July 2023

June 29, 2023 by Shannon Carter

Almost 4 years ago, we were delivered with the news about COVID-19. Most of us if not all of us can remember where we were on March 13, 2020. We can vividly recall what we felt when we were told that we were put into the lock down and quarantine stage.

While the news affected everyone differently, one group that the news of the pandemic took a toll on was the graduating class of 2020. Effects from COVID-19 included not having senior night for those in spring sports to not getting ready for senior prom. The biggest effect and game changer for the class of 2020 would be not getting together one last time for graduation. No chance to hear graduation speeches or hearing “On a count of three move your tassel.”

Not only did COVID-19 physically affect us, but it also affected us mentally. As a 2020 graduate, I was in a constant state of worry. I was worried about how my senior year was going to end. I had to take it day by day and week by week to know if I was going to maybe have a chance to go back into my high school before graduation and if I was going to get to have a graduation ceremony. There were times when I would break down while doing homework in my room because all I wanted was to be back in school. We all worked hard to get to this point in our life and before we knew it, it was getting taken away from us.

After what would have been graduation, we started to go our own way. Some went to college while others went to the workforce. Here we are almost four years later after getting the news that the world was shutting down, myself and others from the 2020 graduating class who are finishing college will be finally getting the graduation we deserve. Getting to wear a cap and gown to a ceremony full of friends and family is something that we’ve been waiting for, and we will finally get to do it.

Picture credit: Emma Stephens

Sources:

Lee, J., Solomon, M., Stead, T. et al. Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of US college students. BMC Psychol 9, 95 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-021-00598-3

Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic. March 20, 2023. National Institute of Health.

Written by: Emma Stephens, Ohio State University Student Intern, Ohio State University 

Reviewed by: Susan Zies, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Wood County, [email protected]

Think about the last time you did something for others. How did it make you feel? I know when I help people, it makes me feel happy. I also feel positive about the experience, and it helps me develop a sense of purpose. There are many documented health benefits of volunteering and providing service to others. Volunteering can help one improve physical and mental health, gain valuable skills and provide a sense of purpose as well as foster new relationships and build and support existing relationships.

Think about being a part of history with Public Health AmeriCorps. Public Health AmeriCorps is a national service program to train a diverse new generation of public health leaders and create healthier, more resilient communities. Check out this 1 minute video below.

Ohio State University Extension has a new Extension Public Health AmeriCorps Program and is currently seeking enthusiastic and caring individuals with a desire to create positive community change. This program is calling for individuals who are dedicated to volunteerism and ready to work collaboratively with Ohio State University Extension professionals, local leaders and volunteers. There are many benefits to this new opportunity:

• Earn a living allowance
• Gain student loan forbearance
• Complete Mental Health First Aid Training
• Become certified as a Community Health Worker
• Earn mileage for travel
• Make a positive impact in the community
• Make a difference for others and yourself
• Develop friendships

Interested in Serving or Learning more? Please email Emilee Drerup at [email protected].

Help People, Change Lives and Join Ohio State University Extension’s AmeriCorps Team Today!

Writer: Susan Zies, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Wood County, [email protected]

Reviewer: Shannon Carter, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Fairfield County, [email protected]

Sources:

Carter, S. Living Life on Purpose. Live Healthy Live Well, Ohio State University Extension. 2023, April 18.

Giancaspro ML, Manuti A. Learning to Be Employable Through Volunteering: A Qualitative Study on the Development of Employability Capital of Young People. Front Psychol. 2021 Mar 1;12:574232. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.574232. PMID: 33732176; PMCID: PMC7956941.

Matthews, K., Nazroo, J. The Impact of Volunteering and Its Characteristics on Well-being After State Pension Age: Longitudinal Evidence From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 76, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 632–641, https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbaa146

Thoreson, A. Helping people, changing lives: 3 health benefits of volunteering. MayoClinic Health System. 2021 Sep 16.

Yeung JWK, Zhang Z, Kim TY. Volunteering and health benefits in general adults: cumulative effects and forms. BMC Public Health. 2017 Jul 11;18(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4561-8. Erratum in: BMC Public Health. 2017 Sep 22;17 (1):736. PMID: 28693551; PMCID: PMC5504679.

