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Expert Research: The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Artificial Intelligence and Domestic Conflict
Artificial Intelligence is often framed as a driver of innovation. But it also has the power to disrupt the very foundations of our societies. In a recent study, experts Craig Albert, PhD, and Lance Hunter, PhD, from Augusta University explored how AI, as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, could reshape economies, politics and security within states. Here are three key takeaways from the research: AI brings breakthroughs in health care, logistics and engineering, but also disrupts jobs and economies. Unmanaged disruption can fuel instability, widening inequality and increasing risks of unrest or domestic conflict. Governments must act now with retraining, adaptive policies and strong governance to harness AI’s benefits while reducing risks. Lance Hunter, PhD, is an assistant professor of political science with a background in international relations. His research focuses on how terrorist attacks influence politics in democratic countries and how political decisions within countries affect conflicts worldwide. Hunter teaches courses in international relations, security studies and research methods. He received his PhD in Political Science from Texas Tech University in 2011. View his profile here. Craig Albert, PhD, is a professor of Political Science and the graduate director of the PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy and the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at Augusta University. His areas of concentration include international security studies, cybersecurity policy, information warfare/influence operations/propaganda, ethnic conflict, cyberterrorism and cyberwar, and political philosophy. View his profile here. The question we face is not whether AI will transform society (it already is!) but how we will manage that transformation to strengthen rather than destabilize. What steps do you think policymakers should prioritize to prepare for this future? Here's the abstract from the paper in Research Gate: An emerging field of scholarship in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computing posits that AI has the potential to significantly alter political and economic landscapes within states by reconfiguring labor markets, economies and political alliances, leading to possible societal disruptions. Thus, this study examines the potential destabilizing economic and political effects AI technology can have on societies and the resulting implications for domestic conflict based on research within the fields of political science, sociology, economics and artificial intelligence. In addition, we conduct interviews with 10 international AI experts from think tanks, academia, multinational technology companies, the military and cyber to assess the possible disruptive effects of AI and how they can affect domestic conflict. Lastly, the study offers steps governments can take to mitigate the potentially destabilizing effects of AI technology to reduce the likelihood of civil conflict and domestic terrorism within states. Read the full report here: Looking to know more? Let us help. Both Albert and Hunter are available to speak with media. Simply click on either experts icon now to arrange an interview today.
Aston University’s Dr Amanda Hall co-led the study with Dr Anisa Visram from the University of Manchester Deaf children and those with experience of childhood deafness have identified their top 10 research priorities including education and family relationships The project was funded by the National Deaf Children’s Society Deaf children and people with experience of childhood deafness from across the UK have come together to highlight what matters most to children affected by deafness and hearing loss, as part of a project funded by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). From 2023 to 2025, a team of parents, young people and health and education professionals set out to compile a list of the ‘Top 10’ most important questions that researchers should be trying to answer about childhood deafness and hearing loss. The project was co-led by Dr Amanda Hall, a senior lecturer in audiology at Aston University, and Dr Anisa Visram from the University of Manchester in conjunction with researchers at Lancaster University. The hope is that it will ultimately lead to more research into childhood deafness, in the specific areas it’s needed most. Children highlighted the potential impact of them missing out on things happening around them when interacting with their peers as their top priority, demonstrating the importance of social development for deaf children. Family relationships and educational needs ranked as high priorities for both adults and children, coming in the top 3 for both groups. Adults ranked educational needs as number 1, highlighting the importance of supporting deaf children in schools, particularly those with additional needs. Other important areas for research included understanding what support is needed for children with mild and unilateral (on one side) deafness, the impact of language deprivation on deaf children and how deaf children can be supported to understand their deafness and become empowered to advocate for themselves as they grow up into deaf adults. Several hundred respondents contributed to the project through a series of online surveys. Children were involved through activity-based focus groups. Respondents submitted over 1,200 ideas for research questions in the initial surveys. These were summarised into a list of 59 unique questions, and a second survey was used to prioritise the questions. The top 21 questions were then taken to two final full-day workshop where participants collaborated to choose their top 10 priorities. The research team used what’s known as a James Lind Alliance (JLA) priority-setting process to ensure the robustness of the project. Participants reported feeling valued as part of the project and satisfied that their feedback is reflected in the final lists. One of the children who took part in the workshop said: “I learnt that my voice matters and I can make a difference for me and other deaf children.” Dr Hall said: “It has been a real privilege to be part of this JLA partnership, working alongside deaf young people, families of deaf children and professionals to identify our two sets of top 10 research questions. We hope this is just the beginning of more research that reflects what matters most to deaf children, their families and professionals, and of more opportunities to work together.” Dr Visram said: “This has been an incredible project to work on with an amazing, committed, and diverse stakeholder group feeding into the process at all stages. We have formed important collaborations with deaf young people, parents of deaf children, and a whole range of professionals working with deaf children. The group plan to keep working together to promote the Top 10 lists and help develop research projects to start to answer these important questions.” Juliet Viney is a parent to a deaf child and has supported the project as a parent partner. She said: “It has been an absolute privilege working as a parent partner developing our Top 10 most important research questions for childhood deafness. This project has brought together and empowered deaf children and young people, parents and professionals from across the UK; using their valuable lived experiences to provide them with a strong voice to guide researchers towards addressing what is most needed to improve deaf children's educational, health, social and emotional outcomes. I am excited to see which questions will be pursued in further research and the positive impacts these will have on the lives of deaf children!” Dr Sian Lickess, Research and Analysis Lead at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “We are proud to have supported this important partnership, which has brought together the voices of deaf children, their families and professionals to shape future research priorities. The resulting Top 10 lists represent an important step toward ensuring research is aligned with real-world needs and is meaningful to those most affected. We look forward to the impact this work will have on improving outcomes for deaf children.” The full list of priorities identified can be found at: www.childdeafnessresearch.co.uk. As well as the National Deaf Children’s Society, several other partners have also contributed to the project. These include the Professor Kevin Munro’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Senior Investigator award, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, PF Charitable Trust, Research England’s QR Participatory Research Fund to Lancaster University, and UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship MR/X035999/1.
