Category Archives: Human Longevity

If you know any doctorswe mean, know them wellyou know the deep, dark secret hiding under their lab coats: They're human. "Doctors are not really known to take care of themselves as much as they should!" admits Dr. Thomas Jeneby, a plastic surgeon from Texas. "But there are some perks!" One perk is that they know how to be healthybetter than anyonewhether they live that way or not. Which is why we asked the experts what you should do to live longer.Read on to find out moreand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

"Pet ownership is a 24/7 form of pet therapy and is a personal stress reducer for me," says Carmen Echols, MD. "Shortly after my husband and I married, we got a dogthat we still own, by the way. After especially challenging days at work, I sit on the couch and watch TV while petting the dog and find that simple activity so relaxing."

"I'll tell you my experience in the field of holistic medicine what I've learned from other top doctors," says Dean C. Mitchell, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The simple things really work!

"Some studies have shown that having a purpose in life helps to maintain mental and possibly physical health and benefit longevity. Intuitively this makes sense as it maintains an energetic 'drive' in life," says Jack J Springer, MD, Assistant Professor Emergency Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell. "This purpose can be intellectual, emotional, physical or spiritual. Before writing my new book, I focus on the purposehelping people with anxietywhich is energizing physically and mentally. It also allows for more focus which decreases distraction and 'wasted' time spent doing things that may, in the short term, feel good, but ultimately are taking time from more beneficial, healthful and rewarding activities."

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"One thing physicians do to live longer is to go to the doctor!" says Carmen Echols, MD. "Many people assume that we physicians can take care of our own health concerns merely because we have the medical knowledge to do so, but that simply is not for the best. It is always wise for us to have the objective expertise of a colleague when it comes to personal physical and mental health."

"The field of epigenetics is where doctors are looking when it comes to reversing rapid aging and preventing disease," says Dr. Elena Villanueva of Modern Holistic Health. "With genetic testing doctors can uncover their unique individualized 'operations manual' to understand what foods, environmental toxins, and lifestyle choices they should make. Then they can even understand what type of exercise will benefit them the most, what sleeping patterns they should adhere to, and what supplements will benefit them."

"Massage therapy is an excellent way to improve muscle spasms and help relax," says Dr. Allen Conrad, BS, DC, CSCS of Montgomery County Chiropractic Center. "Not to mention relieve stress."

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"I find that exercise is a very important part of my routine to control stress and be healthier," says Nathan Rock, OD, FAAO. "As doctors, we know that exercise has positive benefits in many ways including promoting excellent cardiovascular health and promoting a balanced mood through release of endorphins. Personally, I have found that exercise, when possible, both before and after work can help to prepare for a successful day as well as relieve any stress from a day's work." He enjoys yoga "in the morning, as they very first thing to start my day. In the evenings, I enjoy running and weight lifting." Don't discount the power of doing it with others. "I have found I enjoy exercising with others, so I have joined two running clubs in my community which I run with on two weeknights. This adds to the social aspects of exercise and helps me keep motivated and accountable."

"As a 49-year-old physician, there are several things I try to do in order to live healthier and longer. Getting enough sleep is crucial, and I aim to get at least 6 hours a night," says Dr. Monique May, a physician. (Most healthy adults need between 7 to 9 hours.)

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"I also stay well-hydrated by drinking enough water each day so that my urine is clear and not dark yellow," admits Dr. May. "The amount of water I drink can vary depending on how much exercise I have done for the day, so I go by the color of my urine as a good indicator. Also, when I feel hungry I drink water. If I drink water before I eat I do not eat as much, and it prevents thirst. By the time one feels thirsty, he or she is actually already dehydrated, so one should drink when they feel hunger to prevent that."

"I also exercise at least 3-5 times a week, and do a variety of activities, such as spin class, yoga, and kickboxing. I also like to dance as well," says Dr. May.

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"Eating right is key, and I have recently incorporated more fruits and vegetables in my diet as I cut down on my meat intake," says Dr. May. "I still have to have a juicy burger every now and then!"

"There are so many diseases that arise with an increased body mass that maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to longevity," says Dr. Thanu Jey, Clinic Director at Yorkville Sports Medicine Clinic. "Extra weight also puts a substantial burden on your joints causing earlier joint problems like arthritiswear and tearand tendonitis."

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"Stretching your muscles helps keep you flexible and mobile, which helps prevent many compensatory injuries," says Dr. Jay. "Stretching increases blood circulation, joint health, mobility, balance and much more that'll help you live a longer, happier life."

"I have been utilizing my Hyperbaric Chamber which increases the volume of oxygen absorption by increasing atmospheric pressure," says Dr. Rudy Gehrman, DC Executive Director and Founder of Physio Logic NYC."It can create new blood vessels, essentially enabling new circulation and oxygen to areas that are depleted. It can reduce inflammation and speed up healing. These treatments can also help the immune system kill harmful bacteria and viruses. In simple terms, the fastest way to kill a human being (outside of trauma) is to deplete them of oxygen. What better way to reverse signs of aging than to push oxygen at a cellular level throughout your body!"

"Three to four days per week I implement whole body hot and cold contrasts treatments by soaking in a hot bath to induce a fever, followed by an ice cold shower," says Dr. Rudy Gehrman, DC, Executive Director and Founder of Physio Logic NYC. "This process pumps up the lymph system which is responsible for moving inflammation causing movement of stagnant fluids through the body."

"Ballroom dancing has been a passion of mine since college at Harvard and MIT, when I was members of ballroom dancing clubs," says Dr. Ming Wang, MD, Ph.D., an ophthalmologist in Nashville. "I still practice it today weekly and participate in local and regional championships. I find it to be a great way to relax, relieve stress, as well as stay active."

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"It can be easy with the busy routine of medicine to fall into poor eating habits," says Dr. Wang. "After all, fast food and unhealthy options are much easier to come by. I feel it is important to make conscious decisions to eat healthier. The easiest way to do this is bring my own lunch to work when I can. Because food cooked at home can generally be prepared much more healthy than what is bought from a restaurant, it is a good way to control exactly what I am eating in the correct portion. It also has another benefit of avoiding the stress that can come from trying to grab a lunch if the lunch hour is busy."

"I can single out a simple way to get started to increasing longevity: Eat a good breakfast on a regular basis," says Morton Tavel, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine. "Those who regularly consume this meal enjoy greater longevity and find it easier to maintain a lower weight. Breakfast is more apt to contain more nutritious foods such as fruit and protein. Protein also provides more persistent satiation that delays hunger and, therefore, the desire for mid-morning snacks. Protein is especially helpful, for it not only provides a lengthier sense of fullness but also burns up more energy while being digested, resulting in fewer excess net calories to deal with. Therefore, don't forget to include protein sources such as eggs, yogurt, low-fat milk, cheese, nuts, etc.,"like the recipes in Zero Belly Breakfasts, for example"but minimize such processed meat sources as bacon, sausage and the like, for the latter pose, in themselves, significant threats to health."

