error is taking an over-the-counter product that contains acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, when you're already taking a prescription pain medicine that contains acetaminophen. This mistake could cause you to take more than the recommended dose of acetamino- phen, putting yourself at risk of liver damage. It is important to store medications in their original labeled containers and thoroughly read the instructions on how to take medications. Other medication errors include confusing eardrops and eyedrops, chewing non chewable medications, cutting up pills, and taking the wrong dose. Don't assume chewing a pill is as good as swallowing it. Some medica- tions should never be chewed, cut or crushed. Doing so can change how the body absorbs them. Ensuring an accurate dose of liquid medication is critical, so avoid using spoons in your silverware drawer versus a syringe or dose cup, both of which are available at most pharmacies. Be proactive and review your medications regularly, especially when you start a new medication. Ask your physician or pharmacist these questions: • What is the brand or generic name of the medication? • What is the medication supposed to do? How long will it be until I see results? • What is the dose? How long should I take it? • What should I do if I miss a dose? • What should I do if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose? • Are there any foods, drinks, other medications or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine? • What are the possible side effects? What should I do if they occur? • Will this new medication interfere with my other medications? If so, how? Your health care provider can help prevent medication errors by using a computer to enter and print, or digitally send, prescriptions, instead of handwriting prescriptions. When you pick up a prescription, check that it's the one your health care provider ordered. It also helps to save the informa- tion sheets that come with your medications. Another way to reduce the risk of a medication error is to reconcile your medications during each visit with your health care provider. This involves comparing the list of medications your health care provider has with the list of medications you are taking, which can help avoid medication mistakes. It is important to share this information: • The name and strength of all medications you're taking and when you take them, including prescriptions; herbs; vitamins; nutritional supplements; over-the-counter drugs; vaccines; and anything received intravenously, including diagnostic and contrast agents, radioactive medications, feeding tube supplements, and blood products. • Any medications that you're allergic to or that have caused problems in the past. • Whether you have any new chronic or serious health problems. • If you might be pregnant or you're trying to become pregnant. Also, keep a current list of all your medications, including nonprescrip- tion drugs and supplements, in your wallet, purse or other safe location. Being prepared and informed are the best ways to avoid health concerns. — Compiled by Mayo Clinic staff Mayo Clinic Q and A: Reducing the risk of medication errors By Cynthia Weiss “America runs on fast food” is a familiar saying that we have all heard. When I moved to the United States from India, I was amazed by the vast food options that were available to the public. Burgers and fries were around every street corner. As a child growing up in the U.S., there was never a lack of food options. I did not realize the importance of making the right food choices until I was exposed to patients with chronic medical conditions that were affected by their food choices. “We are what we eat” is a very accurate statement that I wish more people would understand. Small changes that we make in our life can impact our health drastically in the future. High blood pressure, diabe- tes and high cholesterol are some of the things that could be controlled with good lifestyle choices. Swapping fries for a salad makes a huge difference when it comes to healthy eating. Living in a fast-paced world we sometimes forget to listen to our bodies when we eat and tend to overeat which can be harmful to our health. When we eat slowly, we pay attention to our body’s cues and realize when we get full, so we do not overeat. Now, it is not just about eating healthy but regular daily exercise adds to healthy living. If you can carve out 30 minutes of your day doing some form of cardio exercise such as walking, biking, swimming, hiking or anything that will get your heart pumping, it doubles your result. Can we do jumping jacks while watching our favorite Netflix show? We sure can! How about parking your car at the far end of the parking lot when you go grocery shopping? Small changes like these can make an impact. How well does your primary care physician (PCP) know you? Do you have an as-needed relationship with your PCP or do you meet with your PCP regularly depending on your health conditions? Recently I heard someone say, “I have a gynecologist, and my children have a pediatrician; now, I need a PCP.” Most of us, including myself, have neglected the importance