IHSI Diversity Committee Monthly Resources
Each month, the IHSI Diversity Committee shares resources and learning opportunities with the rest of IHSI staff. Curating and sharing these resources allow us to educate ourselves on various topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. As an institute devoted to promoting all forms of health, we want to share these resources more broadly with our campus and community stakeholders. We hope that you will find them as useful as we have.
Understanding seasonal affective disorder
This month, IHSI assistant research biostatitician Fatima Ahmed shared resources on seasonal affective disorder.
Did you know that about 5% of the US population suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? Long nights and cold days mean less movement and less sun, and vitamin D deficiency can make seasonal depression worse. Those with darker skin often have lower vitamin D levels (melanin acts as natural sun screen), which makes brown and black people living in the north more susceptible to SAD.
If you have 5–10 minutes, look at this infographic to learn more about SAD.
If you have 15–20 minutes, read this article about skin pigmentation, vitamin D levels, and SAD.
If you have 10–20 minutes, do this mood boosting high intensity workout, or gentle yoga.