"I have two tips for living a longer, healthier life," says Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman, a plastic surgeon. "First, I wear sunscreen! Skin cancer is pervasive, and melanoma especially is aggressive and can be deadly. Photodamage (sun damage) from UV exposure is cumulative, so it's important to wear sun protection every day whether it's cold and cloudy or warm and sunny. I typically recommend higher SPF than most: 30+ for medium skin tones and 50+ for those with fair skin." Read on to hear his second tip!

"Second, I try to maintain a stable weight," says Dr. Zuckerman. "Whether by diet and exercise or other means, a stable weight helps an individual maintain activity levels and general life satisfaction. In addition, as we age it can be more difficult to lose weight, and losing weight can have side effects such as leaving excess skin or sag. This is due to tissues losing elasticity as we age, and once stretched beyond the limit of its elasticity, tissue cannot fully contract back down."

"Physicians make thousands of decisions every day, answer a million questions, and work long hours. I have two strategies to live longer. One, I have dinner with my wife and kids every evening," says Dr. George Hennawi, director of the department of geriatrics at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore. Read on for his second tip!

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"Two, I categorize my decisions into buckets," says Dr. Hennawi. "One bucket is people wanting to ventso I listen and sympathize. Another bucket is a systemic issue that needs a deeper dive and time to answer. The last bucket is an urgent matter that needs attention as soon as possible. As you may guess, a lot falls into the first category, which allows me to reduce stress and live longer, hopefully."

"There are several ways we can stay healthy and live a longer, higher quality life," says Anthony Kouri, M.D., an Orthopedic Surgeon at the University of Toledo Medical Center. "I personally take calcium and vitamin D supplementation daily. Something that is not appreciated by many people is the effect that low calcium and vitamin D can have on us as we age. It is most common in post-menopausal women, and both genders after age 50, however it can be found in young people as well. Our peak bone density is found in the second and third decade of life, typically around age 30. Nearly 50% of all people are deficient in vitamin D, which can lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis, and has been linked to breast, prostate and colon cancers, as well as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Many people don't feel the effects of vitamin D deficiency until it's too late."

"Though any exercise is better than no exercise at all, the type of exercise makes a difference when it comes to bone health," says Dr. Kouri. "From the age of 30, we begin to lose bone mineral density. Studies have demonstrated that moderate-impact exercise is ideal for maximizing bone mineral density as we age. Moderate impact running and jogging in the elderly leads to a significant increase in bone mineral density when compared to those who do minimal activity. Preventing osteoporosis or osteopenia from occurring is the best way to avoid big, life-altering problems in the future."

"Spend as much time with close friends and family," recommends Dr. Springer. "Loneliness is closely tied to poor health (over time) and certainly decreased longevity. It is epidemic in many areas of the world (especially the 'Western' highly developed countries) it is a killer of spirit and life, literally. Intimacy (in person!) is a great human need. This connection is vital to the health if humans and its absence is probably a major factor in the global epidemic of anxiety and depression. People with whom you can be yourself and not hold back for fear of judgement. To understand the importance, think about how you feel mentally and physically after a few hours talking or laughing or just sitting with someone close to you."

"Develop a sense of ties to the community around you: this could be semi-regular block parties, clubs, service organizations, religious or spiritual groups," advises Dr. Springer. "This ties together both a sense of purpose and intimacy."

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"Keep learning: whether crossword puzzles, Sudoku, a new language, instrument, or hobbyexpressive ones such as art/ performance may be best," says Dr. Springer. "Again, group activities are ideal."

Leslie P. Soiles, Chief Audiologist at HearingLife, recommends visiting a hearing health center to get your ears assessed, as side effects from hearing loss can impact living a long and healthy life. Hearing problems can lead to other serious physical and mental health issues such as, balance issues, dementia, depression and Alzheimer's.

RELATED: Ways You're Ruining Your Body After 60, Say Experts

"My non-obvious health tip: don't eat your children's leftovers," says Dr. Edna Ma, MD. "I grew up eating all the food from my plate before being allowed to leave the dinner table. This was probably due to our family's poor economic status at the time. My parents were first generation Chinese immigrants who grew up during China's worst famine. This aversion to food waste also deepened during my time as a Survivor (yes, the TV show!) contestant. Now that I am a parent, it's still hard for me to see food waste. As adults, our nutritional needs are different that children's. And eating their leftovers will lead to unnecessary caloric intake and weight gain."

"Living longer isn't just a recipe to eat this, use this cream, or do crossword puzzles everyday," says Dr. Jacqueline Darna, N.M.D. "Instead longevity of life is about a state of mind. I have heard countless friends who stop doing what they love, working as a physician, and start to decline in health. Do what gives you purpose and love life. As a physician I want my patients to see I live a healthy life by example, I cycle every morning so I can enjoy food and not count calories, I don't put poisons in my body and choose natural remedies, I dance everyday (from the shower to the car), and I always look on the bright side."

RELATED: Vitamins That Can Prevent Aging, Say Studies

"The clich is true: 'The things that you own are the things that own you,'" says Dr. Will Kirby, a board certified dermatologist and the Chief Medical Officer of LaserAway. "And no one was ever on their deathbed and said, 'I wish I spent more time buying stuff on Amazon.' So recognize that physical possessions only make you happy very temporarily while less tangible pastimes will give you a more stable, long term endorphin boost! I'm not naive enough to think that we aren't consumer but I sold my expensive car and walk it bike or use ride-sharing. I don't own an expensive watch, and I try to minimize the physical possessions I own. After all, I don't own them they actually own me!"

"Fiber is an excellent way to stay healthy and lose weight" states Dr. Conrad. "People who regularly eat a lot of fiber have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol, and fiber is a healthy low sugar option for diabetics. Foods high in fiber include oatmeal, flax seeds, chia seeds, broccoli and beans."

RELATED: Sure Signs You Have Abdominal Fat, Say Experts

"Contribute to society through mentorship: Humans are social creatures and for tens of thousands we worked in collective groups to benefit our cause," says Dr. Kirby. "In modern society, that has all but disappearedwe are no much more selfish and driven to only accomplish quantifiable persists. So it's my contention that one of the best things that you can do to live a long life is to find meaning and purpose by helping others in your community or profession."

