Wellness at CWRU

06/04/2026

Shanina Knighton, research associate professor at CWRU’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, warned against using the water from airplane taps because they can carry bacteria. "Onboard water tanks aren’t cleaned as frequently as you might think," said Knighton. Read more about bacteria risks on airplanes:

Here's why you may want to avoid water in airplane bathrooms and how to stay sanitary instead.

06/03/2026

Lindsay Malone, clinical dietitian and instructor in the Department of Nutrition at CWRU, highlighted concerns about energy drinks’ high caffeine and stimulant levels, noting they can strain the heart—especially in young people—and are often poorly labeled. Listen to the panel discussion here:

Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and added sugars that can pose health risks. Experts discuss what happens when caffeine intake goes too far and what consumers should know about safety and moderation.

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

Happy June!!! 🌞 While the summer season technically begins later this month, CWRU is already in summer mode. While dining locations and hours will be reduced for the summer at on-campus dining locations, Bon Appétit has you covered for breakfast and lunch options. Browse dining locations and their summer hours here:

If you’re staying on campus this summer, Bon Appétit Management Co. has you covered for breakfast and lunch options…Open dining locations this su...

05/29/2026

Alexsandra Kovacevich, clinical assistant professor at the CWRU School of Medicine, explained how people have hesitations about committing to medication that may be a lifelong treatment. “The length of treatment can vary depending on how long the symptoms have been going on or how many episodes they’ve had," said Kovacevich. Visit this article for additional considerations and questions to ask your doctor before starting a medication for mental health:

Having a conversation in advance will help prepare you for what it's like to take an antidepressant, anti-anxiety medication, or another psychotropic drug.

05/28/2026

Angela Hein Ciccia, professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at CWRU’s College of Arts and Sciences, noted that brain games can sharpen specific skills but don’t reliably improve everyday cognition. “The challenge is important,” she said. “When it stops being challenging, it stops having the same effect.” New, engaging, moderately difficult games practiced regularly are more beneficial than familiar, easy ones. Read more here:

Brain games are widely believed to sharpen your cognitive skills, especially as you age. But experts say there's no "magic bullet" for brain health.

05/27/2026

The Division of Public Safety is excited to host its second Safety Town on campus this summer! This free, interactive program is designed for children ages 5–6 and introduces them to essential safety skills in a fun, engaging environment.

Through hands-on activities and playful learning, kids explore how to stay safe in their daily world. From pedestrian and bicycle safety to fire safety, stranger awareness, and understanding traffic rules.

Location: Veale Center, 2158 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Dates: Monday, August 3 – Friday, August 7
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: Free

Visit our website to register your child today and help them build confidence, awareness, and lifelong safety habits!

05/27/2026

Are you struggling with seasonal allergies this year? Joao Pedro Matias Lopes, assistant professor of pediatrics at the CWRU School of Medicine, said Ohio's worsening allergy season stems from unpredictable seasonal mixing rather than new tree species. He recommends tracking pollen apps, showering after going outside, and wearing a cap and sunglasses to reduce exposure to eyes and nose.

The mixing of seasons is adding to concern for those who suffer from tree pollen allergies

05/26/2026

Lindsay Malone, clinical dietitian and instructor in the Department of Nutrition at CWRU, emphasized that sleep is critical for weight loss, noting poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones, increases cravings and impairs decision-making, which makes it harder to maintain healthy eating habits and a calorie deficit. Read more tips from dietitians here:

From calories to sleep, these expert-backed habits make weight loss more realistic — and actually sustainable.

05/22/2026

Marjorie N. Edguer, assistant professor at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at CWRU, described the act of tapping as "cognitive reframing"—retraining the brain to process stressful thoughts differently. She cautioned against going it alone for trauma, recommending professional guidance to "support you and help you figure out how to manage all of those pieces." Research on tapping's effectiveness remains mixed. Read more about tapping here:

From phobias to trauma, this technique aims to lower distress by mixing touch with focused thought. Some find relief