Tips From A Doctor

14 Austin South Asian | May 2021 Teachers and Their Students Remain Resilient Amidst the Pandemic

Throughout this past year, teachers have been tasked with conducting hybrid or fully remote learning while guiding students through a global pandemic and nationwide social injustices. Amid such challenges, teachers have developed unique ways to stay resilient, while also driving engagement for students.

One program in particular, The Lead4Change Student Leadership Program, provides free leadership curriculum along with opportunities for students to pilot service-learning projects through collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving and reflection. Teachers are using tools like this program to encourage students in making an impact in their local communities.

Treena Edwards, a teacher at Lithia Springs High School in Lithia Springs, Ga., explained how ing students (77%) and meeting the needs of diverse learners (58%).

Teacher Holly Hartman of Eastern Lebanon County High School in East Lebanon, Pa., was able to reignite her passion for teaching. “Developing connections virtually is so difficult, but Lead4Change gave me and my students a reason to be in class,” says Hartman. “It brought purpose to the work my students were doing, and they liked knowing they could still make a difference in their community, despite the challenges the pandemic posed.”

Lead4Change allowed her to gain a greater connection with her students. to do what I could to make a difference,” says Edwards. “Our high school is a Title I school where a

“When I got back to school and discovered there were some students who were homeless, without food and clothes, and hurting emotionally, it opened my eyes that I needed large majority of the student population is on free or reduced lunch. We have a food bank located in the school to help those students. Ever since the pandemic began, it’s been low on supplies.”

To support their community, Edwards’ students created a food drive to increase donations to local food banks.

At Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, Va., teacher David Thaw explained the whirlwind of teaching during the pandemic and how he ultimately rose to the challenge and learned from his students. “Most of us felt like we were jumping out of a plane and hoped our parachute would work when pulled,” says Thaw. “But what happened was amazing. As much grace I showed my students, they showed me an equal amount of grace and more.”

Among the many instructional obstacles of the past year, Education Week found that the two most prominent challenges for educators during the pandemic are motivat-

Tips From A Doctor Who Survived Covid-19

No matter how strictly you follow the rules, those with firsthand experience know that anyone can get COVID-19.

“Given my role helping shape COVID-19 policies and procedures since the pandemic surfaced, I know the rules better than most: wear a mask, limit social gatherings, stay six feet apart and so on,” says Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer for Medicare products at Cigna, one of the nation’s largest health care insurers. “Like many others, I did my best to follow the safety guidance. Yet, in late November 2020, I contracted the virus and faced months of recovery.”

While Dr. Conflitti hopes this doesn’t happen to others, she offers the following advice to those who do contract COVID-19:

• COVID-19 impacts everyone differently. There are those who cruise through COVID-19 with no symptoms while others have mild symptoms. Some people literally fight for their lives. Don’t expect to have the same experience as others, and be sure to communicate with your doctor about the best treatment approach.

• Don’t get caught in the blame COVID-19 is humbling, and even active, independent people may suddenly need help with normal daily activities, like getting groceries and medicines. People want to help, so don’t hesitate to ask so you can concentrate on recovering.

• Take care of your mental health. COVID-19 is isolating and can cause depression and anxiety. Stay connected with friends and family safely via phone or video calls. Talk to a professional if things become too difficult to manage on your own. You may have access to behavioral health support through your medical insurance or Medicare plan.

game. Once you contract COVID-19, there’s a tendency to blame yourself. Or you might blame others for infecting you. Many never find out how they were exposed. While contact tracing is important, don’t waste time blaming yourself or others. Save your energy for recovery. • Listen to your body. There’s no good time to get sick. Nevertheless, it’s important to listen to your body before returning to work, school and daily activities. Don’t rush it. Prepare by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, taking vitamins or supplements if your doctor recommends and reducing stress. • Pay it forward. Even with all the bad things COVID-19 brings, it’s also revealed some of the best aspects of humanity. Pay kindness forward by showing gratitude to clinicians, teachers, restaurant and grocery store workers and others who courageously give their best so our lives are better during this pandemic.

• Get the vaccine. Take control of your health by getting vaccinated. Follow your local health department news, and get your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as medically approved. It’s available at no cost and critical to ensuring your safety and the safety of others.

For Cigna’s COVID-19 resources, visit cigna.com/coronavirus.

“It’s been a difficult time for all of us, but I’m confident the most challenging days are behind us. Stay safe, follow safety procedures and get vaccinated. The only way we can move forward is if we do it together,” says Dr. Conflitti. (StatePoint) This program has allowed educators to reinforce students’ immense potential to make a difference on important issues facing their communities.

“We are inundated with research reports advising Gen Z students are clueless about societal concerns,” explains Kenia Brown, a teacher at Plantation Middle School in Plantation, Fla. “I found just the opposite. Students were very aware of current events and civic mindedness and thanks to Lead4Change, I actually feel much better about the direction of society.”

Brown’s students formed the “Motivational Mondays” team, which promoted positive interpersonal communication within their community by spreading words of kindness on Mondays. The students’ efforts were awarded by Lead4Change as one of the grand prize-winning teams of the Lead4Change Challenge, earning a $10,000 grant for the nonprofit of their choice. However, the students’ impact on the local community and leadership skills acquired were rewards in of themselves.