Michael McClure, Ph.D., associate professor from the Department of Biomedical Engineering and affiliate faculty in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and in the Institute for Engineering and Medicine, has been named chair of the Orthopaedic Research Society’s (ORS) newly launched Skeletal Muscle Section. The section began in August 2025, building on research interest groups and symposia to create a dedicated home for skeletal muscle studies within ORS. Its mission is to advance collaboration, innovation, education and translation in this field. Skeletal muscle disorders cause disability, chronic pain and high health care costs. Severe injuries and degenerative diseases, such as muscular dystrophies, remain difficult to treat. The section will strengthen research in muscle development, aging, trauma, disuse and disease. This work will expand the basic understanding of and identify therapeutic targets to restore function. In its first year, the section will measure success through increased skeletal muscle abstracts at the 2027 ORS Annual Meeting, growth in ORS membership and active participation in section programs. “We are thrilled to launch the Skeletal Muscle Section,” McClure said. “This home for translational muscle research will build on ORS progress over the past 10 years, help recruit new members and foster an environment that connects multiple areas of orthopaedic science.” McClure’s commitment to this work is shaped by his family’s experience with neuromuscular diseases, witnessing the impact of war-related injuries on patients’ quality of life from the Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the momentum of translational discovery. Learn more about the ORS Skeletal Muscle Section.
University of Delaware secures $13.1M grant to transform Alzheimer’s research and prevention
A new five-year $13.1 million grant will greatly expand the ability of University of Delaware researchers to pursue ways to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. The gift from the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is one of the largest in state history for Alzheimer’s research. UD's Christopher Martens called the grant "transformational," as it will support the expansion of a statewide prevention study, enable the purchase of a state-of-the-art MRI machine and drive discovery of new diagnostic tools and treatments. “It will also help grow the number of researchers in Delaware focused on Alzheimer’s disease, promoting an interdisciplinary approach." said Martens, director of UD's Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research (DECCAR) and professor of kinesiology and applied physiology in the College of Health Sciences. Bringing together researchers from multiple fields to collaborate on a critical challenge like Alzheimer’s disease is a key strength of the University of Delaware, said Interim President Laura Carlson. “Every one of us has a family member or friend who has been deeply affected by Alzheimer’s. I’m proud that UD is working better to understand this terrible disease and partnering with others throughout the state to work on its prevention, diagnosis and treatment,” Carlson said. “We are grateful to the Delaware Community Foundation for their support, which allows us to escalate our research and expand our community outreach.” “No one has to look very far afield to witness and understand the tragedy of Alzheimer’s, and the research supported by this grant will help UD researchers come ever-closer to uncovering life-improving and life-saving solutions,” said Stuart Comstock-Gay, President and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF). “The grant was provided through the generosity of late Paul H. Boerger, who made a substantial legacy gift to the fund he had established at the DCF in his lifetime, and his foresight will help so many.” The gift is aimed at achieving the following goals: • Tracking Alzheimer’s risk over time – Expanding Delaware’s largest study of brain aging from 100 to 500 participants to uncover who develops dementia and why. • A simple blood test for early detection – Developing a first-of-its-kind test that could diagnose Alzheimer’s years earlier than current methods. • Cutting-edge brain imaging – Installing a $3.2 million MRI machine on UD’s STAR Campus to reveal hidden brain changes linked to memory loss. • Spotting the earliest warning signs – Exploring how subtle shifts in language and menopause-related hormone changes may predict Alzheimer’s risk. • Fueling prevention and cures – Creating powerful data and tools that will accelerate new treatments and bring researchers closer to stopping Alzheimer’s. To reach Martens for an interview, visit his profile and click on the "contact" button. Interviews with DCF officials can be arranged by emailing MediaRelations@udel.edu.