"Don't avoid stress: So many people want to minimize stress for longevity but not only is stress is terribly misunderstood and it is a mistake to attempt to avoid it," says Dr. Kirby. "Many people who live though incredible hardship live a long time. And I'm not advocating monthly trips to Everest but embracing the concept that stressful events eventually pass and you often because emotionally (and even physically!) stronger following stressful events."

"I listen to my wife," says Eric Branda, AuD, PhD at Signia. "All jokes about marriage aside, many of us put the well-being of our families and significant others above our own health. Consequently, we may neglect being as attentive to our own health needs. It's important to remember that those significant others in our lives may pick up and call attention to changes in our health that we may be slower to act on."

"I personally travel to a least a new country every year alone," says Colin Zhu, DO, DipABLM of the Thrive Bites podcast. "For me, solitude gives me stress relief and balance and clarity. Also, it helps me to re-engage my five senses again. On a daily basis, it would be cooking at home. It's very therapeutic for me and also reinforces social connection especially when I cook with others!"

"Weight-bearing exercise can help slow bone loss," says Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, author of The Magnesium Miracle. "Putting weight on your bones by walking, running and/or lifting weights stimulates the growth of new bone. Exercise can also help keep joint cartilage healthy. Strong muscles support joints and reduce the load on them." As for yourself: To get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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The #1 Anti-Aging Tips Doctors Use Themselves Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

MONTREAL, Nov. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -Solmax is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire Propex, an industry-leading U.S. geosynthetics manufacturer with a long track record in the construction, transportation, mining, and automotive industries. With this transaction, Solmax reinforces its position as a leading geosynthetics solutions provider.

Jean-Louis Vangeluwe, President of Solmax, commented: "This strategic acquisition enables Solmax to expand its sophisticated geosynthetics product portfolio for the benefit of engineers, distributors, contractors, operators, and others working in the environmental containment and civil infrastructure sectors. As a global leader in the industry, Solmax is accelerating the promotion and awareness of highly technical and specialized geosynthetic solutions, reducing the carbon footprint of conventional building solutions, and mitigating the environmental impact of human activities."

With origins that can be traced back to 1910, Propex is today one of North America's leading geosynthetics providers. An award-winning manufacturer and low-carbon solutions provider, it boasts a storied history and an enviable reputation for innovation, expertise, service excellence and value.

Solmax's geosynthetic solutions are used by major industrial companies in mining, energy, waste management,construction,civil engineering, environmental containment, infrastructure,andtransport, while Propex's infrastructure solutions and systems are used in erosion control applications, construction, transportation infrastructure, and industrial applications.

As industry leaders with a longstanding market presence, Solmax and Propex are both renowned for their geosynthetics expertise, application knowledge, product excellence, and customer service, as well as being recognized as groundbreakers in their respective spaces. Both companies' share a well-aligned vision of protecting the environment in a responsible manner to make the future a better world.

K&L Gates LLP and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to Solmax. Barclays and TD Securities are acting as joint financial advisors, underwriters, joint bookrunners and joint lead arrangers for the Solmax senior credit facilities. Solomon Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor and Stroock acted as legal advisor to Propex.

ABOUT SOLMAX

Solmax is a geosynthetics pioneer, innovator, and leader. With almost five decades'experience, our GSE andTenCateGeosyntheticsacquisitionsmake us one of the world's largest geosynthetics manufacturer. With plants in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, our geosyntheticsare used in critical applications by significant customers in mining, energy, waste management,construction, agriculture and irrigation,civil engineering, environmental containment, infrastructure,andtransport. Our products safeguard the earth from waste and contaminants, and protect investments, helping preserve the integrity and longevity of vital infrastructure in the toughest environments. Our vision is to advance the geosynthetics industry and create products that areaccessibleeverywhere.

Solmax -geosyntheticsthatsupport human progress.Visit us atwww.solmax.com.

SOURCE Solmax

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Solmax acquires Propex to further expand into unique and value-added geosynthetic products and solutions - PRNewswire

The rehabilitated Northern Community Health Center (NCHC), Ngarchelong state, was handed over to the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS) and the people of Palau, through a handover event held at the NCHC on the 15th of November 2021. The rehabilitation has led to safe, welcoming facilities for patients, as well as an attractive working environment for medical staff, leading to more efficient and sustainable healthcare systems required for healthier populations.

Details of the handover event:

The handover event, held at the NCHC on the 15th of November 2021, confirmed the official transfer of ownership of the improved health centers to Palaus Ministry of Health and Human Services. The event was attended by His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau; Uong er Etei Mathias Erbai; Robert J. Scaria, Honorary Consul of India to the Republic of Palau; Honourable Richard Nigiratrang, Governor, Ngarchelong State; Scott Yano, Chairperson, PCHC Governing Board; Victoria Maui, Member, PCHC Board; Jean Paul Vion, UNOPS; Pastor Paulus Swei and others. The event included speeches by honorable guests, prayers, a ribbon cutting ceremony and lunch.

Improved health delivery thanks to the project: With a USD$ 1.65 million grant from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, UNOPS supported Palaus Ministry of Health and Human Services to strengthen the healthcare system of Palau by providing adequate facilities to deliver patient-focused care, as well as improved and safe working conditions for medical staff.

Under this collaboration, and in alignment with the United Nations Pacific Strategy (2018-2022), the project fully rehabilitated two Community Health Centers, namely the complete renovation of the Northern and Southern Community Health Centers, as well as the partial rehabilitation of the Western Community Health Center. Following the handover event, the NCHC is completed and handed over to the Ministry of Health and Human Services. The SCHC is also complete and expected to be handed over by the first week of December.

The full rehabilitation of the Northern and Southern Centers included replacing the septic system, cabinetry and related plumbing, electrical works, A/C installation and roofing. Additionally, the centers have been made ready for renewable energy upgrades (photovoltaic systems) and emergency backup power. This is in line with the ambitious agenda of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, to enhance primary care through a staged CHC upgrade approach. Having completed this first rehabilitation stage, UNOPS will be ready to support and advise the Ministry of Health and Human Services in achieving their goals.

Ensuring no one is left behind:

To support Palau in providing happy and purposeful lives for its populations, the project focused on inclusive and equitable health opportunities by tackling the disparities in accessing health facilities that stem from remoteness and socio-economic conditions. To improve health delivery to those in vulnerable situations, the rehabilitation also ensured that the facilities became accessible to people living with disabilities, by ensuring accessibility by wheelchairs, as well as inclusive upgrading of the bathrooms and treatment rooms.

