Ohio State's news, experts and events give you more on the news

News

Job stress doesn't just strain nerves - it can strain backs, too. A new study at Ohio State provides the first-ever link between stress and back pain. The study, published in the Dec. 1, 2000 issue of the journal Spine, found that people with certain personality types may increase their risk of back injury if they experience workplace stress. Ohio State co-authors William Marras, professor of industrial, welding, and systems engineering, and Catherine Heaney, professor of public health, and their colleagues tested how 25 college students reacted to critical and unsupportive supervision while lifting boxes. Students who were distressed by criticism used their muscles in ways that might lead to injury over time. Marras says the results are a first step toward explaining why people with certain personality types - namely, introverts and those who dislike performing repetitive tasks - are more likely to report back pain on the job. The findings may be of interest to businesses that depend on physical labor from their workers. Contact: William Marras, (614) 292-6670.

Experts

'Tis the Season for Christmas Trees - Not all Christmas trees are created equal. If you want the perfect tree for the holidays, some time and attention should be put into selecting and caring for it, according to Randy Heiligmann, Ohio State University Extension forestry specialist. Nearly half a million Scotch pine, white pine, blue spruce, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, Canaan fir and other varieties will be harvested for market in Ohio this holiday season. No matter what type people choose, Heiligmann has tips to help you select a quality tree and preserve its freshness. Contact: Randy Heiligmann, (614) 292-9838.

The bottom line on the holiday shopping season - Retailers depend on consumers to buy, buy, buy during December in order to meet their profit goals for the year. Lucia Dunn, professor of economics, can discuss how this shopping season in shaping up, both in Ohio and nationally. She can talk about consumer confidence, how much shoppers plan to spend, and whether retailers will be happy with their sales during this crucial period. Contact: Lucia Dunn, Economics, (614) 292-8071.

Events

Symposium recognizes six Kellogg finalists - Dec. 7. Ohio State is hosting a symposium for six finalists for the Kellogg's Hannah Neil World of Children Award from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday (12/7) in the Longaberger Alumni House, 2200 Olentangy River Road. The Kellogg Foundation will present a $100,000 award to one of the finalists to support programs for the world's underserved children. Finalists will give a short presentation about their work with children. Finalists are: Marie Bellande, Dr. J. Terrance Davis, the late Bertha Holt, Peter Samuelson, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver, and the Rev. William Bryce Wasson. W. Randy Smith, vice provost for curriculum and institutional relations at Ohio State, and Roberta Terapak, director of development and community relations at the Hannah Neil Center for Children, worked together to organize and host the symposium. Contact:Randy Smith, (614) 292-5881.

Speaker of the House is speaker at Commencement - Dec. 8 Jo Ann Davidson, speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, will give The Ohio State University's autumn commencement address on Dec. 8. Currently serving her 10th term in the House representing the state's 24th District, Davidson holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as speaker in Ohio. Approximately 1,400 graduates will receive degrees during the ceremony, and six individuals will be honored for their commitment to public service, higher education and community service. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. in St. John Arena, 410 Woody Hayes Drive. Media wishing to cover commencement should have received credentials last week. If you have not, please Contact: Karissa Shivley, University Relations, (614) 292-8295.

Go Bowling in sunny Florida - The Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Tampa, Fla., to square off against the South Carolina Gamecocks for the first time in history in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day. The game kicks-off at 11 a.m. and will be televised on ESPN. Students, faculty and staff tour packages range from $300 per person without airfare to $1,425 per person with airfare. As part of the trip, the Office of Student Affairs is organizing several community service activities in the Tampa area. Contact: Office of Student Activities, (614) 292-8763.

The person listed as Contact will have the best information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story--Elizabeth Conlisk, (614) 292-3040; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385; Lesley Deaderick, (614) 292-0569; Melinda Sadar, (614) 292-8298; and Karissa Shivley, (614) 292-8295.

Compiled by Amy Murray, University Relations, (Murray-Goedde.1@osu.edu)