Health in the Headlines

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2 min

Experts at the School of Health Professions and Human Services, the Saltzman Community Services Center, and the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell are available to offer commentary on the most important health and wellness topics of the day, including:

Measles – Infectious disease expert Bruce Farber, MD and public health expert Anthony Santella, DrPH can discuss the rising rate of measles in the U.S., which is nearing record levels this year, the value of vaccinations, and the impact of the outbreak on the general population.

Suicide - Psychology professors William Sanderson, PhD and Mitchell Schare, PhD, director of the Phobia & Trauma Clinic, can discuss how to talk about this sensitive topic with vulnerable individuals including children, who went to ERs for suicidal thoughts and attempts in 2015 at twice the rate they did in 2007. Public health professor Martine Hackett, PhD can discuss trauma and traumatic grief as an underlying cause of many public health issues, including infant mortality, maternal mortality, substance use disorder, and sexually transmitted infections. She can also address how “diseases of despair” have contributed to a decline in life expectancy in the United States for two years in a row.

Aging and disability – People with joint issues such as aching, pain, and stiffness who get at least an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity every week are more likely to be disability free after four years than those who do not get exercise, according to a new study. Experts in orthopedics and geriatrics can discuss why preserving mobility and independence are so important as a generation of Americans ages – more than 78 million people will be 65 years or older by 2035, according to recent Census figures. Public health professor Corinne Kyriacou, PhD can also address public health policy and social justice issues related to aging in America.

USA Today: Booming measles cases rocket toward record: Up nearly 100 from last week

Connect with:

Martine Hackett

Associate Professor of Population Health

Dr. Hackett's research focuses on public health and health inequities, particularly in the American suburbs and minority communities.

Public HealthHealth CommunicationResearch MethodsMaternal-Child HealthInfant Injury

Corinne Kyriacou

Vice Dean of Health Professions and Human Services and Associate Professor of Population Health

Vice Dean for Administration, HPHS and Vice Dean of Health Professions and Human Services and Associate Professor of Population Health

Health Care System Organization, Financing, Delivery and ReformHealth and Aging PolicyPublic Health LeadershipPlanning, Implementation and Evaluation of Community Health ProgramsIntegrated Care

Mitchell Schare

Professor of Psychology

Professor of Psychology and Director of the Phobia & Trauma Clinic

Emotional Aftermath of Traumatic EventsAnxiety DisordersPost Traumatic Stress DisorderPsychologySubstance Abuse Disorders

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Jun 15, 2026

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Professor James Sample Provides Legal Analysis for ABC News, CNN

Professor James Sample of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University continued to provide legal analysis for national and regional media this month, appearing on ABC News, MSNBC’s MS Now, CNN, Sirius XM and Newsday to discuss developments involving executive power, federal investigations, election law, and high-profile litigation. Across these appearances, Professor Sample examined legal disputes surrounding President Trump’s proposed anti-weaponization fund, Department of Justice investigations and enforcement actions, election administration and redistricting battles, and questions involving government ethics and accountability. He also provided analysis of major court proceedings, including litigation involving OpenAI and Elon Musk, as well as broader issues at the intersection of law, politics, and democratic governance. Full story: https://lawnews.hofstra.edu/2026/06/10/professor-james-sample-provides-legal-analysis-for-abc-news-cnn/

Jun 8, 2026

1 min

Science Says Rainy Weekends are Simply Bad Luck

Beyond bad luck, could there be a reason why recent weekends have been more rainy than the rest of the week? From the start of spring to the end of May, it rained on half, or 10, of 20 weekend days. By comparison, it rained one-third of the 46 workweek days. Newsday interviewed Jase Bernhardt, associate professor of geology, environment, and sustainability, to see if there is a scientific explanation for the frequently soggy Saturdays and Sundays. According to the National Weather Service, data collected over five, 10 and 40 years found that rain was not any more frequent on weekends than weekdays. It also found no statistically significant change in the overall occurrence of rain events. “You try to slice up these data sets in all these different ways, and inevitably, you will find random patterns that at first seem like something meaningful.” But often, he said, “when you peel back the data, look at an appropriate sample size, you realize it goes away, there wasn’t anything actually meaningful here.”

Jun 10, 2026

2 min

Caught in a Rip Current? Virtual Reality May Help Save Your Life

A recent USA Today article highlighted a new rip current simulator in Florida designed to help beachgoers experience the power of these dangerous currents in a safe, controlled environment. The initiative reflects a growing focus on innovative approaches to water safety education as rip currents continue to account for the majority of surf rescues and numerous drowning deaths each year. Jase Bernhardt is an associate professor in the Department of the Geology, Environment and Sustainability at Hofstra University and also director of the department's MA Sustainability program. View his profile For years, Hofstra University researcher Dr. Jase Bernhardt has been exploring how technology can improve public understanding of coastal hazards. His work has led to the development of a virtual reality experience that places users in a simulated rip current, allowing them to experience the situation firsthand while learning the techniques needed to escape safely. The immersive training helps participants understand why fighting directly against a rip current can be dangerous and teaches the recommended strategies for reaching safety. Bernhardt's research focuses on weather hazards, risk communication, and public safety, with a particular emphasis on how emerging technologies can help people better understand and respond to real-world threats. His work offers valuable insight into the challenges of educating the public about rip currents and how innovative tools can improve preparedness and potentially save lives. As beaches across North America enter peak summer season, journalists covering beach safety, drowning prevention, coastal hazards, public education, or emerging safety technologies can connect with Dr. Jase Bernhardt for expert commentary on rip currents and the role virtual reality may play in helping people stay safe in the water.

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