November 2017 | Vol. 1, No. 8
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DRIVING OUT DIABETES
Robin Marcus and Julie Metos, College of Health faculty members who will supervise education and prevention outreach for the program, pose with Gail Miller, center, at University of Utah Hospital on Monday. Others, from left, are Simon Fisher, director of clinical care for the initiative, Lorris Betz, interim CEO of University of Utah Health, Bryan Miller, Steve Miller, Zane Miller, and Greg Miller. Angie Fagerlin, director of the initiative, stands behind Gail Miller with Jared Rutter, who will oversee research and training, University of Utah President David Pershing, and Gordon Crabtree, interim CEO of University Hospital. Click on the image to see a higher resolution version.
(Photos: Charlie Ehlert / University of Utah Health)
Miller family donates $5.3 million
The University of Utah announced on Monday that The Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation will donate $5.3 million to establish a diabetes prevention program called “Driving Out Diabetes: A Larry H. Miller Family Wellness Initiative.” The initiative will incorporate a three-pronged approach to attack diabetes through prevention and outreach, clinical care, and research and training. Additionally, the program will proactively deliver screening services to populations who are most vulnerable to developing diabetes. The most common form of diabetes, type 2, can be prevented if caught early enough.



Marcus, Metos among leaders of project

The project engages research faculty, clinicians, staff, and students from the College of Health, Office of Wellness and Integrative Health, School of Medicine, and the Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center. Led by Angie Fagerlin, PhD, in collaboration with Robin Marcus, PhD, PT,  Julie Metos , PhD, and Peter Weir, MD, MPH, this initiative draws on existing strengths in diabetes and metabolism research, and health and wellness initiatives, as well as emerging strengths and emphasis on population health.

Dr. Marcus , Dr. Fagerlin, and Dr. Weir are heading up the launch of a mobile health clinic that will provide education and health screening directly to those who might otherwise lack access to quality care. The initiative will also expand preventive screening programs and implement an online diabetes prevention program to reach more populations throughout the state and region. Dr. Metos has launched programs that teach school-age children and underserved families the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.


Related coverage:
NUTRITION AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
CENTER FOR COMMUNITY NUTRITION
U mascot helps launch 'Crush Diabetes'
The University of Utah Center for Community Nutrition kicked off its "Crush Diabetes" program with a family-oriented health fair and screening of the movie "Sugar Babies" Sept. 21 at West Jordan Middle School.

"Crush Diabetes is about diabetes prevention for kids and families and will be happening across Utah, Idaho and Arizona over the next three years," said Dr. Julie Metos, executive director of the University of Utah Center for Community Nutrition."

Kids will learn about healthy eating and physical activity using the Sugar Babies curriculum – educational resources are designed for teachers, parents and students with two goals: first, to teach basic facts about diabetes, and second, to set in motion long-term healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. The curriculm is informative, interactive and fun. It can be used in health classes, assemblies, sports programs and parent associations to educate, inspire and motivate a wide age range.

Nutrition program gets boost from Sprouts
The University of Utah Center for Community Nutrition has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation to help create healthier communities.

The foundation said it was awarding grants to nonprofit organizations across the country that specialize in promoting health and nutrition education. The foundation raises funds through company and team member contributions, vendor partnerships, and customer support, and identifies non-profits that reflect the company’s brand purpose of inspiring healthy living for all.

This year, the foundation has committed $875,000 in support of organizations that align with its commitment to empowering children to make healthier food choices through nutrition education and hands-on learning. It pledges $2.2 million over a multi-year period.

“We’re creating lasting change in our local communities by collaborating on programs like nutrition curriculum for elementary school students and urban gardening projects in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh, affordable produce,” said Lyndsey Waugh, executive director of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation.

Next time you're in Sprouts, check out this flier.

Click on the graphic to find out more.
ALUMNUS GARY VITTI: ATHLETIC TRAINER TO NBA LEGENDS
Gary Vitti talks to a group of students and faculty members during a visit to campus on Nov. 3.
'32 years of trials and tears
from the best seat in the house'

Gary Vitti, alumnus of the College of Health and former head athletic trainer for the Los Angeles Lakers, shared his perspective and life lessons learned based on 32 seasons – from the 1980s Showtime era through Shaquille O’ Neal and the beginning and end of the period dominated by Kobe Bryant.