For more information about the Lead4Change Student Leadership Program, visit lead4change.org.

During one of the most challenging years in recent history, teachers and students are remaining resilient and driving positive change by being leaders in community service.

15 Austin South Asian | May 2021 Coming Together To Support Patients Living With Sarcoidosis

April is Sarcoidosis Awareness Month and to help bring light to this rare disease, the American Lung Association sat down with Rhonda Jenkins, program manager at the Respiratory Institute within Cleveland Clinic to discuss connecting patients with resources and the community with understanding.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system overreacts, causing clusters of inflamed tissue called “granulomas” to form in different organs. It most commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes, but can also affect the eyes, skin, heart and nervous system. Sarcoidosis is a rare lung disease, with fewer than 200,000 estimated cases in the U.S. Symptoms vary from person to person, and with good treatment and follow-up, may improve.

Q: What is your role at the clinic?

A: As program manager for Community Outreach for sarcoidosis, I lead several initiatives aimed at getting individuals the best care and support possible. I work di-

rectly with patients, learning from them which aspects of their care are challenging and if they’re lacking resources to achieve optimal wellness. For example, some people living with sarcoidosis are unable to work or do the exact job they had been doing. I assist with connecting them to work resources or point them toward support for applying for disability.

I also coordinate learning opportunities to share information about sarcoidosis symptoms, diagnosis and management with local churches, health centers and other community sites.

Q: What do you wish people knew about sarcoidosis?

A: Before I worked with people living with sarcoidosis, I supported patients recovering from traumatic injuries. I’ve noticed a difference in community understanding between a patient with an amputated limb and the patients I support now who live with chronic fatigue or pain. With sarcoidosis, the symptoms often aren’t visible and that can make understanding, which is needed for empathy, more difficult to come by.

I would ask that others not judge folks who have symptoms that seem vague or unusual. Patients sometimes express that when asked about symptoms or challenges, well-meaning family, friends or coworkers can get so caught up in understanding the disease they forget to focus on helpful action. It’s great to want to learn more but even better to follow up with the “how can I help?” so readily offered those with well-known conditions.

Q: What advice do you have for patients?

A: Never give up! You know your body best and know if something isn’t right. Continue to seek answers, second opinions if needed, and be your own advocate. If you’re on a medication and don’t feel it’s working, talk to your doctor about other options. Or if you’re given directions to get labs regularly and you don’t understand where the lab is, how often to go, what the tests are for, or a host of other questions, ask to speak with someone who has a job like mine to help navigate the health system and get the care you need. It’s important to have someone in your corner. Q: What words of encouragement do you have for patients?

A: We have a team of amazing doctors specifically dedicated to finding and helping patients living with sarcoidosis achieve their optimal health. National organizations like the American Lung Association and Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research are working together to support patients now, and in the future with better treatments and ways to diagnose this disease earlier.

To learn more, visit Lung.org/sarcoidosis or Stopsarcoidosis.org. The American Lung Association and Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research work collaboratively to connect with patients, clinics, providers and the general public to raise awareness of sarcoidosis and support individuals living with this disease. Support for this partnership was provided by an unrestricted educational grant from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. (StatePoint)

10 Facts About Women In The Military

American women have been making military history for centuries.

Their service to the United States stretches back to the country’s very beginning, when many cared for wounded Revolutionary War soldiers.

Since then, women have blazed countless trails within the military – from the first to enlist during World War I to those filling combat roles today.

Here are 10 facts about the many contributions women have made to the U.S. military.

1. Although not officially enlisted at first, women have served in the U.S. Army since 1775. In the 18th century, women tended to the wounded, washed and mended clothing, and cooked for male troops. 9. Adm. Michelle Howard (Ret.) made history in 2014 when she became the first four-star woman in Navy history. Howard served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe before retiring in 2017.

Honor for her work as a contract surgeon in the Union Army.

3. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt established the Navy Nurse Corps. The first 20 women of the Corps were known as “The Sacred Twenty.” 4. Women were officially allowed to join the U.S. military during last two years of World War I, and 33,000 of them signed up to work as nurses and in other support roles. More than 400 nurses died serving America during the Great War.

5. During WWII, hundreds of women participated in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program. These pioneer female pilots helped test and ferry military aircraft around the country and were led by Jacqueline Cochran, the first woman to break the sound barrier.

6. Navy Rear Adm. Grace Hopper was one of the first and most influential computer programmers. Hopper played an important role in the development of the COBOL programming language and helped shape how programmers code today.

7. Women were allowed to begin attending the four service academies in 1976. Four years later, the first 54 female students graduated from these academies.

8. In 1998, Cmdr. Maureen A. Farren became the first woman to lead a combatant ship, the USS Mount Vernon. 10. In 2016, Capt. Kristen Griest became the first female Army infantry officer in the nation’s history. A year earlier, Griest and Lt. Shaye Haver were also the first women to graduate from the Army’s famed Ranger School.

Visit USO.org/Stories to learn more about the legacy of women in the United States military.

Women have joined every military branch, held ranks from enlisted personnel to four-star general, and performed critical jobs from nursing to cybersecurity.

Their service and their sacrifice have left an indelible mark on the country’s military history. (StatePoint)