51

Kundrat to talk about how to “eat, move, groove” for fitness

Susan Kundrat pictured in a circle. She is tossing a salad in wooden bowl while standing in a kitchen.

Susan Kundrat, 51 clinical professor emerita, is sharing tips from her new book, “Eat Move Groove: Unlock the Simple Steps to Lifelong Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness” at a community workshop at Shorewood High School auditorium, 1701 E. Capitol Drive, Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The focus of the book and the community discussion is on simple steps to lifelong wellness, fitness and nutrition, according to Kundrat.

Kundrat has more than 35 years experience in sports nutrition, wellness and nutrition education. “Eat Move Groove” is focused on simple, positive, inclusive, and doable ways to support well-being with a new concept – the 2211 plan, she said.

For Milwaukee and Wisconsin residents, the plan allows for ways to incorporate festival foods and even a souped-up bloody Mary in the diet, she said.

The Shorewood event, which is free and open to the public, includes a book signing and is part of a national tour.  A portion of the book sale profits (22%) will be donated to local organizations that Kundrat worked with while at 51: Kinship Community Food Center, the 51 Food Center and Pantry, the Cathedral Center and Bay View Community Center.

For more information on the event, her book and wellness, visit the Eat Move Groove .

Denice Benetiz: Comparing Beach Water Filtration Methods for the City of Milwaukee Health Department

Denice Benitez during her field experience at the City of Milwaukee Health Department. Woman with ponytail working at a lab station testing sample.

Degree Program: BSPH
Field Experience Precepter: City of Milwaukee Health Department
Semester/Year: Fall 2023
Project title: Comparing Beach Water Filtration Methods
Product: Lab Report

What did you like most about your Field Experience?

My favorite parts of my field experience at the City of Milwaukee Health Department were the bench work, everything I learned, making new connections and building my professional network.

Tell us more about your project for the City of Milwaukee Health Department.

The focus of my project has been beach monitoring. I have compared two filtering methods to ensure that we are analyzing for E. coli levels accurately, and  that beaches are closed in the most effective way. I completed the bench work, followed by the data analysis portion of the project. I then created graphs comparing both filtering methods and prep methods.

Student Spotlight: Eileen Toco, MS Kinesiology

Eileen Tocco student spotlight photo

Eileen Tocco is currently enrolled in the MS Kinesiology program at 51 with plans to pursue a PhD.

Tell us why you chose to pursue a degree in Kinesiology.

“I came to 51 as a kinesiology major. I have been running since I was 7 years old and always knew I was interested in physical activity and exercise. Taking Ann Swartz‘s physiology of performance class my junior year (this is still my favorite class), and working with Scott Strath and Ann Swartz in the Physical Activity & Health Research Laboratory really solidified my interest in physiology specifically.”

Tell us more about your athletic career.

“I started doing road 5Ks with my dad when I was 7 and it very quickly became something I loved. I competed in track and cross country in middle and high school, and I had enough success to be able to run for 51. I have been lucky to continue competing at this level into my master’s degree.”

What do you plan to do next?

“I am currently exploring a couple different options because I have not solidified what I would like to do with my degrees in the future. I am interested in both clinical exercise physiology and going on for my PhD and doing research.”

Tell us about your research. What excites you most about it?

“I am currently working on a research project with Scott Strath and other students in the Physical Activity & Health Laboratory. We’re exploring the impact of carbon plated shoes on running economy in both athlete and non-athlete running populations. I am super passionate about studying athletic populations as I am an athlete myself. I find it interesting to learn about things that are applicable to me and my own performances.”

51 researchers win grant to study how social media affects suicide among at-risk youth

Zilber College of Public Health

By Nicole Schanen
51 Report
September 27, 2024

A team of researchers from 51’s Joseph J. Zilber College of Public Health has received a $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study how social media affects suicide rates among at-risk youth.

The project is led by 51 faculty members Priya Nambisan and Lance Weinhardt, along with collaborators from four other institutions.

Social media has a complicated effect on mental health. It can both help and hurt the same person. For example, social media can lead to bullying, which can cause feelings of loneliness, depression and even suicidal thoughts. On the other hand, it can also help people connect and find support.

At-risk youth often face bullying and are at a higher risk of self-harm and suicide. Over the next three years, the research team will conduct a study using a method called digital photovoice to better understand how social media content affects at-risk youth.

Participants will use an app to take screenshots of social media posts that evoke strong emotions and label them with specific feelings. The research team will then analyze this information to explore the link between social media use and suicide risk.