June 21, 2022 by taylor.4411

The days are getting warmer, and the nights are getting longer. Whether you are grilling out, enjoying lunch on the lake, or a picnic at your favorite place, it is important to keep your friends and family safe while having fun.

Food Safety:

Anytime you are working with or preparing food it is vital that you wash your hands. You want to be sure you are washing your hands before and after any task. You also want to wash your hands between handling different food items. Another key task is cleaning and sanitizing cutting boards and work areas to prevent cross contamination.

Temperature Danger Zone:

Another thing to be aware of when preparing food for gatherings is the temperature danger zone. The USDA classifies the temperature “Danger Zone” between 40 ° and 140 °F. The Meat and Poultry hotline states to never leave food out of refrigeration for over 2 hours.

When you are grilling out, remember to cook raw meat and poultry to the correct minimum internal temperatures.

Minimum Internal Temperatures:

• Cook all raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source.
• Cook all raw ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal to an internal temperature of 160 °F as measured with a food thermometer.
• Cook all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer.

Along with food safety, enjoy your summer by using these tips and tricks to have a great picnic with your friends and family.

 Tips for the Perfect Picnic:

Consider these tips for the perfect picnic.

• Keep your cooler ready. If you are planning to make picnics a regular part of your summer, consider investing in a cooler-on-wheels for portability. To help keep foods cold, chill them in the refrigerator before packing and keep them in the cooler until serving time.
• Fill empty drink bottles half full of water or juice and freeze. The frozen drinks will act as ice packs to keep the picnic cool in transit. At your destination, top off the bottles with water or a drink to enjoy with your meal.
• Be mindful of your picnic location. When planning your food items, consider where you are going. Even if it is just to the park, it will help you prepare by considering the setting. Avoid anything that gets drippy, limp, or wimpy in warm weather. Gelatin salad is a perfect example of what not to take, and even tossed salads will wilt if left in the sun or warm weather for very long.
• Make a menu. For an easy menu, have a fix-your-own sandwich bar. Fill plastic containers with pre-sliced sandwich fixings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheeses, meats, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, onions, and spinach. Set out hearty breads, crusty rolls or tortilla wraps and condiments.
• Simple finger food, like carrots, celery, sliced bell peppers are cool, crispy additions to any picnic plate and a great way to include vegetables. Add a vegetable dip, and you have a quick and easy side dish.
• Keep supplies on hand. Create a supply list and Include the following items: napkins, plates, cups, garbage bags, plastic bags that seal, serving utensils and cutting knives, can opener, cutting board, salt and pepper, packets of condiments, blanket to sit on, hand sanitizer, wet wipes or a wet washcloth in a plastic bag, paper towels, insect repellent.

To include a healthy, fun recipe; check out this MyPlate recipe for Broccoli Salad:

Resources

Food Safety and Inspection Service. How Temperatures Affect Food | Food Safety and Inspection Service. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-            and-preparation/food-safety-basics/how-temperatures-affect-food

Lemly, K. (2021, May 24). Picnics, Cookouts, and Family Reunions! Live Healthy Live Well . Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://livehealthyosu.com/2021/05/24/picnics-cookouts-and-family- reunions/

University, U. S. (2020, January 28). Ask an expert: Five tips for the Perfect Picnic. USU. Retrieved June      14, 2022, from https://extension.usu.edu/news_sections/home_family_and_food/perfect-picnic

Written by: Megan Zwick, Program Assistant, Ohio State University Extension, Washington County.

Reviewed by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Greene County.

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June is National Camping Month and has been observed since the 1970s.  Growing up my family went tent camping as a part of our family vacations. Once in a while we’d be with my grandparents and were able to stay in their fifth-wheeler camper; a luxury compared to a tent. Regardless of how you camp, you must consider food safety as you plan, prepare, and pack your meals.

Our Campsite in 2021

Every year over the July 4^th weekend, a group of friends and family go camping in the woods on a friend’s property. On these trips we don’t have electricity so there is an extra level of caution needed to ensure we keep our food at the proper temperature. Depending on your style of camping you may have a water source, electricity or both. Our annual camping weekend is quickly approaching, and I am getting ready to set our menu. As I make my plan I wanted to share a few menu planning and food safety tips with you.

