Oct. 26, 2020 |
The panel discussion of legendary coach Lou Henson will include his family members and colleagues. The theme of this year’s Sapora Symposium is Sports and Social Justice.
Lou Henson
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Author: Vince Lara-Cinisomo
Mobile app aims to help older adults manage medications
Oct. 05, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo
A team of researchers will seek to improve medication adherence rates in older adults with a novel app
Despite known benefits of taking prescription medications on time and with regularity, estimates indicate about half are not taken, leading to increased health care costs and mortality.
With new federal funding, however, a team of researchers from the University of Illinois’ College of Applied Health Sciences and the University of Arizona Health Sciences will seek to improve medication adherence rates in older adults with a novel mobile application.
With a team comprised of experts in pharmacy, nursing, educational psychology and cognitive aging, Kinesiology and Community Health professor Wendy Rogers and University of Arizona College of Pharmacy’s Jeannie Lee, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, will use a five-year, $3.09 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance and test the Medication Education, Decision Support, Reminding, and Monitoring System 2.0 (MEDSReM-2), an integrated mobile app and companion website.
The MEDSReM-2 system will support medication adherence for hypertension and blood pressure (BP) management for older adults. While not yet publicly available, it is available to the research team and will be further developed and tested with study patients before commercial marketing.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most prevalent chronic disease among older Americans, estimated to affect 67 percent of people age 60 or older, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BP medications are remarkably effective in reducing negative outcomes of uncontrolled hypertension and proper adherence to blood pressure medications can yield major reductions in heart failure and stroke, as well as preserve cognitive function.
“Though medications are very effective for hypertension control, the typical hypertension medication adherence rate is only about 50 percent, and hypertension control in older adults is only 53 percent,” said Dr. Lee, the college’s assistant dean of student services and an associate professor who specializes in geriatrics and behavioral research. “Proof that medications do not work if people fail to use them.”
In a previous research project led by Kathleen C. “Kathie” Insel, PhD, RN, chair of the Biobehavioral Health Division in the UArizona College of Nursing, Dr. Lee and fellow collaborators developed and field-tested the first iteration of the MEDSReM app. This initial app was a technology translation of the Multifaceted Prospective Memory Intervention (MPMI), a series of strategies seeking to increase medication adherence by supporting cognitive processes.
Rogers, Lee, Dr. Insel and other collaborators now have started to use the grant to build on the original MEDSReM app, which integrates the successes of the MPMI strategies into a single, easy-to-use mobile app. If the technology proves to be useful, they plan to expand the next iteration for other diseases and populations.
The MEDSReM-2 app will capitalize on technological advancements such as integration of a wireless blood pressure monitor to provide feedback on the relationship between a person’s adherence rates and their blood pressure. In addition, the app will enable the smartphone camera to provide an easy set-up for entering medications, supporting missed-dose decisions, and personalizing their reminder schedule. The MEDSReM-2 system will also include a web portal to provide educational materials and feedback visualizations. Through this multidimensional approach, the research team believes patient medication adherence rates will be sustained and BP levels improved.
Other collaborators on the NIH grant include: Dan Morrow, a professor in the College of Education at Illinois, and Tim Hale, a teaching assistant professor in KCH at Illinois; Tracy Mitzner, PhD, Senior Research Scientist at Georgia Institute of Technology, and Josephine D. Korchmaros, PhD, director, UArizona Southwest Institute for Research on Women.
Editor’s note:
To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
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Study suggests that social engagement technology has the potential to broaden older adults’ social networks
Sept. 29, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo
OneClick.chat is a web-based video chat platform that provides users with easy, accessible ways to connect with others
OneClick.chat, a video chat platform, announced positive outcomes in the study of older adults, with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI), who used their video chat technology to engage in social activities to meet new people of all ages with shared interests. Some of the participants’ favorite topics of conversation were books, health, family, and exercise. The results of this study were published in Gerontechnology, the official journal of the International Society for Gerontechnology.
OneClick.chat, a web-based video chat platform that provides users with easy, accessible ways to connect with others, partnered with Drs. Wendy Rogers and Raksha Mudar in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to conduct a three-phased study to examine experiences, attitudes, and preferences of video chat systems, particularly the OneClick video chat platform, among older adults with and without MCI. It also evaluated and optimized the OneClick.chat platform to accommodate the interests, abilities, and usability concerns of older adults. These objectives were accomplished in three phases:
- Phase 1 examined older adults’ experiences with well-known video chat systems (e.g. Skype, Facetime), their attitudes toward video chat in general, and to OneClick.chat specifically, and their preferences on how they would like to use OneClick.chat.
