Wellness at CWRU

Ryan Marino, associate professor at the CWRU School of Medicine, said consumers shouldn’t fear produce on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list, because pesticide residues are typically far below harmful levels. Marino emphasized that “the health benefits of eating what is available and affordable should definitely outweigh the theoretical risks,” while noting that washing produce is “almost always a good idea.” Read more on this topic here:

I Asked Toxicologists What to Do if You’re Concerned About Pesticides—Their Answers Surprised Me I spoke to two toxicologists about the EWG’s 2026 Dirty Dozen list. Read on for how to shop and clean your produce, including my favorite OXO salad spinner.

Gokul Parameswaran, research associate at the CWRU School of Medicine, discussed his new study, the first to map heat-related heart disease risk county-by-county across the U.S., showing how extreme heat and income disparities drive future burden. Learn more here:

Heat-related heart disease may triple by mid-century Researchers say extreme heat places serious strain on the heart, especially for older adults and low-income communities.

Mary Ann Dobbins, a favorite Wellness Program exercise instructor, is teaching a community Cycle class at One to One Fitness Center! Join Mary Ann on Thursdays at 8:30 am for a low impact cardio workout that is great for all fitness levels. Classes are included with a One to One membership at no additional charge. They also offer drop-in, 10-pack, and monthly unlimited class pack options for non-members. Visit One to One's website to learn more and get started with Cycle:

One to One Fitness | Case Western Reserve University Feel strong and healthy with events, training and information from One to One Fitness at Case Western Reserve University.

Lindsay Malone, clinical dietitian and instructor in the Department of Nutrition at CWRU, said high-pesticide produce can still be eaten safely with smart strategies, such as choosing organic when possible, rinsing thoroughly (unless pre-washed), and considering frozen options of foods like spinach or berries, which can be cheaper and lower in residue while offering the same nutrition. Learn more here:

14 Fruits and Vegetables With the Highest Pesticide Levels, According to New Research The new Environmental Working Group Dirty Dozen list highlights the fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residue. Nutrition experts share how to prep and cook them more safely.

A new study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center predicts rising temperatures driven by climate change will dramatically increase heat-related heart disease in the US. More specifically, the study, published in JAMA Cardiology, estimates the higher temperatures could increase heat-related heart disease by 200% by 2050. Learn more here:

New research connects climate change to increasing heat-related heart disease nationally | CWRU Newsroom | Case Western Reserve University A new study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center predicts risin...

Shanina Knighton, research associate professor at CWRU’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, said showers harbor bacteria, mold, and biofilm long before grime becomes visible. She explained that pink residue is often bacteria, not mold, thriving in moist, poorly ventilated spaces—and urged regular cleaning of overlooked hotspots such as shower liners, loofahs and bathmats. Read further here:

Why Your Shower Gets Dirty So Fast (and How to Slow It Down) Wondering why your shower gets dirty so quickly? Experts explain the common causes and simple ways to keep it cleaner for longer.

Hope Barkoukis, chair in the Department of Nutrition at CWRU, said many physicians want to discuss nutrition but “don’t feel competent” to do so because medical schools often lack robust nutrition training. Barkoukis said CWRU’s culinary classes help future doctors give practical, culturally sensitive food advice tailored to patients’ real lives instead of vague directives to “eat healthy.” Read further here:

Exclusive | Doctors are taking culinary classes so they can prescribe food as medicine — it’s so much more than just ‘eat healthy’ Welcome to the idea of “produce prescriptions” — and how it could be the future of fighting disease and saving money.

Elizabeth Click, associate professor at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and CWRU medical director who oversees the Wellness Program for faculty and staff, said “wellness stacking” can legitimately help people build healthier routines by linking new habits to existing ones, reducing the mental effort of behavior change. Learn more:

TikTokers Are 'Stacking' All Their Wellness Habits—Can It Actually Help You Meet Your Health Goals? On TikTok, creators are "stacking" water add-ins, supplements, workouts, and general wellness hacks. According to a certified wellness practitioner, there's some merit behind the trend.

Shanina Knighton, research associate professor at CWRU’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, warned against using the water from airplane taps because they can carry bacteria. "Onboard water tanks aren’t cleaned as frequently as you might think," said Knighton. Read more about bacteria risks on airplanes:

This Common In-flight Habit Could Expose You to Bacteria, Experts Warn Here's why you may want to avoid water in airplane bathrooms and how to stay sanitary instead.