WASHINGTON (Dec 14, 2021) - With the holiday season upon us, many people are excited to see loved ones, restart traditions and get gifts for the whole family. Yet, public health experts say the tripledemic of COVID, flu and RSV is concerning.
George Washington University has experts available to discuss the best ways to get together with family and friends this holiday season, how to manage stress and how to enjoy some good cheer without affecting your overall health.
Michael Knight, an assistant professor of medicine, can discuss how African Americans are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and the best practices for staying healthy this holiday season. He can also speak about the importance of getting the vaccine and booster shots.
Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz, an associate professor of prevention and community health, can talk about how Latinos are at higher risk for COVID-19 and steps Latino families can take to stay healthy this holiday season. Dr. Rodriguez-Diaz can conduct interviews in English and Spanish.
Marijane Hynes, the founding director of the GW Weight Loss Clinic and a clinical professor of medicine, can speak to making smart dietary decisions during the long winter months.
Lorenzo Norris, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, can speak to strained relationships as a result of differing views on COVID-19, politics and other tough topics that might come up this holiday season.
Natalie Vallone, is a Senior Research Assistant and Study Coordinator. She completed her dietetic training at The National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. She can speak about how to create healthy meals that the whole family will love and how to best encourage balanced eating at holiday parties.
Leigh Frame, Executive Director of the Office of Integrative Medicine and Health, Co-Founder and Associate Director of the GW Resiliency & Well-being Center. She can speak about taking a holistic health perspective around the holidays and into the new year, focusing on not just eating well and exercising, but also reducing stress and the health benefits of spending time with loved ones.
Loretta DiPietro is a professor of exercise and nutrition sciences. She can talk about holiday meals and how a 15 minute post-meal walk may lower your risk of high blood sugar and diabetes. She can also offer tips on how to stay in shape this winter and a New Year’s plan for building more exercise into daily life.
Todd Miller is an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences and director of the GW Weight Management and Human Performance Lab. He can talk about how to enjoy some holiday goodies yet still prioritize fitness and weight management. He can also talk about this year’s weight and nutrition-related New Year's resolutions.
Melissa Batchelor, an associate professor of nursing, is an expert on aging and health. She can discuss how to keep grandparents and other elderly people safe this winter season.
Laurie Theeke, Associate Dean for the PhD in Nursing Program Her research is centered on the problem of loneliness and understanding how it influences the human health experience. She can speak to the unique challenges people who are lonely face, especially throughout the winter time.