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HOW TEACHERS CAN PREPARE FOR SUCCESSFUL DISTANCE LEARNING THIS FALL Page 06
ALSO INSIDE Stressed As A Parent? No- And Low-Cost Ways To Educate And Entertain Kids pg.03 How To Make The Most Of Online Learning pg.05
Getting your annual mammogram is still important.
During the coronavirus pandemic, we are:
Screening all patients when scheduling appointments and upon arrival.
Houston Methodist can see you safely.
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Wearing masks and other personal protective equipment while providing patient care.
Implementing additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces.
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Getting your annual mammogram is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy. That’s why our Breast Care Centers are taking every necessary precaution during the coronavirus pandemic to keep you and our staff members safe.
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Redesigning waiting rooms and check-in procedures to ensure social distancing. Visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care or call 281.436.9513 to schedule your mammogram today.
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A ugust 2020
DEAR DOCTOR
The Education Issue
DEAR DOCTOR: I recently lost my job due to cutbacks because of COVID19. I’m not sure when I will find another one. How do I deal with not being able to provide for my family?
DEAR READER:
a routine, purpose, or social structure to your life. In the absence of that, a job loss can trigger a wide range of negative emotions such as anger, emptiness, fear, or depression. “You may feel betrayed, blame yourself, and worry about the future, but there is hope,” said Taylor. “With time and the right coping strategies, you can gain a more helpful perspective and move forward.” Awareness is the first step to change.
These are challenging times in many ways and, like you, a number of people are going through reductions Give yourself time to grieve but be mindful of the in the workforce right now. You are not alone, whether ways you find relief from the pain of job loss. “Some you are facing a temporary furlough or a permanent unhealthy ways to cope include smoking, overeating job loss. Others are going through this unexpected life unhealthy foods, binge drinking, or drug use,” said change as well. When you are laid off for any reason, Taylor. “The sense of relief feels immediate, but it’s it is normal to feel a sense of loss and uncertainty. In more harmful to your health and well-being in the addition to the financial impact, the stress of losing long term.” Focus on taking care of yourself and stayyour job can affect your mood, relationships, and over- ing away from negative vices. all mental and emotional well-being. Andrea Taylor, Some helpful tips that can help you cope include PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist with UT Physigiving yourself time to adjust and accept reality, viewcians, explains how job loss can affect men in particular ing the job loss as a temporary setback, reaching out and shares helpful coping strategies. to friends and family for support, and staying positive. Although layoffs affect both men and women, the emo- “Think of aspects of your life beyond work that help tional impact may sting more for men. Even in dual define you,” said Taylor. “Be practical and purposeful income homes, many men still feel that they should in what you do but do create a new schedule for yourbe the breadwinners and are supposed to provide self. Activities like networking and volunteering can for the family. “With job loss, men take a hit to their help you feel a sense of purpose. Seek out resources to self-esteem because their jobs and ability to provide help financially and with finding a new job. Keep in mind for family are often a major part of how they define that asking for help is a sign of wisdom – not weakness!” themselves,” said Taylor. “In addition, there is often a If you experience job loss and have a history of feeling of shame, worry about how others might view depression, anxiety, or other challenges including them, questioning of purpose, or feeling as though they substance abuse, you may need additional support. are letting family down.” Seek out professional help from a therapist or phyEven if you didn’t love your job, it most likely provided sician for treatment options. Andrea Taylor, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, and individuals with health conditions. She sees patients for anxiety or other behavioral disorders at UT Physicians Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic-BBSB. Please call 713-486-2700 to schedule an appointment. UT Physicians is the clinical practice of McGovern Medical School at The University of Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
CONTENTS FEATURES
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Stressed As A Parent? No- and Low-Cost Ways To Educate And Entertain Kids
05
How Teachers Can Prepare For Successful Distance Learning This Fall
06
How to Make the Most of Online Learning
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTS
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UT Physicians at Sienna Village
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Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
Dear Doctor Sponsored By
Health Matters Provided by
Sienna Plantation News is a Community Magazines LLC publication.
ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact Denise R Williams, Publisher communitynews@entouch.net www.siennaplantationnews.com 281.750.2979
LIBRARIES’ ONLINE “HOMEWORK HELP” SERVICE NOW OFFERS FAFSA ASSISTANCE Fort Bend County Libraries’ Brainfuse HelpNow (Homework Tutoring) service now offers free online assistance for college-bound students and their parents needing help completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form for college financial assistance. Live, on-demand, online FAFSA assistance is available Monday through Thursday, from 1:00 to 10:00 pm, to assist anyone who needs help completing the FAFSA form. For more information, call the FBCL Communications Office at 281-633-4734, or the Sienna branch library at 281-238-2900.
STRESSED AS A PARENT? NO- AND LOW-COST WAYS TO EDUCATE AND ENTERTAIN KIDS Join other aspiring writers at Fort Bend County Libraries’ “Story Spinners Writing Club” on Thursday, August 20, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. The topic for August is “Flashbacks.” This program will be a virtual session
presented via Zoom; it will NOT be in person.
