Art helps us heal the wounds of war
   As military action in Iraq winds down, the world now has time to reflect on the recent events in the Gulf. Historically, artists have helped us through that process. Georgia State University associate professor of communication Ray Miller says artists are essential in society because they help us sort out not only our thoughts about world events, but also our feelings. Miller has first-hand experience with the relationship between traumatic events and their influence on the arts. For several months after Sept. 11, he conducted interviews with students and scripted a 45-minute dance drama using their words and sentiments to reflect their changing emotional and intellectual responses. Contact Miller at 404-651-3214 or jourfm@langate.gsu.edu.

Will insurance cover damage from terrorist attacks?
   Since the conflict with Iraq began, insurance companies have reported that more businesses and commercial property owners are buying terrorism insurance. But because of the "act of war" exclusion in most insurance policies, it's not clear whether terrorism-related damage suffered during the fighting with Iraq would be covered. A federal law passed last fall requiring companies to offer terrorism coverage does not address terrorist attacks during battles, such as the one with Iraq, that have not been declared a war by Congress. Harold Skipper, a professor or risk management and insurance at Georgia State University, is an expert on terrorism insurance who can provide an in-depth discussion of related issues. Contact Skipper at 404-651-2729 or hskipper@gsu.edu.

Despite health concerns, tobacco is still a hotbed of debate
   Even though a massive tobacco settlement awarded several years ago heightened awareness of cigarettes' deadliness, tobacco concerns continue to make headlines. In Illinois, tobacco giant Philip Morris was hit with a huge settlement after a class-action lawsuit alleged the company misled smokers into believing "light" cigarettes are less harmful. A tough New York law banning smoking in bars and restaurants recently went into effect, threatening first-time offenders with a $200 fine. And in Georgia, there is talk of a tobacco tax to help balance the state budget. Michael Eriksen, director of Georgia State University's Institute of Public Health, is an expert on health effects of tobacco and can answer questions about the recent litigation and related policy issues. He's the former director of the Office on Smoking and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Contact him at 404-651-4135 or meriksen@gsu.edu.

Mother's Day tough for grieving families
   While Mother's Day is typically a time for families to come together and celebrate motherhood, it can also be devastating for those who have lost a loved one. Young children, adults and single parents have different coping mechanisms, but all can benefit from some general advice on how to handle the loss of a mom, grandmother or wife, says Greg Brack, associate counseling professor at Georgia State University. He can be reached at 404-651-2550 or gbrack@gsu.edu.

Happening at Georgia State University:

World's first African Academy on Disability Sport to be held at Georgia State
   The Department of Kinesiology and Health at Georgia State University will coordinate the world's first African Academy on Disability Sport, an international project to support sport and recreation development for youth with disabilities in Africa, April 27 to May 10. About 20 representatives from more than a dozen African and Middle Eastern nations will be on campus to participate in program, engaging in an intensive curriculum in paralympic sport development that includes classroom lectures, laboratory work and field-based activities. The program is funded as part of a four-year grant from the U.S. Department of State. For more information, contact Ben Johnson, associate professor of kinesiology, at 404-651-4047 or bjohnson@gsu.edu.

Georgia State Leads is a biweekly email publication from the Department of University Relations. For more information about the publication or to sign up to receive Georgia State Leads, contact Beth Flannigan at 404-651-3574 or bflannigan@gsu.edu.

Don't see what you're looking for? Call University Relations at 404-651-3025 for fast access to faculty experts and university news. After hours and on weekends, contact Betsy Robertson, assistant director, via pager at 404-655-3456.

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