OCTOBER—DECEMBER 2017
DR. LAURA SLIWINSKI flying high during her third jump!
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Parkinson’s Disease and WHAT?
Faculty notes
By Dr. Eszter Barra-Johnson
Since approximately late 2014 we have known that the previously held theories about how and why people develop Parkinson’s Disease (PD) were inaccurate (Paddock, 2014; Dolhum, 2014). While the causes of the disease are still not fully understood and it has only been surmised that it possibly involves multiple dietary, environmental and genetic factors, it has been widely accepted among medical professionals that the dis- ease develops when the brain slows down and later completely stops producing dopa- mine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in motor movements and emotion control (U.S. Parkinson’s Foundation, 2017). However, recent research findings made it clear that focusing on brain chemicals as the main cause of Parkinson’s may have been the wrong approach when trying to understand this disease. According to Dolhum (2014), the human digestive tract harbors many thousands of various bacteria in individually different ratios and numbers, which help us with metabolism, utilizing vitamins and protect our immune system. The contents of this bacterial household (referred to as gut microbiome or microbiota by scientists) depend on what we eat, how much of it we eat and how old we are, among other things (Dolhum, 2014). Whiteman (2016) mentions that there are over a thousand species of known bacteria and more than 3 million genes. Although approximately one third of gut microbes are present in most people, the remaining two thirds of them are present in a uniquely individual way in our gut that changes as we age (Whiteman, 2016). According to Hasegawa et al. (2016), patients with PD exhibit an abnormal degree of gut microbiota, referred to as dysbiosis (the first part of this word, dys, means in Latin, impaired or diseased, so this means that the biosis or biological balance on the intestinal bacterial household is unhealthy).
From the author’s garden.
In a historically important study, Finnish researchers Scheperjans, Aho & Pereira (2014) presented their innovative theories and research findings, which indicate that the key to understanding Parkinson’s Disease (PD) may lie in our gut bacteria. According to the researchers, it is the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the psychosympathetic nerves that first and most commonly show signs of PD in the presence of alpha-synuclein (a soluble protein) toxicity, which leads to neuronal death. Similar findings were reported on Alzheimer’s Disease also (Jellinger, 2003; Marques & Quteiro, 2012) and dementia with Lewi Bodies (Hubbard, Esiri, Reading & Nagy, 2007). One of the early signs of elevated alpha-synuclein toxicity is gastro-intestinal dysfunction, especially, chronic constipation, since bowel movements are also dependent on healthy motor functions (Scheperjans, Aho & Pereira, 2014). Severe, persistent constipation may develop many years prior to being diagnosed with PD. The researchers explained that the intestinal microbiota has already been found to interact with the ENS and the vagal nerve (also called the vagus nerve). The researchers pointed out approximately 70% of all neurons of the peripheral nervous system – basically, all neurons not counting the brain and spinal cord - are located in the intestines, and the vagus nerve serves as a direct link between the intestinal nervous and the central nervous system CNS (Paddock, 2014 ). Scheperjans, Aho & Pereira (2014) created their revolutionary study based on the thesis that the presence and abundance of certain types of bacterial families and their ratio to other types of baceteria in feces of PD patients may be correlated with a predisposition to develop PD. After examining the fecal matter of 72 PD patients with that of controls and analyzing their data to arrive at this assumption, they have reduced the amount of Prevotellaceae bacteria in PD patients by 77.6% as compared with participants in the control group. They found that the ratio of Prevotellaceae of 6.5% or lower correlated with “86.1% sensitivity and 38.9% specificity for P” (Scheperjans, Aho & Pereira, 2014). After conducting a logistic regression analysis it became clear that the abundance of four distinct bacterial families and the severity of constipation found in PD patients correlated with 66.7% sensitivity and 90.3% specificity. Specifically, the scientists found that the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae “positively correlated with the magnitude of motor movements such as those observed in postural instability and gait difficulty” (Scheperjans, Aho & Pereira, 2014). The term postural instability refers to losing one’s balance easily, a common symptom of PD. Gait difficulty means to have problems while walking, running or stepping up and down of objects, and holding a steady pace (Salzman, 2010). Note that all of these postural and gait abnormalities could be present without PD also – but they are definitely present in most, albeit not all, PD patients, sometimes showing up in later phases of the disease; and are also known as postural abnormalities and gait abnormalities, respectively (Salzman, 2010). When talking about gait abnormalities in PD patients, it is referred to as parkinsonian gait, which prompts the patient to lean forward, and walk with smaller-than-normal, fast steps, called festination (NIH Senior Health, 2017). If the PD patient has difficulty with continued movements, that is referred to as freezing (NIH Senior Health, 2017). Scheperjans, Aho & Pereira (2014The authors) concluded that the intestinal microbiome may undergo significant changes in PD patients, based on their motor phenotype (characteristics of motor movement patterns); and may do so long before other symptoms of PD emerge. Continued on page 5
Faculty notes
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Oh my! Did I really just eat that?
