Month: June 2020

2020-06-25T12:47:00

(BPT) – One in five U.S. adults struggles with mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. However, while mental illness impacts both men and women, men are less likely to seek treatment and find solutions.

“From depression and anxiety to substance abuse and suicidal ideation, there are an excess of mental health conditions that adolescent and adult men experience,” says Dr. Bruce Kehr, author, award-winning psychiatrist and founder of Potomac Psychiatry. “More people are talking about the importance of mental health, but a stigma remains, especially among men who think they should ignore their feelings or simply tough it out.”

The self-stigma felt by men who struggle with their mental health creates self-doubt, shame and isolation. “For those men who experience relentless emotional pain, it’s important to remember you’re not alone.” Kehr offers four steps men can take to improve their mental health:

Exercise regularly

Moving your body isn’t just good for your physical health, it supports your mental well-being as well. Aerobic activities like running, boxing and swimming can help relieve stress and get blood pumping throughout the body. Activities like yoga, walking and stretching are typically calmer, but also have the ability to destress and support mental health.

The great thing about exercise is you can do whatever you prefer. Whether you decide to dive into one type of exercise and grow your skills, or prefer to switch it up based on your mood, any daily exercise has a positive impact on mental health.

Explore genetics

Each person has a specific set of genes that can provide doctors with key insight into how your body and mind work. Your individual genes also have a major influence on the way you may react to certain medications. Since your genes never change, this information can help elevate your approach to health throughout your entire life. This is particularly useful for mental health and reducing trial and error with medications and supplements.

For instance, Genomind^(R) Professional PGx^(TM) is a cheek-swab genetic test that gives you and your mental health provider access to your unique genetic profile. It comes with a report that provides insights on how you may react to and metabolize certain medications used in mental health treatment, or even respond to supplements. Many find that the “numbers and science” in their genetics report help remove the stigma that often comes along with mental heath treatment. Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner about Professional PGx and learn more at www.genomind.com.

Digitize your therapy

Many men assume going to therapy means admitting defeat. Mental illness is not typically something you can tackle on your own. Whether it’s to help get through a difficult time (such as a sick parent, relationship problems or career issues) or to tackle more extensive ongoing mental illness, a professional has the expertise to make a big difference.

Working with a therapist traditionally happens in person at their office. However, technology has opened new options for men who may prefer an alternative approach. Telehealth is a growing option at many clinics, offering the opportunity to meet with a mental health professional via a video chat or phone call. Digital therapy is another option for people who like to email, IM or text.

Spend time outdoors

Many people are naturally drawn to the outdoors, so it’s good news that being in Mother Nature has many benefits. Just breathing in the fresh air can help reduce stress, increase oxygen levels, clear your mind and help you relax. Try to make time to be outdoors as regularly as possible, either alone or with a friend or partner.

Whether it’s sitting and bird watching from a small green space in your yard or extensively hiking a national park — or anything in between — outdoor time supports mental health. Even a simple 20-minute walk around your neighborhood can have a positive impact. Connecting with nature can nourish your spirit, too.

“It’s time to break the stigma and let men know that it’s OK to not feel OK,” says Kehr. “I hope that these ideas can help you take the first steps in feeling your best and support your mental health.”

2020-06-25T11:35:00

(BPT) – While this summer may feel a bit different, for families with young children, the extra time at home is the perfect opportunity to get creative and explore new ways to have fun — right in your own backyard.

Your kids may not be able to participate in traditional summer camp experiences this season. The good news is that OshKosh B’gosh, the clothing brand that’s been associated with fun over multiple generations, has you covered with camp-inspired games and crafts you can enjoy at home with your entire family.

Introducing Camp OshKosh, an interactive virtual summer camp featuring a series of exciting activities led by camp co-directors, Team OshKosh and Molly Sims, to help families enjoy this summer and make the most of their time together. Consider these ways to keep the spirit of camp alive while inspiring and entertaining your kids over these warm and wonderful months.

