Newswise — These experts from Central Michigan University are available for media interviews on a wide range of topics pertaining to the holiday season:
Importance of holiday cards/lettersMichael Papa, CMU professor of communication and dramatic arts, interpersonal and public communication area
Michael Papa, who feels that "technology-mediated communication is removing our records of everyday life for the future," can discuss the importance of holiday cards and letters from the perspective of a communication scholar.
Papa, the immediate past chairman of Central Michigan University's communication and dramatic arts department, teaches classes on group communication and has conducted research on social and economic development programs around the world.
Fashion at the holidays/fashionable gift ideasMaureen MacGillivray, CMU professor of human environmental studies apparel merchandising and design area
Maureen MacGillivray can discuss fashion at the holidays and fashionable holiday gift ideas.
MacGillivray has written journal articles on functional apparel design, clothing comfort, adolescents and clothing, body image and self-esteem, appearance and dress, home economics, consumer habits, and workplace clothing. She also has supervised students' research on the rise and influence of hip-hop culture on clothing. Her most recent research is on nanotechnology in functional apparel design and the use of body scanners to help design fabrics that act as thermal barriers.
Volunteering/charitable giving during the holidaysShawna Ross, coordinator, CMU Volunteer Center
Shawna Ross can discuss how engaging in community service during the holidays allows individuals to get together with friends or family and give back to their communities at the same time. "People's schedules may be busy, but it is important to consider the time they can devote to feed the hungry at a soup kitchen, donate food or clothing to benefit families in need, or provide funds to their favorite charity," she says.
Ross directs Central Michigan University's Volunteer Center, which facilitates local, statewide, national and international volunteer and advocacy opportunities for CMU students. More than 4,000 students participate in the center's programs each year.
Dodging colds and flu during the holidaysDr. Ahmad Hakemi, director of the CMU physician assistant program
Dr. Ahmad Hakemi offers tips on how to sidestep the flu and cold this holiday season. He recommends getting vaccinated for the flu, washing hands frequently and getting anti-viral medication quickly from your physician when the flu strikes.
Hakemi is an internist who was in private practice in clinic settings for many years before joining the CMU faculty.
Dealing with hypothermiaJohn Lopes, a physician assistant and assistant professor in the CMU physician assistant program
To avoid hypothermia, Lopes recommends dressing in layers, noting that wool or polypropylene will provide insulation even when wet. He suggests avoiding outdoor activities that may cause heavy sweating because damp clothes will increase heat loss. If you meet someone who appears to be suffering from hypothermia, remove wet clothing and provide warm fluids. If they appear disoriented, take them to an emergency room.
Lopes is a former resident of Alaska and is familiar with symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat it.
Martin Luther King Jr. DayBlaine Stevenson, professor of sociologyCentral Michigan University
Blaine Stevenson says Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 15) is a very important holiday. He says politicians quote the "I have a dream" speech, but fail to mention his criticisms of the Vietnam War, the war's high number of black casualties and the economic inequalities facing minorities.
Stevenson can talk about peace, civil rights and other social protest movements and how they get started.
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