#Expert Research: Incentives Speed Up Operating Room Turnover Procedures
The operating room (OR) is the economic hub of most healthcare systems in the United States today, generating up to 70% of hospital revenue. Ensuring these financial powerhouses run efficiently is a major priority for healthcare providers. But there’s a challenge. Turnovers—cleaning, preparing, and setting up the OR between surgeries—are necessary and unavoidable processes. OR turnovers can incur significant costs in staff time and resources, but at the same time, do not generate revenue. For surgeons, the lag between wheels out and wheels in is idle time. For incoming patients, who may have spent hours fasting in preparation for a procedure, it is also a potential source of frustration and anxiety. Reducing OR turnover time is a priority for many US healthcare providers, but it’s far from simple. For one thing, cutting corners in pursuit of efficiency risks patient safety. Then there’s the makeup of OR teams themselves. As a rule, well-established or stable teams work fastest and best, their efficiency fueled by familiarity and well-oiled interpersonal dynamics. But in hospital settings, staff work in shifts and according to different schedules, which creates a certain fluidity in the way turnover teams amalgamate. These team members may not know each other or have any prior experience working together. For hospital administrators this represents a quandary. How do you cut OR turnover time without compromising patient care or hiring in more staff to build more stable teams? To put that another way: how do you motivate OR workers to maintain standards and drive efficiency—irrespective of the team they work with at any given time? One novel approach instituted by Georgia’s Phoebe Putney Health System is the focus of new research by Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Accounting, Karen Sedatole PhD. Under the stewardship of perioperative medical director and anesthesiologist, Jason Williams MD 02MR 20MBA, and with support from Sedatole and co-authors, Ewelina Forker 23PhD of the University of Wisconsin and Harvard Business School’s Susanna Gallini PhD, staff at Phoebe ran a field experiment incentivizing individual OR workers to ramp up their own performance in turnover processes. What they have found is a simple and cost-effective intervention that reduces the lag between procedures by an average of 6.4 percent. Homing in on the Individual Williams and his team at Phoebe kicked off efforts to reduce OR turnover times by first establishing a benchmark to calculate how long it should take to prepare for different types of procedure or surgery. This can vary significantly, says Williams: while a gallbladder removal should take less than 30 minutes, open-heart surgery might take an hour or longer to prepare. “There’s a lot of variation in predicting how long it should take to get things set up for different procedures. We got there by analyzing three years of data to create a baseline, and from there, having really homed in on that data, we were able to create a set of predictions and then compare those with what we were seeing in our operating rooms—and track discrepancies, over-, and underachievement.” Williams, a Goizueta MBA graduate who also completed his anesthesiology residency at Emory University’s School of Medicine, then enlisted the support of Sedatole and her colleagues to put together a data analysis system that would capture the impact of two distinct mechanisms, both designed to incentivize individual staff members to work faster during turnovers. The first was a set of electronic dashboards programmed to record and display the average OR turnover performance for teams on a weekly basis, and segment these into averages unique to individuals working in each of the core roles within any given OR turnover team. The dashboard displayed weekly scores and ranked them from best to worst on large TV monitors with interactive capabilities—users could filter the data for types of surgery and other dimensions. Broadcasting metrics this way afforded Williams and his team a means of identifying and then publicly recognizing top-performing staff, but that’s not all. The dashboards also provided a mechanism with which to filter out team dynamics, and home in on individual efforts. “If you are put in a room with one team, and they are slower than others, then you are going to be penalized. Your efforts will not shine. Now, say you are put in with a bigger or faster team, your day’s numbers are going to be much higher. So, we had to find a way to accommodate and allow for the team effect, to observe individual effort. The dashboards meant we could do this. Over the period of a week or a month, the effect of other people in the team is washed out. You begin to see the key individuals pop up again and again over time, and you can see those who are far above their peers versus those who, for whatever reason, are not so efficient.” Sharing “relative performance” information has been shown to be highly motivating in many settings. The hope was that it would here, too. Three core roles: Who’s who in the Operating Room turnover team? OR turnover teams consist of three roles: circulating nurse, scrub tech, and anesthetist. While other surgery staff might be present during a turnover, depending on the needs of consecutive procedures, these are the three core roles in the team, and they are not interchangeable in any way: each individual assumes the same responsibilities in every team they join. Typically, turnover tasks will include removing instruments and equipment from the previous surgery and setting up for the next: restocking supplies and restoring the sterile environment. Turnover tasks and activities will vary according to the type of procedure coming next, but these tasks are always performed by the same three roles: nurse, scrub tech, and anesthetist, working within their own area of expertise and specialty. OR turnover teams are assembled based on staff schedules and availability, making them highly fluid. Different nurses will work with different scrub techs and different anesthetists depending on who is free and available at any given time. With dashboards on display across the hospital’s surgery department, Williams decided to trial a second motivational mechanism; this time something more tangible. “We decided to offer a simple $40 Dollar Store gift card to each week’s top performing anesthetist, nurse, or scrub technician to see if it would incentivize people even more. And to keep things interesting, and sustain motivation, we made sure that anyone who’d won the contest two weeks in a row would be ineligible to win the gift card the following week,” says Williams. “It was a bit of a shot in the dark, and we didn’t know if it would work.” Altogether, the dashboards remained in situ over a period of about 33 months while the gift card promotion ran for 73 weeks. It was important to stress the foundational