Free and open to the public. Registration is required; a link to the Zoom session will be emailed to participants From beginning blogger to published novelist, writers who register. To register online at the library’s website of all genres and experience levels are welcome to write, (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” share, learn, support, network, and critique each other’s select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program. work. Writing prompts, brainteasers, and brief exercises Participants may also register by calling George will be available to ignite the imaginations of any and all Memorial Library at 281-342-4455. wordsmiths who wish to hone their craft. This program is recommended for adults and teens aged 14 and up. 3
GREGG MATTE, PASTOR MALCOLM MARSHALL, CAMPUS PASTOR 4309 SIENNA PARKWAY HOUSTONSFIRST.ORG
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For our weekend schedule, visit HOUSTONSFIRST.ORG or text SIENNA to 41411.
Explore articles and resources from educators who faced similar challenges. “Tap into one of the best free resources - your peers,” says Roggeman. “Take this time to learn what sound distance learning looks like.” Collaborate with administrators and school counselors to focus not only on teaching methods, but also supporting the mental wellness of students during this uncertain time. Use resources designed in response to current circumstances For example, the Virtual Teaching Academy, taking place June 26-July 1, is a free resource for K-12 educators, leaders and administrators who are seeking expert guidance and tangible insights on best practices for navigating the upcoming school year. The Academy is hosted by The Alliance for Virtual Learning, a new initiative spearheaded by University of Phoenix and Blackboard - a leading education technology company for teaching, learning and student engagement - that unites a network of educators, experts and administrators who are shaping the blueprint for new education models that combine the best of virtual and classroom teaching.
HOW TEACHERS CAN PREPARE FOR SUCCESSFUL DISTANCE LEARNING THIS FALL
Virtual Teaching Academy attendees will acquire necessary insights to create a blueprint to help their schools and districts prepare for the uncertain school year ahead. Create a plan to stay connected to parents regardless of technology access level
The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most disruptive event in the history of K-12 education, closing 120,000 schools and affecting 55 million students in the U.S.
During this challenging time, parents and teachers rely on each other to educate their kids - the parent-teacher relationship is crucial for success of a child’s virtual education. Make a plan to stay connected with even the least technologically wellequipped homes.
And educators have been challenged like never before. According to a survey commissioned by University of Phoenix, K-12 teachers often felt overwhelmed and under-supported. Teachers reported spending almost as much time prepping for virtual teaching (3.13 hours) as they spent actively teaching (3.97 hours), and less than half (47%) felt that available training was good or excellent.
“Technology is a tool for the educational process, not the answer to good distance learning,” says Roggeman. “Many districts are dealing with how to reach all students, which includes solving access issues such as no Wi-Fi in the home or homes whose only ‘screens’ are cell phones.”
Having too much information could be as taxing as not having enough, making it difficult to determine which tools were best. Forty-one percent of teachers felt overwhelmed by the many resources provided to help them navigate virtual learning.
Creative thinking is key to helping families bridge the digital divide. Find low-tech ways to deliver curriculum and feedback, using telephone and mail communication, television and books. Help parents find internet access and ways to use a cell phone to access content.
During the next 90 days, schools and teachers will develop their resources for teaching this fall.
Focus on the needs of each student
“Most schools are beginning their preparation by learning from what they experienced when schools closed - what were they prepared for, and more importantly, where they fell short,” says Pam Roggeman, dean of the college of education at University of Phoenix. “There are a number of learning and communication tools available that provide methods and space for education to happen, but tools are only as good as the teachers who are managing them.”
Every student has a different home situation and unique learning needs, which requires teachers to approach virtual learning with flexibility and empathy. Despite distance, many of the same best practices apply as in-classroom teaching: • Connect with students • Give meaningful academic feedback
Roggeman offers tips for educators preparing for the upcoming year.
• Diagnose learners’ individual needs
Conduct a needs assessment of yourself
• Address the needs of the “whole” child
“Before diving into the sea of free resources, apps, etc., first decide what you already know and then what you need to know to better serve the needs of your students,” advises Roggeman.
Creating a plan for the upcoming school year is crucial in these uncertain times. By utilizing resources like the Virtual Teaching Academy and focusing on individual student needs, teachers can help students be more successful in their education even at a distance.
Stay positive, she says, and be open to adapting to changing needs and circumstances. Be willing to readjust plans when something isn’t working. Learn from peers Talk to colleagues, sharing notes about what worked this past term, and what didn’t. 5
HEALTH MATTERS
When it became clear Baker was unresponsive, one of his teammates began administering chest compressions. Another person found the YMCA’s automated external defibrillator (AED) and brought it to Marinas who was kneeling next to Baker.
“The first step is to eat right and exercise regularly,” said Koo. “Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol within the recommended guidelines. Get an annual physical and ask your physician to perform an EKG. And if you have any risk factors, such as family history of heart disease, see a cardiologist, who can perform a coronary calcium scan to check for evidence of a buildup that can lead to ischemic heart disease.”