Vitti sat down with Scott Mitchell, host of KSL's podcast "Helmets Off," chatted with Utes coach Larry Krystkowiak (Gary was head athletic trainer for the Lakers when Krysko played in Los Angeles), and visited with David Perrin, dean of the College of Health, and Robin Marcus, associate dean for clinical affairs, right, at a tailgate dinner before the game against UCLA. Next to Vitti is his wife, Martha.

Vitti was a guest of the College of Health during a daylong visit, giving a lecture, touring the U's new basketball facility, munching barbecue before the game, then watching the Utes beat the Bruins (Gary lives in Los Angeles).

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
A learning environment where all thrive
Deans and administrators across the University of Utah campus issued a letter in mid-October to affirm their commitment to creating an inclusive environment where there is no tolerance for acts of racism or bias in any form. " Over the past months, our campus — indeed our nation — has experienced several threats to our learning environment that challenge individuals’ ability to thrive. ... Any such threats are unacceptable and will not be tolerated." Read more
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Michael Blomgren , PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA-F, chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, was named an ASHA Fellow at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's annual convention in Los Angeles on Nov. 11. Dr. Blomgren becomes the eighth fellow at The University of Utah, six of whom are affiliated with CSD, including Ruth Watkins, PhD, senior vice president for academic affairs. Few universities have as many ASHA fellows.

Lorie Richards , PhD, OTR/L, chair of Occupational and Recreational Therapy, has been chosen to receive the AOTA Roster of Fellows at the 2018 Annual Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. The AOTA Roster of Fellows recognizes members of AOTA, who with their knowledge and expertise, have made a significant contribution to the continuing education and professional development of members of the Association. In recognition of her contributions, the following statement will appear on her award: “Excellence in Research and Occupation Based Education.” Read more

Patricia Guenther , PhD, RD , Department of Nutrition and Integrative research professor, has received the 12th annual Elaine R. Monsen Award for Outstanding Research Literature. Guenther’s research efforts have primarily focused on dietary assessment. She has been a member of the Board of Editors at the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for 10 years and has served as an ad hoc reviewer for this jou​rnal and many others for over 30 years. The Elaine R. Monsen Award recognizes Guenther’s publications as work that benefits the profession and the ​​​world.
PHYSICAL THERAPY AND ATHLETIC TRAINING
Physical therapy and athletic training students attended the Don W. Wortly Endowed Lectureship on Nov. 6. The lecture addressed health delivery and policy disruption and challenges and opportunities for the physical therapy profession.

Scott Ward, chair of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, and speaker Sharon Dunn pose with a plaque commemorating the event.
'Disruption and opportunity in health delivery: Go hard or go home' 
“We are a profession not a service. McDonald’s provides a service!”
 
“Look beyond obstacles” [obstacles = exams, resistance, people, etc]
 
“We can’t change humanity, but we can change ourselves.”

"The best way to demonstrate the value of our care is to practice high quality care."

"Confidence and competence often have an inverse relationship."

"For those who are not used to speaking out, it might be time to speak up."

Sharon Dunn , PhD, PT, OCS, 
APTA President 
Don W. Wortly Endowed Lectureship
(with Scott Summers, chair, Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training)
Gappmaier to study exercise delivery for MS
Researchers studying methods of exercise delivery and their effects on people living with multiple sclerosis have been awarded $5.7 million in funding by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Collaborating on the research are Eduard Gappmaier, PT, PhD, at the University of Utah, Deborah Backus, PT, PhD, director of multiple sclerosis research at Shepherd Center, and Robert Motl, PhD, a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and associate director of research for the UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative.

Lyndsay rides up the gondola with Mikaela Shiffrin in Finland. Mikaela celebrates her win with friends.
The Shiffrin (& Smith) team takes first in Finland
Update: Lyndsay Smith , DPT, class of 2014, and US Ski Team superstar Mikaela Shiffrin were in Finland on Friday for the second race of the FIS World Cup circuit. Mikaela won. Now, the team returns to North America for races in Vermont and British Columbia.

The 2017-2018 World Cup season began in Solden, Austria, at the end of October.

Lyndsay was part of the team that helped Mikaela of Vail, Colo., win the 2017 World Cup overall title. It was a historic moment in ski racing. Only four other Americans have won the title since its inception in 1967: Phil Mahre, Tamara McKinney, Bode Miller, and Lindsey Vonn. Among that group, only Vonn has won more races – one more – to claim the title (“Overall” season title goes to the racer who scores the most points across all five of the alpine disciplines).

