Factors for a "Healthy Community" Identified.

Is your town a healthy town?  Researchers at Saint Louis University say they've identified certain characteristics that encourage both physical activity and aesthetic satisfaction in a community environment.  On of the lead researchers, Laura Brennan Ramirez, an adjunct assistant professor of community health at Saint Louis University School of Public health, said in a news release, "We haven't really designed our communities well for older adults, particularly once they get to the point that they can't drive." ...more

Student News:

Heather McCollum, first year MHA/JD student, was part of the winning team at the 15th annual Health Law Mood Court Competition.  She and her partner a current 3rd year law student, successfully competed against 31 other teams from 21 schools with impressive records of oral advocacy such as South Texas, University of Houston, Michigan State, Hamline University and others. Heather and Brent won 1st place overall as well as 1st place for best brief (so 1st place in writing and oral advocacy)...more

Briana Jegier, a doctoral student in health management and policy, won a one-year health services research dissertation grant (R36) from the Agency Health Research Quality (AHRQ). These highly-competitive national awards are given out to only a few health services doctoral candidates nationally each year (fewer than 10) and will fund the time, travel, and research expenses for the candidate's work on their dissertation for an amount up to $35,000. Using primary data collected at several hospitals across the U.S., Briana will study the costs and cost-effectiveness of breast-feeding for mothers especially those with infants with very low birth weights.