importance of safety and then allow individuals to come up with their own ways to tighten procedures. This was a bottom-up, grassroots experience where the people doing the work came up with their own ways to make their times better, without cutting corners, without cutting quality, and without cutting any safety measures. Jason Williams MD 02MR 20MBA Incentives: Make it Something Special and Unique Crunching all of this data, Sedatole and her colleagues could isolate the effect of each mechanism on performance and turnover times at Phoebe. While the dashboards had “negligible” effect on productivity, the addition of the store gift cards had immediate, significant, and sustained impact on individuals’ efforts. Differences in the effectiveness of the two incentives—the relative performance dashboard and the gift cards—are attributable to team fluidity, says Sedatole. “It’s all down to familiarity. Dashboards are effective if you care about your reputation and your standing with peers. And in fluid team settings, where people don’t really know each other, reputation seems to matter less because these individuals may never work together again. They simply care less about rankings because they are effectively strangers.” Tangible rewards, on the other hand, have what Sedatole calls a “hedonic” value: they can feel more special and unique to the recipient, even if they carry relatively little monetary value. Something like a $40 gift card to Target can be more motivating to individuals even than the same amount in cash. There’s something hedonic about a prize that differentiates it from cash—after all, you will just end up spending that $40 on the electricity bill. Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Accounting, Karen Sedatole “A tangible reward is something special because of its hedonic nature and the way that human beings do mental accounting,” says Sedatole. “It occupies a different place in the brain, so we treat it differently.” In fact, analyzing the results, Sedatole and her colleagues find that the introduction of gift cards at Phoebe equates to an average incremental improvement of 6.4% in OR turnover performance; a finding that does not vary over the 73-week timeframe, she adds. To get the same result by employing more staff to build more stable teams, Sedatole calculates that the hospital would have to increase peer familiarity to the 98th percentile: a very significant financial outlay and a lot of excess capacity if those additional team members are not working 100% of the time. These are key findings for healthcare systems and for administrators and decision-makers in any setting or sector where fluid teams are the norm, says Sedatole: from consultancy to software development to airline ground crews. Wherever diverse professionals come together briefly or sporadically to perform tasks and then disperse, individual motivation can be optimized by simple mechanisms—cost-effective tangible rewards—that give team members a fresh opportunity to earn the incentive in different settings on different occasions—a recurring chance to succeed that keeps the incentive systems engaging and effective over time. For healthcare in particular, this is a win-win-win, says Williams. “In the United States we are faced with lower reimbursements and higher costs, so we have to look for areas where we can gain efficiencies and minimize costs. In the healthcare value model, time and costs are denominators, and quality and service are numerators. Any way we can save on costs and improve efficiencies allows us to take care of more patients, and to be able to do that effectively. “We made some incredible improvements here. We went from just average to best in class, right to the frontier of operative efficiency. And there is so much more opportunity out there to pull more levers and reach new levels, which is truly encouraging.” Looking to know more or connect with Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Accounting, Karen Sedatole? Simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview or time to talk today.
Evaluating Vaccination Rates by State
Dr. Martine Hackett, associate professor and chair of Hofstra’s Department of Population Health was interviewed by WalletHub about the states with the highest vaccination rates. According to the report, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Washington, Connecticut, and Rhode Island rank in the top five. “Confidence in vaccines matter because disease prevention matters,” said Dr. Hackett. “Protecting the health of the public cannot be done on an individual level; it requires entire populations to act together to benefit others.” In order to see where people are most responsible about getting vaccines, WalletHub examined the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 key metrics. Their data set ranges from the rates of children, teens and adults vaccinated against various diseases to the share of people without health insurance.
Georgia Southern biology professor named 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Vietnam
Stephen Greiman, Ph.D., associate professor of biology in Georgia Southern University’s College of Science and Mathematics, has been awarded a 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Scholar award to Vietnam where he will lead a teaching and research project focused on parasite diversity in bats. “Dr. Greiman is further proof that Georgia Southern faculty are among the best in their fields,” said Avinandan (Avi) Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “We are incredibly proud of this achievement and all the hard work that goes into such a celebrated milestone paying off.” Greiman’s Fulbright work will build on more than a decade of collaboration with Vietnamese scientists. During graduate school, he began working with parasitologists in Vietnam and participated in field expeditions in 2013 and 2014. That early partnership has since blossomed into multiple co-authored publications and enduring collegial friendships. Vietnam, Greiman explained, is a natural fit for this project. “Its exceptional biodiversity and the significant burden of parasitic infections across humans, domestic animals and wildlife make it a particularly relevant and meaningful host country for my research,” he said. “Our shared goal is to advance awareness and understanding of parasite diversity among students and the public.” During his grant period, Greiman will teach a parasitology course at Hai Duong Medical Technical University. He will also conduct field and laboratory research in partnership with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology’s Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources and the Department of Parasitology. His research will involve sampling and analyzing the parasites and microbiomes of Vietnamese bats—a project designed to engage both undergraduate and graduate students in hands-on scientific inquiry. “International collaborations