College of Health and Human Services

A paper co-published by CHHS faculty is demonstrating the capability of new technology that allows in-depth analysis of health outcomes amongst different groups. Published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, the research outlines a novel approach to studying public health data.

The technology lets researchers look at distinct populations experiencing high levels of a health problem in a more detailed manner than was possible using previous methods.

Soccer’s popularity continues to skyrocket across the country, resulting in increased interest in heading the ball and the risks of concussions. A new study has provided some answers, but a UNC Charlotte College of Health and Human Services expert warns that questions still remain.

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, the study evaluated the causes of concussions in a large sample of high school soccer players.

The risk of drowning remains a serious issue for children, but a UNC Charlotte water safety expert is taking part in a national effort to help alleviate that danger. To mark the 100th anniversary of its swimming safety efforts, the American Red Cross has launched a program to cut drowning in half in 50 U.S. cities.

A new study showing the negative effects of prolonged high heel use confirms expert consensus on the footwear, according to a UNC Charlotte expert.

The study, published this month in the International Journal of Clinical Practice (IJCP), found that wearing high heels can strengthen the ankle initially, but leads to weakening and instability over time.

The Food and Drug Administration is expanding its efforts to reduce the amount of artificial trans-unsaturated fatty acids (trans fats) in American diets. The federal agency declared trans fats unsafe for human consumption last week, giving companies three years to come into compliance with the new policy.

Trans fats have been linked to weight gain and heart disease, and the FDA says it expects the ban to prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks a year.

Winsor Schmidt, former chair of Urban Health Policy at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, is joining the College of Health and Human Services faculty this fall as the Metrolina Medical Foundation Distinguished Professor of Public Policy on Health.

A licensed attorney and former law professor, Schmidt has taught public policy for nearly 40 years. He also directed the Health Policy and Administration program at Washington State University prior to his most recent position at Louisville.

UNC Charlotte and a major healthcare data company have launched new technology that will help hospitals organize and analyze patient statistics.

Community Focus is an automated, cloud-based software program developed by UNC Charlotte and Premier, Inc., as part of a partnership started last year. It will help health systems manage patient data at the community level and make it easier for hospitals to isolate groups to find ways to improve public health.

When she was a kid, Kailey Filter heard a story about a pair of stretchers rushed into a hospital, one after the other. The first held a man, the second: his missing foot.

The mother of Filter’s close childhood friend was a nurse. She often came home and told the girls about her day at work, accounts that painted an all too clear picture of what nurses see and do.

Social work professor Lori Thomas recently was recognized as one of the top young alumni of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Thomas is a member of VCU’s 2015 “10 Under 10” class. The honor recognizes alumni who received their first VCU degree in the last 10 years and who have achieved professional success, made important contributions to their community and supported the university.

The recognition is humbling, said Thomas, but “I know my work isn’t close to done. The award has energized me to continue my scholarship and community work in homelessness.”

The UNC Charlotte School of Social Work will host a daylong summit on Tuesday, May 12, on the business and sustainability needs of behavioral health care executives, focusing specifically on women and minority health care leaders.

The program will include health care providers, agency executives, faculty, staff and students currently practicing or planning to practice in North Carolina.