Backyard Camping with Molly Sims and Kids

While camping trips may not be on the calendar, your backyard can be the perfect campsite according to Molly Sims and her family. Choose a day with good weather in the forecast and set the stage for your outdoor escape with a tent, chairs, blankets or sleeping bags and some of your favorite books, board games and cards. Grab some easy camp foods like hot dogs, chips and veggie sticks. Don’t forget the ingredients for the quintessential camping treat, s’mores, including chocolate bars, graham crackers and marshmallows, as well as something to cook them on (a fire if you have a safe space or buy a s’mores maker). The whole family can enjoy this together for just a few hours or into the night, complete with a good night sleep out under the stars.

Tune In For DIY Guitars

DIY rock-and-roll guitars are easy to make with construction or wrapping paper in assorted colors, tape, rubber bands, glue, empty paper towel rolls and scissors — and everyone can customize their own if you provide stickers, sequins, beads and other glue-on bling. Start with a guitar-sized rectangular box and a paper towel roll that can represent the body and neck, using tape or glue to cover each with decorative paper. Cut an oval-shaped hole in the body, tightly stretching five rubber bands across the hole enough so they twang convincingly. After cutting a small circular hole on the topside of the box, slide in the paper towel tube as the neck. Finally, glue a pencil or elongated cardboard piece under the “strings” to create better sound. Now plan out the national tour for your family band.

Let’s Paint a Rock Garden

Remember your own childhood and unleash your kids’ inner artist by setting up an outdoor art studio exclusively for the painting of rocks. All you need are smooth stones in various sizes, paint brushes, acrylic paint or paint markers, a paper plate or palette for mixing paint, paper, a pencil and/or fine-tipped permanent markers and a work surface that can accommodate a mess. Start by brainstorming designs, perhaps seeking inspiration through books, magazines, household objects, clothing or the Oshkosh website. You may wish to sketch out designs on paper to ensure they fit onto your rocks of choice. During painting, go easy on the application and let each coat dry for 2-3 minutes before resuming. Use the fine-tipped markers to add final details. Camp counselor hack: For best color coverage start with one or two coats of white paint, and consider setting up paint-by-number designs for younger artists.

We’re Off to the Race Track

In this variation on the simple chalk drawing, kids use even more imagination by drawing and adding features to a life-sized “racetrack” through which they can ride their bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller blades or battery-operated kiddie cars. The path can wind around your driveway, cul-de-sac or any other paved area that’s safe for kids to ride around on, and it should avoid sharp turns for reasons of safety. Encourage your kids to draw in or otherwise add traffic signs, stoplights, billboards, bridges, ramps, stores, gas stations or other elements that suit their fancy. Camp counselor tip: The drawing part may be easier if you duct tape the chalk to the end of a broom or pole first.

Yum, Yum, Fun Toast

Break the rules and mess around with your breakfast, lunch or snack by staging a creative Toast-a-Rama. You provide the toast, perhaps spreading it ahead of time with peanut butter or avocado so the artworks begin with a slightly adhesive base. Then you offer up multiple edible media with which to experiment — fruit, cheese sticks, apple slices, pretzels, cereal or other foods with interesting shapes, colors and textures. Some of the best options may be easily configured into ears, eyes, noses, mouths and hair. Remember to take pictures before devouring your masterpieces.

For more information about finding fun activities for summer, visit www.oshkosh.com/camposhkosh and follow @oshkoshkids.

2020-04-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you are among the millions of adults in the U.S. who do not know they have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the past several months of social distancing have been a particularly steep battle. Our country was instructed to “sit still,” a command that children with ADHD hear every day in the classroom and at the dinner table.

This can be much harder for some than for others. For adults with undiagnosed ADHD, one silver lining to come from social distancing has been the rare opportunity to slow down and realize how easily they can be distracted and how difficult it is to stay on task.

It is a common misperception that ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, only affects children. Research shows that nearly 11 million adults have ADHD. Only one is five is properly diagnosed. Symptoms are influenced by age and developmental level. For example, adults experience less hyperactivity and more executive functioning issues in comparison to children.

Raising much-needed awareness about ADHD by sharing information and resources can significantly enhance quality of life for millions of adults who were not diagnosed during childhood. It is important to note that 74% of ADHD diagnoses are linked to genetics, so if your child has ADHD, there is a good chance you might, too.

How do I know if I should be evaluated?