Faculty notes
By Sandra Rebeor
Have you ever asked yourself that question before? Have you ever been in disbelief over what you just consumed regarding quantity or quality? Maybe you ate an entire pizza or entire bag of chips while watching TV. Or maybe you just consumed an entire gallon of soda by yourself. If this scenario speaks to you or if you are simply interested in learning more about mindful eating, then this article is for you! First things first: Let’s explore what mindful eating is. According to the Center for Mindful Eating (2017), mindful eating entails awareness in choosing, preparing, and finally, consuming your food. This process from selection to consumption should utilize your knowledge and senses to ensure a pleasant outcome that is enjoyable but also nourishing at the same time. After you have consumed your food, it is important to be aware of your feelings toward the food. Did you like or dislike it? Does it make you feel good or guilty? Do you feel energetic or ready for a nap? Mindful eating also includes the recognition of hunger or fullness cues to guide you when to eat or stop eating. Mindful eating is encouraged for weight loss but also when a person is at risk or diagnosed with an eating disorder or other disease, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, food sensitivities or allergies, and more. Of course, primary prevention is always best so mindful eating should be utilized by everybody in the hopes of avoiding disease in the first place and overall, to maintain or improve one’s well-being. Sometimes, all it takes is to slow down and become more in tune to what you are eating and drinking in the present moment. For example: let’s say my colleagues got donuts to celebrate an event. Since I cannot resist a chocolate-glazed, warm donut, I will indulge in one of those masterpieces but say “no” to a second. I am completely aware of what and how much I am consuming and thus, can make a
Mindful eating additionally involves an examination of when you are eating, fail to eat, or crave certain foods. It is also critical to analyze how much you are eating in certain moments. Are your dietary choices related to true hunger and thirst or are you eating because of stress, availability, boredom, or other reasons? By becoming aware of ‘why,’ ‘where,’ ‘what,’ ‘when,’ and ‘how much,’ you will be able to make much better choices in the short and long term and thus, improve your health and overall well-being. Sure, not 100 percent of our choices will be perfect but at the very least, you are being aware of when a choice is nutritious, a treat, or simply too much. Balance is key when examining mindfulness, and it is important to pay attention to your food choices and then accept them. As my grandma used to say: “You live to learn so pay attention!” Maybe she was right after all! Spread the word about mindful eating with family, friends, and your community! Happy and healthy eating, everyone! ◆
Continued from page 3 — Parkinson’s Disease and WHAT? Further studies point to other discoveries in regard to a connection between intestinal microbiota and autism (Ding, Taur & Walkup, 2017), as well as obesity, cancer, anxiety and depression (Whiteman, 2016). In the meantime, research on replacing lost dopamine in the brain also continues. According to Paddock (2014), stem cell researchers reported new treatment options for Parkinson's disease based on a study on laboratory rats, which may help replace dopamine cells lost to Parkinson's disease by cultivating these from embryonic stem cells and subsequently, introducing them into the brain. It will be exciting to watch this new area of research further evolve, as these findings may lead to never-before imagined treatment options not just for PD, but other currently incurable diseases, also, among which Parkinson’s alone affects as many as a million Americans today (Whiteman, 2016). In the meantime, while waiting for even more exciting research findings about intestinal bacteria, we could try to improve our own gut in order to reduce the number of risk factors for developing PD and other chronic illness. While drinking probiotics is easy to do, caution must be exercised with their use, as too often, people take these in much larger doses than healthy, or more frequently than needed. It is also important to understand that despite the strong correlations between gut bacteria and PD, as well as correlations between gut health and other diseases reported above, the impact of genetic factors on developing dementias and movement disorders (whether movement disorders in PD, or tick disorders as is the case with Tourette syndrome) is still under investigation, and their importance cannot be underestimated. Each person’s intestinal microbiota is different, therefore, a cookie-cutter treatment or long-term use of some wonder-brew off the shelves in the grocery stores may be medically counter-indicated. As pointed out by Doherty (2013), “It is important to identify which strains of healthy bacteria are needed to repair and heal the digestive tract,” which can only be done via laboratory tests. ◆
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Faculty notes
mindful choice. That evening, I grab a piece of fruit after dinner rather than a piece of chocolate since I already had my sweat treat at work.
