UAB Launches STEM Initiative in Elementary Schools

By Savannah Kirchner, courtesy of UAB

The UAB Department of Neurosurgery is lending its expertise to promote STEM fields in area elementary schools. STEM consists of the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“We’re joining the effort to help fill the health care workforce pipeline with better prepared, highly engaged students who are interested in a career in one of the STEM fields,” says James Markert, M.D., chair of neurosurgery in the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.

Anastasia Smith, clinical research manager in the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, visited Princeton Elementary School’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Club, where she delivered the first presentation from the department.

“The Princeton club is made up of fourth and fifth graders who have shown interest in pursuing STEM careers,” Smith says. “Even at a fairly young age, these students had mature questions about different STEM fields and job responsibilities. Several have already decided what STEM career they want to pursue.”

Smith’s presentation focused on public health, clinical research and how both fields interface with pediatric neurosurgery.

“Careers in public health are important because there are a lot of great surgeons who have the desire and clinical experience to help improve the lives of patients, and public health professionals help them get their ideas tested to produce meaningful impact in the form of new knowledge, manuscripts, protocol, new drugs and devices,” Smith adds.

Through STEM education, science, technology, engineering and mathematics are combined into a cohesive system that prepares students to transform their environment with sustainable and innovative solutions.

Smith has since visited Inglenook Elementary School and plans to continue visiting other schools and STEM clubs to share the various opportunities available within STEM careers.

Alabama Department of Public Health Offers Free Radon Test Kits

Radon is the number one leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is offering one free radon test kit per Alabama household as part of an initiative to cut down on dangerous radon exposure.

Radon is a radioactive gas that cannot be seen or smelled. It is produced when uranium breaks down in soil and water. Radon is harmlessly dispersed in outdoor air, but it can increase the risk of lung cancer when trapped in buildings. Symptoms of dangerous radon exposure include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1 in 15 homes has a radon problem. In Alabama, 15 counties have been identified as having the highest potential for elevated radon levels: Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Coosa, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Shelby, and Talladega. The only way to tell if a home has a radon problem is to check with a radon testing kit.

Alabama households can order one free radon test kit online via ADPH. Recipients are only responsible for paying a return shipping fee. For more information about the Alabama Department of Public Health and radon testing, contact Nick Swindall at John.Swindall@adph.state.al.us

Children’s of Alabama Patient Honored as Children’s Miracle Network Hospital National Champion for 2023

Logan McCool was chosen to be one of the 10 Children’s Miracle Network Hospital National Champions for 2023. Over the next year, she and her parents will share her story nationwide and advocate the importance of supporting kids’ health.

At 17 weeks, an ultrasound confirmed that Logan had spina bifida. The day after she was born, Logan began her care at Children’s of Alabama. With support from her care team at Children’s, Logan is now six years old; o dance, her favorite subject is science, and she is excited to be a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Champion for 2023.

“Logan epitomizes the word ‘Champion.’ She and her parents have done wonderful work as the 2022 Children’s of Alabama Champion,” says Emily Hornak, director of Cause Marketing/Corporate Partnerships at Children’s of Alabama. “It is incredible that her story has captured the hearts of many, especially across Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.”

As a national champion for 2023, Logan and her parents will help raise money and awareness for the 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the United States and Canada. To learn more about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, visit https:// childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/