September 11, 2015

This week a Massachusetts teen was prosecuted for pressuring her boyfriend to commit suicide, raising questions about whether the incident was her fault or whether he would have done it anyway. Child psychiatrist Doug Gray, M.D., is available to explain the risk factors that can lead to suicide, including damaging relations and other pressures, environmental factors such as high altitude and a genetic predisposition. He is working to reduce the stigma around mental illness so more people will get the help they need. He can describe successful prevention methods and local assistance programs for teens and adults. For more information, contact Libby Mitchell in the Health Sciences Office of Public Affairs.
Phone: 801-587-0945 | Email: libby.mitchell@hsc.utah.edu

August 28, 2015

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility, and possibly the least understood. It is also associated with a risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and high cholesterol. Now though researchers believe they have uncovered a genetic link to the condition that affects 1 in 10 women in the United States. Corrine Welt, M.D., an endocrinologist with the University of Utah Health Care was involved in the new study and is available for interviews. For more information, contact Libby Mitchell in the Health Sciences Office of Public Affairs.

Phone: 801-587-0945 | Email: libby.mitchell@hsc.utah.edu

August 21, 2015

The Combat Veteran’s Motorcycle Association’s first annual Ride to Zero supports the U’s National Center for Veteran Studies and its work to prevent suicide among veterans. The center is a national leader in the development and implementation of methods for detecting and reaching out to at-risk military personnel and veterans. The event includes family activities, a ride to veteran memorials in the Salt Lake Valley and a concert (for those 21 and older) at the Royal Bar featuring the American Hitmen. Auction and raffle prizes include a guitar from the band Royal Bliss and U.S. flags flown by members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association over fire bases in Afghanistan. All proceeds will be donated to support the National Center for Veterans Studies. The $30 per-person donation covers lunch at the park and the evening concert.

Riverton City Centennial Park, 12880 S. 2700 West, Riverton, all day

Registration, food and family activities 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Kick stands up 1 p.m. | Live music at The Royal 5 p.m. (21 years and older only)

August 21, 2015

Farmer’s Market

For the first time, the University of Utah Farmers Market, which begins Aug. 27, will offer two programs to help students and food stamp recipients purchase healthier, local food. The University of Utah Farmers Market, now in its eighth season, brings Utah-grown produce and locally made gifts to the center of campus. The market is open Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Aug. 27-Oct. 8, on Tanner Plaza, just west of the Union. The University of Utah Farmers Market aims to provide access to fresh produce, both physically and financially, to the campus and Salt Lake communities. To aid its mission, the market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits. This year, the market will also offer Double Up Food Bucks and Double Your Dollars programs, which will provide additional funding to SNAP recipients and students to purchase more produce and nutritional food. These two programs will benefit communities traditionally underserved when it comes to the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables. Programs to double up funds for SNAP beneficiaries are part of a national food justice trend. Representatives from the U’s Sustainability are available to talk about the initiatives.

Sarah Lappe, communication and outreach coordinator at U Sustainability Office| Phone: 801-585-9352| Email: sarah.lappe@utah.edu

Ayrel Clark-Proffitt, campus engagement coordinator at U Sustainability Office |Phone: 801-581-7506, ayrel.clark@utah.edu

 

August 14, 2015

The U’s Center for Integrative Biomedical Computing just landed a $6.1 million grant renewal from the National Institutes of Health. The center produces open-source software for image-based modeling, simulation and visualization of biomedical data. Tens of thousands of scientists have downloaded the center’s software tools and data sets, and more than 200 papers published by scientists outside the center reference its software or computing infrastructure. The NIH grant has a five-year term. The principal investigators are bioengineering professor Rob MacLeod, computer science professor Ross Whitaker, and computer science professor Christopher Johnson, who directs the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute. Johnson can talk about the future of biomedical computing and next steps at the U.
Phone: 801-581-7705 | Email: crj@sci.utah.edu

August 7, 2015

The U College of Social Work was recently awarded exclusive licensure within the U.S. and Canada to certify eligible health and mental health professionals in the clinical practice of Mind-Body Bridging, a short-term psychotherapy employing mind-body and cognitive behavioral interventions. What exactly is the technique and why is it beneficial? Dorann Mitchell, director of Professional and Community Education in the College of Social Work, is available to talk about the therapeutic intervention and how it works.
Phone: 801-585-9202 | Email: dorann.c.mitchell@socwk.utah.edu

August 7, 2015

That was the question posed by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg when he and wife Priscilla Chen announced they are expecting a child, and detailed the three lost pregnancies they have had prior. Dr. Erin Clark, an expert in the field of maternal fetal medicine, is available to talk about the causes of miscarriage and why it is somewhat stigmatized in society. For interviews, please contact Libby Mitchell in the Health Sciences Office of Public Affairs.
Phone: 801-587-0945 | Email: libby.mitchell@hsc.utah.edu

July 31, 2015

With the start of a new school year just around the corner, it’s time for many parents to bring their children in for an eye exam and to get them fitted for new glasses. What is the appropriate age for an eye exam? What happens at a child’s first checkup? What are common vision problems detected in children—and if problems are spotted during an exam, what are the next steps in helping children cope with their diagnoses? What goes in to finding the perfect fit for glasses for kids? David Dries is an associate professor of ophthalmology at the U’s John A. Moran Eye Center who specializes in pediatric eye disease. He and other specialists from the Moran Eye Center are available to discuss these topics. Contact Esther Pomeroy, communications manager at the Moran Eye Center, to arrange an interview.
Phone: 801-587-9942 | Email: esther.pomeroy@hsc.utah.edu

July 6, 2015

With record-breaking heat on deck for Utah in the coming week, hydration is key. But how do you know if your kids are getting enough water? A new study from Harvard University found that most American kids and teens don’t drink enough water, which is leaving them mildly dehydrated. Mild dehydration can cause health issues such as headaches, irritability, poor physical performance and difficulty learning. How can parents encourage kids’ water intake throughout the day, and is it ok to get fluids from other sources? Scott Youngquist, an emergency physician at University of Utah Health Care, is available to speak on the issue. To schedule an interview, contact Libby Mitchell or Marissa Villaseñor at U Health Sciences Office of Public Affairs.
Libby Mitchell | Phone: 801-587-0945 | Email: libby.mitchell@hsc.utah.edu
Marissa Villaseñor | Phone: 801-581-3102 | Email: marrisa.villaseñor@hsc.utah.edu

July 6, 2015

Brad Wiggins has worked in the U’s burn unit for nearly 20 years as an RN. He is available to discuss firework safety and burn injuries related to fireworks or campfires. To schedule an interview, contact Libby Mitchell or Marissa Villaseñor at the U Health Sciences Office of Public Affairs.
Libby Mitchell | Phone: 801-587- 0945 | Email: libby.mitchell@hsc.utah.edu
Marissa Villaseñor | Phone: 801-581-3102 | Email: marrisa.villaseñor@hsc.utah.edu