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The Perks of Summer Don’t Have to End
Faculty notes
By Dr. Laura Sliwinski
I love the lazy days of summer and the perks they bring. Summer gives us permission to adjust our daily routine and try new things. Summer is a time for staying up late and sleeping in. During the summer, we make more time to play outside to soak in the sun, and families enjoy picnics in the park and long days at the beach just for fun. Personally, one of my favorite parts of summer is vacation, and I know I’m not alone. Whether you pack up the car for a road trip or take to the skies for a faraway adventure, summer is a popular travel season for everyone. In fact, this Independence Day, a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans were set to travel 50 miles or more away from home to celebrate the red, white, and blue, and with 1.25 million more travelers than last year, 2017 will be marked as the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever (Hall, 2017, para. 1). But, with the dog days of summer behind us, is it time to buckle down and get back to the daily grind? Not so fast! Photo credit to Sara Headden
By nature, we tend to be creatures of habit and routine. As such, we often try to compartmentalize things to make it easier to navigate through daily life. So, for many people the benefits of summer and summer vacation are only enjoyed three months out of the year. Then, they are neatly packed up and put on the shelf until next year to hunker down, get back to school or work, and plan for all of the demands the rest of the year brings. But, if you think that your once-a-year vacation is perfect for you, it may be time to think again. What if I told you that research supports the idea of traveling regularly? In fact, those who travel more in the space of a year have a healthier life and are less likely to suffer health complications in the future (Reed, 2017).
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Traveling may just be one of the best things you can do for your health. Taking vacation outside of your usual environment contributes to your physical and mental well-being because you have more opportunity to detach from your work and experience new things (Fritz and Sonnentag, 2006; Sonnentag and Fritz, 2007). Furthermore, positive travel experiences can contribute to your health, family relationships, and overall wellness (Neal, Singy, and Uysal, 1999). If you need help convincing your boss to support your travel plans, it has also been shown that taking vacation helps employees reduce work stress and burnout (de Bloom et al, 2010; Etzion, 2003; Fritz and Sonnentag, 2006; Westman and Etzion, 2001) and result in decreased absenteeism (Westman and Etzion, 2001) and increased job performance (Fritz and Sonnentag, 2006; Lounsbury and Hoppes, 1986).
78% OF MANAGERS agree that when employees take time off, they return to work with improved focus and creativity (Travel + Leisure, August 2017, p. 10)
Travel + Leisure Operation Vacation http://www.travelandleisure.com/operation-vacation If these benefits alone aren’t enough to motivate you to start planning your next getaway, would you be convinced if I also told you that research supports a change of scenery to help change your perspective and boost your creativity and clarity (Martis, 2017)?