The provision of quality patient-focused care depends on adequate facilities that prioritize sanitation and hygienic conditions. To return quality primary healthcare to the community, the infrastructure solutions delivered by the project focused on improving the provision of basic and critical primary care services locally to residents of the island. This achievement of bringing primary healthcare back to the community level through the rehabilitated CHCs plays an important role in the MHHS strategy to provide preventive care in the local communities, whilst also easing the burden on the hospital, reducing premature death and improving quality of life.

Sustainable solutions for the long term:

Recognizing the important role resilient and green infrastructure solutions hold in tackling climate-induced vulnerabilities of Small Islands Developing States, the rehabilitation of all health centers prioritised resilience and sustainability, as well as the mainstreaming of efficiency in energy performance. This approach is in line with UNOPS belief that smart infrastructure solutions, built to last, can protect the people of Palau from the worlds most difficult challenges, including natural hazards and climate change vulnerabilities.

To ensure infrastructure that is resilient, inclusive and responsive to the needs of users, the project focused on transparency, excellence and accountability for results, seeing infrastructure as a system and understanding the synergies between the physical asset, its environment and the knowledge and institutions which support it. This meant climate proofing the rehabilitation, working closely with stakeholders and using appropriate materials for aggressive coastal environments. This resulted in rehabilitated CHCs that are fit for purpose with longevity and adapted to their environments, leading to sustainable development.

To maximize long term benefits for the community, special attention was paid to capacity building during project implementation. This included a focus on transferring knowledge to local contractors at each stage of construction, mainstreaming health and safety protocols and working closely with the government to develop building codes. The approach aligns with UNOPS values of building national capacity and ownership, as a key foundation of sustainability.

Speaking about the project:

President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., said:On behalf of the People of Palau, I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to UNOPS, the South-South cooperation of the UN India Partnership Fund and the Government and People of the Republic of India for their great partnership and support in the rehabilitation project of the Northern Community Health Center. I strongly believe that this newly-improved infrastructure will provide an accessible, safe, and comfortable space for community members to receive quality and efficient primary healthcare services.

UNOSSC, said:UNOSSC, through the India-UN Fund, was pleased to support Palaus infrastructure to provide better health services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we work to build back better, with more resilient systems and services, the relevance of this support is most evident.

Ms. Samina Kadwani, UNOPS Director for the Pacific, Thailand and Indonesia, said:

UNOPS is glad to be handing over the rehabilitation community health centers to the Ministry of Health and Human Services and people of Palau, in the knowledge that people across Palau now have improved quality health delivery and patient-care. We are proud to have been a part of the South-South cooperation and remain committed to improving the lives of Palauans, by building the future through infrastructure for climate action.

Mr. Jean Paul Vion, UNOPS Construction Management Engineer, Palau, said:

As we hand over the improved Community Health Centers to the people of Palau, I am glad to say that they are truly sustainable. In line with UNOPS values, resilience and climate adaptation were considered throughout the design and construction, ensuring infrastructure solutions that protect against and combat climate change. Equally, the focus on capacity building and institutional strengthening, mainstreamed throughout the project, contributes to developing long term capacity and national ownership, which is the key to sustainability.

The project is thanks to a partnership between the India-UN Development Partnership fund, the Ministry of Health and Human Services in Palau, and UNOPS.

The handover of the second fully refurbished CHC, located in Peleliu, will be held in the first week of December. The event will mark the official handing over of the refurbished centers to the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the people of Palau.

ENDS

Notes to the editors:

Photos of the handover event can be found here - photo credit: EmeralDreams Marketing Services dba Palau Blue Productions

Photos of the broader project can be found here - photo credit: UNOPS

Press contact details:

UNOPS: For media inquiries please contact: Ffion Conlon, Communications and Partnerships Officer, ffionc@unops.org

India-UN Development Partnership Fund: Ines Tofalo, Chief Programme Support Unit, ines.tofalo@unossc.org

MHHS: Lalie Ikluk, Administration Manager, lalie.ikluk@palauhealth.org

Continued here:
Complete rehabilitation of Palau's Northern Community Health Center leads to improved patient-focused care and strengthened health systems in Palau -...

At the end of September, scientists from the University of Virginiarevealed the discovery of 17 total genes directly implicated in the development of obesity. It is an important breakthrough as the COVID-19 pandemic has only served to escalate this persistent and often overlooked crisis.

Its no secret that rates of obesity prevalence for both child and adult populations have been steadily increasing over the last two decades. In a recent media statement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of states in which 35% or more of the population had obesity almost doubled from nine in 2018 to 16 in 2020. Further literature analysis of COVID-19 patients found that children suffering from obesity had greater severity of illness and higher rates of hospitalization.

As this invisible epidemic continues to rage in the shadow of COVID-19, Dr. Eyleen ORourke, Ph.D. and her team have been working to understand the genetic factors behind obesity.

We know of hundreds of gene variants that are more likely to show up in individuals suffering obesity and other diseases. But 'more likely to show up' does not mean causing the disease, said ORourke, an assistant professor of biology and cell biology at the UVA School of Medicines department of cell biology and Robert M. Berne cardiovascular research center. We anticipate that our approach and the new genes we uncovered will accelerate the development of treatments to reduce the burden of obesity.

While the research team was largely composed of members from UVA, additional members represented Swedens Uppsala University, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Together, the researchers were able to comb through hundreds of genes known to be associated with obesity and pinpoint a select few with promising implications.

Anti-obesity therapies are urgently needed to reduce the burden of obesity in patients and the healthcare system, ORourke stated in the press release. Our combination of human genomics with causality tests in model animals promises yielding anti-obesity targets more likely to succeed in clinical trials because of their anticipated increased efficacy and reduced side effects.

Intrigued, BioSpace spoke with ORourke in an effort to learn more about the findings.

Shedding Light on the Unseen

By developing a model of obesity for the oft-studied worm C. elegans, with whom we share a 70% genetic similarity and a comparable weight-gain response to overeating sugar, ORourke and her team screened 293 genes suspected of committing obesity-causing cellular crimes.

Of these, a total of 17 genes stand formally accused: those that are implicated in obesity causation number 14, while three have been shown capable of playing preventative roles.

ORouke noted that obesity is a complex disease, and that progress toward definitive mechanistic answers is slow-going. Even when we get really accurate answers, those answers are restricted to this particular context, she told BioSpace, elaborating that the activity of those genes might change if C. elegans were fed a different, non-high-fructose diet. Now this gene [may not be] doing anything. Not surprising, we have found many cases in which its doing the opposite: Instead of reducing fat levels, its increasing current levels if I change the diet in a different way.

However, since the genes being screened were already associated with obesity, the results are still promising. Even better, blocking the activity of a specific preventative gene appeared to improve the neurolocomotory function and increase longevity in C. elegans, two traits that are negatively influenced by obesity in humans.

