INTERFACES One character separates cure from care. One’s character can propel pursuit of both. At NSU, researchers explore expressions of well-being and cast for answers to complex conditions. This requires casting a net not only over patients, but their surroundings. And caring not only for patients, but those who surround them. Everything must be considered—in, out, and around. Even a cure cannot guarantee a person’s well-being. Addressing all points of interaction or interfaces can. Of course, that is easier said than done. Behind each interface is a system unto its own. And circumstances continually change. Human Condition Tools and Training The Florida S.T.E.P.S. initiative (School Toolkit for K–12 Educators to Prevent Suicide) is based on 40 years of work by Scott Poland, Ed.D. In 2021, NSU distributed a tangible binder with tips, tools, assessments, and references to public and private schools across the state. Since then, Poland has embarked upon a three-phase training expedition. He and his team trained several hundred school administrators and/or mental health personnel in each of the county school districts of Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Hillsborough. The third charge in the current grant is to form a parent advisory group. Poland received the Helping Parkland Heal Award for providing psychological strategic planning and training for staff members and parents immediately after the 2018 school shooting. Suicide prevention is an ongoing process requiring widespread involvement. Trauma and Heart Health Over the past 20 years, research findings have reinforced a link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cardio- vascular disease risk. For example, past studies by Jeff Kibler, Ph.D., and his research team, show there are higher rates of unhealthy lipids, high blood pressure, and obesity in individuals with PTSD. But there has been little focus on the treatment of PTSD-related health problems. Kibler and his team are exploring factors such as sleep, stress management, and nutrition. The goal is to help individuals who treat PTSD address both psychological and physical health risks. Doctoral student and research coordinator Abby Dopico is training other clinical psychology students to conduct cardiovascular assessments for the project. Research assistants are also learning to implement the intervention. 18 Scan for more. Scan for more.
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