Adults with ADHD typically experience substantial challenges in one or more areas of daily living:

• Inconsistent performance in jobs or careers; losing or quitting jobs frequently
• History of academic and/or career underachievement
• Poor ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities, such as completing household chores, maintenance tasks, paying bills or organizing
• Relationship problems due to not completing tasks
• Forgetting important things
• Becoming easily upset over minor things
• Chronic stress and worry caused by failure to accomplish goals and meet responsibilities
• Chronic and intense feelings of frustration, guilt or blame

How is ADHD diagnosed in adults?

While ADHD begins in childhood, certain individuals can compensate for their symptoms and do not experience issues until high school, college, in pursuit of career aspirations or even in retirement. In some cases, parents may have provided a highly protective and structured environment, minimizing the impact of ADHD symptoms in children.

Proper diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional who can thoroughly assess signs and symptoms, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of coexisting conditions. ADHD is often misdiagnosed because it can mimic numerous other conditions, including anxiety, depression, learning disorders, sleep difficulties, side effects from medications and more. Seek out a professional with specific experience in ADHD.

Where do I turn if I think I have ADHD?

ADHD is highly manageable with proper identification, diagnosis and treatment. If you have ADHD or think you might, CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can help. The nonprofit organization provides support, training, education and advocacy for children and adults with ADHD, their families, educators and healthcare professionals. As home to the National Resource Center on ADHD, funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CHADD offers reliable, science-based information, and comprehensive programming and support at the national and local levels. Call the helpline at 1-866-200-8098 or visit CHADD.org to access resources, including how to find a specialist where you live.

2020-06-24T10:31:00

(BPT) – Whether you’ve had exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms you’re worried about, or you belong to a vulnerable population (such as being over 65), you may be worried. You also may be unsure about how or where to get tested. It’s understandable that you may have concerns about going out to get a test administered, too.

At-home testing solution

Fortunately, there is now a test available that you can safely use at home. At LetsGetChecked.com, you can order a COVID-19 Sure-Track Test, a fast and accurate test authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This new test is authorized to serve consumers, using proprietary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) lab analysis of a nasal swab that you can self-collect in the comfort of your own home. PCR is considered to be the gold standard in COVID-19 testing, providing the most accurate results.

You will receive free shipping on your order of the test kit, with a prepaid return label provided for your convenience. Then you will receive secure, definitive online test results in 24-48 hours from receipt of the sample at the lab.

The company’s at-home test is designed with safety in mind, every step of the way. After you self-collect the swab sample according to the provided instructions, the collection swab is placed in a special transport tube containing a solution that deactivates the virus. This ensures that everyone, from shipping providers to lab technicians, is protected from contamination and infection.

LetsGetChecked also offers telehealth services, supported by licensed healthcare professionals who can offer timely, helpful guidance on issues such as self-isolation, as well as appropriate next steps for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19.

How to get a test

Before you can purchase the COVID-19 test, you will need to fill out a short online questionnaire that helps LetsGetChecked make sure they get the tests to those who need it the most.

The brief questionnaire covers information such as the type and severity of symptoms you may be experiencing.

Symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• New or worsening cough
• Fatigue
• Body aches/muscle pain
• Sore throat
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Change in smell or taste

Severe symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• New confusion
• Bluish lips or face

Immediate medical attention is recommended for anyone experiencing these severe symptoms.

The questionnaire also asks you about any known exposure to someone who has tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19), or if you live in an area where cases are present in the community.

In addition, anyone who is 65 years of age or older can get a test with few of the previously listed symptoms.

For more information and to order a test kit, visit LetsGetChecked.com.

2020-06-24T13:01:00

(BPT) – People living with diabetes know that the condition comes with highs and lows — especially when it comes to managing blood sugar. For those on insulin, blood sugar can get so low that it’s considered a medical emergency (known as severe hypoglycemia or a very low blood sugar emergency). This can happen unexpectedly. This means that people living with diabetes must be prepared for the unexpected lows, and just as importantly, make sure their support network knows how to help.

“When a very low blood sugar emergency happens, the person becomes unable to treat themselves, meaning that someone around them will need to act and administer a rescue treatment,” said Dr. Gregory Dodell, MD, FACE, AACE Endocrinologist, Diabetes Expert. “That’s why it’s critical for people with diabetes to be prepared, have a rescue plan, and empower their support network with their plan.”