COVID-19 is on the rise: UW-Milwaukee health expert shares safety tips

Kim Litwack and Monica Wendel walking in a medical facility hallway.

By Trisha Young
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
August 21, 2024

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service sat down with Monica Wendel, the new dean of the Zilber College of Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, to discuss the state of COVID-19 and the continuing health recommendations for the disease. 

In this video, Wendel discusses why there has been a summer uptick in COVID-19 cases as well as how the community can keep safe as the trend continues.

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Milwaukee is one of the best cities for college students and recent grads, Forbes says

UW-Milwaukee graduation ceremony

By Claire Reid

August 1, 2024

The city you choose to settle in during or right after college can have important impacts on your life.

According to , 61% of college students plan on finding jobs close to their college towns after graduation. Many colleges incentivize students to stay local by tailoring programs to address regional needs and connecting students with community organizations, .

From affordable rent to educational opportunities to entertainment and recreation options, many factors influence where folks in their 20s want to live.

Forbes evaluated America’s largest cities on rent, food, entertainment, transportation and employment metrics, as well as proximity to colleges and universities, to determine its list of the  in 2024. Milwaukee ranked fifth on the list for its low cost of living and unemployment rates and the numerous colleges in the region.

Here’s what makes Milwaukee a great place for young people to call home.

Milwaukee is the fifth-best city for college students and grads

Students make up nearly one-quarter of Milwaukee’s population, and there are 19 colleges within a 10-mile radius of the city, Forbes reported. Milwaukee also has one of the lowest unemployment rates for residents ages 16 to 24 at 8.3%.

At $1,054 per month, median rent prices are some of the highest in Forbes’ study, but Milwaukee also has one of the lowest hourly living wages: $20.11 per hour, the 10th lowest in the report. Milwaukee makes up for its high rent prices with lower food and transportation costs of about $4,300 and $9,400 per year, respectively. Food costs were highest in Arlington, Va. (over $5,600/year), and transportation costs were highest in Nashville, Tenn. (nearly $11,000/year).

Milwaukee’s rental vacancy rate of 5% put it ahead of nearby Chicago (3.8%) and Madison (2.5% ― the lowest rate in the study). Milwaukee boasts the fifth-most fitness establishments per capita in the report: nearly 600 per 100,000 residents. It also has greater-than-average numbers of entertainment and food establishments per resident.

Forbes gave Milwaukee above-average walk and bike scores (61.5 and 57.6, respectively) and a below-average transit score (48.7). All scores were out of 100.

Where to make friends after college in Milwaukee

One of the biggest challenges young adults face when moving to a new city is meeting new people. Unlike in high school, it’s much less common to regularly interact with numerous similarly aged peers, especially if you work or attend classes remotely.

Here are some popular options for those new to Milwaukee:

  • Join a running or walking club:Milwaukee is home tothat traverse the city’s various lakefront and riverside trails. Thehosts at least one run every day at various times and in various locations around the city., Milwaukee’s oldest running group, offers a marathon training program, local races and other activities throughout the year. The Latino-influencedis one of the city’s newest and most popular. Local running specialty storealso hosts regular runs and events. All of these groups offer options for various levels of runners, including walkers and beginners. If running isn’t your thing,offers group walks, exercise classes and social events multiple times throughout the week.
  • Play a recreational sport:offers year-round recreational sports leagues; its wide selection includes volleyball, kickball, cornhole, tennis, pickleball, soccer, softball and more. You can build your own team or join as an individual.also offers leagues in basketball, soccer, flag football, golf, kickball, volleyball and more.meets on Tuesday evenings to try a new sport each week. Past sports have included beach volleyball, soccer, board games, spikeball and underwater hockey. Every summer,hosts popular volleyball leagues for all abilities (from beginners to those playing for prize money) at Bradford Beach and Grant Park.
  • Sign up for a book club:Local bookstore Boswell Book Company hostsincluding sci-fi, romance and in-store lit clubs. Themeets monthly at locations around the city to discuss a variety of genres. The Milwaukee Public Library, both virtually and at branch locations. Cactus Club’shosts monthly book discussions, often highlighting current events or social justice.
  • Take a class:offers classes in yoga, cooking, music, foreign languages, art, and more for people of all ages and abilities. The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design hosts community art classes covering a variety of mediums through its. TheUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Continuing Education programoffers classes and certificates in business, career success, data analysis, digital marketing, foreign languages and much more.
  • Browse the Internet:Dozens more Milwaukee social groups and clubs regularly list events on theandapps. Local event calendars on Facebook, theandare also great places to check for things to do.