Health and Human Services News

Archives for March 2022

Is there benefit to drinking salt water for hydration?

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When it comes to better athletic performance and recovery, deploying a breadth of strategies is important, but one in particular tends to top the list: hydration.

While that means drinking enough water, it also calls for keeping your electrolytes in the right balance and the main electrolyte you need is sodium — in large part because so much of it is lost through sweat, especially in warmer temperatures. Does simply adding salt do the trick to replenish electrolytes? The short answer is yes, but there are some considerations to keep in mind.

Natalie Allen, registered dietitian and clinical assistant professor of biomedical sciences at Missouri State University, explains to Nike why and how much sodium is helpful.

How to achieve your goals

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For nursing students, hospitals tend to become their home away from home. The best nursing students make hands-on work at the hospital their priority. 

Tregg Geren graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing  from Missouri State University in 1992.  

“At that time, the focus of the program was very community-based, instead of giving students experience within hospitals,” Geren reflected. 

He went on to receive his nursing degree from St. John’s College of Nursing and Master of Business Administration from Webster University. 

In January  2022, Geren accepted the position of chief operating officer for Citizens Memorial Hospital District after enjoying his time serving as the chief nursing officer. 

Learning the ropes in a leadership position 

Headshot of Tregg GerenGeren’s new responsibilities include radiology and laboratory on the clinical side of things. He works mostly with support staff, which gives him a glimpse at the way other departments operate. 

“To see how things work behind the scenes and hear the way that the staff deal with situations is extremely different than how a clinical department would,” Geren said. “It has been quite interesting so far.” 

Geren recommends current nursing students or recent graduates obtain as much hands-on experience as possible. Eat, sleep and breathe all things hospital related. 

“Particularly if you don’t have any background in health care, it’s essential to apply for a position like a nursing assistant either before, during or after you’re in nursing school,” he urged. 

For Geren, his extensive experience is what has landed him several leadership positions within the medical field. 

“There’s such a valuable element that’s added because nursing students have done the grunt work and are much more well-rounded in their approach.”  

Explore the nursing program at MSU 

Hands-on experience while you learn

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The occupational therapy department at Missouri State University believes strongly in giving their students clinical experience while learning the curriculum.  

The OT faculty created learning spaces to serve the dual-purpose of educating their students and treating patients in need.  

“By creating those treatment spaces, we were able to open the clinic Tuesday through Thursday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. during the fall and spring semester,” said Dr. Traci Garrison , clinical assistant professor. During these times, students work in the clinic under the supervision of licensed OTs to evaluate and treat clients.  

How the clinic operates 

Clinic operations center around the curriculum taught in the OT program.  

“In the springtime, we tend to offer more pediatric openings because that is what our students are learning about at that time,” Garrison said.  

The clinic then focuses on adults in the fall semester as the curriculum shifts to this population. This allows students to integrate the information they are learning in class into real-world situations.

Services offered 

The clinic offers free services to those in the Springfield community who do not have access to health care and insurance. 

“We work with clients of all ages who need help performing everyday activities,” Garrison said.  

These activities may include: 

  • Eating.  
  • Meeting developmental milestones. 
  • Social interactions. 
  • Driving a car. 
  • Adapting to injury. 

If you think you may benefit from occupational therapy services, contact the clinic at OccupationalTherapy@missouristate.edu or call 417-836-6190. 

Learn more about the OT program

Structure update

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Although the new MCHHS Student Success and Advising Center may look incomplete, it’s progressing nicely. All of the major structural elements have been completed.  

The windows that had been covered up during a previous renovation are now exposed, flooding the large open student area and offices with natural light.  

The mix of exposed concrete, glass walls and some wood ceiling gives the space an updated, modern and inviting feel. The only things remaining are some finishes that go up fast toward the end of the project. 

 It’ll be a fantastic and welcoming space for all MCHHS students!