This seems to be hope enough to fuel ORourkes drive to uncover more pieces of the human bodys metabolic puzzle. In the meantime, she encourages more expansive research, saying, its important to stay open-minded with respect to the value of lower model systems, and also newer systems, because who says that flies, or mice, or C. elegans offer us the best approximation to human physiology? I'm sure there are a lot of things out there in nature that could be very informative that we're just not looking into.

Obesity: The Invisible Epidemic

Since the Office of the Surgeon General issued a Call to Action in 2001, obesity has been an on-again, off-again talking point. But, lack of publicity isnt the cause of obesity: in fact, the exact causes of obesity are numerous and varied, ranging from available diet options to fitness choices and individual heredity.

This complexity is the reason why, despite Michele Obamas 2008-2016 school health initiatives and copious healthy options on food service menus, the rates of childhood obesity continue to climb. Results from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey showed that approximately 16.1% of children in the U.S. between the ages of 2 and 19 years old were overweight and 19.3% of them had obesity, which includes the 6.1% suffering from severe obesity. A related survey completed over the same time frame evaluated rates of adult obesity and found that the prevalence of adults suffering from the condition was a whopping 42.4%.

If only the buck stopped there. Unfortunately, childhood obesity is likely to develop into adulthood obesity, which in turn increases the risks for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and even some cancers. In total, obesity costs patients and insurers upwards of $147 billion a year. That averages out to $1,429 more in medical costs for each adult suffering from obesity.

Genetics: The Invisible Mastermind

Its common opinion that patients suffering from obesity have only themselves to blame, and this opinion permeates our society from fashion magazines to emergency rooms, even in the most well-meaning cases. However, the complex pathways between interconnected systems that govern the bodys fat storage are yet to be completely understood.

Research has shown that certain environmental factors are undoubtedly in play: social class, education, ethnicity and gender can all affect a given persons access to food, as well as the nutritional value of that food. Furthermore, studies show that experiencing a certain degree of stress can cause the body to modify certain epigenetic markers and that some of these modifications could be both linked to obesity as well as transgenerational inheritance.

In short, this means that obesity is not only less voluntary than often represented in the commercial media, but it could also be heavily influenced by a number of inheritable variables. Even more morose is that the right mix of stress and poor nutrition could introduce these genetic variables into a familys medical history spontaneously meaning that researchers and medical professionals might be staring down the equivalent of one-off genetic changes that could suddenly appear in millions of current and future Americans, without any traceable origin.

Its a sobering thought that necessitates more studies and breakthroughs like this one.

Read more:
Discovery of 17 Genes Implicated in Obesity Could Lead to Breakthrough Treatments - BioSpace

Circuit Sport reinvents cycling program

Human Powered Health

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Building on 15 years of bringing the best of North American cycling to a global audience, Circuit Sport announces a powerful reimagining of what a racing team can stand for. The new team and the movement it aims to ignite will be known as Human Powered Health.

Human Powered Health will be a wellness platform built to empower people to take control of their own physical and mental well-being. It will spread the message that cultivating healthier habits and living a more active lifestyle can lead to dramatic improvements in health and wellness.

"Human Powered Health represents more than racing, more than athletics," said Charles Aaron, managing director and founder of Circuit Sport. "It's about reminding people that they have more power over their health than they think. We want to support people, mind and body, and use our platform to inspire them to take small, simple steps towards greater health and well-being."

In previous iterations of its teams, Circuit Sport has continually gone beyond the traditional sports marketing model with health and wellness-minded campaigns like Inspired Bikes, Body Positivity, Healthy Habits, and Longevity.

That will expand and evolve as the Human Powered Health platform grows into a hub for health and wellness content with its athletes as the main mouthpiece. New brand partnerships will allow the team to incorporate data analytics across sleep, nutrition, movement, and health care to support its followers on their health journey.

The team will also launch a Discord channel that will serve as a hub for fans, partners, and clients interested in all things Human Powered Health. Hosted by the team and with regular appearances by professional riders, the channel will be a place to share ideas on how to live healthier lifestyles.

Building for the future

Story continues

Human Powered Health joins the Women's WorldTour in 2022. It is the realization of a dream that began 10 years ago with the formation of the women's program. The move makes Human Powered Health the first co-ed team to send its women to the top division of the sport before its men.

Following a sensational season that included victories in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Denmark, France, and Turkey, the men's program continues in the ProTeam ranks with its sights set firmly on the WorldTour.

"We couldn't take this step without the support of our partners and their shared vision for the future," added Aaron. "We've shown our ability to win bike races around the world but what sustains us is creating connections and empowering people."

Circuit Sport is currently aligning with brands that stand for something bigger than their product, a vital step to building the foundation of Human Powered Health for years to come. These brands, which will be announced in the coming weeks, share the belief that our collective health matters.

In a world navigating a pandemic, and where obesity and heart disease are at all-time highs, there has never been a more important time for each of us to invest in our health and inspire those around us to do the same. Building connections and sharing encouragement and knowledge are pivotal to empowering people to lead healthier lives.

About Circuit Sport

Circuit Sport takes a unique platform approach to sports marketing and management that redefines what a professional cycling team represents. Our teams are more than just a collection of logos on a jersey - we passionately believe that riding a bicycle can improve a person's life. For more information, visit circuitsport.com.

Media contact: Tom Soladay at tsoladay@circuitsport.com

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Introducing Human Powered Health: A Brand at the Intersection of Health, Wellness, and Sports - Yahoo Finance

In 2020, US and Chinese scientists found a way to enable nematode worms to live five times longer than normal by manipulating their genes. Worms are often used in ageing research since weve inherited some of the same genetic circuitry during evolution. Its suggested that targeting some of these conserved genes using drugs could be a way to extend the human lifespan.

But since worms only live for a few weeks, extrapolating the US and Chinese scientists success to humans could be foolhardy. In short, we cant expect to live to 500.

But lets not be greedy. We already live far longer than our hunter-gatherer ancestors, who invariably snuffed it before the age of 40. Should we, though, stop considering life as something that comes to its natural conclusion at 73 (todays average global life expectancy) and devote more of our time to curing old age?

One argument against extending human life beyond the norm is that it would lead to overpopulation, requiring more resources, while creating more waste, carbon emissions and pollution on a planet weve already stressed to breaking point.

Thats not usually what happens when people start living longer, though. Instead, birth rates tend to drop as people have fewer children and have them later in life. We know this because its already been happening for several decades as healthcare has improved.

So even though the global population is growing, its not growing as fast as it once was and in many richer countries, across Europe for example, populations are plateauing or shrinking as the birth rate (the average number of children each woman has) drops below two. The worlds longest-lived nation, Japan, has an average life expectancy of 84 and a birth rate close to one, down from over two in the 1960s when life expectancy was below 70.