Preparation

One year on our annual trip, no one remembered to pack a spatula or tongs; making cooking over a fire even more adventurous and creative. Your packing plan needs to include everything you will need to prepare, make, serve, and eat each meal.

• Make a menu, choosing basic recipes with limited steps and a low number of pots and pans.
• Utilize recipes with overlapping ingredients and bring only the required amounts.
• Plan meal portions to reduce meal preparation, leftovers, and waste.
• Consider preparing parts of the meal before leaving for camp.
• Incorporate shelf stable foods into meals and snacks.

Cleaning and sanitizing

Potable water is water that is safe to drink and is also the water you should utilize to clean your hands and dishes. Be sure to include biodegradable soap on your packing list. Include enough water for each person to drink, prepare meals, and wash hands and dishes. Alternatively, you can boil clear water from a stream or clear lake for one minute to wash dishes. Consider bringing hand sanitizer or disposable sanitizing wipes both for hands and surfaces. Be sure to clean up your campsite after each meal to deter unwanted animal visitors.

Keeping cold food cold and hot food hot

Cold food, prepared food, and leftovers all must be kept under 41°F. We utilize ice with our coolers, and place a thermometer in each cooler so I can quickly check the temperature.

• Use a separate cooler or place raw meat (double wrapped) at the bottom of the cooler to keep it away from all other food. You can also cook the meat prior to leaving for camp to reduce chances of cross contamination.
• Consider a separate cooler for meal food and ingredients versus drinks and snacks. The kids are always in and out of the drink cooler a million times which causes the ice to melt faster; making it harder for the cooler to maintain temperature.

• Pack a food thermometer to ensure you are cooking food to the proper internal temperature.
  • Ground meat should be cooked to 160° F
  • Raw beef, pork, lamb, and veal steaks or chops to 145° F
  • Raw poultry to 165° F
  • Hot dogs, precooked meat, and leftovers to 165° F

Cooling and Storing Food: The two-hour rule

Food should only be left out for 2 hours, then cooled rapidly. If the temperature is over 90° F, then you should discard food after 1 hour. The temperature danger zone is the range of temperatures between 40° F – 140° F where bacteria multiply rapidly. Remember if you put a hot food item in the cooler to cool, you are heating the temperature of the cooler and melting ice more quickly. When in doubt, throw it out. Leftover food can be burned instead of thrown out.

Additional details to consider

• How will you transport and store your cooking equipment?
• Where will you store nonperishable food and cooking utensils?
• Your plan should include how you will “Leave No Trace” (i.e., no lasting impact or effect on the environment and eco-system.)

Regardless of your camping or glamping style, make sure to make a plan for camp and food safety before you head out!

Written by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Greene County.
Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Franklin County.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 1). Water treatment options when hiking, camping or traveling. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/travel/

Garden-Robinson, J., & Totland, T. (2021, June). Keep Food Safe when Camping and Hiking. North Dakota State University- Publications. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/food-nutrition/keep-food-safe-when-camping-and-hiking

Klemm, S. (2021, November 17). Hiking and camping with Food Safety in Mind. EatRight. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.eatright.org/homefoodsafety/safety-tips/outdoor-dining/hiking-and-camping-with-food-safety-in-mind

U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.). Leave No Trace Seven Principles. National Parks Service. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm

Posted in Healthy People, Healthy Relationships, Uncategorized, tagged Adults, Americorp, Community Health Worker Certification, Earn a living, Healthy Living, Make Friendships, public health, seniors, Student Loan Forberance, Volunteer, Wellness on June 27, 2023| 1 Comment »

Think about the last time you did something for others. How did it make you feel? I know when I help people, it makes me feel happy. I also feel positive about the experience, and it helps me develop a sense of purpose. There are many documented health benefits of volunteering and providing service to others. Volunteering can help one improve physical and mental health, gain valuable skills and provide a sense of purpose as well as foster new relationships and build and support existing relationships.

Think about being a part of history with Public Health AmeriCorps. Public Health AmeriCorps is a national service program to train a diverse new generation of public health leaders and create healthier, more resilient communities. Check out this 1 minute video below.

