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.

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.

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.

When it comes to competition or exercise involving fewer than 10 people, Dr. David Nieman, who studies exercise immunology at the Appalachian State University Human Performance Lab, sees a “risk-benefit continuum” that can inform choices about which sports we play.

Appalachian psychology professor Dr. JP Jameson is quoted on the increased risk of suicide due to isolation and layoffs related to COVID-19. “We know social connectedness is a protective factor against suicide risk, so this presents an extra layer of challenges to mental health providers and to the general public,” he said in March.