Health and Human Services News

Archives for February 2023

Protecting the beat

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What is the number one cause of death throughout the world?

For more than two decades, the leading killer in the world has been heart disease.

Because of that, the month of February has been renamed American Heart Month.

“February is a time that allows us to bring awareness to heart health, as people do not always understand the seriousness of it,” said Dr. Stacy Goddard, assistant professor of kinesiology at Missouri State.

“Our hope is this month helps people understand some of the symptoms of heart disease and some preventative measures they can take.”

Being proactive

Since it is such a common issue, Goddard stresses how important it is for people to understand heart health.

This education is vital to prevent heart disease, cardiac arrest and other heart-related health problems.

“Heart disease can affect anyone and everyone,” said Goddard.

“It is important for everyone, no matter their age or gender, to be aware of the basic symptoms that can occur with heart disease.”

The basic symptoms include:

    • Chest pain.
    • Pain radiating down the left arm.
    • Shortness of breath during normal activities.
    • Nausea.
    • Sweating.

Ways to stay ahead

Though it is hard to determine who is at risk for heart disease, there are many ways to help prevent it.

Some ways to decrease the risk of heart disease include:

    • Healthy diet.
    • Limiting stress.
    • Excersizing
    • Not smoking/vaping.

Goddard hopes that by recognizing American Heart Month throughout February, our world can start to combat this issue.

“Our goal is to not let heart disease continue to be the number one killer in the world,” Goddard said. “By continuing to highlight this issue and educate this issue I think we are on our way there.”

Learn more about the kinesiology department

Taking time for continuing education

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MCHHS is committed to providing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

Last fall’s professional development event centered on de-stigmatizing mental illness.

This spring, the focus is on engaging GenZ students in higher education.

On March 3, the college will shut down in the afternoon and students will receive alternative assignments.

Faculty from across the college will gather at the Darr Agricultural Center to participate in an interactive workshop with researcher and author Dr. Meghan Grace.

“I’m looking forward to an engaging afternoon with Dr. Grace and MCHHS faculty as we seek to support student retention within MCHHS,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean.

About Grace

Grace is a researcher, consultant, international speaker and author.

She’s also host of the podcast #GenZ, and co-author of the books, “Generation Z Goes to College” and “Generation Z: A Century in the Making.”

Studying Generation Z since 2014, she and her research partner, Dr. Corey Seemiller, lead the Institute for Generational Research and Education.

As a senior consultant with Plaid, LLC, Grace supports clients in their pursuit of “being better” through designing and implementing research, assessment and evaluation solutions, along with curriculum development, program design and organizational development.

Learn more about MCHHS

Adapting to all abilities

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Ensuring everyone can participate in physical activity is something very important to Dr. Rebecca Woodard, MSU professor of kinesiology — even individuals who may not have the same abilities.

For more than a decade, Woodard has educated students on the importance of adapted physical education, also known as adaptive physical activity.

“These two terms refer to the ability to adapt and individualize physical activities to meet the needs of those with disabilities,” Woodard said.

“This can include an individual with autism, someone who may be in a wheelchair or any other disabilities.”

The goal of adapting these activities is to allow these individuals to be successful in their own way.

Real world experiences

MSU students majoring in physical education and exercise and movement science are enrolled in Woodard’s adapted physical education course to gain hands-on experience.

They attend lectures three days a week and then work with adapted PE teachers in the Springfield Public Schools district.

On Fridays, these students provide physical activity programs for students at Rivendale Institute of Learning and Center for Autism.

Every week, Woodard invites individuals from  Arc of the Ozarks to come to campus and participate with students in some physical activity.

“It’s important for these students to get this hands-on experience before graduating because in their future professions, they may work with individuals with disabilities,” Woodard said.

“I love seeing the relationships that form between students and the individuals who participate in these programs.”

Learn more about the kinesiology department

Restructuring: Conversations with the dean

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The MCHHS departments are in for some major restructuring in the coming years – but what does that mean for students and faculty?

Dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mark Smith, explains why restructuring is a good thing and why changes moving forward are needed.

“We must get people into areas where we can grow our community as a whole,” Smith said. “I firmly believe that by the end of this two-year plan we’re going to look different. One way or another we’re going to be better equipped to prepare students moving forward.” 

“Organizational change and improvement don’t happen by doing nothing and not talking about it. My door is always open for anyone with comments, questions, or concerns about this next chapter.” 

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