- Phase 2 worked to identify potential usability problems with the OneClick.chat platform through experiential evaluations conducted by experts with knowledge of human factors, aging, and MCI. The OneClick.chat platform was then optimized based on Phase 1 and Phase 2 findings.
- Phase 3 participants interacted with the optimized OneClick.chat platform over a period of four weeks in their own homes. They gave feedback on their attitudes toward the improved system and their opinions about using the system for real conversations.
The study provided valuable and novel insights from participants about their experiences and preferences for using video chat systems, as well as understanding their perceived ease of use and technology acceptance. Overall, participants found the OneClick.chat platform useful and easy to use. This process also showcased how technology for older adults can be developed by engaging them in the iterative design process. Importantly, this study will provide insights, not only for the design of OneClick.chat, but more generally for the design of technology-based social engagement platforms for older adults with and without MCI.
“Older adults are at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness due to significant life changes, including retirement, restricted mobility – and now with the global pandemic putting older adults in isolation—we fear this will only further exacerbate the development of chronic health conditions,” said Dillon Myers, CEO of OneClick.chat. “The results of this study help us understand from research leaders in aging and technology, how to develop the best video chat and social engagement platform for older adults. Soon we will launch version 2.0 of our platform, which will include significant enhancement upgrades as a result of this study.”
OneClick.chat will launch version 2.0 next month which will include a new video chat interface designed to maximize usability for older adults, enhanced security and data privacy features, as well as curated classes and social events for residents of senior living organizations. The Company plans to build on this research through Phase II grant funding from The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). OneClick.chat will partner with home and community-based organizations (CBOs) to utilize the platform in their community outreach and demonstrate improved quality of life for older adults through social activities that use technology.
OneClick.chat will continue its study in partnership with Dr. Wendy Rogers, Director of the Human Factors and Aging Laboratory and Dr. Raksha Mudar, Director of the Aging and Neurocognition Laboratory.
“It’s critical that companies, like OneClick.chat, focus on the socialization needs of one of our most vulnerable populations,” Dr. Rogers said. “Many older adults are already at high risk of social isolation and the global pandemic continues to have a major impact on their ability to interact with family and friends or develop new social connections.”
Editor’s note:
To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
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Two new grants aimed at improving outcomes for students with disabilities
Oct. 02, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo
The grants will be focused on providing training to Special Education teachers and Vocational Rehabilitation counselors across Illinois
Two new grants to researchers in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois will fund programs aimed at improving post-school employment outcomes for students with significant disabilities.
The first grant, funded by the Illinois State Board of Education, is for a five-year, $5 million collaboration between the College of Education and AHS. Kinesiology and Community Health professor David Strauser, in collaboration with College of Education professor Stacy Dymond, received funding for the Center on Transition and Work. The Center will offer state-wide training and technical assistance to school personnel, rehabilitation counselors, and families to improve post-school employment outcomes for students with significant disabilities (e.g., intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, autism).
Strauser, Dymond and KCH professor John Kosciulek were also awarded a Vocational Training Grant. This project, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for $1.5 million over five years, will provide statewide training to vocational rehabilitation counselors who prepare individuals with disabilities for employment.
Strauser said the two grants “complement each other and will work together to increase post-high school employment outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities in Illinois.”
Strauser said the grants will be focused on providing training to Special Education teachers and Vocational Rehabilitation counselors across Illinois.
“The training will focus on providing training to front-line professionals that will enhance their skills related on preparing youth and young adults for employment after they leave high school.”
Podcasts, videos and research briefs will be among the materials created and made publicly available to help young adults with disabilities and chronic health conditions transition to work life, he said.
Strauser hopes to begin training as soon as early next year, and is searching for sites for the Center on Transition and Work, which will be somewhere on the UIUC campus.
As far as the populations the grants will help, Strauser said the project funded by the ISBE will focus on severe intellectual, psychiatric, and physical disabilities, while the vocational training project will focus on all types of disabilities and chronic health conditions.
Strauser said the grants fulfill the land grant mission of UIUC by providing research and training directed at enhancing the lives of Illinoisans with disabilities and chronic health conditions.
“We will also be able to conduct direct practice-based research that will provide valuable information to Illinois, the country and the world regarding effective practices and strategies that can improve the career development and employment of youth and young adults with disabilities.”
Strauser and Kosciulek also received a grant for their Rehabilitation Services Administration Quality Employment Outcomes project. Strauser is the principle investigator on the project—which also includes the University of Wisconsin, Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Kentucky. The objectives are to increase the number of eligible applicants to State vocational rehab programs; to increase engagement of eligible applicants in service to promote participation in services throughout the tenure of their Individualized Employment Plans; to increase the number of employers hiring and retaining persons with disabilities in their workforce; and to increase the Employment Rate indicator, as compared to each programs’ historical data and national trends. The project is funded for $2.15 million over five years.
Editor’s note:
To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
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Wellness Ambassador Lauryn Praet talks about COVID and campus
Oct. 03, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo
Wellness ambassadors support the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to boast several students who are participating in the Wellness Ambassador program. Periodically, we’ll speak with a student about what they have encountered in their role. Today, it’s Lauryn Praet, a student in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences.
Q: What kind of training did you receive to become a Wellness Ambassador?
A: We were trained as a group in both a Zoom training, as well as in-person training. These training sessions were facilitated by both the directors of the program as well as professionals from McKinley Health Center and the Champaign Public Health Department. We receive ongoing support through bi-weekly Zoom trainings to answer questions and problem solve any concerns. As a team lead, I received additional training specific to how to support my 8 person team, as well as address questions or concerns in between our biweekly meetings.
Q: What kind of activities are you performing while working?
A: Our workdays vary as well. We always have free wellness packets to hand out to students and faculty. Sometimes we are handing those out on the quad encouraging everyone to use COVID precautions, sanitizing, mask-wearing, and social distancing. Sometimes we are at the COVID test sites helping to support student testing. In the upcoming weeks, we will be helping to encourage students and faculty to get their yearly flu shots.
Q: How many hours do you work a week?
A: On average, I work 8-10 hours a week.
Q: Where are you stationed?
A: We have the opportunity to work all over campus. We are able to choose where we want to work each day from a list of facilities or areas that request assistance from the ambassadors. I have worked on the quad, at the COVID testing sites, and a variety of other University buildings. Typically, we are places where you would find students, faculty, and activity.
Q: What challenges have you faced in doing the job?
A: Being a Wellness Ambassador has been enjoyable, and most students are accepting of the information and wellness packets. We have observed most students complying with precautions, however, have experienced a few individuals who do not respect the safety precautions. We can remind and offer safety materials but have no authority to enforce.
Q: What kind of reactions do you get from students or faculty when you encounter them?
A: I have received very positive reactions from students and faculty. Most students and faculty seem to want to do their part by respecting and complying with COVID precautions. Most people I have spoken to understand the importance of the measures and respect the University for its extensive efforts to keep us safe and on campus. Most students want to be on campus and comply in hopes of staying on campus.
Q: What’s the toughest part of the job?
A: As I stated before, COVID safety is not always easy to enforce. However, knowing that I am making this campus a safer environment for all students to live and learn at makes it all worth it.
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Wellness Ambassador Sarah Bittle talks about COVID and campus
April 03, 2024 | Ethan Simmons
Wellness ambassadors support the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to boast several students who are participating in the Wellness Ambassador program. Periodically, we’ll speak with a student about what they have encountered in their role. Today, it’s Sarah Bittle, a student in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences.
Q: What kind of training did you receive to become a Wellness Ambassador?
A: As a Wellness Ambassador we received plenty of training. While the majority of our trainings have been via Zoom, we’ve talked with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, McKinley and others to make sure we are properly educated on the proper safety measures we should be taking ourselves, as well as encouraging others to do also. We’ve had social media and interview trainings as well.
Q: What kind of activities are you performing while working?
A: While we’re on shift we are usually handing out our Wellness Kits and other Covid testing information. We’re currently working on some other campaigns to better support our students on campus and soon we will also be assisting with McKinley’s Flu Shot Campaign.
Q: How many hours do you work a week?
A: I work about 7-10 hours per week.
Q: Where are you stationed?
A: Every day can look different. Some days we’re stationed at testing sites, some days we set up around a more populated area of campus such as the (Ikenberry Commons Residence Hall) or the (Gies College of Business Instructional Facility), and other days we just walk around campus.
Q: What challenges have you faced in doing the job?
A: Something I’ve been challenged with is just being able to find the most effective way to both reach people and support them during these strange times.
Q: What kind of reactions do you get from students or faculty when you encounter them?
A: Most students and faculty respond very well when they see us around campus. They’re excited about the free kit and are glad that we have this type of resource on campus.
Q: What’s the toughest part of the job?
A: Personally, it’s knowing that I can only do so much. We can educate and give out these resources, but at the end of the day it will be up to each individual to make the right choices to keep themselves and others around them safe.
Editor’s note:
To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
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Wellness Ambassador Rachel Brokenshire talks about COVID and campus
Sept. 22, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo
Wellness ambassadors support the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to boast several students who are participating in the Wellness Ambassador program. Periodically, we’ll speak with a student about what they have encountered in their role. Today, it’s Rachel Brokenshire, a student in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health.
Q: What kind of training did you receive to become a Wellness Ambassador?
A: For training, all of us (the Wellness Ambassadors) met with our supervisors over Zoom a week before school started to discuss more about the position. We talked about how things on campus would look different, how to be positive influences while at school, and overall what our tasks would be as a Wellness Ambassador. We also have biweekly training sessions to discuss things like being prepared for interviews, how to post on social media, and different ideas we can bring to life on campus.
Q: What kind of activities are you performing while working?
A: While we are working, there a variety of activities that can be done throughout our shifts. Our main task since the beginning of the school year has been packing “Wellness Kits” that includes a lot of resources about testing, the flu shot, and fun goodies (sunglasses, masks, hand sanitizer). We go out around campus and hand out these bags to students. We have also been to testing sites to pass out fun temporary Illinois tattoos. As Wellness Ambassadors, we are striving to bring more joy and positivity to campus during these confusing times.
Q: How many hours do you work a week?
A: I work between 6-10 hours a week.
Q: Where are you stationed?
A: Before our shifts, we either meet at the Illini Union or at a testing site that we are assigned to. It really depends what our tasks are for that day.
Q: What challenges have you faced in doing the job?
A: I think sometimes encountering people who may not want to wear a mask or seeing very large groups of people in a certain area can be a bit hard to see. As Wellness Ambassadors, our job is to not “police” students around and tell them what to do. We are simply being role models for our peers and when some students do not want to comply, it is a little disheartening. Other than that, the job is very rewarding in itself and I am so proud to be helping my college during a time like this.
Q: What kind of reactions do you get from students or faculty when you encounter them?
A: Mostly, students and staff are so excited that we are handing out free stuff. It is amazing to see others around us happy and thankful for what we are doing. That part of the job is my favorite and knowing that other students are seeing us make a difference on campus is great.
Q: What’s the toughest part of the job?
A: I think the toughest part of the job, as mentioned before, is seeing some people not wanting to comply with the rules on campus. As Wellness Ambassadors, it was hard having to read that email from Chancellor Jones when most of the students here are doing their part to stay on campus this semester. The actions of a few students may cost us the opportunity to stay here for the whole semester and we are trying our best to not let that happen. After the email, we realized we needed to work harder to promote social distancing and wearing a mask while in public, and that is exactly what we did. I am so proud of my fellow Wellness Ambassadors and the amazing work we are doing this year.
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Wellness Ambassador Emily Grayburn talks about COVID and campus
Sept. 14, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo
Wellness ambassadors support the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to boast several students who are participating in the Wellness Ambassador program. Periodically, we’ll speak with a student about what they have encountered in their role. Today, it’s Emily Grayburn, a student in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health.
Q: What kind of training did you receive to become a Wellness Ambassador?
A: I participated in a four-hour-long, Zoom-based training along with the other Wellness Ambassadors. During this meeting, we got to speak with members of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District as well as Dr. Robert Parker from McKinley Health Center. We also learned what we would be doing during our shift and how to approach people politely. We also need to attend bi-weekly trainings to update our job duties, if need be.
Q: What kind of activities are you performing while working?
A: While working, I typically walk around campus with one to two other Wellness Ambassadors and hand out COVID-19 wellness kits to people walking by. These kits include a map of testing locations, a card with information about the COVID Wellness Answer Center, a button or sticker, a flyer containing information about flu shots, and either a mask, sunglasses, or a hand sanitizer.