of a PCP. There are many medical conditions that can be missed if one is not having medical visits routinely. We all make time for hair appointments, oil changes for our cars and meeting with friends so why not take some time to meet with your PCP to make sure your health is where it needs to be? As a PCP, I have met many elderly patients who wished they had taken time to address their health concerns when they were young. Annual screenings, depending on your age, are an important part of your health and should be routinely done. One screening is all it takes to save your life or the life of your loved one. Healthy eating, daily exercise and getting established with a PCP are some of the ways that we can start to manage our health better. While living in the middle of a pandemic, it is even more crucial to make changes that will positively impact our health and be an example to the younger generation. Take charge of your health today with the help of your PCP and watch the results unfold before you. Self Help Health Care WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 25 by Dr. Jeena George We are what we eat26 | TALK MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 It seems there was no avoiding being a librarian for Richard E. Ashby, Jr. The director of F.O.R. Sto-Rox Library in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, at the age of 15, was a year behind in reading and admitted, "I hated books growing up. I used to cry when I got a book as a present." But his mother saw something he didn't see in himself when he was a teenager. "She said you're going to be a librarian one day. I thought that was the craziest thing I'd ever heard in my life," Ashby told Talk Magazine with the sound of disbelief still in his voice. His mother showed insight when he said she told him, "You like books, but you just don't know how to use the library." He would first get involved in a library in college and now proclaims, "I love being a librarian. It's not a job. It's a calling." His library is not a municipal or school district library. The non-profit Focus on Renewal (F.O.R.) owns the library, and that makes it unique. The library in the Allegheny County borough celebrates everyone who comes there, particularly the many African American youth. "We have a section of the library that is dedicated to African American children's books. The narrative is 'Oh, we can't find any books about African American children, and we can't find their books.' Well, that's not the truth. The truth is there are hundreds of African American authors writing children's books, fiction, and non-fiction," Ashby said. He's been giving Black authors a helping hand by person- ally being a test reader or beta reader of their work to provide them with valuable feedback. This effort, he says, is invalu- able to those authors looking to get on library shelves. "Getting a book as an independent author or a self-published author especially of color; getting that book into the library, in my opinion, is akin to (a Black person) voting in Mississippi in 1954. It just ain't gonna happen," the community engagement specialist said. His goals are clear about what he wants African American children to see when they walk into the Western Pennsylvania library. "My goals are to put books about African Americans, by African Americans, illustrated by African Americans on the bookshelves in the community," Ashby, a 2014 Librarian of The Year, stressed. His library is in a community that is not predominantly Black, but Ashby says, "A lot of Black youth come in to use the library more than White youth come in to use the library." He is Vice President of the Pennsylvania Black Librarians' Caucus, whose objective is to promote professional growth by recruiting and supporting library professionals. "We advocate for literacy. We advocate for librarianship. We advocate for authors to write books to put Black books in libraries. We advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Pennsylvania library system," he said. Ashby received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, and a Master of Library Science Degree from Queens College, Flushing, New York. He was the first African American male librarian and director in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Ashby was the past president of the New York Black Librar- ians Caucus and Co-Pastor of Church of Christian Fellow- ship, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. The director of F.O.R. Sto-Rox Library in McKees Rocks Richard E. Ashby, Jr.FALL 2020 INSIDE TALK PENNSYLVANIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MAYORS LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF COVID THE GOALS OF CARE—IS THERE A (BLACK) DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE? NAVIGATING TOWARDS OUR FUTURE NAVIGATING TOWARDS OUR FUTURE WINTER 2021 INSIDE TALK BLACK WOMEN RUNNING FOR OFFICE PROFILE OF ALMA SPEED FOX AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN PIONEERS Homer Floyd Harrisburg Jesse J. McLean Pittsburgh Lisa Rhodes Philadelphia Randal Taylor Pittsburgh 2021 Black History Makers 2021 Black History Makers Clifton P. Pitts Mon-ValleyNext >