Pack your bags for perspective Travel has the potential to change the way you see things and may even change you. “Mentally, physically and emotionally, you can gain a lot from packing your bags and Continued on page 8
Faculty notes
Vacation is good for your health
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Faculty notes
The Perks of Summer Don’t Have to End continued... visiting places you’ve never been” (Alton, 2017). When you are open to new experiences and different ways of thinking, travel offers you a healthy dose of perspective that may also help you develop a desire to explore and step outside of your comfort zone (Constable, 2017). When you travel, even everyday experiences like eating or bathing can offer you new ways to imagine the world. For example, when I traveled to Peru with a friend to celebrate the New Year in 1999, we showered in champagne before leaving for the festivities to ensure a full year of happiness and success. Then, we loaded our pockets with grapes and during the final countdown to the New Year ate twelve grapes making a wish before eating each one, twelve representing the twelve months of the New Year, and a thirteenth grape was eaten for good luck. “Travel is rich with learning opportunities and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective.” - Rick Steves, American Writer, Author, Activist, and TV Personality I know that some of you may be shaking your head right now and are very happy to remain in the safety of your comfort zone, daily routine, and known traditions, but if you find your lens needing a little adjustment, opening yourself to experience new things may be the answer to your problem. “When you immerse yourself in a new culture, you no longer live from a place of procedure. It’s all new. Everything shifts, everything is fresh, so without even trying, BOOM, you become curious, vivacious, and can adopt a new way of seeing and experiencing your life. New surroundings, new food, new people, and new opportunities for discovery!” Alexa Silvaggio, The Travel Yogi, 2016 https://thetravelyogi.com/teachers/alexa-silvaggio/ With all of these known benefits associated with travel, it’s no wonder I was shocked to discover that in 2016, 54% of employees left unused vacation time on the table, collectively throwing away 662 million vacation days according to PROJECT: Time Off, a research initiative led by the U.S. Travel Association. OUCH! On the flip side, I was relieved to learn that Travel + Leisure Magazine launched Operation Vacation with a mission to encourage everyone to use their much needed days off to get away and recharge (www.travelandleisure.com/operation-vacation).
No More Excuses: Ready, Set, Road Trip! At this point, if you haven’t started imagining the amazing adventures that await you, I can only assume that fear or finances are holding you back. In this article, I may not be able to help you get over your fear, but your options should not be limited by finances because travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes, we just need to be reminded how to appreciate the opportunities we have available in our own backyard. For my birthday last year, I challenged myself to get off the couch and explore more of California’s National Parks and attractions. I found so many amazing places and new things to experience just a road trip away. So, on the very low budget of a picnic packed in an ice chest and a possible AirBnB rental here and there we threw our backpacks and the dog in the car and ventured out to see the sights.
Continued on page 10
Faculty notes
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Faculty notes
The Perks of Summer Don’t Have to End continued... In closing, from my experience as a change management consultant I know that change can be hard, but if you succumb to your comfort zone and let your preference for routine dictate your experiences, you limit your possibilities to learn and grow immensely. At times, when people try to change they fail because they try to do too much at once. So, to get started, take it slow, and if you plan your travels well you can most likely incorporate all of the benefits of summer into your 12month calendar without feeling stressed. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Ok, not a road trip , but still one of my favorite destinations
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Dr. Joseph Belcher Associate Dean—College of Health, Human Services, and Science Play video
Dr.Alexa Schmitt Associate Faculty—College of Health, Human Services, and Science Play video
Talking Health
What Health Means to Me...
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Don’t be medi-Okra.ROTFL!
Grocer’s corner
By Dr. Roxanne Beharie