often yield more impactful research than national projects alone,” Greiman noted. “This award not only strengthens our scientific goals but offers my family a chance to immerse ourselves in a new culture. It’s an experience we’re incredibly grateful for.” Beyond fieldwork, Greiman hopes the Fulbright project will open doors for new exchange programs between Georgia Southern and Vietnamese institutions. He envisions Georgia Southern students spending semesters abroad and returning with global perspectives that enrich their academic and personal growth. “The data and experiences I bring back will directly inform my courses, including parasitology and biology of microorganisms,” Greiman said. “I’ll also use our findings to support undergraduate and graduate research projects, pursue new grant opportunities and publish in high-impact journals.” He credits the Fulbright program with not only enabling his research abroad but also cultivating cultural exchange, particularly by allowing families to travel with awardees. His wife, who has a background in the arts, is excited to explore Vietnam’s artistic traditions, while their two young children will experience a culture far different from their own. “Vietnam is rich in natural and cultural history,” he said. “We’re looking forward to embracing it fully, both in the field and in everyday life.” Greiman’s selection is both a professional milestone and a personal journey—one shaped by long-standing collaborations, a deep commitment to global science, and the mentorship of Georgia Southern Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Weindorf, Ph.D. “Although I was initially hesitant to apply due to the program’s competitiveness, I was inspired by Dr. Weindorf’s own transformative experiences as a Fulbright Scholar and Specialist,” Greiman said. “His guidance and support helped me see the incredible potential of this opportunity—not just for my research, but for my family and our students.” That encouragement reflects a strong professional relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to international collaboration. “I am so proud of Dr. Greiman’s selection as a Fulbright Scholar,” said Weindorf. “The benefits of the exchange will truly be lifelong, with new friends, colleagues and connections formed and cultivated. We look forward to celebrating the lives Dr. Greiman touches, both through his teaching and research, as a meritorious ambassador of Georgia Southern University.” For Greiman, the Fulbright award marks just the beginning of a broader vision. “This experience will generate foundational data for future National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health proposals and deepen our international partnerships,” he said. “Being selected as a Fulbright Scholar is an extraordinary honor and a chance to contribute meaningfully to a global legacy of scholarship, cultural exchange and scientific discovery.” He encourages fellow faculty members considering the program to apply. “Go for it,” he said. “Your chances are zero if you don’t try. The Fulbright is one of the few opportunities that blends extended research, cultural immersion and family inclusion. It’s life-changing—and absolutely worth it.” If you're interested in knowing more about Stephen Greiman's work or more about his Fullbright award - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Seniors Pay the Highest Price When Politicians Dismiss Healthcare Evidence
Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece. It reflects the author's perspective and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider to discuss your individual health and vaccination needs. If you’re experiencing health issues, don’t rely on blogs (even snappy ones)—rely on a qualified medical professional. Fall is here. Kids are back in class, pumpkin spice is back in mugs, and—like clockwork—news headlines are back stirring fear and doubt. This season, RFK Jr. is making noise about vaccines, throwing science under the school bus, and leaving some older Canadians wondering: Who should I trust—politics or science? Spoiler: if you’re betting on politics to keep you healthy, you might as well ask your neighbour’s cat for medical advice. So, let’s get back to basics: what shots you really need, why the science is solid, why politics muddies the waters, and how you can be your own best health advocate. Oh, and because you know me—I’ll sprinkle in a few “if only” vaccines we all wish existed. Science vs. Politics: Who Wins? Science: Vaccines work. They reduce severe illness, save millions of lives, and prevent outbreaks of diseases we thought we’d left in history books. COVID-19 vaccines alone are credited with saving over 1.4 million lives in Europe since 2020. Vaccines aren’t some modern fad cooked up in a lab—they’ve been saving lives since 1796, when English doctor Edward Jenner made a discovery that led to the first smallpox vaccines, which at the time was one of the deadliest diseases on earth. Fast forward to today, and the results speak for themselves. Data from the CDC shows that vaccines have slashed major diseases in the U.S. and Canada to the point where polio and smallpox haven’t been seen in decades—down from tens of thousands of cases every year in the 20th century. Even measles, which has made a resurgence due to rising vaccine skepticism, is still nowhere near the half-million infections Americans used to see annually. Thanks to vaccines, measles, pertussis, mumps, and rubella are now more likely to show up in a history book—or on a pub trivia night—than in your family doctor’s office. Over a century of data shows that vaccines don’t just work—they’ve rewritten medical history. A landmark CDC study published in JAMA by researchers Sandra W. Roush (MT, MPH) and Trudy V. Murphy, MD, with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia did a major study comparing disease rates before and after vaccines became widespread. The results were jaw-dropping: Cases of diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, and tetanus dropped by more than 92%, and deaths by more than 99%. Endemic polio, measles, and rubella have been eliminated in the U.S and Canada. Smallpox is gone from the globe. Even newer vaccines introduced since 1980—like those for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Hib, and chickenpox—cut cases and deaths by 80% or more. The evidence found by the CDC study was so overwhelming that the authors called vaccines “among the greatest achievements of biomedical science and public health” (Source: JAMA, 2007) The number of cases of most vaccine-preventable diseases is at an all-time low; hospitalizations and deaths have also shown striking decreases. Think about it. When was the last time someone at your dinner table worried about catching smallpox? Enter RFK Jr., stage left. He has wasted no time since his appointment as US Secretary of Health & Human Services to undermine confidence in the public health system. His recent moves—firing