When she was young, Dr. Merchant knew she would become a doctor so she could help people. When it was time to decide what kind of doctor she would be, she chose to work in the emer- gency room. She likes helping people who need care right away, she says. In addition to her work in the social media lab, she works in the emergency room at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Merchant says her interest in social media evolved over the past few years. She even monitors her own daily health habits via her smartphone and other electronic devices. Most days, she says, she runs three to four miles, and she often walks 20,000 steps or more. That translates into walking roughly 10 miles. Dr. Merchant also likes to play games. In her office, she keeps board games, video games, a Game Boy, and even a Rubik’s Cube. The games help her relieve stress. At night, before she heads to bed, she practices “sleep hygiene.” She turns off her smartphone, electronic games, computer, and TV because they can thwart sleep. As busy as she is, Dr. Merchant says she needs a good night’s rest. —By Cecily Ritchie, Melanie Stagliano, and Randee Wismer East Norriton Bulldog Bulletin 15 Illustration by Raymond Hill, East Norriton Bulldog Bulletin