Ohio State University Extension has a new Extension Public Health AmeriCorps Program and is currently seeking enthusiastic and caring individuals with a desire to create positive community change. This program is calling for individuals who are dedicated to volunteerism and ready to work collaboratively with Ohio State University Extension professionals, local leaders and volunteers. There are many benefits to this new opportunity:

• Earn a living allowance
• Gain student loan forbearance
• Complete Mental Health First Aid Training
• Become certified as a Community Health Worker
• Earn mileage for travel
• Make a positive impact in the community
• Make a difference for others and yourself
• Develop friendships

Interested in Serving or Learning more? Please email Emilee Drerup at [email protected].

Help People, Change Lives and Join Ohio State University Extension’s AmeriCorps Team Today!

Writer: Susan Zies, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Wood County, [email protected]

Reviewer: Shannon Carter, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Fairfield County, [email protected]

Sources:

Carter, S. Living Life on Purpose. Live Healthy Live Well, Ohio State University Extension. 2023, April 18.

Giancaspro ML, Manuti A. Learning to Be Employable Through Volunteering: A Qualitative Study on the Development of Employability Capital of Young People. Front Psychol. 2021 Mar 1;12:574232. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.574232. PMID: 33732176; PMCID: PMC7956941.

Matthews, K., Nazroo, J. The Impact of Volunteering and Its Characteristics on Well-being After State Pension Age: Longitudinal Evidence From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 76, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 632–641, https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbaa146

Thoreson, A. Helping people, changing lives: 3 health benefits of volunteering. MayoClinic Health System. 2021 Sep 16.

Yeung JWK, Zhang Z, Kim TY. Volunteering and health benefits in general adults: cumulative effects and forms. BMC Public Health. 2017 Jul 11;18(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4561-8. Erratum in: BMC Public Health. 2017 Sep 22;17 (1):736. PMID: 28693551; PMCID: PMC5504679.

Read Full Post »

Posted in Healthy People, Healthy Relationships, Uncategorized, tagged Adults, Americorp, Community Health Worker Certification, Earn a living, Healthy Living, Make Friendships, public health, seniors, Student Loan Forberance, Volunteer, Wellness on June 27, 2023| 1 Comment »

Think about the last time you did something for others. How did it make you feel? I know when I help people, it makes me feel happy. I also feel positive about the experience, and it helps me develop a sense of purpose. There are many documented health benefits of volunteering and providing service to others. Volunteering can help one improve physical and mental health, gain valuable skills and provide a sense of purpose as well as foster new relationships and build and support existing relationships.

Think about being a part of history with Public Health AmeriCorps. Public Health AmeriCorps is a national service program to train a diverse new generation of public health leaders and create healthier, more resilient communities. Check out this 1 minute video below.

Ohio State University Extension has a new Extension Public Health AmeriCorps Program and is currently seeking enthusiastic and caring individuals with a desire to create positive community change. This program is calling for individuals who are dedicated to volunteerism and ready to work collaboratively with Ohio State University Extension professionals, local leaders and volunteers. There are many benefits to this new opportunity:

• Earn a living allowance
• Gain student loan forbearance
• Complete Mental Health First Aid Training
• Become certified as a Community Health Worker
• Earn mileage for travel
• Make a positive impact in the community
• Make a difference for others and yourself
• Develop friendships

Interested in Serving or Learning more? Please email Emilee Drerup at [email protected].

Help People, Change Lives and Join Ohio State University Extension’s AmeriCorps Team Today!

Writer: Susan Zies, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Wood County, [email protected]

Reviewer: Shannon Carter, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Fairfield County, [email protected]

Sources:

Carter, S. Living Life on Purpose. Live Healthy Live Well, Ohio State University Extension. 2023, April 18.

Giancaspro ML, Manuti A. Learning to Be Employable Through Volunteering: A Qualitative Study on the Development of Employability Capital of Young People. Front Psychol. 2021 Mar 1;12:574232. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.574232. PMID: 33732176; PMCID: PMC7956941.

Matthews, K., Nazroo, J. The Impact of Volunteering and Its Characteristics on Well-being After State Pension Age: Longitudinal Evidence From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 76, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 632–641, https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbaa146

Thoreson, A. Helping people, changing lives: 3 health benefits of volunteering. MayoClinic Health System. 2021 Sep 16.

