New year, new resolve

News in research, student success, and alumni achievement from Oregon State University's College of Public Health and Human Sciences.

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January 2021
Dear <<First name>>,

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and thank you for your continued efforts to protect yourselves and others. The pandemic isn't over, and although continued diligence is needed, there is cause for optimism. More than ever, the world needs your hope, your heart and your commitment to doing good. We send our best wishes for a healthy, peaceful 2021.

OF NOTE: In the next OSU Alumni Association career webcast, industry experts will share how to land a new job in public health. "New year, new job: How to change industries in public health" is scheduled at noon Wednesday, Jan. 27, and is free to all students, staff and alumni. Register with Zoom.

Get creative when exercising at home

We know we need it, and still we resist. But what if there were easy ways to keep our bodies moving throughout the day? What would happen if we got creative in our exercise routine? And perhaps most importantly, what can we do to increase our motivation when it comes to staying active? Instructor and OSU Faculty Staff Fitness Coordinator Dee Gillen has the answers.

Bray Lecture speaker nominated to serve as surgeon general a second time

In 2018, Vivek H. Murthy, MD became the first speaker in the Bray Health Leadership Lecture series, funded by contributions from alumni and supporters. Dr. Murthy served as U.S. Surgeon General from 2014-2017, and on December 7, 2020, he once again was nominated to that position on the new president’s health team. Read what Dr. Murthy shared about mental health and what fuels his passion as surgeon general.

Extension FCH faculty assist with COVID-19 testing in Columbia, Washington counties

Extension Family and Community Heath faculty joined fellow Extension faculty and staff in assisting with drive-through COVID-19 testing clinics at St. Helens High School. The OSU Center for Health Innovation, housed in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences, has an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Health Authority to partner on COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. Learn more about their efforts.

Research with impact

Medicaid expansion improves prenatal care access and birth outcomes, says CPHHS study

CPHHS researchers found that providing women access to health care early in their lives leads to better overall health status and thus healthier pregnancies if they do become pregnant. Babies are more likely to be born healthy, and to be connected with health services and primary health care, from an early age as well. Read more about the implications of expansion and its effects on health.

In the news

Professor Chunhuei Chi spoke to KATU2 about the future of the pandemic and his cautious optimism. His prediction? It will get worse before it’s better, and “normal” is likely at least four months away. Chunhuei was also interviewed about the possibility of requiring proof of vaccination by private industry, such as airlines, which you can read at KATU2. He was interviewed by KOIN TV 6 in Portland about the importance of cloth face coverings in slowing the spread of COVID-19. “Masking is a way to liberate us, it allows us to become freer and engage in the activities we all want to engage in,” he said. Chunhuei also spoke to Fox 12 Oregon about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and with verywellhealth about how long vaccine-induced immunity might last.

Lead author Kari-Lyn Sakuma, assistant professor, compared cigarette use among racial and ethnic groups and found that while the number of cigarettes consumed each day dropped 30% for all age groups between 1992-2019, there is cause for concern that tobacco control efforts have mainly helped white smokers. She also found that tobacco companies have specifically marketed their products in low-income neighborhoods and places with high concentrations of Black and Hispanic/Latino community members. Go to NPR to learn more.

Associate Professor Carolyn Ashton is one of “Corvallis’ Most Impactful for 2020,” recognized by the Corvallis Advocate. She and Benton County 4-H provided needed shelter for animals of those displaced by wildfire. Benton County Health Department Co-Director Charlie Fautin also makes the list.

Marie Harvey, associate dean for research, and CPHHS researcher Susanna Gibbs found that found Oregon’s Medicaid expansion in 2014 improved prenatal care access and birth outcomes. Learn more at Science Daily or Mirage News.

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