Over the past two years, you've probably heard more about hospital bed availability than you may have expected to hear in your entire life. Tracking total hospital beds and ICU beds occupied has helped communities know when to increase mitigation to preserve those limited resources. With expanding SARS-CoV-2 immunity through vaccination and prior infection, we can hope to hear less about strained healthcare facilities; already we saw that the combination of immunity and a less severe strain in Omicron BA.1 meant less … [Read more...] about Science Corner: When Is a Bed Not a Bed?
COVID-19
From Devastating Wilderness To a Different World: A Re-Entry Retreat for 2021
For many of us, the beginning of fall term is a kind of re-entry after a year and a half of pandemic. The pandemic has been one of the most significant experiences in many of our lives. Rather than simply resume our previous routines, this summer may be a time to take stock of what has happened in our lives, what God may be inviting us to let go of and embrace, and how God may want to knit together the experiences of our past year into something different and beautiful. This retreat guide, which may be used over a … [Read more...] about From Devastating Wilderness To a Different World: A Re-Entry Retreat for 2021
Science Corner: Slowing Down to Build Trust
The votes are in, the bracket is complete, and we have a most pressing science & faith question: How much should science inform religious practice? If I thought my seedings had any meaning, this would be a Cinderella story, the lowest seed in the Theology & Religion going on to take it all. Now that the results are known, I'll work on getting you some answers to the last quartet of questions, so stay tuned for those. In the mean time, I had planned on bringing you some science news about honeybee communication. But in … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Slowing Down to Build Trust
Vaccines: Try A Little Empathy
Many of us have struggled talking with family or friends who are hesitant to be vaccinated for COVID-19. A friend of ESN from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approached us about posting an article from the CDC with helpful ideas for these difficult conversations. We are delighted to share this article, written by Elizabeth Allen, MSPH, CPH, from CDC COVID-19 Emergency Response. __________________________________________________ By: Elizabeth Allen A couple of weeks ago, I ran into a friend … [Read more...] about Vaccines: Try A Little Empathy