Yeung JWK, Zhang Z, Kim TY. Volunteering and health benefits in general adults: cumulative effects and forms. BMC Public Health. 2017 Jul 11;18(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4561-8. Erratum in: BMC Public Health. 2017 Sep 22;17 (1):736. PMID: 28693551; PMCID: PMC5504679.

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One of the most overlooked and easy-to-access health remedies is getting outdoors, or as I like to say, taking your Vitamin N(Nature). There are numerous scientific studies, some old and some new, that demonstrate the benefits of spending time out in nature. For a quick summary, you can skim the American Psychological Association’s review of research that documents how nature improves our mental and cognitive health.

Once you become aware of the health benefits of spending time outdoors, people often ask, how much Vitamin N do I need? One study that documented the benefits of time spent in nature showed a reduction in stress by spending as little as 20 minutes outdoors. The participants were asked to stay off their phones and computers while they were outside, in addition, they were also told not to exercise.

The participants swabbed their saliva before and after spending time outdoors to measure the amount of cortisol, or stress hormone, they had in their saliva. The results were fascinating. Being outside was linked to a 21% reduction in cortisol for every hour the participants spent outdoors.

So back to the question: How much time does someone need to spend in nature to get the maximum benefit? I like to refer people to the Nature Pyramid, which was created to incorporate the research about time in nature with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommendations for physical activity.

The pyramid provides a reminder that we should seek a daily dose of nature that can be nearby, like our backyard or a neighborhood park. It goes on to explain that weekly, we should seek out bigger and wilder parks or outdoor locations that are farther removed from noise and traffic.

On a monthly basis, we should seek out even more “restful” natural areas, like state and national parks where there is little human intrusion. The final recommendation is an annual or bi-annual pilgrimage to the wilderness that lasts several days.

I was fortunate to attend a professional conference in Estes Park, CO earlier this month. The location allowed me to spend several days near and in the Rocky Mountain National Park. I can attest to the positive effect such beautiful and natural surroundings had on my heart, soul, and mind. The feelings I experienced from my nature time in CO reminded me of the Henry David Thoreau quote: I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.

Looking for more resources about nature? Visit go.osu.edu/nature-matters for educational resources, book lists, and more information to get started or keep you going on your nature journey!

Written by: Laura M. Stanton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Warren County. Email: stanton.60.osu.edu     

Reviewed by: Shari Gallup, Assistant Professor and Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Licking County. Email: [email protected]

Sources:

American Psychological Association. (2020, April 1). Nurtured by nature. Monitor on Psychology, 51(3). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

Hunter, M.R., Gillespie, B. W., and Chen, S. Y-P. (2019). Urban nature experiences reduce stress in the context of daily life based on salivary biomarkers. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. Article 722. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722

Piercy K. L., Troiano R. P., Ballard R. M., Carlson S. A., Fulton J. E., Galuska D. A., George S. M., and Olson R.D. (2018, November 20). The physical activity guidelines for Americans. Journal of the American Medical Association. 320(19):2020-2028. doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.14854. PMID: 30418471; PMCID: PMC9582631

Shaping How we Invest For Tomorrow (2018). The SHIFT Rx Challenge: Take Your Doctor’s Health Recommendations Outside. https://shiftjh.org/the-shift-rx-challenge-take-your-doctors-health-recommendations-outside

Stanton, L. M. (n.d.). Nature Matters. Ohio State University Extension, Warren County. go.osu.edu/nature-matters

Photo Credit: Colorado by Laura M. Stanton (June 2023).

Posted in Healthy People, Healthy Relationships, Uncategorized, tagged Adults, Americorp, Community Health Worker Certification, Earn a living, Healthy Living, Make Friendships, public health, seniors, Student Loan Forberance, Volunteer, Wellness on June 27, 2023| 1 Comment »

Think about the last time you did something for others. How did it make you feel? I know when I help people, it makes me feel happy. I also feel positive about the experience, and it helps me develop a sense of purpose. There are many documented health benefits of volunteering and providing service to others. Volunteering can help one improve physical and mental health, gain valuable skills and provide a sense of purpose as well as foster new relationships and build and support existing relationships.

Think about being a part of history with Public Health AmeriCorps. Public Health AmeriCorps is a national service program to train a diverse new generation of public health leaders and create healthier, more resilient communities. Check out this 1 minute video below.

