Wellness at CWRU

A new study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center predicts rising temperatures driven by climate change will dramatically increase heat-related heart disease in the US. More specifically, the study, published in JAMA Cardiology, estimates the higher temperatures could increase heat-related heart disease by 200% by 2050. Learn more here:

New research connects climate change to increasing heat-related heart disease nationally | CWRU Newsroom | Case Western Reserve University A new study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center predicts risin...

Shanina Knighton, research associate professor at CWRU’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, said showers harbor bacteria, mold, and biofilm long before grime becomes visible. She explained that pink residue is often bacteria, not mold, thriving in moist, poorly ventilated spaces—and urged regular cleaning of overlooked hotspots such as shower liners, loofahs and bathmats. Read further here:

Why Your Shower Gets Dirty So Fast (and How to Slow It Down) Wondering why your shower gets dirty so quickly? Experts explain the common causes and simple ways to keep it cleaner for longer.

Hope Barkoukis, chair in the Department of Nutrition at CWRU, said many physicians want to discuss nutrition but “don’t feel competent” to do so because medical schools often lack robust nutrition training. Barkoukis said CWRU’s culinary classes help future doctors give practical, culturally sensitive food advice tailored to patients’ real lives instead of vague directives to “eat healthy.” Read further here:

Exclusive | Doctors are taking culinary classes so they can prescribe food as medicine — it’s so much more than just ‘eat healthy’ Welcome to the idea of “produce prescriptions” — and how it could be the future of fighting disease and saving money.

Elizabeth Click, associate professor at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and CWRU medical director who oversees the Wellness Program for faculty and staff, said “wellness stacking” can legitimately help people build healthier routines by linking new habits to existing ones, reducing the mental effort of behavior change. Learn more:

TikTokers Are 'Stacking' All Their Wellness Habits—Can It Actually Help You Meet Your Health Goals? On TikTok, creators are "stacking" water add-ins, supplements, workouts, and general wellness hacks. According to a certified wellness practitioner, there's some merit behind the trend.

Shanina Knighton, research associate professor at CWRU’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, warned against using the water from airplane taps because they can carry bacteria. "Onboard water tanks aren’t cleaned as frequently as you might think," said Knighton. Read more about bacteria risks on airplanes:

This Common In-flight Habit Could Expose You to Bacteria, Experts Warn Here's why you may want to avoid water in airplane bathrooms and how to stay sanitary instead.

Lindsay Malone, clinical dietitian and instructor in the Department of Nutrition at CWRU, highlighted concerns about energy drinks’ high caffeine and stimulant levels, noting they can strain the heart—especially in young people—and are often poorly labeled. Listen to the panel discussion here:

Experts examine health risks tied to energy drinks and excess caffeine Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and added sugars that can pose health risks. Experts discuss what happens when caffeine intake goes too far and what consumers should know about safety and moderation.

Happy June!!! 🌞 While the summer season technically begins later this month, CWRU is already in summer mode. While dining locations and hours will be reduced for the summer at on-campus dining locations, Bon Appétit has you covered for breakfast and lunch options. Browse dining locations and their summer hours here:

Check out summer campus dining locations | CWRU Newsroom | Case Western Reserve University If you’re staying on campus this summer, Bon Appétit Management Co. has you covered for breakfast and lunch options…Open dining locations this su...

Alexsandra Kovacevich, clinical assistant professor at the CWRU School of Medicine, explained how people have hesitations about committing to medication that may be a lifelong treatment. “The length of treatment can vary depending on how long the symptoms have been going on or how many episodes they’ve had," said Kovacevich. Visit this article for additional considerations and questions to ask your doctor before starting a medication for mental health:

6 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Starting a Mental-Health Drug Having a conversation in advance will help prepare you for what it's like to take an antidepressant, anti-anxiety medication, or another psychotropic drug.

Angela Hein Ciccia, professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at CWRU’s College of Arts and Sciences, noted that brain games can sharpen specific skills but don’t reliably improve everyday cognition. “The challenge is important,” she said. “When it stops being challenging, it stops having the same effect.” New, engaging, moderately difficult games practiced regularly are more beneficial than familiar, easy ones. Read more here:

Do Brain Games Really Keep You Sharp as You Age? What Science Says Brain games are widely believed to sharpen your cognitive skills, especially as you age. But experts say there's no "magic bullet" for brain health.