So provided people had fewer children, perhaps we could all live a little bit longer maybe as long as people in Japan. In fact, some of todays four-year-olds can already expect a much better innings. In the UK, around a third are predicted to see their 100th birthday due to a trend towards living longer.

Whether those extra years are desirable is another matter though, given theres no indication they would be healthy ones studies from countries where life expectancy has increased have shown mixed results.

Meanwhile, the gulf between life expectancy in richer and poorer countries leads us to suspect that life-extending drugs and technologies will take longer to reach the less-developed nations.

Today, people in some African countries die on average two or three decades before the Japanese. So given the disparities that already exist, is it ethical to have more people living longer in richer countries, where we consume more resources?

If we were going to be fair about it, our first aim should be to increase life expectancy in Africa and the rest of the less-developed parts of the world, and ensure that a longer life doesnt come at the expense of healthy, happy life, right up to the end.

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We could radically extend the human lifespan. Heres why we shouldnt - BBC Science Focus Magazine

Xenotransplantation or procedures is not a new concept. The history of animal-to-human transplant experiments has been evolving for centuries. Recently, one such encouraging finding was done by a medical team in the US, New York University Langone Health, who claim to successfully transplant a pigs kidney to a brain-dead human patient. The procedure was termed breakthrough as they used a kidney that had been grown in a genetically-altered-pig. It is considered to be the first successful case where an entire organ was transplanted from a pig to a human. As per healthcare experts, due to the obvious similarities between humans and other primates, particularly baboons or gorillas and the pigs, these are considered to be the most viable donor animals as they share similar DNA. Pigs organs in size, function are anatomically comparable to humans. However, experts cite that there are still significant scientific barriers to the successful implementation of such transplantation, though advances in technology can help to achieve this daunting challenge.Is it a Eureka moment yet?

The recent transplantation of a pig kidney into a human at the New York University Langone Health centre by Doctor Robert Montgomery is a moonshot moment, inform experts.

Terming it as an extraordinary experiment in xenotransplantation, Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman Manipal Hospitals, said, The experiment is done using the most modern technology in editing and genetically modifying the pig so that its organ does not elicit a strong immediate immune response in the host. This experiment could be a potential game changer in our future endeavor to overcome the extreme shortage of organs leading to the death of many people in the transplantation waiting list.

Highlighting the complications in such transplantation, Dr Sunil Shroff, noted Urologist, Managing Trustee, Mohan Foundation and president elect of the Indian Society Of Organ Transplantation informed that xenotransplantation has challenges.

One is there is a natural rejection when you put an animal organ to a human. As the animal tissue is different, so till now, pig heart has been used in a few instances. It is not very reactive so that procedure is done. But, other than that we have not used pigs for anything.

Affirming that this transplant is more unique, Dr Ballal stated that features of this transplant could pave the way for future successful xenotransplants.

First, the problem of hyper acute rejection which is seen with all xenotransplantations was avoided by genetically modifying the carbohydrate moiety of the pig gene so that the pig kidney would not mount a hyper acute response in the host. This turned out to be effective and successful since the kidney worked normally for a few days in the recipient with no evidence of hyperacute rejection clinically or on biopsies of the transplanted kidney. Secondly, the transplant was performed on a brain-dead recipient before switching off the support system so that even if there was an adverse effect on the recipient it would cause no harm since the person was brain dead anyway, he added.

Citing this as a first step or gradual evolution, Dr Shroff said, The experiment has been very innovative and the brain-dead patient is said to be observed for almost 52 hours and he did not seem to have any rejection or any problem. A genetically-modified pig was used to match the protein differences between pigs and humans. But there is a sugar called GAL in pigs which is not present in humans. So the reaction against that is very strong which can lead to hyperacute rejectiona violent immune response that can destroy a transplanted organ in minutes. They have addressed that issue to some extent with this experiment.

However, experts worry about the risks of zoonotic diseases, which will be transmitted into the human population. As both baboons and pig carry known myriad transmittable agents and perhaps many more, which cannot be detected. The bacteria, viruses and fungi may be fairly harmless in their natural host, a baboon or pig, yet extremely toxic--even deadly--in humans. COVID 19 which has changed our world came from an animal reservoir!

Is Zoonotic Disease a Speed Breaker?

Despite the more obvious similarities and pigs being the most viable donor animal for xenotransplantation, they share similar DNA and organs are similar in size and function. The zoonoses or transmission of infections from the host animal to the transplanted human being is a huge risk and challenge.

Explaining the risk, Dr Sunil Prakash, Senior Director, HOD, Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, Max Hospital, said, The two types of animal viruses that are especially troublesome are herpes viruses and retroviruses. Both types have already been proven to be rather harmless in monkeys, but fatal to humans. HIV also came from animal reservoirs. Some retroviruses may be latent and lead to disease years after infection. The animal tissues may wear out very soon in humans as the average life of pigs is much less than humans and their organs therefore have a shorter life span. The genes of these animals have to be modified and the human genetic code has to be inserted in their chromosomes successfully. These animals need selective breeding in sterile-controlled environments. The latest xenotransplant by Dr Montogomery has turned the medical world by storm as genetically-modified pig kidney is used in a brain-dead person. The kind of tolerance to a foreign tissue achieved is remarkable. This is leading to the holy grail of transplantation which is achieving graft tolerance without giving immunosuppressive medicines.

Nephrologists also inform that options for kidney ailments are plentiful as the technology like artificial kidney, haemodialysis, stem cell regenerating are looked upon. Still, xenotransplants can be a good alternative as it is costeffective, if it becomes practically viable.

Xenotransplants of pig kidneys to humans can be universally available because the other options will come at a high cost. What the scientific community will have to look at is, how long the pig's kidney lasts in the human being. The longevity of the graft, as the pig's kidney is smaller than the human kidney, that's one, second thing will be the cost of the procedure because we may need to give more kinds of medication to curb the rejection. So, these challenges will be there but the overall cost may likely be less compared to other technologies, Dr Shroff added.

Pig-to-Human Kidney Transplant What Awaits ESRD patients?

As we debate on the new kidney transplant solutions, over two lakh patients in India await organ donation with a mere 15,000 donors available. As per Union Health Ministry estimation, the annual requirement for kidneys could range between two-to-three lakhs with a mere 6,000 transplants occurring in reality. While other statistics indicate that approximately 7500 kidney transplants are performed at 250 kidney transplant centers in India. Of these, 90 percent come from living donors and 10 percent from deceased donors. The data are not as accurate due to the absence of a national transplant registry.