Dr. Dodell shared some tips to help be prepared for low blood sugar.

Learn the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and very low blood sugar emergencies.

Low blood sugar occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels have fallen below 70 mg/dL, but symptoms may start occurring at higher glucose levels as well. A drop in blood sugar can range from:

• Mild: The person is conscious and able to think clearly enough to self-treat by eating or drinking fast-acting carbohydrates, like certain candies or juice that contain sugar.
• Moderate: The person is conscious but may not be thinking clearly. He or she can usually self-treat moderate low blood sugar with glucose tablets or by eating or drinking fast-acting carbohydrates.
• Severe (very low): The person is conscious or unconscious and unable to self-treat, requiring someone else to administer a rescue treatment, like glucagon. This is a very low blood sugar emergency.

In each of these scenarios, it’s important to recognize the signs, check blood sugar, and take the appropriate steps to bring blood sugar levels back within a target range. Symptoms of low blood sugar vary at different stages and from person to person, but may include pale complexion, shakiness, lack of coordination, mood changes, slurred speech, inattention and confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness.

Develop a low blood sugar preparedness plan.

People on insulin may be at risk for a very low blood sugar emergency, so it’s important that they talk to their doctor about being prepared and which glucagon prescription is right for them and their support network. Part of having a low blood sugar preparedness plan is keeping your support network in the know so they’re ready to help in case of an emergency.

To help people with diabetes be prepared in the event of a low blood sugar and a very low blood sugar emergency, Lilly Diabetes launched the Know Before the Low educational initiative (KnowBeforeTheLow.com), where people with diabetes and their support network can find information as well as questions to ask their healthcare team about a preparedness and rescue plan that’s right for them.

Think beyond your friends and family for your support network.

Dr. Dodell emphasized that people with diabetes should reflect on their routines and look at who is around them to determine who may be able to administer a rescue treatment during an emergency. A support network should go beyond family and friends to include co-workers, coaches, roommates, teachers or neighbors.

“On the road, I rely on my tour manager and crew, so I’ve brought them up to speed on diabetes and how to recognize any lows,” explained Lilly Diabetes Ambassador and singer/songwriter, Crystal Bowersox. “They may not be typical caregivers, but I’ve made sure they are a part of my support network. In the event of an emergency, they know where I keep my rescue treatment and how to use it.”

“Whether you’re at home or on-the-go, always keep low blood sugar supplies, including fast-acting carbohydrates and a non-expired rescue treatment, close by — whether it’s in a bag, nightstand or pocket,” Dr. Dodell said. For more information and resources, including a doctor discussion guide and low blood sugar tip list, visit KnowBeforeTheLow.com.

2020-06-24T14:01:00

(BPT) – Warmer weather is finally here, and that means more daylight for activities of all types and ideally more time for relaxation. Whether family members choose to spend their time playing outside, tackling home projects or getting creative with crafts, it’s easy to work up an appetite for tasty summertime food. Crisp, juicy grapes serve as an easy snack — whether fresh or frozen — and a special ingredient in simple but creative new dishes.

Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Grape Sauce uses fragrant lemongrass, a tropical herb with a lemony flavor and aroma, three ways: in the chicken marinade, in the grape sauce and as the skewers for the chicken. Grapes add a sweet and juicy crunch to the sweet-and-sour topping.

Guacamole with Grapes delivers a refreshing new dimension with fresh grapes providing a delightful color and texture contrast to the avocado base and imparting sweet notes that complement the zesty seasonings. Enjoy as a snack or serve as a festive appetizer.

Make sure that grapes from California are on the grocery list as a fresh staple from May through January; simply look for “California” or “USA” on the label. Stored unwashed, they can keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. A quick rinse before using and then — enjoy!

Lemongrass Grilled Chicken Skewers with Grape Sauce

Prep time: 20 minutes plus marinating time

Cook time: 10 minutes

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

Marinade/Sauce

1/4 cup lime juice

3 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons sugar

2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced

2 tablespoons finely minced lemongrass bulb

Pinch red pepper flakes

4 stalks lemongrass

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup quartered California grapes

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Directions

Make the marinade and sauce: Combine the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and garlic in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a simmer and add the lemongrass and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds and transfer to a bowl set in a bowl of ice water. Chill until room temperature, stirring frequently.

