The Indiana University East School of Humanities and Social Sciences will host the “Let’s Talk” series to discuss current topics and concerns. “Let’s Talk” is an interactive forum for students, faculty, and members of the community to discuss current topics and concerns, free of charge.

This spring’s first “Let’s Talk” discussion will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, February 11, in Vivian Auditorium. The theme of this year’s series topics will focus on “Overall Wellness: Body, Mind, and Spirit.”

“Let’s Talk” includes a comprehensive presentation by IU East faculty and leaders in the community on social and medical topics, followed by a question and answer discussion led by a moderator. Questions are submitted to the presenters anonymously from the audience.

The first “Let’s Talk” presentation and discussion focuses on the health of teens, and is a chance for young people to learn about healthy choices as well as to ask questions and voice concerns. Parents and teachers are also encouraged to attend the “Let’s Talk” session because it is a great opportunity to start conversations with teens about the choices they are making. Together we can help our youth become healthy and productive adults.

Speakers for this topic include Stephanie Whitehead, assistant professor of Criminal Justice at IU East, and her daughter, Cassidy Whitehead, a 15 year-old at Richmond High School. They will address body image, peer acceptance, and healthy choices.

Dr. Paul Rider, director of Medical Education at Reid Hospital & Health Care Services and the director of STOP, a weight management program for school-aged children and adolescents, and Christie Ferriell, Diabetes and Nutrition Education coordinator at Reid Hospital & Health Care Services, will discuss how health problems occur across families, the STOP program strategies used to overcome weight issues, and other health prevention and treatment options available to teens in the Richmond area.

Mary Folkerth, clinical assistant professor of nursing at IU East, will be the moderator for the discussion.

Rosalie Aldrich, assistant professor of communication studies, organizes the “Let’s Talk” series.

“The Let’s Talk series provides an opportunity for the university and the community to come together to discuss topics that impact us all. Two of the major objectives of the planning committee were to choose topics that are relevant to the Richmond community and to find speakers who were knowledgeable and engaging, and I believe we have successfully met those objectives,” Aldrich said. “I am really looking forward to the ‘Let’s Talk’ series this spring and invite everyone to come and participate as I am sure we will have engaging and insightful discussions.”

Upcoming “Let’s Talk” Events:
Monday, February 25: “Getting Healthy & Staying Healthy: Wellness for Adults” from 6-8 p.m., Whitewater Hall in Vivian Auditorium. Speakers for this discussion are Susan Ream, employee assistance counselor at Reid Hospital & Health Care Services; Tajuan Stoker, director of Wellness at Reid Hospital & Health Care Services; and Alyssa Yurdakul, director of Wellness Reid Hospital & Health Care Services. The moderator is Ange Cooksey, senior lecturer in Humanities at IU East.

Monday, March 11: “Feeling Squeezed from Both Sides: Coping with the Demands of Caregiving” from 6-8 p.m., Whitewater Hall in Vivian Auditorium. Speakers for this discussion are Michelle Curry, senior lecturer in nursing at IU East, and Karen Clark, Dean of the IU East School of Nursing. The moderator is Alisa Clapp-Itnyre, professor of English at IU East.