In November 2022, Kent Key, MPH, PhD and his academy students stepped off the plane in Boston, MA into a world full of open possibilities. The Flint Public Health Youth Academy (FPHYA) was there on big-time business. They were invited to give a series of presentations at the annual American Public Health Association (APHA) Meeting & Expo – an honor usually reserved for distinguished health professionals and graduate students. The FPHYA members were an anomaly at the convention – something new and different in the realm of public health. The students were young, most still in high school, and they were there to deliver a youth perspective on racism as a public health crisis to public health advocates across the country. They made an instant splash! They were rock stars and the impact of the moment wasn’t lost on Dr. Key. “For many of our students, it was the first time they had ever left Michigan or even the city of Flint,” he relates. “They were new to the situation. I was nervous for them but, as always, they blew me away! It was a great opportunity and what they have accomplished is something that not very many people in the world are able to do at any level.”
In Genesee County, there are nearly 15,000 young people ages 16-to-24 who are not enrolled in school and are unemployed, also known as Opportunity Youth (OY). It is estimated that the pandemic lockdown increased these numbers by a minimum of 25%.
What if I told you that there is one simple thing every community can do to increase the mental health, positive social interactions, feelings of safety, empathy, and good nature of its members? Would you believe me? It’s true. All it takes is a little bit of time, effort, trust and participation. All anyone has to do is install a Little Free Library®.
Looking for a fun and interesting way to supplement a child’s education? The Sloan Museum of Discovery stands ready to take kids through a vast array of challenging workshops and programs.
Your best friend is getting married! You’ve known this person nearly their whole life. You’ve been together through ups-and-downs, good times and bad. You’ve laughed with them and cried with them. You know that you’ll always be there no matter what and they know it, too. As evidence, they’ve just done you the significant honor of choosing you to be best man/maid of honor. It’s a title that should not be taken lightly and you are ready to fulfill your duty to the best of your ability. Your friend has taken a big step in their life, choosing to spend it with someone they love, and it should be celebrated both with a proper wedding ceremony and the celebration of friendship that is the bachelor/bachelorette party. You’ve been called on to help make both days special, so where do you start?
We think the Hawaiians say it best: you are not your pet’s “owner.” You are their “kahu.”
As we get older, our bodies are continually changing the way they function. When it comes to our diets, no longer can we eat how we used to. The days of scarfing whole pizzas or an entire plate of greasy nachos while downing more than a couple of beers are all but over. We simply cannot eat the way we have in the past and still maintain our health. Sure, we can, if we want to – but each unhealthy meal comes with a future price tag. What do you value most? A year of poor dietary choices or a few more healthy years in the future?
If you have kids in school plus parents who need more help as they’re aging, you may be part of the population called the “Sandwich Generation.” Basically, your days are overflowing with tasks like making lunches, chauffeuring kids to activities and homework help – while also taking care of parents or other elderly relatives. While it can be rewarding to know you’re making a difference in the lives of those you love, it can also be a lot to manage. When it comes to older relatives who rely on you, it’s important to prioritize their healthcare and medical needs.
When it comes to estate planning, Michiganders have a powerful tool at their disposal: the Living Trust. This legal document provides an option for managing assets during your lifetime and ensures a smooth transition of wealth to your beneficiaries after you pass away. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of living trusts in Michigan, exploring their key features, advantages, and how you can establish one to secure your family’s financial future.
Our Best Dressed features highlight local people who were nominated because they have a sense of style that makes a statement: fashion forward, professional, effortless or dramatic … their looks let elements of their personalities shine through. We were granted an opportunity to take photos on the campus of Mott Community College, which celebrates their centennial this year. Our thanks to Marketing & Communications Manager, Bob Campbell, for his assistance with access to the locations.
Dr. Mihai Burzo, Associate Professor of Engineering at UM-Flint, is interested in heat transfer and human physiological response. For over eight years at UM-Flint and now at its new College of Innovation and Technology, he has been conducting research on thermoreflectance (thermal behavior of microelectronic devices) and human response to external stimuli. Analyzing data drawn from human physiological changes (heart rate, skin temperature, skin response such as sweating, etc.) gathered from multiple sensors and camera arrays, Dr. Burzo has been able to analyze and predict stress levels, driver awareness, deception and thermal discomfort. As a result of his research, Dr. Burzo has recently been awarded a patent for climate control technology that could revolutionize the way the world heats and cools its private and common areas for the comfort of its people and conservation of energy.
