Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Caritas Strodthoff shares an article written by a Women’s Research Team from University of Toledo, OH and Winona State University, MN regarding an 11th year visit to Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, WI.
March 14, 15 and 16 were busier than usual at Holy Family. The Research team from The University of Toledo in Ohio and Winona State University in Minnesota visited for the 11th straight year to collect research information from the Religious Sisters. Team leaders, Dr. Phyllis M. Gaspar and Dr. Judith C. Bautch, along with Nursing faculty and faculty in Physical therapy were accompanied by graduate students. The students are preparing to be Nurse Practitioners and Physical Therapists (Doctorate in Physical Therapy).
The Research, a longitudinal study to describe the health habits and health status of a group of Religious Sisters consists of asking volunteer subjects (Sisters) to answer questionnaires, perform physical function tests and have simple physical measurements such as blood pressure, hearing testing, height and weight and frame size. These data the researchers state will provide important information related to the normal aging process in women.
The research team stated they were excited to have approximately 70 Sisters participate in the study this year. They were also grateful to all of the Sisters for being so welcoming to the team and sharing hospitality with the faculty and students. Special thanks to Sister Caritas Strodthoff for planning and coordinating the activities at the convent.