Experts inform that xenotransplantation could be very good news for patients with end-stage renal diseases (ESRD) as there would be no more anxious months of waiting for an organ donor. Disease-free pigs would provide most of the organs. Raised in sterile environments, they would be genetically-altered with human DNA so that the chance of rejection is greatly reduced.

I do believe the NYU experiment would certainly help us in the long-term treatment of end-stage organ failure of different kinds but not of any major benefit for acute critically -ill patients as other modalities of replacement therapy (extra corporeal therapies) are currently available to tide over the acute crisis. The major advances in modern technology in xenotransplantation would be the ability to genetically modify animals so that they do not elicit a very severe immune response in the host human being. Modern science has also brought in a host of different kinds of very powerful immunosuppressive agents which would either prevent or ameliorate different kinds of rejection in the field of transplantation. Advances in the field of organ support by extracorporeal therapy like CRRT for kidney, liver dialysis (MARS therapy) for liver , LVAD for heart and ECMO for lung and heart support can act as a bridge for people with severe organ failure till such time that they get a transplant, Dr Ballal added.

Citing that almost 10 to 12, 000 kidney transplants are done almost every year, Dr Shroff said, Last year was bad due to the pandemic. We did maybe only 5,000 transplants but we need more than 100,000 every year. Every 1 in 10 people in the world has a risk of kidney disease and many transcend to kidney failure due to lack of awareness and early diagnosis. So, we need to take a two-point strategy- one is early diagnosis and prevention and second is to make more organs available. So, in India, we dont even meet one in 10th of the demand or even less. So, thats the tragedy. Many of them die because they do not even get to the hospital, many are not affordable, kidney transplant happens only in corporate hospitals mostly. Only 10-20 percent happens in government hospitals. So, those who cant afford, dont even have a chance of getting a transplant.

Although clinical application of xenotransplantation in the kidney is probably still several years away, newer techniques like Next-Generation Sequencing and sequence- based typing is enabling the researchers to better understand the mysteries of xenotransplants to allow better acceptance of pigs genome in humans. Humanising non-human organs working in tandem with tolerance-inducing protocols, seem to be not far from the future.

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The three-part series conveys crucial health messaging and amplifies the voice of people of trans experience

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NoiseFilter an educational platform that addresses health and wellness topics through creative storytelling in conjunction with Access Health Louisiana (AHL) and the AIDS Education Training Center, is pleased to announce a new animation trilogy that conveys crucial health messaging around HIV and HIV medications.

NoiseFilter is hosted by infectious disease physician Dr. MarkAlain Dry and community health expert Dr. Eric Griggs (Doc Griggs). Through podcasts, live streams and animations, they explain complex health topics simply. Dr. Dry is also the Medical Director of Infectious Diseases and Chief Innovation Officer for AHL where he specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Dr. Dry sees patients from across the region at the Pythian clinic in New Orleans.

"Our goal is to change the stigma that remains around HIV," says Dr. Dry. "The colorful and compelling videos use creative exploration into the human body to explain HIV medications and how they protect individuals from transmission."

In the first animation, Undetectable, Untransmittable and Undeniably Fierce! the pair journey inside the body of trans activist and educator Milan Nicole Sherry explaining that people living with HIV and taking their medications, can have the same quality and quantity of life as individuals living without HIV, termed U=U.

In Get in Step with PrEP, the second animation, Milan joins Dr. Dry and Doc Griggs inside Dr. Dry's body explaining how PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, prevents HIV transmission. The key takeaway is that people living without HIV can take PrEP as a defense against autoimmune disease.

The third animation, Little Miss Muffuletta uses the Little Miss Muffet nursery rhyme to explain nPEP or non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis. In this animation an HIV exposure has occurred but nPEP prevents HIV from replicating.

Story continues

The three-part series is available for viewing on the NoiseFilter website https://www.noisefiltershow.com/watch. Access Health is seeking partnerships with organizations, associations, celebrities and influencers to launch a campaign advocating for the animations leading up to World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, 2021.

"These animations can educate all audiences," says Doc Griggs. "This information has longevity and can be used nationwide to advocate for transgender individuals and teach people about these resources."

About Access Health Louisiana: Access Health Louisiana (AHL) is a network of Federally Qualified Health Centers. Our network of more than 100 providers sees more than 45,000 patients a year in 12 Louisiana parishes. Our mission is simple: To improve the health of the people we serve. We do this by striving for the highest levels of patient care every day. For more information about Access Health Louisiana and the additional services available including STI testing, telemedicine and teletherapy, please visit https://accesshealthla.org.

CONTACT:April Catarella 504-577-7390 april@gambelpr.com

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Animation Series Aims to Educate and Break Down Stigma Surrounding HIV - Yahoo Finance

Dr. Sonya Gordon and Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm.

Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the second most-common acquired cardiac disease in dogs.

In its early stage, called the preclinical stage, dogs are apparently healthy to their owners, but beneath the surface, DCM causes a progressive enlarging and weakening of dogs hearts. Over time, dogs with DCM will progress to the diseases clinical phase and develop congestive heart failure (fluid in the lungs).

But what if owners of dogs with DCM had the ability to extend the amount of quality time they spend with their beloved four-legged friends?

Through The REPAIR Study (Rapamycin Treatment inPreclinical Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy), cardiologists at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH) are investigating the use of the drug rapamycin in dogs with preclinical DCM.

Rapamycin, which will be distributed by the Ireland-based company TriviumVet, is a drug that affects both the immune system and metabolism; it has been shown to improve heart function and reverse age-related changes in rodents with heart disease.

The primary objective of our study is to determine if rapamycin is safe for use in dogs with preclinical DCM, as well as to evaluate the effects of this medication on heart size and function in these dogs, said Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, an SATH cardiology resident whose work on The REPAIR Study is part of her residency research.

To complete this study, the SATH is looking to enroll 12 dogs with preclinical DCMno more than six Doberman Pinschers (the breed most commonly affected by DCM) and up to two dogs of any other breed.

Eligible dogs must be older than 3 years, be on a stable dose of pimobendan (Vetmedin) for at least 60 days prior to the screening examination, have no evidence of congestive heart failure, and not be receiving diuretic (furosemide) medication.

We know that despite proof that pimobendan (Vetmedin) can delay the onset of heart failure and death, disease progression is relentless and dogs with DCM are still destined to die from this disease, said Dr. Sonya Gordon, cardiology professor, Eugene Chen Chair in cardiology and principal investigator for The REPAIR Study. Pimobendan treatment works by reducing heart size and improving function, essentially resetting the clock; however, that clock continues to tick. We are optimistic that the addition of rapamycin will yield additional benefits that translate into increased health span and lifespan in dogs with preclinical DCM.

