In the Media

Appalachian State University Athletics partnered with Ransom and Stick Boy Bread Co. to deliver between 150 and 175 brunch meals to Appalachian Regional Healthcare System staff at the Watauga Medical Center on April 12. The athletics department wanted to bring some joy and a demonstration of support for health care workers while also supporting local businesses, according to Kate Misltead, assistant director of marketing for App State Athletics.

How do the beverages we consume each day contribute to the nutritional quality of our diet? Among the options, sports drinksmay be refreshing and feel fitness-forward, but they’re really appropriate only for endurance athletes who need a quick hit of carbs and to replenish electrolytes, says David Nieman, Dr.P.H., director of the Appalachian State University Human Performance Lab. For the rest of us, they’re just sugars, salt, and artificial coloring in a bottle.

App State’s Dr. Andrew Koricich has already begun thinking about what the future holds for students after COVID-19, especially rural students. He encourages rural students to remember society will eventually find a new normal and that they should take care of and be kind to themselves, because their voices and actions are needed on the other side of this pandemic.

In this 20-min. podcast, Appalachian State University’s Dr. Kurt Michael discusses suicide prevention during social distancing. He outlines the symptoms to watch for and how to reduce access to the lethal means often used in suicide. Michael is Appalachian’s Stanley R. Aeschleman Distinguished Professor of Psychology and also a practicing licensed psychologist.

An infectious disease immunologist, Dr. Michael Opata in Appalachian’s Department of Biology is interviewed about the history of infectious diseases and what past epidemics can inform us about COVID-19 and its prevention and treatment.

David Nieman, Dr.PH., health professor at Appalachian State University and director of the Human Performance Lab, answers questions about how cyclists can train safely during COVID-19.

Dr. Adam Hege of Appalachian State University’s public health program in the Beaver College of Health Sciences discusses the nationwide trend of health inspectors no longer having time to inspect restaurants offering take-out/delivery because of the time they’re spending on COVID-19 issues — and, what this means for consumers.

Appalachian’s Dr. David Nieman, whose more than 30 years of research show that daily physical activity increases the circulation of immune cells throughout the body which can better detect and destroy invading viruses, recommends physical activity for keeping your immune system in good shape during the pandemic. Just don’t exercise in groups.

Drs. Cathy Marcum and Phillip Ardoin in Appalachian’s Department of Government and Justice Studies are interviewed in response to Randolph County Sheriff's decision to increase patrols during stay-at-home orders related to COVID-19. Marcum calls the move proactive, while Ardoin says most citizens and government leaders recognize the health crisis and the steps needed to reduce spread of the coronavirus.