What You Need to Know as a Person With a Disability: Cervical and Breast Cancer Screenings

Research demonstrates that people with disabilities are at greater risk for cervical and breast cancer than people without disabilities. People with disabilities are also less likely to be screened for these cancers compared to people without disabilities. Individuals with disabilities have the right to receive cancer screenings in a timely manner and have the right to reasonable accommodations as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act

How Healthcare Providers Can Support Timely Cervical and Breast Cancer Screenings for Individuals With Disabilities

This fact sheet outlines how healthcare providers can apply current evidence and best practices in screening for cervical cancer and breast cancer in individuals with disabilities

First Responder Mental Health

Communities spend thousands of dollars on first responders to protect them physically: body armor for law enforcement officers, heat resistant gear for firefighters, gloves and reflective clothing for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Supporting and investing in programs related to first responders’ mental health is equally important in keeping their minds safe. First responders train long hours each year to stay prepared for almost any situation. In the past, training has centered around physical safety and job efficiency. In recent years, efforts have been made to include mental health training and reduce the stigma associated with mental health for first responders (Rose et al., 2015). It’s easy to realize that first responders endure hazardous conditions, traumatic events, and long hours on the job, but much of the stress comes from the everyday job requirements. This fact sheet examines burnout, compassion fatigue, stigma, and protective factors, as well as providing valuable resources to address the mental health concerns of first responders

Intuitive Virtue in Plato, Augustine, and Gandhi

In this study, I argue that Plato, Augustine, and Gandhi hold in common the view that (1) in order to develop understanding of ultimate reality one must--in addition to engaging in contemplation of that reality--engage ethically in the practical world, and (2) in order to engage ethically in the practical world, one must also seek to understand ultimate reality through contemplation. Much of what is original in the dissertation emerges at the level of the sub-theses I present in support of these ideas. I examine (1) and (2) in Plato by offering a reinterpretation of his conception of dialectic--the practice by which he says we pursue knowledge of the Forms. Focusing on the Republic and Philebus, I argue that dialectic for Plato consists in more than just the various types of the question-and-answer method. He also considers practical experience an essential element of the practice, and closely links dialectic to ethical participation in Forms and the development of a kind of practical expertise guided by noêsis (intuitive insight, understanding). I examine (1) and (2) in Augustine by analyzing his account of the relationship between the human mind and the divine ideas. Particular attention is given to (1). I show how, on Augustine\u27s view, one can cultivate not just knowledge (scientia), but divine wisdom (sapientia) while engaged in endeavors associated with the active life. We shall see that Augustine finds it possible for the mind to process mutable and immutable reality simultaneously, and that, as the mind purifies and reforms itself, ethical engagement in temporal affairs does not necessarily hinder--and often enhances--the mind\u27s ability to apprehend intelligible objects. I examine (1) and (2) in Gandhi through an analysis of his conception of the inner voice, prayer, and the life of selfless service. Particular attention is given to (1). Even more than Plato and Augustine, Gandhi believes that we come to know and live in harmony with the eternal by pursuing it while engaging ethically in the world. Still, echoing these authors, he maintains that our ability to epistemically access the divine is not just a kind of `open sesame\u27 which has just to be shown to the millions --cultivation of the inner voice requires discipline and constant effort, as well as a radical transformation in worldview

Opioid Facts for Youth

This fact sheet explains what opioids are, lists street names, and reviews the risks of using or misusing opioids. It reviews reasons why youth may abuse opioids. Ways youth can help and support peers are included as well as resources to get educated and find treatment for substance abuse and addiction. Several poster-styled and social media-compatible posters are included as an additional file that youth can share with other youth to spread the message and encourage safety

Skills to Support Mental Health in Uncertain Times, Part 2: Cultivating Awareness

Uncertainty and worry can be a common struggle for many people, whether they are uncertain about their jobs, health, or relationships. Events such as COVID-19 and the recent wars in Israel and Ukraine increase the stress and uncertainty many people face. This fact sheet discusses awareness, a fundamental part of psychological flexibility, which can help individuals maintain a high quality of life—even when experiencing uncertainty and mental health concerns

Skills to Support Mental Health in Uncertain Times, Part 3: Being Engaged

This fact sheet is the third in a series of three about skills to improve mental health. It addresses how being engaged involves aligning your actions with your values (what you care about). This can be done by setting goals and committing to following through with the goals

Skills to Support Mental Health in Uncertain Times, Part 1: Being Open

This fact sheet describes the skill of being open, an important component of psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility, being able to respond to uncomfortable thoughts and feelings in a flexible and values-aligned way, can help protect and improve an individual\u27s quality of life. Openness includes learning to accept uncomfortable thoughts and sensations rather than pushing them away. The fact sheet includes exercises that research has shown can help increase openness. Two other fact sheets are part of this Skills to Support Mental Health in Uncertain Times series, including Part 2: Cultivating Awareness, and Part 3: Being Engaged

A Substance Misuse Prevention Program to Youth in Rural Utah

A major issue in rural counties is substance misuse. USU Extension implemented a substance prevention program with youth in rural counties. The program included family- and school-based education activities to promote youth resilience and development. Evaluation results showed youth exhibited strong anti-drug attitudes after the program

Community Paramedicine: A New Approach to Health in Rural Communities

The community paramedicine (CP) concept is becoming widely used in rural communities to assist in maintaining and improving health across economic and geographic disparities. This model utilizes highly trained emergency medical service (EMS) professionals under the supervision of a physician or other advanced practice practitioner (i.e., physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses; Patterson et al., 2016) to provide a variety of needed health services tailored to community needs. CP has been shown to be effective in many communities and, given these positive results, should be considered in rural communities where geographic barriers limit access to healthcare (Martin & O\u27Meara, 2019). This fact sheet will review the positive impacts that CP can have in a community, the policy required to start CP, and how individuals can advocate for CP in their community