Work/Life and finding the balance:

So today I realized it is already one week into August and I can't believe it's been awhile since my last post. Things truly do fly by, faster and faster as each year goes on, it's like a speeding train with no end in sight, except for the whole end of life thing, but we as young people don't like to think about that, at least those that have a living will, which if you are reading this right now and do not have one, stop reading and get one, ASAP!

To get back on track, life passes you by quickly for one of two reasons (1) because the years are getting shorter (2) you love what you do and enjoy life! I'm thinking that number one isn't proven yet, but had to throw it in there. I was reminded this week of how addicting work can be and also having good friends, family and those that make you happy. I didn't even want to leave work today because I couldn't stand that fact that what I was working on wasn't completely finished at the VA, but the beauty of work is to know when you get to a stopping point and you can pick up where you left off the next day. I would say that is one of the most challenging areas I struggle with and you may too or might already have, how to balance your work with life (family, friends, etc.).

It's an ongoing "struggle" but a good one. Find those that respect your work and also that you would want to make time for. You only have one life to live, so pick people and the type of work you love doing, being around and that makes you happy and motivated to keep at it everyday.

If you're reading this blog I assume you have an interest in Public Health. I hope you have found an area that makes you happy and that you continue to be motivated to learn about and is rewarding.

Ryan

PS - Picture of a summer trip to see some of my undergrad friends. I would have posted a picture from work, but can't take pictures on the VA property, hopefully will get the official Media person the VA campus take a photo of me so you all know I'm doing actual work this summer ;)

Fun in the Sun!

The weather has finally "cooled" off here in the midwest, but I kind of liked the warm middle to upper 90's! Sometimes the sun and heat feel good when lying next to the pool, which I try to do as much as I can! I worked at a pool in high school for over 5 year (3 as a lifeguard) and sunscreen was a major deal then as it is today.

There was a recent article in the New York Times (NYT) that just broke that the F.D.A. will be unveiling new regulations on sunscreen, specifically the controversy of words like "sweat-proof" and "waterproof." In addition, they wanted to make sure that a sunscreen protected against both UVA and UVB rays, which are both damaging. This is a huge public health push and one not to be taken lightly. With the University of Iowa being in the midwest, there no beaches, except for those plots of sand on lakes we like to call "beaches" ;)

Public Health is all around us, whether we like it or not. Let's take the pool, there are regulations on the chlorine and other chemicals that go into the water, temperature of the water, signage around the pool, entering/exiting spots for the pool, etc. Without public health, many of these areas maybe unsafe or not held accountable when there are issues at hand.

I hope you all have gotten in a little pre-summer dip, cause we all know that Summer doesn't officially begin till June 21st :)

VA Internship :)

Started my first day at my internship today at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Iowa City! I hit the ground running with an 8:00AM meeting with administration and toured the hospital and got oriented to the new work environment. I'll be working with an alumni of our program (MHA) in the College of Public Health and with the Associate Director of Operations (i.e. COO) of the VA Medical Center. Everyone is very energetic and willing to answer questions, in which I had a lot being my first day and will probably be the case throughout the summer.

Learning the structure and how the VA works is definitely a task in itself, but it helped me respect and realize how much is offered through the Department of Veteran Affairs. If you ever have a moment, I would highly encourage you to look (www.va.gov). No matter the health system, new place of employment or just starting out grad school, you should always spend time getting to know how the structure or governance operates and functions. These become important when working with others, how decisions are made and when you might need to request funds for a project.

To wrap up this up with some more advice and just things I have learned thus far on my journey through life, I would have to say that "First Impressions are Lasting Impressions", this is true most of the time and the VA certainly made a great impression on me and I hope I gave the same back :)

Ryan

Finals and Geriatrics!

So I have my last presentation today for finals week, at least for this semester, haha...I still have one more year in my dual masters programs and will be spending the summer working at the VA Medical Center here in Iowa City, IA.

Part of the reason I chose the VA was due to the presentation I am giving today! Through my Medicare and Medicaid class, I was paired with two others in the class to research, write and present on geriatric marketing and education, specifically geriatric health literacy and engagement. We have been able to meet with health professionals and researchers in the Center on Aging, the Iowa Geriatric Education Center, School of Nursing and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics (UIHC). The picture above kind of summarizes the technologic advancements occurring in the healthcare field while trying to make sure the aging population is able to still understand the literacy of materials and innovations. In addition, most people want to stay in their home for healthcare, so utilizing technology in the home is one of the most important and most prevalent type being researched. Examples include monitored medication dispensers in the home that notify care givers and health professionals when medications are not taken, just another way to help the elderly stay at home.

Well I got to get back to go over the presentation a couple more times and then it's SUMMER!

Good luck to all your finals and finishing up the semester :)

Ryan