News
"Think Health!" Lecture Series expands and teams-up with "Healthy U" Employee Program
Cheyney University students and employees will all benefit
January 19, 2010
The Cheyney University Think Health! research team has expanded its efforts for the spring 2010 semester. Think Health! is a research project with the purpose of improving the treatment of obesity in adults, with particular concern for African Americans and Latinos. The University of Pennsylvania has provided an opportunity for students and faculty members from Cheyney University to participate in the research project or in related research projects and/or activities.
The Cheyney University Think Health! Research team, which consists of Drs. Christopher Barnes, Deivy Petrescu, and Shelly Weeks-Channel, will continue to host the Think Health! Lecture Series on Cheyney University’s main campus for the third consecutive semester. These informative lectures are extremely beneficial and appealing to an increasingly wider audience.
The lecture series will include lecturers from the University of Pennsylvania, The Albert Einstein HealthCare Network, and Cheyney University. Dr. Channel said, “The wealth of health knowledge provided during the lecture series is sensational. I consider them transformation lectures.”
Dr. Barnes, who organizes these events, is very excited about Professor Seamon’s upcoming lecture. Her lecture is scheduled for February 11, 2010, at 4 p.m. in room 117 of the Duckrey Social Sciences Building.
According to Dr. Barnes, “It is sure to be a memorable event. Moreover, he indicates, “I often hear positive things about her class from students. There are a select few faculty members that make me wish I experienced their classes as an undergraduate. Professor Seamon’s course is one of them. I hope to see a glimpse of what our students rave about.”
The March lecture, tentatively scheduled for March 4th will bring Dr. Kelly Allison to CU’s campus to discuss research on unhealthy nocturnal eating habits and night eating syndrome.
For Dr. Barnes, one of the many highlights of the series was the first lecture with invited guest Dr. Shiriki Kumanyika. He recalled how she resonated with brilliance and knowledge, yet was very relatable and approachable. He stated, “Sometimes the fact that someone who has been an active member of the American Public Health Association (APHA) for over 30 years and has participated in national and international healthcare initiatives can mean nothing to students; that is, unless they care to listen when you speak. Her presence alone captivated those in attendance.” Dr. Petrescu mentioned that it was an honor to have Dr. Kumanyika lecture at Cheyney and share her expertise.
During the Spring 2010 semester, two of the planned lectures will also assist university employees that are enrolled in the Healthy U benefits program. Healthy U is a health care management program designed to help one improve their well-being and become more engaged in every aspect of their health.
Dr. Christopher Barnes was approached by Vicky Strong, from the Office of Human Resources, about having faculty, non-faculty coaches, police and security personnel attend the Think Health! Lecture Series. “I was completely in favor of [it], as that is exactly what we are attempting to do with the Think Health! Lecture Series,” said Dr. Barnes. “We wish to help people become more knowledgeable, conscientious, and engaged about their health.”
Anybody interested in receiving appropriate Healthy U credit for attending one of the eligible Think Health! Lectures should contact Vicky Strong, Cheyney University’s Human Resources Generalist, for more information or review their Healthy U literature. She can be reached via email, vstrong@cheyney.edu, or phone 610-399-2408.
Dr. Barnes also went on to say that “[He is] more than excited about the possibility that this semester might be even more attractive to the university community. We have already attracted faculty, students, and staff in the past; it makes sense that we make strides to continue to expand the audience.” Drs. Channel and Petrescu are also thrilled at the progress of the Think Health! Lecture Series and encourage all members of the Cheyney community to attend.
The lectures are free and open to the public.
About Cheyney University
Cheyney University is the nation’s oldest historically Black institution of higher education. It is also the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE.) Now celebrating its 26th year, PASSHE comprises Pennsylvania’s 14 public universities, with a combined enrollment of more than 112,500, making it the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. At its inception, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania successfully provided free classical education for qualified young people, and today the university offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 30 disciplines and six master’s degree programs. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.cheyney.edu.