What comes to mind when you hear the word okra? A slimy, icky mess, that’s what. Who would have thought that something that is also called “lady’s fingers” could conjure such an image? Right?! Well, guess what? That slime is actually great for thickening soups, stews, and gumbos. In fact, if you boil okra, you can use the slimy juice as a conditioner for your hair for more shine. It will also add moisture to your hair as well as fight dandruff. That slime does not sound so bad now, does it? But, outside of those slime-tastic qualities, okra is beloved around the world because of its all-year round availability as well as the fact that it packs quite a nutritional punch, containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Okra contains about 36 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C which helps support your immune function, prevent free radical damage, and may help regulate blood pressure. Okras are also a good source of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) which aids in the metabolism of fat, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Vitamin B6 also promotes the health of your lymph nodes and can contribute to the regulation of blood sugar levels. Okras also contain high levels of vitamin A and flavonoids such as betacarotene, xanthin, and lutein which are associated with good vision, healthy skin, and mucous membranes, and even increased protection from cancer. Okras also provide vitamin K and folate as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese, and magnesium. If that does not encourage you to give okra another chance, consider this: okra is low -calorie and high-fiber. In fact, a 100-gram serving of okra contains only 30 calories, 0 saturated fats, and 0 cholesterol. So, if you are looking for a tasty snack (slime-free) that will keep you full for a while, try this recipe for Prosciutto-Wrapped Grilled Okra by Laura Zapalowski in Cooking Light magazine: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/ prosciutto-wrapped-grilled-okra. You can also view other okra recipes from Cooking Light at: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/okra-recipes. Enjoy! :) ◆
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• • • • • • •
Health Literacy Month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Dental Hygiene Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2 - 8 Mental Illness Awareness Week 16 World Food Day 16 - 20 National Health Education Week
November • • • • • •
American Diabetes Month COPD Awareness Month Lung Cancer Awareness Month National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month 16 Great American Smokeout 19 International Survivors of Suicide Day
December • • • •
Safe Toys and Gifts Month 1 World AIDS Day 3 - 9 National Handwashing Awareness Week 4 - 11 National Influenza Vaccination Week
Next Quarter Conferences ACEHP 43rd Annual Conference - Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions January 20-23, 2018 | Orlando, FL Health Equity Initiative Summit 2018 February 23, 2018 | New York, NY Aging in America 2018 March 26-29, 2018 | San Francisco, CA
Your Health Calendar
October
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Oh my…! Did I really just eat that? 1. The Center for Mindful Eating (2017). The principles of mindful eating. Retrieved from https:// www.thecenterformindfuleating.org/Principles-Mindful-Eating
References
Parkinson’s Disease and WHAT? 1. Ding, H.T., Taur, Y., & Walkup, J.T. (2017). Gut Microbiota and Autism: Key Concepts and Findings. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(2), 480–489. 2. Doherty, S. (2013). Gut & Probiotics. Article retrieved August 4, 2017 from http:// treattourettes.ca/biomedical-treatment/digestion-and-inflammation/gut-probiotics/ 3. Dolhum, R. (2014). Gut Check on Parkinson's: New Findings on Bacteria Levels. Retrieved from https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-detail.php?gut-check-on-parkinson-newfindings-on-bacteria-levels 4. Hasegawa, S., Goto, S., Tsuji, H., Okuno, T., Asahara, T., Nomoto, K., & Hirayama, M. (2015). Intestinal Dysbiosis and Lowered Serum Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein in Parkinson’s Disease. Plos ONE, 10(10), 1. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0142164 5. Hubbard, P. S., Esiri, M.M., Reading, M. & Nagy, Z. (2007). Alpha-synuclein pathology in the olfactory pathways of dementia patients. Journal of Anatomy, 211(1), 117-124. DOI: 10.1111/ j.1469-7580.2007.00748.x 6. Jellinger, K.A. (2003). Alpha-synuclein pathology in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease brain: incidence and topographic distribution: A pilot study. Acta Neuropathologica: Pathology and Mechanisms of Neurological Disease, 106(3), 191–202. DOI: 10.1007/s00401-003-0725-y 7. Marques, O. & Quteiro, T.F. (2012). Alpha-synuclein: From secretion to dysfunction and death. Cell Death and Disease 3(e350); doi:10.1038/cddis.2012.94 Published online 19 July 2012 at http://www.nature.com/cddis/journal/v3/n7/full/cddis201294a.html?foxtrotcallback=true 8. NIH Senior Health. (2017). Parkinson’s Disease. Retrieved August 4, 2017 from https:// nihseniorhealth.gov/parkinsonsdisease/symptomsanddiagnosis/01.html 9. Paddock, C. (2014). Study links Parkinson's disease to gut bacteria. Retrieved from http:// www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/286912.php 10. Salzman, B (2010).Gait and Balance Disorders in Older Adults. American Family Physician, 82 (1), 61-68. 11. Scheperjans, F., Aho, V., & Pereira, P. A. B. (2014). Movement Disorders: Clinical Journal of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, 30(3), 350-358. DOI: 10.1002/ mds.26069 The Perks of Summer Don’t Have to End 1. Alton, L. (2017). 5 Scientifically proven health benefits of traveling abroad. NBC News. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/better/wellness/5-scientifically-proven-health-benefitstraveling-abroad-n759631 2. Chun-Chu, C. & Petrick, J.F. (2013). Health and wellness benefits of travel experiences: A literature review. Journal of Travel Research, 52(6), 709-719. 3. Constable, K. (2017). How travel changes your perspective and can help you grow. Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kimanzi-constable/how-travel-changesyour-p_b_8693094.html.