Ohio State University Extension has a new Extension Public Health AmeriCorps Program and is currently seeking enthusiastic and caring individuals with a desire to create positive community change. This program is calling for individuals who are dedicated to volunteerism and ready to work collaboratively with Ohio State University Extension professionals, local leaders and volunteers. There are many benefits to this new opportunity:

• Earn a living allowance
• Gain student loan forbearance
• Complete Mental Health First Aid Training
• Become certified as a Community Health Worker
• Earn mileage for travel
• Make a positive impact in the community
• Make a difference for others and yourself
• Develop friendships

Interested in Serving or Learning more? Please email Emilee Drerup at [email protected].

Help People, Change Lives and Join Ohio State University Extension’s AmeriCorps Team Today!

Writer: Susan Zies, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Wood County, [email protected]

Reviewer: Shannon Carter, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Fairfield County, [email protected]

Sources:

Carter, S. Living Life on Purpose. Live Healthy Live Well, Ohio State University Extension. 2023, April 18.

Giancaspro ML, Manuti A. Learning to Be Employable Through Volunteering: A Qualitative Study on the Development of Employability Capital of Young People. Front Psychol. 2021 Mar 1;12:574232. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.574232. PMID: 33732176; PMCID: PMC7956941.

Matthews, K., Nazroo, J. The Impact of Volunteering and Its Characteristics on Well-being After State Pension Age: Longitudinal Evidence From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 76, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 632–641, https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbaa146

Thoreson, A. Helping people, changing lives: 3 health benefits of volunteering. MayoClinic Health System. 2021 Sep 16.

Yeung JWK, Zhang Z, Kim TY. Volunteering and health benefits in general adults: cumulative effects and forms. BMC Public Health. 2017 Jul 11;18(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4561-8. Erratum in: BMC Public Health. 2017 Sep 22;17 (1):736. PMID: 28693551; PMCID: PMC5504679.

Read Full Post »

Posted in Healthy People, Healthy Relationships, Uncategorized, tagged Adults, Americorp, Community Health Worker Certification, Earn a living, Healthy Living, Make Friendships, public health, seniors, Student Loan Forberance, Volunteer, Wellness on June 27, 2023| 1 Comment »

Think about the last time you did something for others. How did it make you feel? I know when I help people, it makes me feel happy. I also feel positive about the experience, and it helps me develop a sense of purpose. There are many documented health benefits of volunteering and providing service to others. Volunteering can help one improve physical and mental health, gain valuable skills and provide a sense of purpose as well as foster new relationships and build and support existing relationships.

Think about being a part of history with Public Health AmeriCorps. Public Health AmeriCorps is a national service program to train a diverse new generation of public health leaders and create healthier, more resilient communities. Check out this 1 minute video below.

Ohio State University Extension has a new Extension Public Health AmeriCorps Program and is currently seeking enthusiastic and caring individuals with a desire to create positive community change. This program is calling for individuals who are dedicated to volunteerism and ready to work collaboratively with Ohio State University Extension professionals, local leaders and volunteers. There are many benefits to this new opportunity:

• Earn a living allowance
• Gain student loan forbearance
• Complete Mental Health First Aid Training
• Become certified as a Community Health Worker
• Earn mileage for travel
• Make a positive impact in the community
• Make a difference for others and yourself
• Develop friendships

Interested in Serving or Learning more? Please email Emilee Drerup at [email protected].

Help People, Change Lives and Join Ohio State University Extension’s AmeriCorps Team Today!

Writer: Susan Zies, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Wood County, [email protected]

Reviewer: Shannon Carter, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Fairfield County, [email protected]

Sources:

Carter, S. Living Life on Purpose. Live Healthy Live Well, Ohio State University Extension. 2023, April 18.

Giancaspro ML, Manuti A. Learning to Be Employable Through Volunteering: A Qualitative Study on the Development of Employability Capital of Young People. Front Psychol. 2021 Mar 1;12:574232. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.574232. PMID: 33732176; PMCID: PMC7956941.

Matthews, K., Nazroo, J. The Impact of Volunteering and Its Characteristics on Well-being After State Pension Age: Longitudinal Evidence From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 76, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 632–641, https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbaa146

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