For this study, we require participants to continue to receive pimobendan because it is proven to be beneficial and represents the current standard of care; we are just adding rapamycin, Gordon said. Living longer is great, but the real goal is to live betterthats what health span is all about; it is the part of life when you feel great, even if you have disease.

As a cardiology resident, I see firsthand how devastating DCM is for patients and their owners. While pimobendan is an important medication that has been shown to have significant beneficial effects in dogs with DCM, we must continue to investigate additional therapies with the potential of increasing longevity, as well as enhancing the quality of life in dogs with this heartbreaking disease, Malcolm said.

Those selected to participate in the trial will take a pill three times a week and will be required to visit the SATH for enrollment screening, as well as three additional times over six months.

While this trial will hopefully lead to larger studies, its important for owners to know that if the drug works, their dogs would be eligible to continue to receive chronic treatment with rapamycin, Gordon said.

There will be no cost to owners of dogs participating in this trial; TriviumVet, the sponsor, will cover the costs for diagnostic testing, rapamycin, and Vetmedin for the duration of the study.

This is a really stand-up company. They are all about the dogs and they have a potential game changer here, because if it works its going to have a far-reaching impact, Gordon said. If we move forward with a larger study after this investigational study, Texas A&M will serve as the lead investigational site.

Rapamycin has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use and has been used safely for decades. While cardiac disease such as DCM is not among the labeled indications for which the drug is currently prescribed in humans, Gordon and Malcolm believe this trial could have important implications in human medicine given the similarities of heart disease among dogs and humans.

We are delighted to be able to bring our proprietary, novel veterinary rapamycin formulation to clinical trials in dogs and cats for a multitude of diseases, said TriviumVet CEO Louise Grubb. Our partnership with Texas A&M for The REPAIR Study has been an incredible synergy given their cardiology expertise and passion for research. The potential of this drug is far-reaching and we look forward to continuing our research with Texas A&M across cardiology and other target disease areas.

Owners with dogs diagnosed with preclinical DCMincluding those diagnosed within the past two yearsthat are interested in enrolling their dogs in this study should email tamucardiology@cvm.tamu.edu with REPAIR Study in the subject line.

For more information, including the list of exclusion criteria, visit the CVMBS Clinical Trials webpage.

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Texas A&M Seeks Dogs With Cardiac Condition For Study On Heart Drug - Texas A&M University Today

Longtime host reflects on Raven, a red bandana and the Minnesota institution he helped create.

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. In the mass of people at the Minnesota State Fair are those who arrive just knowing where they are bound.

Big fan; I always watch Minnesota Bound, a visitor tells the affable man in the fishing vest, sitting comfortably on the porch of the little log cabin on the fairgrounds east side.

It makes me feel good, the woman continues. For some reason, it soothes me.

Ron Schara thanks the visitor, smiles, and tells her, We should hire you.

Its a scene that plays out again and again, as fans of the television show Schara launched 26 years ago stop for autographs and Minnesota Bound souvenirs.

If you have money you can go in, Schara jokes with a group heading inside the cabin where his books, calendars and branded clothing are on sale.

The fair porch encounters have been going on for years, but this year is special. Minnesota Bound is about to mark a milestone its 1,000th episode.

Its a feat almost unheard of for a 30-minute, weekly non-news show produced for local television.

Schara credits the shows staying power to a simple formula.

I tell people, I'm not trying to teach you how to catch a fish on Sunday night. We're telling stories about interesting people; we're telling stories about interesting places. That's the secret to the show. Plus, Schara says with a twinkle in his eyes, I'm damn good looking, I mean that didn't hurt.

For years, those good looks were wasted as Schara told his stories as the Minneapolis Star Tribune's first outdoors columnist.

Approached by KARE 11, Schara launched Minnesota Bound as a weekly segment for the station's 10 p.m. newscast.

Then, having found his footing in a new medium, Schara pitched a half-hour show to the station's, then-general manager, who promptly turned him down.

He sent down the message, Can't do it. We can't afford to do that show.

The rejection of Scharas pitch turned out to be a blessing when the GM suggested an alternative.

He said, Well, you produce it, we'll sell it, and I'll buy it from you, and you'll own it, Schara recalls. Bingo!

With ownership, Schara and his first employee, producer/photographer Joe Harewicz, invented a format that's remained, for the most part, intact.

The pair created an outdoors show with an emphasis on storytelling aimed at a broad audience. So, no tips for gutting a deer, but plenty of stories about family hunting and fishing traditions, fall colors, the quirks of wild birds, plus, a weekly cooking segment.

Schara and Harewicz also discovered Minnesota Bounds accidental co-host.

I'm sitting there talking to Joe Harewicz, Schara says. "What should the set look like? Should I sit by the fireplace like all the old outdoor shows? And my wife spouts up and says, Why don't you have Raven sit next to you?

Three generations of Ravens, Scharas beloved black Labradors, co-hosted with their human Schara always referring to his Ravens on-air as the star of the show.

Each Raven wore the signature red bandana Schara initially snagged from a hook in the hallway of his home, simply to provide a contrasting color to Ravens black fur for the camera.

The third Raven died in 2020, two years after Schara retired from his hosting duties and handed the reins to the show's longtime reporter Bill Sherck and Scharas daughter Laura.

The elder Schara remains as a Minnesota Bound contributor, still producing and writing stories that interest him.

I'm so proud of my dad and what he started, Laura Schara says. We hope we carry on that same tradition. That is our goal of keeping the essence of what the show is.

Sherck says it didnt take him long to realize a key to the shows longevity is Ron Scharas authenticity.

Ron gave me advice right when I started, Be yourself, dont try to copy, Sherck recalls. Ron always said, Dont be an expert, be a communicator and do it with heart.

Today, Ron Schara Productions employs two dozen people producing seven different programs scattered over broadcast, cable, and streaming services all spawned by the original.

Sherck stands next to a "Minnesota Bound" poster, featuring Ron Schara and Raven. Their backs are to the camera as they face a glassy lake and the setting sun.

It's one guy and his dog and a very quiet place in Minnesota, Sherck says.

For going on 1,000 episodes, its a place Minnesotans have been happily visiting.

NOTE: A Minnesota Bound 1,000th episode one-hour special will air on KARE 11 on Saturday November 13th at 7 p.m.

Revisit your favorite moments from Boyd Hupperts Land of 10,000 Stories by subscribing to Land of 10,000 Stories: The Complete Collection on YouTube.

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Ron Schara marks 1,000th episode of 'Minnesota Bound,' the show that almost wasn't - KARE11.com