Research News

During March-April 2024, Walailak University, led by Asst. Prof. Jiraphat Nawarat, Dr. Charupa Lektip, the School of Allied Health Sciences, along with Ms. Piriya Chonsut, the School of Medicine, students, and the Center for Academic Services team integrated efforts in “Social Engagement Project” by following up on the recovery and care outcomes for non-communicable disease (NCD) patients and explore the use of local herbs for health benefits in communities. After conducting exercise programs together with herbal tea use for individuals at risk of NCDs, it was found that the 18 at-risk individuals demonstrated significantly improved heart and lung endurance (SDG 3). This activity was part of the project series "Walailak Health Model: Restoring Quality of Life and Creating Sustainable Well-being in Community Areas Around the University", where lecturers from various departments collaborated to integrate activities with the missions of academic service, research, and teaching to align with Basic Physical Therapy in Community, Physical Therapy for Disabilities in Community of the School of Allied Health Sciences and Thai Traditional Therapeutic Massage 6 of the School of Medicine (SDG 4).

The project series "Walailak Health Model: Restoring Quality of Life and Creating Sustainable Well-being in Community Areas Around the University" is an integration of health knowledge from the School of Allied Health Sciences, the School of Medicine, and the School of Pharmacy under the Holistic Area Based Community Development Project, known as WU - Social engagement, for the fiscal year 2024. The objectives of this project series, include promoting the health and rehabilitation of bedridden patients through physical therapy; developing herbal products, and enhancing community well-being through applied Thai traditional medicine; elevates the herbs to community massage oil products; develops disease prevention and promotion services for at-risk individuals; disseminates outcomes from collaborative activities in line with learning, teaching, research, cultural preservation, and academic service in the form of Social Engagement to be “Walailak Health Model.” Additionally, this collaboration among the three academic departments aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG3: "Good Health and Well-being," focusing on promoting health and well-being for the elderly at the local community level; SDG4: "Quality Education," aiming to provide equal and inclusive education and promote lifelong learning for all; and SDG17: "Partnerships for the Goals," fostering collaboration with relevant networks and organizations.