Peel the dark green leaves off each lemongrass stalk and cut each crosswise into 6-inch long pieces for 8 skewers. With the tip of a paring knife, poke a small hole in each piece.

Using the lemongrass as a skewer, insert lemongrass into each piece of chicken, putting 2 to 3 pieces on each stalk; place in a 9 X 13-inch dish. Pour half the marinade over the chicken, turn to coat and refrigerate 2 hours. Cover and set aside remaining marinade for the grape sauce.

Heat grill to high and oil the grates. Drain the skewers and brush with the oil. Grill the chicken 2-4 minutes on each side.

Stir the grapes into the reserved marinade and serve with the chicken skewers, sprinkled with the cilantro.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 250 Calories; Protein 35 g; Carbohydrate 10 g; Fat 7 g (25% Calories from Fat); Saturated Fat 1.5 g (5% Calories from Saturated Fat); Cholesterol 95 mg; Sodium 750 mg; Fiber 0 g.

Guacamole with Grapes

Prep time: 15 minutes

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

3 medium avocados, peeled and pitted

1 large lime, juiced

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 small Fresno chile, seeded and minced

1 small clove garlic, grated or minced

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

3/4 cup halved red or green California grapes

Directions

Mash the avocado flesh with a fork in a large bowl with the lime juice. Stir in onion, cilantro, chile, garlic and salt. Fold in grapes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 180 Calories; Protein 2 g; Carbohydrate 14 g; Fat 15 g (75% Calories from Fat); Saturated Fat 2 g (10% Calories from Saturated Fat); Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 105 mg; Fiber 7 g.

2020-06-24T10:01:00

(BPT) – You have cancer.

Three small words that impact a person in a very big way. For advanced lung cancer patients, the emotional response to a diagnosis can be especially complex as lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths – each year, more people in the U.S. die of lung cancer than any other type of cancer. For those newly diagnosed with lung cancer, feelings of hopelessness and defeat can paralyze their decision-making and may contribute to their hesitancy to seek treatment.

That’s why Merck has teamed up with GO₂ Foundation for Lung Cancer on a new campaign, Worth the Fight: Taking on Lung Cancer, to help empower people with advanced lung cancer and their loved ones to take an active role in their cancer care and talk to their healthcare team to understand treatment options that might be right for them.

This campaign is based on findings from a recent survey of over 500 U.S. patients, caregivers and healthcare providers to better understand the mindset and challenges people impacted by advanced lung cancer face around the time of diagnosis. Despite incredible progress made against lung cancer over the past few decades, the survey revealed that most people diagnosed with advanced lung cancer still struggle with navigating their disease. The survey also revealed a need for more effective communications between a patient, their caregiver, and healthcare team and guidance around identifying helpful resources at diagnosis to help patients determine next steps, including whether they and their loved ones think it’s worth the fight to take on lung cancer.

In fact, when first diagnosed, most patients (57%) think nothing can be done to treat their disease. Patients may feel scared (56%), have trouble making sense of what their doctor says (76%) or feel overwhelmed (41%). Upon learning of their diagnosis, 72% of patients believe they may have brought the disease on themselves. While many believe smoking is the sole cause of lung cancer, nearly anyone can be diagnosed with this life-threatening disease. The unspoken implication that a person is responsible for bringing lung cancer upon himself or herself can prompt feelings of hurt and shame. Stigma can cause people to avoid seeking treatment and is linked to disease-related distress and poor health outcomes, the American Lung Association warns.

After Jodi Parker was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in 2013, her doctors wanted her to start treatment immediately, but she wasn’t convinced.

For Parker, it came down to protecting the time she had left.

“I’d planned on living out the rest of my life the best way I could and making the most out of the time I had left. Fortunately, a well-timed call from a good friend persuaded me that I needed to reconsider. Seven years, one wedding and three grandchildren later, my cancer has returned. But it’s never been clearer that it’s worth the fight.”

