In this issue: There is evidence to support taking creatine can help preserve and build muscle. But you can’t just take a creatine supplement and sit on the couch.

Every month, I scan the CU Anschutz and UCHealth newsrooms for the stories our readers have told me they care about most.

In this issue...

Creatine for Women: Could this supplement support healthy aging?
The Tan Myth: Why no tan is a safe tan.
Floss Facts: Brushing only gets you 60% clean.
Weather & Migraines: When the forecast becomes a trigger.
Gingivitis & Arthritis: A surprising bacterial connection.
T-Cell Lymphoma: New treatments and a dedicated clinic.
A New Alzheimer’s Tool: Helping families plan with clarity.

Also this month...

🧠 Aug. 16: Free event on Parkinson’s care.
🌿 Research study: Can psilocybin ease anxiety in cancer patients?
🥗 Recipe: Heart-healthy and folate-rich Kale Citrus & Quinoa Salad.

Yours in health and discovery,

Julia Patrick
Newsletter Connoisseur

CU Anschutz Advancement Team

P.S. Do you find this newsletter helpful? Our objective is to update you on the latest discoveries happening at CU Anschutz thanks to the power of philanthropy. If you want to make sure we continue to land in your inbox once a month, please subscribe and tell us what topics we should include in future issues.

HEALTH + WELLNESS ADVICE FROM OUR EXPERTS

Can taking creatine help women stay healthy as they age? Bonnie Jortberg, PhD, is not a fan of supplements. “With most supplements, there’s not enough data to support their use,” she says. Yet there does seem to be evidence that creatine can be beneficial.

Just like a burn, a suntan is skin damage and does not protect against burns that cause skin cancer. The myth of the “protective tan” likely originated in the fact that darker-skinned individuals are less likely to develop skin cancer than people with lighter skin.

Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces, leaving the remaining 40% – the spaces between your teeth – untouched. According to our experts, flossing or using other interdental cleaners is essential. These tools remove plaque, a bacteria-filled biofilm that can lead to cavities and gum disease if left behind.

Studies find 30% to 50% of people with migraines identify some type of weather change as a trigger, making it the most commonly reported migraine source. Weather-related migraine can be one of the most frustrating triggers because it feels completely out of your hands. However, with knowledge, tracking and the right treatment strategies, you can take back a sense of control.

Having surgery? Use marijuana? Be sure to let your doctor know. Marijuana users may require 10 times more anesthesia than a non-user to stay “asleep’’ during surgery.

Did you know that 67% of Americans haven’t created a will? August is National Make-A-Will Month. A great time to take a simple, meaningful step toward peace of mind. CU offers a free estate planning resource designed to support you every step of the way.

LATEST DISCOVERIES
+ BREAKTHROUGHS

A new study reveals that joint tissue from patients with early-stage rheumatoid arthritis often have high levels of a protein called granzyme, used by the immune system to attack pathogens. The study also detected remnants of a bacteria that causes gum disease – gingivitis. While a connection between gingivitis and rheumatoid arthritis has long been suspected, this is the first time physical evidence of the bacteria in the joint tissue has been detected.

Recent clinical trials have shown promising early results in treating aggressive and cutaneous forms of T-cell lymphoma, a rare and hard-to-treat blood cancer. This work includes developing faster-acting, potentially curative treatments and launching Colorado’s only multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to this disease.

A new study shows how a dangerous breast cancer type spreads by hiding from the immune system. A protein called EYA3 helps the cancer block immune cells, making it easier to grow in places like the lungs.

An estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia, according to the National Institute of Health. Researchers are working on a patient-centered tool to help families navigate the early, middle and late stages of dementia and covers topics such as finances, safety of the patient and treatment options.

For people with cancer, participation in a clinical trial can mean access to promising treatments, and it can also help advance scientific discoveries that benefit others. Yet a survey shows that 41% of U.S. adults don’t know what a clinical trial is. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, at what point should they and their doctor talk about participating in a clinical trial? And what are some common misunderstandings about clinical trials?

A CU Anschutz Medical Campus surgeon has successfully removed bladder cancer from CU Boulder's Coach Prime. Men account for about 63,000 of the estimated 83,000 new cases of bladder cancer in the U.S. each year.

Philanthropic Spotlight

Joanne Posner-Mayer’s Lasting Impact on CU Physical Therapy

When Joanne Posner-Mayer, PT ’73, reflects on her journey – from first-generation college student to global leader in physical therapy – she credits CU with opening the door.

Now, through transformative philanthropy, she’s ensuring that same door remains open for future generations.

Discover how one woman’s gratitude became a powerful force for change.

JOANNE'S INSPIRING STORY

AUGUST 16
Living Well with Parkinson's Disease
A free event for people with Parkinson's disease, their care partners, families and friends. Topics include: Neuropalliative Care and Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation.

RESEARCH STUDY
Can Psilocybin and Therapy Help Cancer Patients?
This study will test if one dose of psilocybin, given with talk therapy, can safely help people with advanced cancer feel less anxious, less depressed and improve quality of life.

DO I QUALIFY?

SEPTEMBER 12
The Ludeman Family Center for Women's Health Research 2025 Annual Community Luncheon
A signature educational and fundraising event for over 20 years. With special guest, Arianna Huffington.

BUY TICKETS

A kale salad presented in a light green bowl sits on a rustic wooden tabletop surrounded by walnuts, dried quinoa and lemon wedges.

Recipe: Kale Citrus and Quinoa Salad

Features folate-rich kale and oranges — essential nutrients that help prevent anemia and reduce risks of heart disease.

GET THE RECIPE

Brain Teaser

I am the only organ that named myself. What am I?

Riddles test logic, lateral thinking as well as memory, engaging the brain to see patterns and connections between different things and circumstances.
See the answer >>

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University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Office of Advancement | 303-724-8922

[email protected]
giving.cu.edu/anschutz

HEALTH + WELLNESS ADVICE FROM OUR EXPERTS

LATEST DISCOVERIES + BREAKTHROUGHS

LATEST DISCOVERIES
+ BREAKTHROUGHS