the CDC director, cutting mRNA funding (even for cancer vaccines!), and gutting expert panels—are sowing doubt faster than a Toronto raccoon opening a green bin. Even Dr. Martin Makary, Commissioner of Food and Drugs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recently chimed in with an opinion piece published last week in The Wall Street Journal. His take? Vaccines should mostly be reserved for high-risk groups, healthy people don’t really need them, and maybe we should start running more placebo trials “just to be sure.” That sounds reasonable until you realize it’s the same playbook RFK Jr. uses: shrink access, shift the burden of proof endlessly, and treat vaccines like optional extras. When Politics Drowns Out Science, Seniors Pay the Highest Price When politics drowns out science, we pay the highest price. Because the truth is: our immune systems age just like our knees do—creaky and slower to respond. Vaccines aren’t optional; they’re essential. Demanding new placebo trials for vaccines we already know work is like asking a baker to prove yeast makes bread rise every single year. And framing vaccines as “only for the sick” ignores the basic truth: when coverage falls, outbreaks rise. Period. Vaccines for Canadian Adults & Seniors (Source: Health Canada) Vaccines aren’t just for kids—they’re part of healthy aging, too. Health Canada has issued clear guidelines on which shots adults and seniors should have on their radar, from flu and pneumonia to shingles and RSV. Think of it as a maintenance schedule for your immune system. That said, every person’s health history is unique, so always check with your doctor or healthcare provider before rolling up your sleeve. Flu shot (Seasonal Influenza Vaccine) – Protects against flu strains that mutate yearly (PHAC – Influenza Vaccine). Everyone should receive it annually; seniors may be eligible for a high-dose version. Pneumococcal (Pneu-C-20) – Shields you from pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis (PHAC – Pneumococcal Vaccine). One dose at 65+. Shingles (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine – RZV) – Stops the chickenpox virus (that never left your body) from staging a painful comeback tour (PHAC – Shingles Vaccine Guidance)—two doses, starting at age 50. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Vaccine) – Protects against lockjaw, a throat infection, and whooping cough (PHAC – Tdap Vaccine). One-time booster, then Tdap every 10 years. Polio (Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine – IPV) – Keeps polio from making a comeback (PHAC – Polio Vaccine). Needed if you missed doses or travel to outbreak zones. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine) – Prevents serious lung infections in older adults (Health Canada – RSV Vaccine Information). Recommended for ages 75+ or in long-term care. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine) – Blocks childhood triple threats (PHAC – MMR Vaccine). One dose if born after 1970 and not immune. Varicella (Chickenpox Vaccine) – For those who have never had chickenpox (PHAC – Varicella Vaccine). Two doses under age 50; For those over 50, the shingles vaccine is recommended. The Vaccines We Wish Existed Because let’s face it: medicine has cured smallpox, but not small talk. RV – Rectitious Vision Correction: For correcting poor attitudes and selective hearing in spouses. FOMOVAX: Stops the green-eyed monster when your friends are on a Caribbean cruise and you’re at Costco. TechTonic: For when Zoom won’t unmute and your iPad keeps asking for your “Apple ID you made in 2009.” EarPeace: Selective hearing—blocks whining, amplifies compliments. WineNot: The Thanksgiving booster that helps you tolerate in-laws, politics talk, and Uncle Bob’s gravy complaints. MemoryMap: Protects against the “where did I put my glasses?” epidemic. Spoiler: they’re on your head. If only. Until then, we’ll have to stick with flu and shingles shots. Screening Schedule: The Other Half of the Health Checklist Keeping your health on track sometimes feels like managing a full-time maintenance schedule. After all, the human body has more moving parts than a Canadian Tire catalogue—so of course things need regular tune-ups. If vaccines are like scheduled oil changes for your immune system, screenings are more like the regular safety inspections—checking the brakes, the lights, and making sure nothing rattles when it shouldn’t. Our bodies have a knack for keeping secrets until it’s too late, which is why Health Canada and national guidelines recommend routine checks for cancer, heart health, bone strength, and more. Here’s the recommended Health Canada guidelines—your doctor may adjust based on your risk.: Cervical (Pap test): Every 3 years, ages 25–69 (CTFPHC – Cervical Cancer Guideline). Breast (Mammogram): Every 2–3 years, ages 50–74 (CTFPHC – Breast Cancer Screening). Colorectal (Colonoscopy or FIT test): Every 2 years (FIT) or 10 years (colonoscopy), ages 50–74 (CTFPHC – Colorectal Cancer Screening). Prostate (PSA test): Discuss with your doctor around age 50 (CTFPHC – Prostate Cancer Guideline). Lung Cancer Screening: For current/former heavy smokers, typically ages 55–74 (Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – Lung Cancer Screening). Bone Density (DXA scan): At 65+ or earlier if at risk (Osteoporosis Canada – BMD Testing). Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Annual or as needed (Hypertension Canada Guidelines). Diabetes (A1C test): Every 3 years starting at 40 (Diabetes Canada – Clinical Guidelines). Your Fall Holistic Health Checklist Still with me? Here's a checklist that I personally follow as a seasonal tune-up—part vaccines, part screenings, part lifestyle hacks. It’s not about chasing perfection; it’s about making sure you’ve got the energy to keep doing what you love (and maybe even outpace the grandkids). Whether you’re just easing into retirement, solidly in the groove, or rocking your seventies with style, these age-by-age tips will help you stay sharp, strong, and one step ahead of sneaky health surprises. Pre-Retirees (55–64) • Annual flu shot • Covid-19 shot • Start shingles series (50+) • Tdap booster if due • Immunization catch-up (MMR, polio, varicella) • Screenings: Pap, mammogram, colon, bloodwork • Exercise, hydrate, and learn to say no—yes, that’s preventive care too. Post-Retirees (65+) • Annual flu shot (high-dose if offered) • Covid-19 shot • Pneumococcal vaccine • RSV vaccine (75+ or communal living) • Shingles vaccine if not done • Screenings: colon, prostate, bone density, cholesterol, diabetes • Keep bones strong: vitamin D, weight training, and occasionally lifting grandkids count. Active Retirees (70+) • All of the above • Review meds and fall-prevention strategies • Stay social—book clubs, golf leagues, dance classes. Loneliness is a silent epidemic. • Advocate for friends, spouses, and grandkids—because being the family health quarterback matters. Your Best Shot: Be Your