STAR Health is bringing health and wellbeing experts to campus for a new series ‘Conversations on Healthcare, Wellbeing and Prevention.’ The series, which runs throughout the 2017-2018 academic year, is open to the general public, University of Delaware employees and students. Speakers and panelists will educate participants on a variety of topics with perspectives from industry leaders.

All session take place in atrium of the STAR Health Sciences Complex (540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713). A summary of each session is listed below. Please register in advance.

The series is moderated by Rita Landgraf, College of Health Sciences professor of practice and distinguished health and social services administrator in residence. Landgraf was previously the cabinet secretary for the Delaware Division of Health and Social Services.

Please note: Panelists for the first two sessions are listed below. For the following sessions, STAR Health will finalize and announce the panel as the session draws closer.

Oct. 26: Anxiety, health and heart disease

How does anxiety affect your health in school, at work and at home? We will explain how stress and heart diseases are related and what education and prevention resources are available to us to manage stress.

Panel:

• Mike Peterson, chair and professor, UD Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition  

• Dave Edwards, professor, UD Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology

• Earl E. Walker, Jr., licensed psychologist, Center for Heart & Vascular Health, Christiana Care Health System

Dec. 5: A patient-centered comprehensive healthcare team

The most important person in a healthcare team is the patient. This discussion will focus on the patient as the core of a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Learn how crucial communication is for driving excellence in care and how essential it is to interactions with your healthcare provider.

Panel:

• Tara Leonard, licensed clinical health coach, STAR Health

• Guy Scotolati, instructor, UD Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology

• Carolyn Haines, director, STAR Health Nurse Managed Primary Care Center

March 8, 2018: Is this just a phase? From childhood to adulthood

All parents can relate to the many changes their kids go through as they grow up. This session will help parents and health professionals make the best choices for children as they transition from childhood to adulthood. The discussion will cover a variety of health topics, including behavior, mental health, special needs and disabilities. We will identify respective resource services to support and encourage healthy and productive adulthood years.

April 26, 2018: From stable to flourishing, redefining “good health”

Leaders in the health and prevention field will peel away the myths of “good health” and go through the essentials and importance of clinical practice guidelines.  

July 12, 2018: Lessons learned: A disastrous day of a patient

As a patient, you always expect quality, compassionate and convenient care. In reality, it doesn’t always happen. This dynamic discussion will display a variety of healthcare settings from the lens of a patient. Patients, caregivers and providers will learn how to enhance the patient experience, and to prepare and advocate for better healthcare.