“The AED did what it is designed to do – it restarted Mr. Baker’s heart,” said Marinas. “His skin went from blue to pink, and his eyes opened up. In fact, he tried to sit up right away, and everyone said, ‘No, no, no, lay back down.’”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Koo, call 281.456.3077. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel, call 281.326.9195. To find a cardiologist in your area, visit houstonmethodist.org/heart-sl or call 281.274.7500.
“I immediately went into work mode,” recalled Marinas. “I ran into the gym where people had been playing volleyball, and there was a gentleman on the ground.”
Baker was taken by ambulance to Houston Methodist Sugar Land for further evaluation, where he was treated by interventional cardiologist Michael H. Koo, M.D., and electrophysiologist Apoor Patel, M.D.
That gentleman, 66-year-old Daniel Baker, had collapsed in the middle of his twice-weekly pickup volleyball game. Baker had taken a step back to reach a ball that was over
Koo says there are precautions every person can take to reduce their risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information. There is absolutely no reason to avoid emergency care or the hospital right now.
HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE’S RAPID RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY HELPS SAVE A LIFE AT LOCAL YMCA Ryan Marinas – a nurse practitioner in Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s Emergency Department – was walking into the Fort Bend YMCA in Missouri City with his wife and children one afternoon when two women ran past, urging the receptionist to call 9-1-1.
his head when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest and fell backwards onto the ground.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF ONLINE LEARNING roommates or family is necessary for success in an online course,” advises the university’s director of student services, Joseph Chapman. Familiarize yourself with your school’s learning platform and keep information about tech support handy. Ensure that you have multiple browsers (such as Chrome or Firefox) available, as one might work better for some programs than others. Time management is key to learning online, as you must take the initiative and be accountable for your own work, without instructors or parents looking over your shoulder. The flexibility to learn and earn a degree online allows students nationwide - from full-time employees to single parents and more - to achieve goals while managing family and life. Millions of students study online today, and those numbers are only increasing. While online education provides students with a range of opportunities, it also can present challenges of learning in a new environment. Arizona State University staff and students who teach and study online offer their tips to help ensure your success. Give yourself space and time to study, as well as technology tools to do your best. “A quiet workplace without any interruption from
Master of Healthcare Innovation alumni Alicia Gillum said her first task at the beginning of each semester is to review every class syllabus and put due dates for papers, assignments and exams in her calendar - plus reminders a few days ahead of each due date. “My advice is to start your assignments ahead of time,” says Gillum. “It’ll be so much less stressful than waiting until the last minute to do it.” Stay connected to your instructors, classmates and school community. Take advantage of opportunities to collaborate, share insights and ask questions. Goana says she joins social media groups and participates in class discussions as much as possible. 6
Add your instructors’ virtual office hours in your calendar, so you know when they’ll be available. Email instructors or use class discussion boards to ask questions or offer comments. Instructors like seeing student engagement and participating will improve your overall experience. Find an accredited degree program associated with a reputable university that offers the same curriculum and instructors as ground schools. U.S. News and World Report provides helpful rankings of universities and degree programs. Look for a program offering a support system. For example, ASU’s 360 Life Services program is one of the first university programs to provide a comprehensive support system for online students. It offers clinical and personal care, as well as legal and financial assistance - plus success coaches who work with students to help them meet their academic goals. When things get challenging, remember the reasons why you’re pursuing your education. Post verbal or visual reminders near your workspace to keep your goals top of mind. To learn about ASU Online’s more than 200 degree programs, visit ASUOnline.asu.edu.
Expanding our team of leaders in
ONCOLOGY
Houston Methodist Welcomes Dr. Patrick Prath Patrick Prath, MD, board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist, joins the doctors and staff of Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. Their integrated, team approach addresses each patient’s unique needs, delivering individualized therapies, innovative research and clinical trials, all backed by the advanced technology of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. They are dedicated to providing comprehensive, world-class cancer care, close to home.
Jorge Darcourt, MD Hematology Medical Oncology
Services offered: • Oncology and hematology treatment • Clinical trials on-site • Genetic counseling and testing on-site
• Treatment planning • Second opinions
Sindhu Nair, MD Hematology Medical Oncology
COVID-19 UPDATE — Our specialists are available to safely see patients in person or virtually, as needed.
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Kirtan Nautiyal, MD Hematology Medical Oncology
WE’RE OPEN AND READY TO HELP At UT Physicians, your health is our priority. With expanded safety measures, our clinics are open and dedicated to delivering high-quality care for you and your loved ones. Whether you need primary or specialty care, visit with our experts in person or through our telehealth platform. With a health care team of more than 2,000 doctors and professionals, find the care you need, when you need it. To schedule an appointment, call 888-4UT-DOCS (488-3627), or visit UTPhysicians.com/telehealth for virtual care options.
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