4. deBloom, J., Geurts, S., Taris, T.W., Sonnentag, S., de Weerth, C., Kompier, M. (2010)., Effects of vacation from work on health and well-being: Lots of fun, quickly gone. Work & Stress, 24(2), 196216. 5. deBloom, J., Geurts, S., Taris, T.W., Sonnentag, S., de Weerth, C., Kompier, M. (2011)., How does a vacation from work affect employee health and well-being?, Psychology & Health, 26(12), 1606-22. 6. Etzion, D. (2003). Annual vacation: Duration of relief from job stressors and burnout. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping: An International Journal, 16(2), 213-26. 7. Fritz, C. & Sonnentag, S. (2006). Recovery, well-being, and performance-related outcomes: The role of workload and vacation experiences. Journal of Applied Psychology, 91(4), 936-45. 8. Hall, J. (2017). This Independence Day will be historic, more Americans to travel than ever before. AAA News Room. Retrieved from http://newsroom.aaa.com/category/travel/ 9. Lounsbury, J.W. & Hoopes, L.L. (1986). A vacation from work: Changes in work and non-work outcomes. Journal of Applied Psychology, 71(3): 392-401. 10. Martis, L. (2017). This is why you should use your vacation days. Monster. Retrieved from https:// www.monster.com/career-advice/article/use-your-vacation-time-0707 11. Neal, J.D., Sirgy, M.J. Uysal, M. (1999). The role of satisfaction with leisure travel/tourism services and experience in satisfaction with leisure life and overall life. Journal of Business Research, 44(3), 153-63. 12. Neal, J.D., Uysal, M., & Sirgy, M.J. (2007). The effect of tourism services on traveler’s quality of life. Journal of Travel Research, 46(2), 154-63. 13. Reed, K. (2017). 8 Reasons why traveling is good for your health. PositiveHealthWellness. Retrieved from https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/fitness/8-reasons-traveling-good-health/ 14. Silvaggio, A. (2016). Shift Happens: How travel changes your perspective. The Travel Yogi. Retrieved from https://thetravelyogi.com/shift-happens-how-travel-changes-your-perspective/ 15. Sonnentag, S. & Fritz, C. (2007). The recovery experience questionnaire: Development and validation of a measure for assessing recuperation and unwinding from work. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology,12(3), 204-21. 16. Westman, M. & Eden, D. (1997). Effects of a respite from work on burnout: Vacation relief and fade-out. Journal of Applied Psychology, 82(4), 516-27. 17. Westman, M. & Etzion, D. (2001). The impact of vacation and job stress on burnout and absenteeism. Psychology & Health, 16(5), 595-606.
References
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Special Thanks A very special thank you goes out to our copy editor for this edition, Heather Auger, Instructor of English, Division of General Education.
Thanks!!
ALL IMAGES USED WITH PERMISSION.
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References
Dr. Eszter Barra-Johnson has lived and studied in the U.S. since 1996. She subsequently received three graduate degrees, MS in Clinical Psychology, PhD in Health Psychology and more recently, MA in Diplomacy with Emphasis on International Conflict Resolution. She has been teaching at Ashford University since 2007.
Sandra Rebeor is a full time Instructor at Ashford’s College of Health, Human Services, and Science and primarily teaches courses in the Health and Wellness program. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Campbell University and a Master’s of Science in Health Sciences: Emergency and Disaster Management.
Dr. Laura Sliwinski, is the Executive Dean for the College of Health, Human Services, and Science at Ashford University. Dr. Sliwinski has extensive experience in health care management and organization development, and has served as a consultant, presenter, and keynote speaker in the health care industry for over 15 years.
Dr. Trevor Belcher is an Associate Dean in Ashford University's College of Health, Human Services, and Science. Over the past two decades, his educational and practical experience have allowed him the opportunity to serve in various capacities such as pastoral ministry, counseling, consulting, teaching, and administration.
Dr. Alexa Schmitt is an associate online faculty member of the College of Health, Human Services, and Science at Ashford University. She teaches health policy analysis at the master’s level. Dr. Schmitt is experienced in mechanical circulatory support as a senior project engineer, clinical researcher, data analyst, and regulatory process administrator.
Dr. Roxanne Beharie is an Assistant Professor with Ashford University. Dr. Beharie earned her doctorate in Public Health from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Beharie also earned a BS in Exercise Science from the University of Pittsburgh and an MPA in Health Services Management from Mercy College.
-Wayne Fields
“The best six doctors anywhere, and no one can deny it, are sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise and diet.”
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