By Dulce Maria Ruelas
Faculty, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Smoking is no longer an individual economic burden but a population health complexity because of the ramifications of secondhand smoke, thirdhand smoke, environmental conditions, healthcare utilization, mortality rates, disability and quality of life. Tobacco control was initiated with the 1964 surgeon general’s report of the effects of smoking on public health (Levy, Meza, Zhang, & Holford, 2016).
By Dulce Ruelas
Faculty, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Public health is about health promotion and education. However, sometimes prevention discussion is needed to stop the exacerbation of a chronic condition or creation of co-morbidities. The conversation that surrounds diabetes is a combination of these terms. Being a college student with diabetes can be cumbersome but manageable. Whether you are living on campus or commuting to classes, note that juggling diabetes and college life is possible.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and illness around the world. According to the American Cancer Society, one in five deaths in the United States are caused by cigarette smoking. Quitting smoking is not easy and it does not happen overnight. However, there are many benefits to quitting. Two weeks to three months after quitting, your circulation improves and your lung function increases. After one year of being smoke-free, your heart attack risk drops dramatically. Ten years after quitting smoking, your risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who still smokes.
By Veronica Perez, MPH, CHES
Assistant Professor, College of Nursing & Health Care Professions
The dangers of tobacco and cigarette smoking are well-documented. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is no safe tobacco product because all forms of tobacco are addictive and harmful to health. In recent years, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, have become popular with teens and young adults. E-cigarettes (also called “vapes” or “vape pens”) are devices containing nicotine and flavorings that heat liquid into an aerosol which is then inhaled by the user. Use of e-cigarettes is commonly called “vaping.” As conventional cigarette smoking rates decline, vaping rates are on a steady climb among youth and adults. These devices are viewed by many as safer than cigarette smoking…but is vaping a safer alternative to smoking?
By Xochtil Wilson,
Bachelors in Dietetics, 15 years plus in Nutrition Education, Health Coach and former GCU student
Food, once upon a time, was scarce and for survival.
By Sabrina Corpus
MPH Candidate, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Short for human papillomavirus, HPV is one of the most common STIs in the United States (CDC, 2018). If persistent HPV infections occur, it could lead to cancer and genital warts (CDC, 2018). This vaccination is typically a two-dose series if performed from the ages 11-14. If the patient exceeds that age range, it will be a three-dose series from 15 to 26 years of age. Though HPV is one of the most common STIs, why is there such a low record of teenagers getting this vaccination?
A collaborative, team-minded approach to health care isn’t just a way to make the work environment positive and more enjoyable. It’s also a smart way to improve efficiency, encourage professional growth and facilitate effective communication to promote positive patient outcomes. When healthcare professionals work together, patients receive better care and everyone benefits! Today’s healthcare environment functions using a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, there are things you can do to foster collaboration and promote teamwork.
For registered nurses looking to further their skills and career, the online RN to BSN degree from Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a convenient option. The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice at GCU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation). GCU’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions is also approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing
By Dulce Maria Ruelas, MPH
Faculty, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
The eclipse has passed and left a mark of enthusiasm, regardless of whether you watched it or not. A great deal of information and safety precautions was disseminated via radio, television and social media. Yet, what does the Great American Eclipse have to do with public health?
Public health exists as a prevention mechanism of disease and to prolong life. Therefore, this event sparks eye health and the environment as the link to public health.
The spectacular event of the 2017 eclipse may have left communities with questions on how and when or if they were safely looking at the natural wonder. If you feel that you were not well prepared or informed about the precautions to take in viewing the eclipse, then here are some recommendations to follow up on:
Are you a healthcare professional looking for better ways to balance your health and career? Or perhaps you’re considering entering the field of nursing and want to develop strategies for success early on. No matter the case, knowing how to stay healthy while working in a healthcare position can be critical to your overall wellness, happiness and success. The following are some tips that can help you with staying healthy while working in a hospital setting:
