New research out of the Medical Center is the first to show an association between vaping and mental impairment in both kids and adults. You can find out more about the studies’ results below. And if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more, the University has got you covered with recent Rochester-authored and -published books.
Also in this issue:
The Office of Equity and Inclusion’s Insights podcast explores what it will take to build trust in communities of color in order to get the COVID-19 vaccine to some of the populations hardest hit by the pandemic
The University Counseling Center is hosting a number of drop-in groups for students this winter
Discounts and benefits resources for faculty and staff from the Office of Total Rewards
Since Monday’s notice in @Rochester, there are no new cases of COVID-19 to report. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily and whenever a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.
If you think you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to report them through Dr. Chat Bot immediately. Even if you think your symptoms might be something else—like a cold, seasonal congestion, or allergies—it’s still important to tell University health professionals and contact tracers what you’re experiencing. Common COVID-19 symptoms include
A temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher
Chills
Muscle or body aches
Severe fatigue
Headache
Congestion or runny nose
Sore throat
Loss of taste, smell, or appetite
Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
New studies suggest vaping could cloud your thoughts
Two new studies led by Dongmei Li, a professor of public health sciences and an associate professor of clinical and translational research and of obstetrics and gynecology, have uncovered an association between vaping and mental fog for both adults and kids.
Podcast explores vaccine acceptance in communities of color
As coronavirus vaccinations of frontline healthcare workers are rolled out across the country, many in the Black and Hispanic community say they aren’t so sure they want it. A recent Pew Research Center study finds less than half of Black adults polled say they plan to get vaccinated. In this episode of Insights, the Office of Equity and Inclusion’s podcast, Angela Branche, an assistant professor of medicine and infectious diseases; Jackie Dozier, a vaccine trial participant; and Linda Clark, a practicing physician and president of the Rochester Black Physicians Network, discuss what it will take for medicine to build trust in communities of color in order to get the COVID-19 vaccine to some of the populations hardest hit by the pandemic. A transcript is also available.
Renewed interest from NASA and privately funded enterprises, the discovery of exoplanets, and the creation of advanced technology and new search methods are among the reasons the search for extraterrestrial life “may finally escape the giggle factor,” writes Adam Frank, the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Grief and Loss takes place Thursdays in January from 4 to 5 p.m. EDT.
Dream Rochester
Studio X, the University’s hub for extended reality, and the Barbara J. Burger iZone, are giving students the opportunity to create the Rochester they’ve always dreamed of with the Dream University Challenge. The challenge kickoff will take place on Thursday, January 7, with an iZone-facilitated workshop geared to help jumpstart your imagination. The deadline to register to participate is today at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Virtual writing retreat for AS&E graduate students and postdocs
Having trouble feeling motivated or finding time to write? Join a virtual winter break writing boot camp. Log onto Zoom to meet other writers, set writing goals, and write. For those who may need a bit more support, a writing tutor will be available. This event is open to graduate students and postdocs in Arts, Sciences & Engineering and takes place Monday, January 18, through Thursday, January 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST each day. Register online to attend. Email Rachel Lee with questions.
Emergency childcare program available for essential employees
The University is partnering with the YMCA of Greater Rochester to bring its School of Roc program for school-aged children to the River Campus through February 12. The short-term arrangement aims to assist the childcare needs of many frontline workers who interact with patients or directly support students as part of their job working additional shifts or being asked to work additional hours as COVID-19 surges in the Rochester community. Get details and registration information.
Learn more about your benefits and discounts in the new year
The Office of Total Rewards offers the following resources
Schedule a free virtual consultation with a TIAA representative to set investment goals and select the appropriate funds for those goals. Make your appointment online or by calling (800) 410-6497, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Eligible employees can use their free premium Care.com membership to start the year off in the right direction by connecting with care providers who can help make life easier. Care.com also has links and features to assist in finding tutors and support for children learning remotely.
The online employee tuition waiver application is now available in HRMS using the following path: Self Service>Benefits>Tuition>Apply Employee Tuition Waiver. Submit your application within 30 days from the start of your course and it will go directly to your supervisor for approval. Learn more.
'Lunch and Listen' program for Medical Center staff and clinical workers
Eastman Performing Arts Medicine will offer live music on Tuesdays starting today, January 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT, for Medical Center staff and clinical workers. The musicians will play live from their homes, taking requests, and offering music to help health care professionals unwind or gear up. This week’s “Lunch and Listen” session features harpist Rosanna Moore ’19E (DMA).
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