VCU news

By Anne Buckley

Virginia Commonwealth University will be closed Dec. 22, 2006, through Jan. 2, 2007, for the winter holiday break. Media are advised that University News Services will be available for emergencies only during this time.

All enterprise reporting should be handled before the closing date. The 24-hour, on-call pager number for genuine news emergencies is (804) 759-7675. In the meantime, some holiday story ideas and contact information follows for your consideration.

GOTTA HAVE IT
Thomas Donohue, professor of mass communications and psychology, can talk about how manufacturers attempt to build interest in toys and other items by creating artificial shortages. This use of the "scarcity principle" sometimes successfully increases consumers' desire for a product. Contact: Tom Gresham, (804) 828-6051, tmgresham@vcu.edu

…BUT WHAT TO GIVE ROVER AND FLUFFY?
Tracy Tuten Ryan, associate professor of advertising research, and Pamela Kiecker, an affiliate faculty member and director of the Interactive Marketing Institute at VCU, have studied the phenomenon of giving gifts to pets -- a growing trend in recent years. Ryan and Kiecker have learned that many pet owners view gift-giving as a must -- that they see giving gifts to their pets as a natural extension of their relationships with them. Ryan can talk about the specifics of the trend and what their research reveals about pet owners. Contact: Tom Gresham, (804) 828-6051, tmgresham@vcu.edu

GETTING CARDED: THE RISING POPULARITY OF GIFT CARDS
Ryan and Kiecker have also done research into gift cards. The Associated Press reports that U.S. consumers' spending on gift cards will rise 20 percent in 2006. Ryan can speak on a number of issues related to the use of gift cards, including their popularity, the value of the cards for retailers, specific examples of new twists that companies are putting on gift cards, the relationship between givers and receivers of gift cards (only 3 percent, for instance, say they would give a gift card to someone with whom they are romantically involved) and the motives behind giving cards and wanting cards. Contact: Tom Gresham, (804) 828-6051, tmgresham@vcu.edu

KEEPING YOUNGSTERS SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Many homeowners decorate with candles, leave matches readily accessible to young children or rely on space heaters during the colder months. The Virginia SAFE KIDS coalition stresses the importance of fire prevention around the home. In addition, many people will host holiday gatherings for family and friends where alcohol is served. Unfortunately, alcohol poisoning is a common risk for children during the holiday season. With empty and partially empty cups lying around, some children may imitate adults or may drink the beverages they see adults drinking. Sean McKenna, M.D., VCU pediatrician, can talk about why even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to children and how to counteract the effects of alcohol in case a child accidentally ingests it. Contact Malorie Janis, 804-827-0889, mgjanis@vcu.edu

HOW THE GRUDGE STOLE CHRISTMAS
Everett Worthington, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology and director of the non-profit "A Campaign for Forgiveness Research," an organization dedicated to facilitating research for personal health, harmonious relationships and peace among nations. He serves with honorary co-chairs Archbishop Desmond Tutu, psychiatrist Robert Coles and Ruby Bridges Hall. As a leader in the scientific study of forgiveness and reconciliation, Worthington has published more than 100 scientific articles or chapters and more than 13 books on forgiveness, relationship enrichment and religious values in the marriage and family. Worthington is available to discuss how forgiveness can enhance the holiday experience. Contact Mike Porter, (804) 828-7037, mrporter@vcu.edu

HELPING SENIORS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The holiday season is often a time of joy and celebration, but for some seniors, it can be a time of isolation and even depression. Learn about how this particular group copes with the holidays and winter stress and how seniors handle the holidays when they're not the ones doing the entertaining anymore. Chat with E. Ayn Welleford, Ph.D., chair and associate professor in the Department of Gerontology, who has worked extensively with formal and informal caregivers to improve elder care through education. Welleford is also available to discuss how seniors cope with a spouse who's critically ill or in a nursing home; elders at risk: warning signs to look for during holiday visits; fostering successful family relations; and activities for successful elder visitation. Contact Sathya Achia-Abraham, (804) 827-0890, sbachia@vcu.edu

