Page 4 - Dresden Buzz 03-07-25

PAGE 4 | LOCAL NEWS MARCH 7 - 20, 2025
Muskingum University nursing students pass HEALTH & WELLNESS

NCLEX on first attempt, answering the call to Aromatherapy

address the nursing shortage Submitted and Holistic

Critical Care Unit. After working in a dif- Practices: What
ferent field, Higginbotham pursued her Do We Know?
passion for healthcare through Musk-
ingum’s ABSN program.
“The ABSN program at Muskingum, by Alexus Masterson, MPH,
with its phenomenal faculty, state-of- Family & Consumer Sciences Educator
the-art nursing lab, and exceptional Ohio State University Extension,
clinical instructors, did an excellent job Muskingum County
of preparing me to pass the NCLEX,” Hig-
ginbotham said.
Muskingum University is deeply com-
mitted to addressing the critical nursing Our five senses help us in many
shortage, particularly in Southeastern ways when we preform our daily tasks,
Ohio, where access to skilled healthcare but how often do we rely on them to help
professionals is essential. By cultivating us out in stressful situations? One meth-
strong partnerships with local hospitals od that can be useful when we are man-
and healthcare providers like Genesis aging stress is a form of complementary
Healthcare Systems, Muskingum en- and alternative medicine (CAM) called
sures that ABSN graduates are not only aromatherapy. It uses essential oils to
Recent ABSN graduate, Keri Higginbotham ’24, working in Muskingum University’s state-of-the-art well-prepared but also ready to make an boost well-being or manage symptoms
nursing simulation lab. submitted through creating a chain reaction of
immediate impact in their communities. brain and chemical responses in the
Muskingum University celebrates the The University’s ABSN program is a hy- To meet the diverse needs of aspir- body from smelling essential oils (Cleve-
outstanding achievement of its Decem- brid, second bachelor’s degree program ing nurses, Muskingum University offers land Clinic, 2023). When inhaled, scent
ber 2024 Accelerated Bachelor of Sci- that fast-tracks individuals into nursing three distinct pathways to earn a Bach- from the essential oil travels through the
ence in Nursing (ABSN) graduates, all careers in just 15 months. The program elor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Along olfactory nerves to the brain, making a
of whom passed the National Council blends advanced online coursework with the ABSN program, traditional huge impact on the amygdala, which
Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on their with hands-on clinical training, giving undergraduate students can pursue a controls the emotional portion of the
first attempt, demonstrating their com- students practical experience through four-year, on-campus BSN and regis- brain (John Hopkins Medicine, 2025).
petency by completing 85 questions—10 real-world placements and access to a tered nurses can advance their careers Physical effects of essential oils can be
above the minimum required. state-of-the-art simulation lab. Designed through the 100 percent online RN-to- beneficial too, some massage thera-
The latest class continues Musking- to address the growing nursing short- BSN program. These flexible options en- pists use oils in their practice like winter-
green to help tight muscle or lavender in
um’s strong track record of success, as age, the ABSN program ensures gradu- sure that students at every stage of their bath products to aid in relaxation. Mul-
all Spring 2024 nursing graduates also ates are fully prepared to meet the de- professional journey can achieve their tiple health benefits have been recorded
passed the NCLEX on their first attempt. mands of today’s dynamic healthcare nursing goals. with essential oil like antimicrobial and
This success underscores the program’s environment. Individuals can learn more about anti-inflammatory properties, many of
commitment to preparing exceptional One graduate, Keri Higginbotham ’24, Muskingum’s nursing program at musk- the foods we eat every day have these
nurses and addressing the growing nurs- is already making a local impact as a ingum.edu/academics/nursing. qualities but need to be researched
ing shortage in Ohio and beyond. nurse in Genesis Healthcare System’s more to understand their potential
benefits (Frontiers in Medicine, 2024).
These foods include cinnamon, cumin,
cilantro, parsley, lemon, orange, thyme,
Muskingum County Center For Seniors and rosemary. Research has shown us
that essential oils may work for some
Launches New Program and not others, but clinical trials have
investigated whether essential oils can
alleviate anxiety, depression, insomnia,
“Smile Makers” Program to Reduce Social Isolation Among Older Adults and nausea.
Similar practices to aromatherapy

include yoga and acupuncture. Both dis-
The Muskingum County Center for Se- ers Program aims to bridge that gap by Muskingum County Center for Seniors ciplines use essential oils that comple-
niors proudly announces the launch of offering regular, supportive phone con- at (740) 454-9761 or visit our website at ment the disciplines being practiced in
its new initiative, the “Smile Makers Pro- versations tailored to each individual’s www.mccfs.org. relaxation, circulation, and balance of
gram,” designed to combat social isola- preferences and needs. Volunteers will The Smile Makers Program is part of the nervous system. Talk to your doc-
tion and feelings of loneliness among be matched with seniors and will check the Center’s ongoing commitment to tor today about whether aromatherapy
adults over the age of 60. This program in weekly, ensuring that every caller re- foster a vibrant, supportive environment may be beneficial for your physical and
will provide weekly phone calls to se- ceives not just a friendly voice, but also, for seniors and to help diminish the bar- emotional needs. These types of healing
niors in the community, fostering mean- companionship and encouragement. riers that contribute to loneliness. To- practices come from Eastern medicine
ingful connections and uplifting spirits. Smile Makers is open to any senior gether, we can build a stronger commu- but has become very popular here in
In today’s fast-paced world, many se- aged 60 and older residing in Musking- nity where every senior feels valued and the United States over the years. Yoga
niors face the challenges of isolation, um County. To enroll in the program or to connected. is a type of physical movement that in-
particularly those who may have limited learn more about becoming a volunteer, corporates stretching, breathwork, and
mobility or live alone. The Smile Mak- interested individuals can contact the mindfulness. Yoga studios in Zanesville
include 4th and Market, Megyen’s Yoga
Room, The Yoga Booth, and FlowFit Stu-
dios. Stop by and check out their space
Vendor applications being accepted for 2025 or sign up for a class! You never know if
you like something until you try it, so try
something new this season!
Zanesville Farmers Market
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, Sept. 9). Aromatherapy. https://
Spring market opens March 22 at Weasel Boy Brewing my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/aromatherapy
John Hopkins Medicine. (2025). Aromatherapy: Do Essential Oils
Really Work? https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-
It’s almost time for the Spring Zanes- goods; body care products; canned, and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
ville Farmers Market! Opening day is jarred and prepackaged foods; home- Pezantes-Orellana, C., German Bermúdez, F., Matías De la Cruz,
C., Montalvo, J. L., & Orellana-Manzano, A. (2024). Essential
set for Saturday, March 22 at Weasel made crafts; meat and dairy products; oils: a systematic review on revolutionizing health, nutrition, and
omics for optimal well-being. Frontiers in medicine, 11, 1337785.
Boy Brewing (126 Muskingum Avenue, and produce. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1337785
Zanesville). Shoppers can look forward Vendors are invited to apply to partici-
to the market every subsequent Satur- pate in the upcoming spring and sum-
day until April 26. Operating hours will mer markets. Visit zanesvillefarmers-
be 9:00 to 12:00 p.m. market.org to fill out the application. ADVERTISE IN THE DRESDEN BUZZ.
740-270-2408
A wide selection of items will be avail-
able to choose from including: baked