A treatment decision should be based on an informed discussion between a patient, their caregivers and healthcare team. But oftentimes patients are not sure how to weigh the risks and benefits of various treatment options, even after speaking with their oncologist. When first diagnosed, 79% of patients said their doctor clearly explained the value of being treated for advanced lung cancer, but more than half (56%) of patients doubted treatment would make a difference in their outcome. In addition, more than a third of patients (33%) and caregivers (39%) said they did not know enough about the disease to make informed decisions. These factors may lead patients to leave the ultimate treatment decision up to their healthcare providers.

“Lung cancer is most often diagnosed at an advanced stage when the prognosis is poor, making it critically important for patients and their loved ones to have an open and honest conversation about what treatment options might be right for them at the time of diagnosis,” said Dr. Jacob Sands, thoracic medical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Worth the Fight: Taking on Lung Cancer is designed to help people like Parker with advanced lung cancer take an active role in getting the care they need.

“I know now that an advanced lung cancer diagnosis does not have to mean giving up. Ask your oncologist questions. Learn as much as you can. Take control of your care,” said Parker.

Visit www.fightlungcancer.com to download a discussion guide to help you and your loved ones have an informed conversation with your doctor about treatment options and additional support resources.

2020-06-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – Scientists across the world are charging forward in the fight to prevent and treat COVID-19. And they’re harnessing the latest tech and science as they press down on the accelerator at a speed unattainable to date.

But another fight is also playing out during this unprecedented challenge: the urgent need to educate young people while schools remain closed.

As science dominates headlines and dinner conversations, it’s integral that all young people better understand and appreciate science and the role it plays in society. Science literacy can no longer be a luxury or an add-on in an age when it should be embedded into how every sector responds to complex challenges.

The shift to remote learning

For many young people, their first introduction to science at school is through teachers, who clearly deserve appreciation and the deepest thanks right now. Yet as teachers everywhere — 63 million primary and secondary teachers around the world, according to UN News — have had to rapidly transition to online learning to reach the 1.2 billion children currently out of school around the world, many don’t have the resources and support they need to teach successfully.

Among schools in the United States, teachers in the most economically disadvantaged districts are least likely to be able to provide online learning opportunities for all students, according to Education Week. Today’s school closures magnify the inequities that were always present in society and schooling before COVID-19.

So how can science teachers, far from their classrooms, best encourage a scientific mindset that is needed now more than ever to understand the world? One solution is LabXchange, an online community for learning, sharing and collaboration. This free platform, launched by Harvard University and the Amgen Foundation, makes science accessible to hundreds of thousands of high school and college students.

Online science platforms support teachers

LabXchange’s virtual simulations remove barriers of expensive equipment, safety issues, and the extra time teachers need to prepare materials for school labs, which is beneficial now more than ever when teachers are shifting how they deliver science education. Free, comprehensive online platforms like LabXchange, Khan Academy and others can meaningfully advance students’ learning and interest in science, even when they aren’t at school.

“When young people learn science, they need to be able to make mistakes, to be creative, to try something again and again by experimenting without worrying about breaking something,” says Dr. Scott Heimlich, vice president of the Amgen Foundation.

“Failure is an inherent part of the scientific process, but too often the way science is taught in school leaves no time for mistakes or creativity or play,” Heimlich says. “Even with its limits, technology can indeed support teachers to meet their lesson goals by embedding our latest understanding of how students lean into the design process.”

Meeting teachers’ and students’ needs

Well-designed programs should put teachers in the driver’s seat. In-person lab programs like the 30-year-old Amgen Biotech Experience have laid a strong groundwork for how best to reach students, especially those in underserved communities, by engaging them in science. While technology is best used to complement or supplement in-person instruction, the Amgen Biotech Experience labs are now available virtually through LabXchange, showing how an online experience can be used to teach lab skills remotely.

With new online platforms, science teachers can remix high-quality, curated resources into customized learning pathways for different groups of students with different needs. Teachers can also embed their own content along with assessments to gauge their students’ learning and understanding.

A scientific mindset

For science to be accessible to all, especially now, the world needs more forward-looking educational technology that gives teachers and students the tools they need to foster a scientific mindset. All around us today, scientists are leveraging the most powerful tools and platforms in the fight against this virus. Science teachers — and their students — deserve the same.