Alumna Kaci Ginn discusses Iowa food assistance program

Alumna Kaci Ginn (21BA), operations director with Iowa Valley Resource Conservation & Development, recently discussed the Iowa Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program that provides food to underserved communities. (KWQC) Published September 14, 2023

Researchers identify factors that affect job turnover in trucking industry

High job turnover is an ongoing issue in the U.S. trucking industry. A recent study by University of Iowa researchers examined the reasons that long-haul truck drivers leave their jobs and offered suggestions for retaining current workers. Published September 13, 2023

Thorne comments on extreme heat and health

Peter Thorne, distinguished chair and CPH professor of occupational and environmental health, was recently interviewed about the threats extreme heat poses to the Midwest. (Multiple sources) Published September 13, 2023

2024 Public Health Conference of Iowa abstracts due Oct. 15

The 2024 Public Health Conference of Iowa is accepting abstracts for the event to be held at the Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport on March 26 and 27. Students, stayed tuned for a call for poster abstracts in November! Published September 12, 2023

Watkins studying social media influence on vaping, energy drink consumption

University of Iowa student usage of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and the consumption of energy drinks has increased significantly, according to a recent survey. CPH assistant professor Shannon Lea Watkins and a team of student researchers are currently working to understand how e-cigarettes and energy drink consumption are portrayed on social media. (Daily Iowan) Published September 12, 2023

Arora comments on study of marijuana use among older adults

Millions of older adults have started using marijuana in the last decade, but questions remain about the health effects of cannabis on seniors. New users tend to be older women and well-educated people with health problems, said Kanika Arora, CPH associate professor of health management and policy, who authored a 2019 study of users in Colorado. (Chicago Sun Times) Published September 11, 2023

Arora discusses paid leave and job protection for caregivers

Many Americans are juggling caregiving with work, trying to provide care for loved ones while earning enough money to pay their own bills. Several states now offer paid caregiving leave, and studies show that paid leave seems most successful when paired with job protection, according to findings co-authored by Kanika Arora, CPH associate professor of health management and policy. (New York Times) Published September 11, 2023

Iowa research partnership developing a rapid, low-cost test for diarrheal diseases

University of Iowa researchers are partnering with GoDx, Inc. based in Madison, Wisconsin, to develop a low-cost test for rapidly identifying gut bugs that cause diarrheal disease and whether they are resistant to certain antibiotics. Knowing quickly which bug is causing a patient’s disease can help with prompt and appropriate treatment. Published September 11, 2023

Hana Hinkle named a ‘40 Under 40 in Public Health’ honoree

Congratulations to College of Public Health alumna Hana Hinkle (09MPH in community and behavioral health) for being named a "40 Under 40 in Public Health" honoree by the de Beaumont Foundation. This award recognizes rising leaders who are working to improve the health of communities across the nation. Published September 11, 2023

Study shows young employees face workplace violence

Three out of five young employees have experienced some form of workplace violence, results of a recent study show. “As labor restrictions for youth are loosening in some states, our research shows that young workers need more protections in the workplace,” says study co-author Carri Casteel, professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center. (Safety + Health) Published September 8, 2023