Public Health | Penn Today

7 medical leaders to politicians: Save lives, not Wall Street

In collaboration with the leaders of six other large academic medicine institutions, Dean J. Larry Jameson of the Perelman School of Medicine wrote an op-ed urging “national leadership to resist pressure to lift tough social restrictions intended to subdue this outbreak and save thousands of lives.”

CDC created COVID-19 testing criteria that masked the numbers contracting the coronavirus in U.S.

Neil Fishman of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about the spread of the novel coronavirus, saying, “If we would have had a true understanding of the extent of the disease several weeks ago, implementation of social-distancing measures could have prevented the escalation of the disease.”

A watercolor painting depicts a three masted ship anchored near a port with a yellow flag aloft.

Pandemics, quarantines, and history

History professor Alex Chase-Levenson explores pandemics and quarantines in his upcoming book, and shares lessons that citizens and politicians can take from the past.

An adult and child lay on the floor in sunlight doing a puzzle

Five tips to stay positive and healthy during social isolation

In this strange new time, it’s important to stay connected to the people you love and replace the physical contact that’s been lost.

person pushing a move-out cart in front of student housing on Locust Walk with spring trees blossoming

Enhanced Penn Health insurance coverage and care access

Penn’s insurance carriers have made enhancements for participants to the existing plan, so that members may receive appropriate testing and treatment for the coronavirus without encountering barriers associated with navigating any benefits issues.

front steps of Penn Nursing’s Fagin Hall in sunlight

Flattening the curve of the coronavirus

In the current fast-moving, unprecedented situation, what we do today to stem the impact of COVID-19 can vastly affect what we will face tomorrow. Two epidemiologists discuss what we can do individually and as a society to slow the spread of the disease.

Sign on a chain-link fence reads "This is a gun-free zone."

Firearm violence solutions from a public health perspective

An article by two Penn researchers advises that treating firearm violence as a disease and taking a public health approach to prevention and treatment can help reduce its harm.

Pa. nursing homes tighten restrictions to control for potential coronavirus spread

Kirstin Manges of the Perelman School of Medicine said nursing homes are usually selected for their physical environments and staff friendliness. “However, there is very little out there to allow patients or caregivers to identify how well prepared a nursing home is for a disaster or an outbreak, whether it be the flu or a pandemic,” she said.

A dietitian shows a nutrition label to a person in a dental clinic

Q&A

At the dental school, the dietitian is in

Matthew Whipple, a registered dietitian at the School of Dental Medicine, consults with patients in clinics and educates students about the importance of spreading nutrition advice. He also cooks up a mean chicken and sausage gumbo.

A mask shortage could threaten research when we need it most

Sara Cherry of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about the effects of panic purchasing in response to the coronavirus outbreak. “The truth is, it is very difficult to get [N95 respirators] right now,” she said.

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