Own (and Your Community’s) Advocate Vaccines and screenings are only half the story—the other half is using your voice. Seniors have enormous influence, and when you speak up, policymakers listen. Here are a few ways to make sure your concerns don’t get lost in the shuffle: Start local. Write a short letter or email to your Member of Parliament, MPP, or Mayor. Personal stories are more powerful than statistics—tell them why vaccines, screenings, and health services matter to you and your community. Pick up the phone. Constituency offices actually log every call, so even a five-minute conversation with a staffer goes on record. Think of it as Yelp for public policy. Go public. A letter to the editor in your local paper or a well-placed comment at a town hall gets noticed by decision-makers. Be persistent (but polite). Politics moves slowly, but steady nudges add up. You don’t need to storm Parliament—just keep knocking on the door. You’ve spent a lifetime paying taxes, raising families, and building communities—you’ve earned the right to be heard. And let’s be real: nobody wants to mess with a senior who’s got a phone, an email list, and time to follow up. This fall, don’t let politics steal your peace of mind. Don’t let headlines plant seeds of doubt. Vaccines and screenings aren’t about fear—they’re about freedom: freedom to keep moving, keep laughing, keep living the “Hip, Fit & Financially Free” life you deserve. And until they invent the "WineNot" booster or the "MemoryMap" shot, your best defence is still the good old-fashioned flu, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines—plus the screening tests that catch sneaky stuff early. So roll up your sleeve. Book that screening. Be your own health advocate. And while you’re at it, sign your spouse up for the RV shot—because an attitude adjustment should absolutely be a household vaccine. Stay healthy. Don't Retire - Rewire! Sue Resources Want to dig deeper? Here are links to a few of my other health and wellness posts where I share practical tips, a little humour, and more ways to keep your retirement years strong, savvy, and stress-free. > The Retirement Games: From Sprint to Marathon, The New Retirement Reality > Life Hacks in Retirement: Strategies for Aging Well Also for each vaccine mentioned, here are some links to trusted sources of information. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before commencing with any treatment. COVID-19 Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) - COVID-19: Spread, prevention and risks - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html Flu Shot (Seasonal Influenza) Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) – Canadian Immunization Guide, Influenza Chapter: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-10-influenza-vaccine.html Pneumococcal (Pneu-C-20) PHAC – Canadian Immunization Guide, Pneumococcal Chapter: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-16-pneumococcal-vaccine.html Shingles (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine – RZV) PHAC – Shingles Vaccine Guidance: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/vaccines-immunization/shingles-vaccine.html Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) PHAC – Tdap Vaccine - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-21-tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis-vaccine.html Polio (IPV) PHAC – Polio Vaccine Guidance - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/polio-vaccine.html RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) - Health Canada – RSV Vaccine Information - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/vaccines/respiratory-syncytial-virus.html MMR & Varicella - PHAC – Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella Chapters: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines.html
For many older adults in Sussex County, Delaware, navigating the health care system can feel overwhelming and difficulty accessing care can create gaps in care that ultimately lead to poor health. To help older adults more easily meet their health needs and be successful in navigating the system, ChristianaCare has brought a variety of services to Sussex County that are specially designed for this population. These include ChristianaCare’s expanding My65+ primary care program, the Swank Center for Memory Care and ChristianaCare HomeHealth—all services that work collaboratively with seniors to help them achieve their best health based on their individual needs. Download Photos. ChristianaCare My65+ ChristianaCare My65+ provides specialized primary care services for people 65 and older. ChristianaCare’s My65+ services include medication management, annual Medicare visits, chronic disease management, coordination with specialists and additional consultation time with health care providers. These services are tailored to meet the specific health needs of seniors. “I can’t express enough how wonderful the My65+ program at ChristianaCare has been for me,” said Linda Martin of Rehoboth, a patient of the My65+ Program. “When they opened the practice in Rehoboth, it made getting the care I need much more convenient. I truly appreciate how the professionals at ChristianaCare take the time to understand my health and offer support for my mother’s care. They have a memory specialist on-site who provides expert care for my mother. It feels like I’m part of a caring community.” ChristianaCare My65+ is available at locations in Rehoboth Beach and at a new primary care practice in Milford, which began accepting My65+ patients in May. “ChristianaCare recognizes the importance of addressing the unique health care needs of our senior community. Our focus is on delivering care that prevents diseases, manages chronic conditions and improves overall well-being, especially for older adults,” said Priya Dixit-Patel, M.D., physician executive for Core and Advanced Primary Care at ChristianaCare. Swank Center for Memory Care Recognizing the significant impact that memory-related conditions can have on individuals and their families, ChristianaCare’s Swank Center for Memory Care serves as a source of hope and support for those dealing with these challenges. A dedicated team of geriatricians, nurses, social workers and other professionals collaborates with patients and their families to offer support, education and guidance throughout the diagnosis and treatment process. “ChristianaCare has consistently been at the forefront of providing excellent patient care, and the Swank Center for Memory Care is another opportunity for us to enhance support for people 65 and older,” said Steven Huege, M.D., MSEd, The Swank Foundation Endowed Chair in Memory Care and Geriatrics at ChristianaCare. “By designing care that meets the specific needs of older adults, we can create a better experience and achieve improved outcomes for everyone involved. This initiative is an important part of our overarching vision to provide every older adult with