Addressing Stress: Week of March 18th, 2022

Dear Students, Faculty Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

Good morning on this pleasant, spring-like Friday! I hope you are adjusting to the time change and enjoying the extra hour of daylight with daylight savings time. While daylight burns, our students, faculty and staff remain as busy as ever between classes, labs and clinical schedules. We also keep all Ukrainians in our thoughts as they courageously battle Russia’s inhumane onslaught on their cities. We continue to collect canned goods, clothing and medical supplies in support of refugees. Look for the boxes in the lobby adjacent to the Elkins Park campus cafeteria.

Other items of interest include: 

HELP FOR UKRAINE: Salus students Alexandra Domaradsky ‘22PA and Jamie Dorotov ‘23SLP, both first generation Ukrainian Americans, are collecting donations for the people of Ukraine. Find out more about their efforts and how you can help by clicking here.

NEW BOT MEMBER: Danita Nias, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties in Florida, has joined the Salus University Board of Trustees effective January 2022. She has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in International Relations from Syracuse University. She is currently working on her PhD dissertation titled “The Role of University Presidents in University Fundraising Performance.” Read more about her here.

NEW EXTERNSHIP DIRECTOR: Congratulations to Rachel Brackley, OD ‘09, Resident ‘10, FAAO, who has been named the new director of the University’s Externship program. She replaces Satya Verma, OD ‘75, FAAO, DPNAP, Diplomate, who retired at the end of 2021 after 50 years at PCO/Salus. You can read more about Dr. Brackley here.

ON-CAMPUS CADAVER LAB: Check out this conversation with Michael Speirs, associate professor in our Physician Assistant Studies (PA) Program, about the on-campus cadaver lab and how it benefits our Salus students. Click here for more. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: The war in Ukraine, climate change, global pandemic, and midterm election politics, all contribute significantly to the stress already felt with packed academic and clinical schedules. I don’t know anyone who has not been touched by the events in Europe, the pandemic or climate change. While none of us is immune from this, there are things we can all do to mitigate some of the feelings we might be having. I’ve reminded you of these before, and I don’t think I can do it enough, given all that’s happening around us.

Here are some suggestions that may help with stress:

• Stay focused on your studies - Keep up with your learning and try not to fall behind. Not only is focusing on school a great break from focusing on what’s going on in the world, it’s also a way to progress in your life while everything else seems like it’s on pause.
• Develop a routine you can stick to - Sounds basic, but it will make a world of difference. Get up, make your bed (now you’ve accomplished at least one thing!), exercise, have breakfast, etc.
• Get enough sleep – This also sounds pretty basic and to some, maybe it seems like “mission impossible” but the better rested you are, the more capable your body and mind will be at handling things including stress. Prioritize sleep and you’ll be more productive, resilient and attentive.
• Get outside and enjoy the fresh air – As the weather gets warmer, there are so many outdoor parks and places around us to explore and walk. Being in nature helps calm the mind, exercise our bodies and replenish our spirits.
• Make sure you have what you need for the next day - Check the schedule, lay out your clothes, make your lunch, etc.
• Use social media purposefully – Limit your screen time and refrain from posting for “likes” or for the sake of making the “best content”. Use social media to connect with some new classmates or the people you miss seeing every day.

We have skilled counselors in our Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) who are there for you. strongly encourage you to contact them, if you feel like you need to. All you need to do is make an appointment here. For faculty and staff, please contact your health insurance carrier who can assist you. Finally, it looks like we’re in for a pretty nice weekend, so get out and enjoy the fine weather. As COVID numbers remain low (zero cases reported on campus and through random screenings this week), please remember to wear your mask when appropriate, wash your hands frequently and socially distance when you can. We are closely watching the new “Deltacron” variant in Europe and here at home to ensure we’re ready if numbers increase.

Be safe, continue to act responsibility and thank you for remaining SALUS STRONG!

Mike