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Tag: Education

  • Myth vs. Fact: Pregnancy During a Period

    Myth

    You cannot get pregnant if you have sex while you are on your period.

    Fact

    The Daybreak article explained that pregnancy is less likely during menstruation than during the fertile window, but it is still possible. Ovulation timing varies between people and cycles, and sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to about five days. With a shorter cycle or earlier-than-expected ovulation, sperm from intercourse during menstruation may still be present when an egg is released. Cycle timing alone is therefore not a reliable way to prevent pregnancy.

    Bottom line from the newsletter

    A period does not guarantee protection from pregnancy. The chance may be lower, but pregnancy can still occur, especially with irregular or shorter menstrual cycles. The article advised people who do not want to become pregnant to use a reliable contraceptive method regardless of where they are in their cycle.

    Credit and references

    Written by Michael Chen.

    Source

    This item appeared in DAWN Daybreak on August 18, 2026. The original source email is preserved in the project files.

  • CU School of Medicine Fall Festival

    DAWN Daybreak shared a save-the-date notice for the CU School of Medicine Fall Festival on Friday, September 4.

    The newsletter stated that the Service Alliance Club would table at the Interest Group Fair from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and would likely seek volunteers to represent the club and connect with students.

    More details and volunteer opportunities were expected to be shared later.

    Source

    This item appeared in DAWN Daybreak on August 18, 2026. The original source email is preserved in the project files.

  • The Hidden Effects of Wildfire Smoke

    DAWN Daybreak reported on research suggesting that wildfire smoke may affect developing babies during pregnancy as well as the lungs and heart.

    The item described a study of more than 3,000 pregnancies in California. It stated that exposure to wildfire-related PM2.5 during the first eight weeks of pregnancy was associated with higher odds of certain birth defects, including spina bifida, heart defects, and cleft lip.

    The newsletter connected the research to wildfire smoke exposure in Colorado and emphasized patient education about checking air quality, taking extra precautions during pregnancy, and reducing smoke exposure.

    Credit and reference

    Written by Jiapsi Duran.

    PubMed record 41986615 (opens in a new window).

    Source

    This item appeared in DAWN Daybreak on August 11, 2026. The original source email is preserved in the project files.

  • Lettuce Talk About Food Safety!

    A recent Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce was presented as an example of how contaminated food can affect communities. The newsletter noted that even healthy foods can carry harmful parasites.

    The article stated that Cyclospora can cause dehydration, watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and fatigue, and that symptoms may last for several days or return after briefly improving.

    Food safety reminders

    The newsletter recommended washing hands before and during meal preparation, cleaning kitchen surfaces, checking food recall notices, and thoroughly washing fresh produce.

    It also emphasized prevention and clear community education about recognizing foodborne illness, preventing dehydration, and avoiding recalled foods.

    Credit and references

    Written by Jiapsi Duran.

    Source

    This item appeared in DAWN Daybreak on July 28, 2026. The original source email is preserved in the project files.

  • DAWN Scholarship and Sustainability Opportunities

    DAWN Daybreak shared opportunities for volunteers interested in research, quality improvement, education, and other scholarly projects.

    DAWN Project Tracker

    The newsletter stated that projects involving patients, patient data, patient care, surveys, interviews, focus groups, or quality improvement should be entered into the DAWN Project Tracker and receive the appropriate COMIRB determination.

    Open the DAWN Project Tracker referenced in Daybreak (opens in a new window).

    National Clinical Sustainability Challenge

    The National Clinical Sustainability Challenge was described as a six-month interdisciplinary quality-improvement initiative focused on reducing healthcare’s environmental footprint.

    • Teams should have a project idea and be assembled before contacting DAWN leadership.
    • Teams should include two to five students.
    • At least one team member should be a medical student.
    • Interdisciplinary teams were encouraged.

    Teams with a proposal were directed to email Emma Shelby to discuss whether the project was a fit for DAWN. The newsletter listed October 1, 2026 as the proposal deadline.

    Read about the National Clinical Sustainability Challenge (opens in a new window).

    Open the application form referenced in Daybreak (opens in a new window).

    Source

    This item appeared in DAWN Daybreak on July 28, 2026. The original source email is preserved in the project files.