TECHNOLOGY WARS IN THE MARKETPLACE
Peter Aiken, associate professor of information systems, can speak about competing versions and upgrades of existing technology that are much in evidence this holiday season. Aiken can speak about the many choices consumers face in the technology market and how they can go about making a decision. Contact: Tom Gresham, (804) 828-6051, tmgresham@vcu.edu

HOLIDAY SWEETS AND TOOTH DECAY
Eating a lot of holiday sweets may satisfy a sweet tooth, but too much might lead to teeth and gum woes, according to the American Dental Association. By allowing an abundance of holiday sweets, parents may be contributing to their childrens' tooth decay and gum disease. Pediatric dentists in the VCU School of Dentistry can offer insight into how to prevent dental problems. Contact Malorie Janis, 804-827-0889 or mgjanis@vcu.edu

TOXIC DECORATIONS?
The Virginia Poison Center, part of the VCU Medical Center's Department of Emergency Medicine, has certified poison specialists available to talk about common-yet-toxic items that make the holidays more festive, such as holly, mistletoe and poinsettias. In addition, unsecured prescription drugs can be a danger to visiting relatives and small children. Toxicologists at the Poison Center can offer advice on how to properly secure these items, as well as what to do in case they are accidentally ingested. Contact Malorie Janis, 804-827-0889, mgjanis@vcu.edu

PEACEKEEPING ON EARTH, GOODWILL TOWARD THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE
Carl Hill and Lisa Harmon are student veterans who were active in launching VCU's new Student Veterans Association, designed to make academic life better for those who have served in the military and are now pursuing their education. The group also supports students whose parents were killed or disabled during military service. Hill and Harmon are able to discuss opportunities for family members, friends, and the public to support those in the military, their families, and returning veterans during the holidays. Contact Mike Porter, (804) 828-7037, mrporter@vcu.edu  

ENLIGHTENING GIFTS FOR THE SENIOR WHO HAS EVERYTHING
VCU's Virginia Center on Aging and Chesterfield County operate the Lifelong Learning Institute, which offers more than 100 courses, guest lectures and special events each year. More than 300 of its members are older than 55. A year's tuition – at $100 – is the perfect gift for that senior who has everything, and the institute now offers tuition gift certificates, allowing spouses, children, grandchildren and other loved ones to support lifelong learning. Edward Ansello, Ph.D., director of VCU's Center on Aging, also can talk about why some people don't let advancing age stop their pursuit of learning. Contact Mike Porter, (804) 828-7037, mrporter@vcu.edu

'TIS THE SEASON TO BE ANXIOUS
Michael Southam-Gerow, Ph.D., is an associate professor of psychology and co-director of the VCU Anxiety Clinic, which treats a variety of anxiety-related problems in children, adolescents, and adults, including worry and stress and nervousness in social situations. Southam-Gerow is a clinical psychologist who focuses on improving mental health treatment through community partnerships. Southam-Gerow examines why so many people are stressed out during what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year. He can offer suggestions for reducing stress and anxiety. Contact Mike Porter, (804) 828-7037, mrporter@vcu.edu

HEADING (AWAY FROM) HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
VCU Police Capt. Grant Warren, deputy chief of support services, places a strong emphasis on crime prevention and community education and can offer common sense suggestions for preventing crime as people prepare for the holidays. He also can discuss protecting one's home and property if planning to be away for the holidays. Contact Mike Porter, 828-7037, mrporter@vcu.edu

HOLIDAY HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR THE HOMELESS
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine's Inner City Rural Program has initiated a new project with CARITAS, Congregations Around Richmond Involved to Assure Shelter, in which students will staff screening clinics for the homeless through March. The Department of Family Medicine has been involved in CARITAS for a number of years, but this year, for the first time, is taking sole responsibility for the clinics. In addition to the health screenings, the students also will conduct research through data assessments that will provide a snapshot of the health of Richmond's homeless that will be compared with national statistics. Contact Joe Kuttenkuler, (804) 828-6607, jpkutten@vcu.edu