In lecture, we discussed how social inequalities affect health outcomes for example a study in Norway showed that life expectancy is directly correlated to social class in both men and women. Unfortunately, social and health problems can be triggered or exacerbated by situations out of one’s own control. Some consequences with these issues are structural violence and lack of health and healthcare services to those who need them. So, what can we do to reduce social inequality in health and in working with marginalized groups? Our class talked about working on patient centered care, prioritizing those who need help the most, and working in our society to recognize those barriers and help influence political decision making. After our lectures, we broke out into groups: 3 OSU students for every 1 Norwegian student and discussed the difference between personal and professional values and how each can influence the care you are providing to your patients as nurses. We talked about the importance of knowing your own biases in order to not project them onto your patients. It was interesting hearing about the similarities and differences between the OSU and LDUC but in the end they were widely more aligned then different at all.

Once we were dismissed from LDUC, we had a short break before we met with the group again at Oslo Badstuforening in SUKKERBITEN for the plunge pool and sauna. At the Oslo Badstuforening, there is a series of floating docks where you jump into the Norwegian Sea, in the 59-degree water and then immediately go into the sauna afterwards. Our dock was the Albatrossen and it had an extra dock on the balcony to jump: about a 20-foot drop into the cold Nordic waters. The alternating heating and cooling affect actually help with circulation, muscle aches, and joint alignment as well as it has therapeutic and meditation effects. This follows the sustainable developmental goal (SDG) #3: Good Health & Well-Being which, “[ensures] healthy lives and [promotes] well-being for all at all ages”. It follows target 3.4 to reduce the number of non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. Oslo Badstuforening is a non-profit organization whose mission is, “Sauna for the people! We want the whole of Oslo to have access to a sauna”. From being in Norway, I have learned how well their community values health and wellness: shorter workdays promoting a work-life balance, access to fresh fruits and vegetables promoting healthy eating habits, and accessible to sidewalks promoting physical health. Can’t wait for tomorrow for another adventure in Oslo!

Thanks for reading!

Mai Cooper