The George Washington University (GW) has various experts available to speak on topics related to the holidays, such as managing depression, handling physical and emotional stress, and maintaining a healthy diet.
To set up an interview with the following experts from the GW Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and GW School of Nursing, please contact Timothy Pierce at [email protected] or 202-994-5647.
Kavita Daiya, PhD, director of the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies program, is an expert on body positivity. She is available to speak about the promises we make to ourselves to get in better shape as a new year’s resolution and what happens when the promises become reality and one actually loses weight after following a resolution or promise.
Nancy Rudner, DrPH, MPH, RN, is an adjunct professor in the GW School of Nursing focusing on improving health through patient care, program planning, and policy. She can discuss maintaining New Year's resolutions and how to give gifts that encourage healthy habits.
To set up an interview with an expert at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, contact Ashley Rizzardo at [email protected] or 202-994-8679
Holiday Blues
Daniel Lieberman, MD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is an expert on depression, anxiety, and the neuroscience of desire and motivation. He can speak about excess drinking during the holidays, and also on why feelings of disappointment are an inevitable part of such a joyful time.
Lorenzo Norris, MD, associate dean for student affairs and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, can speak on negative relationship patterns that may be experienced during the holidays.
Suzan Song, MD, PhD, MPH, director of the Division of Child/Adolescent & Family Psychiatry and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, can speak about how to manage children and adolescents during the holidays.
Holiday Wellness & Weight Management
Kaylan Baban, MD, MPH, chief wellness officer and assistant professor of medicine, is an expert in diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and a general holistic approach to lifestyle medicine. She can speak to these topics during the holiday season.
Marijane Hynes, MD, founding director of the GW Weight Loss Clinic and clinical professor of medicine, can speak about making smart dietary decisions at holiday parties. She can also discuss tips for maintaining weight during the holidays and approaching weight loss as a New Year’s resolution.
Michael Knight, MD, assistant professor of medicine, is an expert in obesity and weight management. He can speak about strategies to maintain a healthy diet during the holidays, while still enjoying the festivities. He can also discuss sustainable ways to lose weight and keep it off for good.
Juliet Lee, MD, assistant professor of surgery, is available to talk about weight loss treatments and bariatric surgery some may consider when making weight loss resolutions for the New Year.
Sleep & Stress
Brian Choi, MD, co-director of advanced cardiac imaging and professor of medicine, is an expert on cardiovascular issues. He can speak about the stress on heart health during the holidays, such as physical activities, like shoveling snow, or emotional events, like family gatherings.
Vivek Jain, MD, director of the GW Sleep Disorders Center and associate professor of medicine, is an expert on sleep disorders. He can speak on disrupted sleep during the holidays.
Winter Injuries
Raj Rao, MD, chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, can speak about common winter injuries that occur from shoveling snow or stringing up lights. His expertise is in spine, neck, and back injuries.
Babak Sarani, MD, chief of trauma and acute care surgery and professor of surgery, is an expert on trauma and emergency care. He can speak about trauma-related incidences during the holiday season.
To set up an interview with an expert at Milken Institute School of Public Health at GW, please contact Mina Radman at [email protected] or 202-994-2148.
Loretta DiPietro, PhD, is a professor of exercise and nutrition sciences. She can provide tips about exercising during the holiday season.
Allison Sylvetsky Meni, PhD, is an assistant professor of exercise and nutrition sciences. She can comment on nutrition during the holidays, particularly related to children's health and sugar consumption.
Todd Miller, PhD, is an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences and Director of the GW Weight Management and Human Performance Lab. He can comment on fitness and weight management during the holiday season, as well as making fitness and nutrition-related New Year's resolutions.
Stephanie Mull, MS, is a registered dietician with the GW Weight Management and Human Performance Lab at Milken Institute School of Public Health. She can comment on nutrition and eating well during the holiday season, as well as making fitness and nutrition-related New Year's resolutions.