the best care possible.” The Swank Center was selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the new Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, aimed at enhancing care coordination and access to services for those living with dementia and their caregivers. Key support services will include comprehensive assessments, care coordination, respite care, a 24/7 support line and education. With locations in Wilmington, Smyrna and Rehoboth, the Swank Center for Memory Care serves patients throughout Delaware and the surrounding region. ChristianaCare HomeHealth ChristianaCare HomeHealth provides a variety of nursing care for all ages in managing chronic conditions, adapting to new diagnoses, and improving daily living activities. It is the leading provider of in-home nursing care and assistance in Delaware. “ChristianaCare HomeHealth designs a plan of care that is personalized for those we serve,” said Donna Antenucci, MHA, BSN, RN, interim president, ChristianaCare HomeHealth. “Treating older adults in their own home is a privilege and brings comfort physically and emotionally to those served and their family. “It is truly rewarding for us as providers of home health services to enhance people’s quality of life and improve their overall well-being. We are truly honored to be a part of their journey to wellness and healing while respecting the dignity of those we serve.” These services are available throughout the entire state and provide comprehensive care through skilled nursing, home health aides, rehabilitative services, and medical social workers. Specially trained professionals offer home care, including physical and speech therapy, to help individuals live independently and safely. ChristianaCare HomeHealth began as a Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) in 1922 and now has more than 350 caregivers who serve patients throughout the state. Currently, there is an active daily census of about 1,500 patients. The service admits approximately 10,000 patients each year across the state. Meeting the Needs of Sussex County’s Rapidly Growing Population Sussex County has been designated as a “Medically Underserved Area” by the federal government, with projections showing that the population will increase from 237,000 in 2022 to over 361,000 by 2050, further intensifying the demand for primary care services. The providers at ChristianaCare’s new Milford location will play a crucial role in addressing the growing health care needs of Sussex County. “My65+ and Swank Center for Memory Care Services are unique programs in Sussex County that are greatly needed because of the growing senior population,” said Anthony Paul Buonanno, M.D., MBA, primary care physician at My65+ at Rehoboth Beach. “The health care infrastructure has not been able to keep up with the demand, and it is essential to provide health care services close to home for Delawareans. I am proud to be part of a program that is innovative, necessary and useful to my community.” While ChristianaCare primary care is a relative newcomer to Sussex County, ChristianaCare already has a large primary care network in northern Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Maryland.
Are raw oysters safe to eat? A seafood expert has answers
Two people recently died in Louisiana after eating raw Gulf oysters contaminated with the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Now that we have returned to the “r” months of autumn, a period historically considered safer to consume the mollusks on the half shell, seafood lovers are rightfully on edge about enjoying what many consider a saltwater delicacy. Evelyn Watts, a seafood extension specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant, has spent the better part of her adult life working with the seafood industry on the best ways to process and work through regulations about their catches. She wants to set the record straight about the safety of eating Gulf oysters throughout the year. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vibrio is a type of bacteria that thrives in warm, brackish waters, especially between May and October. Watts said that while Louisiana is observing some above-average cases, it is important to remember that vibrio is a seasonal pathogen with most infection cases linked to wound exposure or ingestion. On July 31, the Louisiana Department of Health reported four deaths and 17 hospitalizations from vibrio infections this year. The number of hospitalizations had risen to 22 as of the last week of August. Watts emphasized safe handling and cooking of all Louisiana seafood. Thoroughly cooking oysters and other shellfish eliminates any vibrio risk, she said. “The Louisiana seafood industry follows strict safety protocols, including cold-chain management and traceability systems, which includes the use of tags,” she said. “The tag color indicates if harvest refrigeration times have been followed.” Watts said white-tagged oysters may be consumed raw while those with green tags must be sold for processing and cannot be purchased for raw consumption. “Restaurants are required to post consumer advisories about raw shellfish risks, especially for those with liver disease or weakened immune systems,” she said. “Consumers may purchase oysters either as shellstock — live molluscan shellfish still in the shell — or shucked, where the meat has been removed from the shell.” Watts explained that if consumers intend to purchase shellstock oysters for raw consumption, they must look for the white tag, which confirms the product has followed proper refrigeration protocols. This tag includes key information such as the harvester’s name, the dealer’s name and address, certification number, date of harvest and harvest location. Conversely, pre-shucked oysters or half-shell oysters sold in tubs, bags or trays — whether refrigerated or frozen — are not intended for raw consumption unless the label explicitly states otherwise. “While vibrio is more common in warmer months, it’s important to remember that it can be present year-round," Watts said. "The good news is that by staying informed and choosing properly cooked oysters, consumers can enjoy seafood safely in any season.” According to LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant economist Rex Caffey, oysters are the third-most lucrative seafood commodity in the state, behind shrimp and crab. Thus, the recent uptick in illnesses could adversely affect the state’s economy if the public isn’t properly informed on how to mitigate potential infections. “Louisiana is the national leader in oyster production and accounts for more than 75% of Gulf oyster landings,” Caffey said. “The value of Louisiana’s oyster crop has varied in recent years, with an average of $65 million annually from 2022 to 2024.” For additional information about oysters as it relates to handling and production, Watts suggests visiting https://louisianadirectseafood.com/oyster/. Article originally posted here