Q: How many hours do you work a week?
A: I work 8-10 hours a week.
Q: Where are you stationed?
A: I am usually stationed at (Illinois Street Residence) Halls, (Student Dining and Residential Programs Building), or walking around campus.
Q: What challenges have you faced in doing the job?
A: Some challenges that I have faced while doing this job would be dealing with the small amount of students who aren’t compliant with wearing a mask.
Q: What kind of reactions do you get from students or faculty when you encounter them?
A: For the most part, students are very excited about receiving free goodies from the university. They are very thankful that we are making a positive impact on our community.
Q: What’s the toughest part of the job?
A: The toughest part of my job would be confronting individuals who do not want to wear their masks. Although it is a small percentage of students, we still need to sometimes tell these people that they need to keep their mask on whenever they are outside of their room to keep others safe and increase the chances of us being able to stay on campus.
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SHS Freshman Abby Martinez talks about campus life in the COVID era
Sept. 17, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo
Freshmen are entering college in a unique environment, and that includes students in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois. The AHS communications staff spoke with new AHS students about campus life, why they decided to come to campus—or stay home—and how COVID-19 is changing their expectations. Today, we speak with Abby Martinez, a student in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science.
Q: Are you on campus?
A: I am on campus!
Q: What made you decide to be on campus?
A: Since it is my freshman year, I thought it’d would be nice to explore campus, get to know more people, and be involved!
Q: What challenges have you found in navigating campus?
A: I haven’t found any. It’s been easy! The buses are always there so I haven’t encountered any problems at all.
Q: What challenges are you discovering with remote classes?
A: With remote classes, expectations are looking a little bit different. Whether it is asynchronous or synchronous learning, having a mix of both is confusing for me. I realize that I am behind in some of my classes when it comes to readings, so I’ve been struggling with that.
Q: Tell me what you think about the COVID testing process. Has it been easy to find a testing site?
A: I think the process is great! It’s super quick and you don’t have to wait long for your results, so that is definitely a bonus. It has been easy finding a testing site, there’s one not so far from where I am staying at!
Q: What are the differences between your high school remote learning experience, and here at Illinois?
A: When I was in high school, everything was asynchronous learning. Here at Illinois, I have a mix of both. Every one of my instructors have been pretty specific with what they are expecting from us, and the assignments are not confusing at all!
Editor’s note:
To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
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Wellness Ambassador Jahaira Bustos talks about COVID and campus
Sept. 08, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo
Wellness ambassadors support the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to boast several students who are participating in the Wellness Ambassador program. Periodically, we’ll speak with a student about what they have encountered in their role. Today, it’s Jahaira Bustos, a student in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences.
Q: What kind of training did you receive to become a Wellness Ambassador?
A: We had a four-hour Zoom call with my bosses and they notified us of what the job was going to consist of and how we need to execute our job safely. We also (spoke) with a doctor at (the) McKinley (Health Center) who informed us about the virus and how to go about preventative behaviors.
Q: What kind of activities are you performing while working?
A: We pass out bags that include a map of all testing sites, hand sanitizer, a flu shot flyer, a button, a mask, and sunglasses. If we spot someone who is not wearing a mask, we kindly ask them to put it on, seeing as how it is very important for them to abide by the campus protocols.
Q: How many hours do you work a week?
A: I typically work 8-10 hours a week.
Q: Where are you stationed?
A: I have been stationed in the Union, near the (Grainger) Engineering buildings close to a testing site, on the Quad and outside of the (Student Dining and Residential Programs Building).
Q: What challenges have you faced in doing the job?
A: Some challenges I have faced are encountering the very few people who are not wearing a mask, and when asked to put one on they are very dismissive and/or respond with “I’m outside;” “My mask is in my pocket,” or “I’m on the phone”.
Q: What kind of reactions do you get from students or faculty when you encounter them?
A: A lot of the reactions are very appreciative; the students and faculty I have encountered know their role in how we carry out the rest of the year. By spreading that awareness and receiving that positive compliments, it makes walking in the heat worth it.
Q: What’s the toughest part of the job?
A: The hardest part of the job is without a doubt the very stubborn individuals who are coming from Green Street or walking around the Quad without a mask despite encountering several students and faculty. Despite being in a public setting, it’s very crucial to always stay covered to ensure the well-being of yourself and others.
Editor’s note:
To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
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