FORT KENT, Maine – The public is invited for an open house at the University of Maine at Fort Kent focusing on safety and wellness of the Acadian people of the region. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided at the event from 2-8 p.m. Friday, April 28 in the Nadeau Teleconference Room.
This is made possible through a Rural Health and Wellbeing Grand Challenge Injury Prevention Seed Grant submitted by Professor Duane Belanger focusing on safety and wellness of Acadian residents of the upper Saint John River valley.
Researchers will be focusing on inherited conditions in French-Canadians and whether there may be a connection to an increased risk for falls and injuries. The grant also provides for the inventory and evaluation of traditional and complimentary alternative medical treatments utilized within the French Acadian culture and their impact on improving wellness and safety.
“This is an innovative collaboration between the Nursing and Behavioral Sciences program at UMFK and the Physical Science and Physical Therapy Assistant programs of UMPI which will allow us to build upon and expand knowledge of cultural and folk remedies of the area,” said Belanger.
As primary researcher, Belanger is working closely with Dr. Matthew Papsadora of the UMPI along with UMFK professors Maisie Plourde and Larry Nadeau.
For more information you may contact Belanger via email at duane.belanger@maine.edu or via phone at 207-834-7586.
