Eisenhower Auditorium to add ‘Stomper' statue to help figth against mental health
The Jana Marie Foundation works with local artists, schools and organizations to create life-sized sculptures of people formed out of old sneakers. The sculptures are called 'Stompers' to acknowledge their symbolic role in helping to stomp out stigma.
On Monday, March 3, the public was invited to help paint and decorate pieces that will be included to help build the stomper that will be called 'Consuelo'. Consuelo comes from the Spanish word for comfort. The stomper gives community members a voice through the sharing of stories, stomps out the stigma that surrounds mental health, sparks important conversations in the community, creates opportunities for prosocial involvement, and provides crucial resources to individuals in need.
'It's really important to have town and gown activities where we can bring people together for conversation and that impact each and every one of us. And mental health is one of those topics,' Marisa Vicere, President & Founder of the Jana Marie Foundation said.
This will be the only stomper on Penn State's campus, but the foundation hopes to add more in the future.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time Business News
a day ago
- Time Business News
Cayenne Pepper and Olive Oil: A Powerful Culinary and Wellness Combination
The marriage of cayenne pepper and olive oil represents one of the most dynamic duos in both culinary traditions and natural wellness practices. This fiery partnership brings together the Mediterranean's liquid gold with the Americas' spiciest gift, creating a combination that has captivated taste buds and health enthusiasts for centuries. Olive Oil: The Mediterranean Marvel Extra virgin Greek olive oil serves as more than just a cooking medium. Rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and powerful antioxidants like oleocanthal, olive oil provides a smooth, flavorful base that complements rather than competes with other ingredients. Its low acidity and high smoke point make it ideal for various cooking applications while preserving nutritional integrity. Cayenne Pepper: The Fiery Healer Derived from dried and ground Capsicum annuum peppers, cayenne pepper brings intense heat measured at 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units. Beyond its culinary impact, cayenne contains capsaicin, the compound responsible for both its heat and many of its purported health benefits. The combination of cayenne pepper and olive oil creates a versatile infusion that enhances countless dishes. When cayenne's sharp, immediate heat meets olive oil's rich, fruity notes, the result is a complex flavor profile that adds depth without overwhelming delicate ingredients. Infused Oils and Marinades Creating cayenne-infused olive oil involves gently heating olive oil with cayenne pepper, allowing the capsaicin to dissolve into the fat. This process creates a shelf-stable condiment perfect for drizzling over pizza, pasta, or grilled vegetables. The oil carries the heat more evenly than dry cayenne, providing consistent spicing throughout dishes. Cooking Techniques Professional chefs often begin dishes by heating olive oil with a pinch of cayenne, creating an aromatic base that infuses the entire preparation. This technique works particularly well in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines, where the combination appears in everything from Spanish patatas bravas to Mexican salsas. Traditional medicine systems have long recognized the potential benefits of combining these ingredients. While scientific research continues to explore these claims, several areas show promise. Metabolic Support Capsaicin may temporarily boost metabolism through thermogenesis, while olive oil's healthy fats support overall metabolic function. Together, they might contribute to satiety and energy balance, though individual responses vary significantly. Cardiovascular Considerations Olive oil's monounsaturated fats have been associated with heart health benefits in numerous studies. Some research suggests capsaicin might influence circulation and blood pressure, though more research is needed to establish definitive benefits. Digestive Applications Both ingredients have been traditionally used to support digestive health. Olive oil may aid in nutrient absorption, while cayenne has been used in folk medicine to stimulate digestion, though sensitive individuals should approach with caution. Basic Infused Oil Recipe Combine one cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil with one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low temperature for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the oil never smokes. Strain through fine mesh or cheesecloth and store in a dark glass bottle for up to three months. Adjustment for Heat Tolerance Start with smaller amounts of cayenne and gradually increase to preferred heat levels. Remember that capsaicin concentrates over time, so infused oils may become spicier during storage. While generally safe for most people, this combination requires mindful consumption. Cayenne can irritate sensitive digestive systems, and those with gastroesophageal reflux or ulcers should consult healthcare providers before regular consumption. Additionally, capsaicin can cause skin and eye irritation during preparation. The quality of olive oil matters significantly. Choose reputable brands with recent harvest dates and proper storage to ensure maximum flavor and potential benefits while avoiding rancid oils that could cause digestive upset. This combination reflects the global exchange of ingredients that defines modern cuisine. While olive oil anchored Mediterranean cooking for millennia, cayenne peppers arrived from the Americas following Columbus's voyages. Their union represents the beautiful fusion that occurs when culinary traditions meet and merge. From the spicy olive oils of southern Italy to the pepper-infused cooking oils of Latin America, different cultures have developed unique approaches to this combination, each reflecting local tastes and traditions. Properly prepared cayenne-infused olive oil can last three to six months when stored in cool, dark conditions. Dark glass bottles protect against light degradation, while tight seals prevent oxidation. Always check for signs of rancidity, including off odors or flavors, before use. The partnership between cayenne pepper and olive oil demonstrates how simple ingredients can create complex, satisfying flavors while potentially supporting wellness goals. Whether used as a finishing oil for fresh vegetables, a base for marinades, or a condiment for artisanal breads, this combination offers both culinary excitement and traditional wellness applications. As with any dietary change, moderation and attention to individual tolerance levels ensure the best experience. The fiery marriage of cayenne and olive oil continues to inspire cooks and health enthusiasts alike, proving that sometimes the most powerful combinations come from the simplest ingredients. Source: Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, and Cayenne Pepper: Benefits and Uses TIME BUSINESS NEWS


Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Hamilton Spectator
‘I'm not afraid to speak the truth': Former Norfolk paramedic chief named health unit CEO
Spearheading Haldimand-Norfolk's COVID-19 vaccine rollout as paramedic chief made Sarah Page realize she had more to offer public health. Four years and several high-profile jobs later, Page has been tasked with leading the region's new health unit as CEO of Grand Erie Public Health. In an interview, Page called co-ordinating the vaccination effort 'a pivotal moment in my career (because of) the trust that was placed in me to lead something so widespread across both our communities.' Page's team of volunteers and municipal staff converted a hockey arena in Cayuga into a vaccination centre and implemented an innovative workflow that nearly quadrupled the number of people getting vaccinated each day. The system proved so effective, Public Health Ontario sent residents from Toronto and other urban centres to Cayuga to get their shots. Preparing Spanish-language educational materials and hosting information sessions for the region's migrant farm workers led to high uptake in that priority population. The pandemic experience boosted Page's confidence to 'stretch a little and use the leadership skills and knowledge and instincts that you have in a different way,' she told The Spectator. She moved into senior administration in 2023, overseeing health and social services for Haldimand-Norfolk, a portfolio that includes housing, long-term care and social assistance. Last year she guided the merger process for the neighbouring health units overseeing Haldimand-Norfolk and Brantford-Brant in response to a call from the province for voluntary mergers to cut costs and streamline service delivery. As CEO, Page now has the chance to craft the direction of a young organization. 'It's the challenge of that that really drew me to the position,' she said. 'It's this great opportunity to almost build something from the ground up and formulate what we as a region feel public health should be in the future.' A survey after the pandemic found trust in the health unit had plummeted due to poor communication amid the debates over vaccinations and lockdowns. Some residents even reported being fearful of public health. Restoring trust in an age of vaccine hesitancy and skepticism of public officials will mean communicating clearly and making decisions based on scientific evidence, Page said. 'It's going to take us some time to build that trust back up by being honest about what we are doing, by being transparent about the information that we're putting forward and making sure we're sharing all the information that we can,' she said. In a media release announcing Page's departure, Norfolk's chief administrative officer Al Meneses said, he would 'truly miss her candour, perspective and insight around the senior leadership table.' That candour was seen during the pandemic, when Page publicly criticized Haldimand-Norfolk MP Leslyn Lewis for spreading what Page described as 'anti-vax' misinformation about the effectiveness of the vaccine. 'I've always relied on my ability to be authentically me and that has led me to a place where I'm not afraid to speak the truth,' Page told The Spectator. Grand Erie has cycled through four top doctors this year alone while grappling with a measles outbreak and the board of health will look to Page and newly hired medical officer of health Dr. Jason Malenfant to bring stability to an organization in flux. 'We're looking at the needs of our community and what's the solution to make that easier or more accessible,' said Page. She pointed to a measles education video the health unit filmed in Low German, the language spoken by some traditional Mennonite communities in western Norfolk who have seen high rates of infection during Ontario's current measles outbreak. The new CEO preaches collaboration, integrity and 'people-focused' solutions for persistent problems like substance abuse and mental health. But Page knows results, not buzzwords, will define her tenure. 'The words and the speeches are one thing, but (it's about) us actually putting those into action and clearing the path for the front lines to actually do the work that is so necessary in our community,' she said. 'Making sure that what we're saying is what we're doing and being accountable to those actions, is very important to me.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business Wire
MedaSystems Strengthens Executive Team with Appointment of Anton White as Vice President of Growth
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MedaSystems, the leading SaaS platform for Expanded Access (EA) and Investigator‑Initiated Studies (IIS), today announced that healthcare‑technology veteran Anton White has joined the company as Vice President of Growth. White will lead global go‑to‑market strategy and execution as MedaSystems scales to meet accelerating demand from biopharmaceutical partners worldwide. 'I'm thrilled to join MedaSystems and help transform the way BioPharma and physicians collaborate to provide compliant, compassionate access to investigational therapies." Share 'Anton brings a rare combination of deep life‑sciences expertise and a growth‑mindset leadership style that aligns perfectly with our culture,' said Brian Irwin, Chief Executive Officer of MedaSystems. 'His track record of building high‑performing, customer‑centric teams will be instrumental at this pivotal moment as we enter our next phase of rapid expansion.' White joins MedaSystems after more than two decades of success driving revenue and building award‑winning teams at Optum Life Sciences, Eli Lilly, Celgene, and OptumRx. At Optum, he oversaw national sales and strategic partnerships, delivering data, analytics, and clinical‑services solutions to top‑10 global pharma companies and emerging biotech companies. 'I'm thrilled to join MedaSystems and help transform the way BioPharma and physicians collaborate to provide compliant, compassionate access to investigational therapies,' said Anton White, Vice President of Growth, MedaSystems. 'Together we'll empower sponsors and investigators with software that streamlines regulatory processes and accelerates patient access to life‑changing treatments.' White holds an MBA in Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Marketing from Saint Joseph's University, a BA in Management and Spanish from Gettysburg College, and a Sales Team Management Strategies certificate from Columbia Business School Executive Education. About MedaSystems MedaSystems is the leading developer of secure, GxP‑compliant software for managing requests for experimental therapies—including Expanded Access, Post‑Trial Access, and Investigator‑Initiated Studies. By connecting physicians and pharmaceutical companies in a centralized, audit‑ready environment, MedaSystems reduces administrative burden, improves data quality, and helps patients worldwide gain timely access to investigational treatments.