Monthly Friends Report: An man with white hair and beard smiles while wearing VR goggles.

In This Issue: Cheaper, easier, smarter. VR headsets could transform vision testing for patients with degenerative eye conditions.

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

In this issue ...

High blood pressure: New diagnosis guidelines
Acetaminophen overdose: A leading hospitalization cause
Hand sanitizer doesn’t kill norovirus: Wash hands instead
Whooping cough: Infections are rising in the U.S.
Pneumococcal vaccine: Now recommended at age 50
Reducing dementia risk: Annual eye exams may help
Early rheumatoid arthritis: Warning signs identified
Gut microbes may aid osteoarthritis therapy: And fracture healing
Ask A Scientist: What are your thoughts on Ivermectin for cancer therapy?

Also ...
🧻You May Have Missed: Bladder and bowel control webinar
🔬Join a Research Study: Cannabis creams for chronic pain
🦃Recipe: Cranberry Turkey Grain Bowl using Thanksgiving leftovers

Yours in health and discovery,

Julia Patrick

CU Anschutz Advancement Team

P.S. If you want to make sure we continue to land in your inbox once a month, subscribe and tell us what topics you want to see included in future issues.

ASK A SCIENTIST:

What are your thoughts on Ivermectin for cancer therapy?

After reviewing the latest studies and clinical data, Dr. Bryan Haugen provides an informed analysis of how Ivermectin works, its potential benefits and current limitations. His findings offer clarity for those curious about emerging cancer treatments.

Ask a Scientist moving image sneak peek with play button

▶ WATCH

If you'd like a better understanding of something you've read or heard about related to medicine and health in general, please email your question(s) to [email protected] (or just reply to this email).

HEALTH + WELLNESS ADVICE FROM OUR EXPERTS

Under new guidelines, more Americans qualify as having high blood pressure. What do the new guidelines mean and how can you work with your doctor to manage your blood pressure?

Exceeding recommended doses of Acetaminophen can cause serious health issues. In fact, acetaminophen poisoning is a leading cause of non-prescription medication-related hospitalization and death in the U.S.

Unfortunately, hand sanitizer can't kill norovirus, the unpleasant and highly contagious stomach bug. Wash your hands. Avoid other people. And let norovirus run its course.

Dangerous whooping cough infections are spiking again this year in the U.S. How to protect yourself and your family.

A pneumococcal vaccine is now recommended at age 50. Recent data revealed climbing pneumonia rates and more severe disease in the 50-to-64 age group, notably in Black Americans.

Gum disease isn’t just about your mouth — it’s linked to systemic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease and possibly heart disease. Treating gum disease can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, making it easier to manage chronic health problems.

The end of daylight saving time can disrupt sleep and circadian rhythms, which is especially significant for individuals in recovery or managing substance use. During this seasonal shift, it’s important to stay alert for warning signs in oneself or loved ones.

It is not uncommon for patients to learn they could have cancer in the emergency department. Estimates vary, but a 2024 study drawing on Medicare-claim data for 2008-2017 estimated that EDs in the United States were involved in the initial identification of cancer for 20% to 25% of patients with cancer.

Step-by-step instructions for self-treating vertigo using the Half Somersault Maneuver. Developed by Carol Foster, MD, this technique offers an at-home alternative to the commonly used Epley maneuver.

CU Anschutz School of Medicine’s Rural Program is built to recruit students who want to live and work in small towns, equipping them with specialized training and hands-on experiences that prepare them to deliver essential care in underserved communities.

LATEST DISCOVERIES
+ BREAKTHROUGHS

Could a virtual reality headset offer a cheaper, easier and more comfortable method of testing a person's vision, particularly among patients with degenerative eye conditions? Preliminary findings indicate positive potential.

Can annual eye checkups reduce risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias? As evidence of association climbs, researchers begin a deeper look in an effort to enhance and expand patient care.

Rheumatoid arthritis may be detected earlier thanks to a groundbreaking seven-year study revealing early warning signs before symptoms begin, potentially saving patients years of pain and disability.

Microorganisms living in the gut may hold the key to improving symptoms of osteoarthritis, help heal stubborn fractures and more. Intermittent fasting is also becoming a possible solution in improving bone fracture healing in obese and diabetic populations.

What if a proven program could help thousands avoid late-stage lung cancer? Discover how CU Anschutz researchers are scaling a successful model to make screening more effective nationwide.

Researchers are exploring earthworm-derived hemoglobin as a stable, oxygen-carrying alternative to human blood for organ perfusion. This innovation could extend organ viability and transform transplant medicine.

"Meet the Scientist" to learn the fundamental science behind telomeres and explore CU Anschutz’s newest discoveries on how they influence aging and inflammation, research that is shaping breakthroughs in cancer prevention and therapies for age-related conditions.

Philanthropic Spotlight

Community Power Driving Cancer Research Forward

Dr. Schulick promoting the importance of public funding for cancer research while participating in 2024's "Over the Edge" fundraising event.

Our Cancer Match is on again this year, with a goal of raising $200,000 to unlock an additional $400,000 before December 2, Giving Tuesday.

Our 2024 Giving Tuesday Cancer Match shattered expectations. After the initial match was met ahead of schedule, one supporter extended the challenge — and when that was met, another extended it again!

This momentum fuels the CU Anschutz Cancer Center’s mission to advance treatments and improve survival rates for the toughest cancers. As Dr. Schulick reminds us:

“We can’t rely solely on universities or government funding. Public support is essential to accelerate progress against cancer.”

The 2025 Cancer Match is underway right now. We hope you'll join us in making this year’s giving just as contagious — and help speed the search for cancer cures.

STORIES OF CHANGE

YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Webinar: Regain Bladder and Bowel Control with Dr. Kerri Thurmon
You do not have to accept an overactive bladder or bowel. Learn about current effective treatments so you can gain back control of your life.

WATCH NOW

RESEARCH STUDY
A Study Looking at How Creams or Balms with Cannabis Help People with Long-term Muscle and Joint Pain
Seeking participants aged 21-85 with joint pain for 6+ months, and who meet other criteria.

MORE DETAILS

TRIPLE YOUR IMPACT
2-to-1 Cancer Match
Thanks to a generous $400,000 match from MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation and Cancer League of Colorado, every gift made to cancer research is being tripled through Giving Tuesday.

MAKE A 3X MATCH

White bowl filled with shredded turkey, whole grains carrots and cranberries.

Recipe: Cranberry Turkey Grain Bowl

This easy recipe turns Thanksgiving leftovers into a wholesome meal that's both nourishing and flavorful.

Whole grains provide lasting energy and fiber to support digestion and heart health, while turkey offers lean protein to help you feel full and energized.

Add vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, roasted carrots or spinach for a boost of vitamins and minerals.

GET THE RECIPE

Brain Teaser

What is put on a table and cut, but never eaten?

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