Widener launches free virtual course on COVID-19
CHESTER » Widener University is offering a no-cost online course for its students and the public this summer. “Decoding Pandemics: How COVID-19 is Shaping Science and Societies” examines the virus and its impact.
Hosted through Lifelong Learning at Widener, the course is broken into eight modules. People may choose to study some or all of the modules and progress is self-paced. Each module represents a different subject area developed and led by faculty from around the university.
Topics include:
• A health care overview of COVID-19, with Assistant Professors Kelly Delaney and Karen May of the School of Nursing.
• Epidemics and historical contexts, with Assistant Professor of History Jordan Smith from the College of Arts & Sciences.
• Maintaining well-being in times of uncertainty, with Associate Professor Brenda Kucirka of the School of Nursing, Dean Robin Dole of the College of Health & Human Services, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Michelle Gorenberg.
• How governments have responded to COVID-19, with Professor Wesley Leckrone and Assistant Professor Jeremy Backstrom, who both teach political science in the College of Arts & Sciences.
• Mathematical models: Predicting the spread of COVID-19, with mechanical engineering Professor Mark Nicosia of the School of Engineering.
• Legal and economic implications of the pandemic, with taxation and financial planning Professor Kenn Tacchino, the Boettner Endowed Professor, and Assistant Professor Afrouz Azadikhad Jahromi, a specialist in economics. Both professors teach in the School of Business Administration.
• The role of biomedical engineers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Associate Professor Anita Singh, who teaches biomedical engineering in the School of Engineering.
• A STEM view of COVID-19: The science of infection, detection, and protection, with Professor Alexis Nagengast, who teaches chemistry and biochemistry in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Students may access the video, reading and other materials available through the course at days and times that are convenient for them. Nothing is presented live, and the curriculum offers multiple activities and opportunities for reflection on the content.
“COVID-19 has impacted the entire world and there is a great deal of public interest in it,” said Dean Anne Krouse of the School of Nursing, who spearheaded creation of the course. “This class represents an opportunity for people to learn about COVID-19 from a variety of perspectives and disciplines while they get to know some of Widener’s exceptional faculty members. For people who haven’t studied online before, it also provides a taste of the rich academic experience Widener provides in an online setting.”
Incoming and returning Widener students may elect to pursue the course for one academic credit. They will be required to complete all eight modules within 60 days of starting the class. Individuals who are not Widener students may opt to forgo the credit and enroll simply for the joy of learning. They may choose to complete all eight modules or just a sampling of them, and will receive a certificate when they finish. The class will be open through the end of 2020.
The course is available now through lifelonglearning.widener.edu and registration is available in on ongoing basis through the university website at www.widener.edu/.
Delco woman-owned business named ‘Best Place to Work’ for fifth consecutive year
Results Repeat has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Every year the Philadelphia Business Journal releases a survey that allows employees to anonymously provide feedback on a variety of working conditions and company practices. At the end of the survey period, scores are tallied and a list of the Best Places to Work in Philadelphia is released.
The designations are separated into categories based on the size of the company. Results Repeat was one of several small companies to be recognized as a best place to work. The other categories for companies are medium, large, and extra-large.
“We have worked hard to be an employer of choice,” said Ellen Thompson, CEO. “It’s a thrill to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Philadelphia for the 5th year in a row!” The survey that employees take evaluates how staff feels about general processes, management, coworkers, career advancement opportunities, and more. The companies with the highest score across all categories secure a spot on the list.
Results Repeat has been named on the list each year since 2016. Results Repeat is a digital marketing agency. The company is a certified woman business enterprise (WBE) and has also appeared on the Philly100 twice. The company works with organizations interested in growing their revenue with digital marketing. For more information visit https://resultsrepeat.com/.
Residents 60 and over invited to sign up for Walk With Ease program
Are you age 60 or over? Whether you need relief from arthritis pain or just want to get active, the sixweek Walk With Ease program can teach seniors how to safely make physical activity part of their everyday life. This program is proven to reduce the pain of arthritis; increase balance, strength and walking pace; build confidence in a person’s ability to be physically active; and improve overall health.
Local seniors are invited to participate in this self-directed enhanced version of the Arthritis Foundation’s evidence-based Walk with Ease Program and receive the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease Guide Book; a guide to walking for better health, improved fitness and less pain. Participants will start where they are and walk three times a week on their own with assistance from your leader in this selfdirected version of the program. They will be inspired, share and receive support from leader and other walkers at weekly on-line group meetings held on Mondays at 10 a.m. beginning July 27. They will also receive support, information and direction through weekly e-mails.
Walking is free, easy to do and easy on the joints. The Arthritis Foundation notes that walking is an aerobic exercise that improves circulation and wards off heart disease, plus it eeps bones strong, strengthens muscles, lightens mood, leads to weight loss and a long life, improves sleep, supports oints, improves breath, slows mental decline, lowers Alzheimer’s risk and helps people to do more longer.
To register for the free program, contact Ellen Williams, COSA Health and Wellness Program Manager at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or call 610-499-1937.