Browsing by Author "Reznar, Melissa"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertension
    Crick, Savanna; Reznar, Melissa
    Hypertension is growing more prevalent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than in the general population. Because of the linked association between OSA and hypertension, patients are at an increased risk for stroke, heart failure, and premature death. The proposed study will explore the bidirectional relationship between OSA and hypertension, and the epidemiologic factors that are responsible for their correlation. The project will examine current methods regarding the treatment of high blood pressure in OSA patients, and it will discover other mechanisms that may be promising for treatment and abolishing apneas. The expected results of the project will allow healthcare professionals to have a better understanding of the link from OSA to hypertension and the preferred route of treating OSA so that hypertension and its related morbidities can be prevented. All patients that are currently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and have hypertension, as well as those with OSA who may be at risk for developing hypertension, will benefit from the findings of this project.
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    Branding Their Business and Developing and Refining Their Menus: A Qualitative Study of Mobile Food Vendors in Southeastern Michigan
    DeVlaminck, Kylie; Reznar, Melissa; Talbot, Jaclyn; Jarbo, Candis; Liechty, Faith; Simbeni, Sophia; Reznar, Melissa
    A modernized aspect of the food away from home (FAFH) culture are food trucks, as they allow consumers to make more educated decisions about their food consumption, while basing their business practices around co-creation. Thirteen qualitative interviews were conducted using semi structured questioning to investigate how food truck operators brand themselves and refine their menus. Using open, line-by-line coding in order to identify key phrases of text, coded information was analyzed to determine overarching themes. Following interview analysis, it was concluded that food truck operators developed a unique identity for their trucks to stand out amongst competitors and attract customers. These identities were primarily based on life experiences and personal cultural perspectives. Upon implementation of their identity, external (from consumers) and internal (from truck operators) feedback influenced menu adjustments in a physiology-like feedback loop model. Consumer’s specific menu needs, ingredients, nutrition, preparation, and ethnicities in the food all had an influence on menu specifications. Applicable to both food trucks and restaurants at large, co-creation, or working directly with the consumers to better reflect their desires, allows consumers to make more educated decisions about their meal purchases. Thus food trucks may just be the bridge between healthier meals and FAFH.
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    Diet and Its Overlooked Role in Depression
    Foster, Brendan; Reznar, Melissa
    This thesis explores the relationship between food and its impact on mood and risk of depression. Specific nutrients, food groups, and dietary patterns were examined for their impact on mood, including the risks of underconsumption and overconsumption. Potential mechanisms of how these food components may impact mood were also explored. Dietary patterns such as the Western diet and Mediterranean diet were examined for their impact on mood. Research on the influence of food on individuals diagnosed with depression as well as undiagnosed individuals was included. After reviewing the current literature, a Mediterranean-style diet is associated with a decreased risk of depression, while a Western-style diet is associated with an increased risk. Diets with adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and micronutrients are associated with a decreased risk of depression, while excess consumption of added sugar, refined grains, saturated fat, and alcohol is associated with an increased risk of depression. The effect of certain food components on mood such as dairy and protein vary depending on content and consumption.