Lyndsay helped guide Mikaela to recovery after she suffered an injury during a warmup run in Sweden on Dec. 12, 2015. After what Mikaela called “dawn to dusk rehab” on an MCL tear, hairline fracture, and bone bruise in her right knee, she rejoined the World Cup circuit in February of the next year.


PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM
No time for family time? Think quality over quantity, suggests study of U of U researcher


For families of teenagers, opportunities for family time may be few and far between. New research from U of U Health researcher suggests that instead of focusing on creating  more  family time, parents should focus on creating  quality  family time. 

According  to the ground-breaking research of  Camilla J. Hodge  , PhD, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism and published recently by the Journal of Family Theory & Review,  satisfying  family time is more likely to build stronger families. Dr. Hodge is a graduate of Brigham Young University and North Carolina State University  in Raleigh. Her academic interests focus on strengthening families.
Leadership field study
First-year students from the Honors College take a break during a course in wilderness and leadership from Parks, Recreation, and Tourism professors Nate Furman and Nate Bricker .

The three-credit course began with a four-day river trip on the Green River during the week before the fall semester began. After the river trip, the class met each week with guest speakers that helped students understand the complex intersection of outdoor recreation, conservation, use, and policy.

Guest speakers included Carl Fisher from Save Our Canyons, Tom Adams from the Utah (state) Office of Outdoor Recreation, Dave Pacheco from the Southern Utah Wilderness Association, and others. In addition to weekly lectures, students participate in a day of outdoor recreation each week and participate in a service learning experience with the Urban Ranger Program.

These experiences allow students to develop a sense of place for Utah's great outdoors and develop valuable recreation skills.

The two Nates say "Thank you" to their teaching assistants, Sabrina Stein, Hannah Stevens, Halley Mallory, Ben Roa, Cara McDonald, Kayla Kingsley, and Claire Hillard .
PRT director weighs in on NPS fee increase
"Ours is a society in which more and more people live sedentary lives indoors. Researchers are finding that exposure to the natural world might not be a luxury but a necessity for healthy living. The proposed fee increase would not only make it harder for Americans of modest means to live healthier through access to their parks, it likely would impair the ability of many of our most vulnerable veterans to reclaim their lives," writes Kelly Bricker, PhD, director of the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program, in an op-ed published by The Salt Lake Tribune. Read more
REHABILITATION SCIENCES
Elizabeth Lane , a doctoral student in Rehabilitation Sciences and quarterback of the Utah Falconz, shares her perspective on the dust-up over remarks of NFL star Cam Newton. Read more
OCCUPATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL THERAPY
Pioneer Theater Company, Occupational Therapy, Communication Studies, Psychology and Brain Imaging collaborate in a study to determine how providing early exposure to drama classes can benefit children with autism in the long run. Read more
The Occupational and Recreational Department has launched a research project in collaboration with the staff at Recovery Ways. The study explores the use of multisensory interventions to address anxiety, agitation, and pain in adults receiving substance abuse treatment. Assistant Professor Rhonda Nelson , PhD, MTRS, CTRS, MT-BC, leads the study with recreational therapy student Erika Hummel . Erika’s work on this project is supported by funding through the University of Utah’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities program. The staff at Recovery Ways have completed specialized research training and are enrolling study participants, implementing treatment sessions, and collecting data.
Check out PEAK classes
U employee fitness classes are up! Winter Interim and Spring Semester classes are available.
U of U Alumni Association kicks off food drive
Each year, the Alumni Association collaborates with the  Utah Food Bank  to collect nonperishable goods and cash donations. Last year, it collected enough donations to feed 109 families of 4 for a year--about 477,420 meals! Read more
University-wide events, etc.
If you would like to know university-wide student events, such as career fairs, job fairs, major exploration, guest speakers, etc. use this calendar . It has events posted for the entire academic year so you can look up a specific date and time to avoid conflicts.
 
If you want to know university deadlines (which tend to be busy days for advisers), use this academic calendar . Here's a PDF version .
HALLOWEEN
Results of a rigorous evidence-based experiment: Ghouls, ghosts, and zombies
overwhelmingly prefer magic rings to sugar. (Photo: Bill Keshlear)
COLLEGE OF HEALTH
"Our mission at the College of Health is to promote health and enhance quality of life through the discovery, application, and dissemination of information on health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, fitness, nutrition, recreation, and the rehabilitation process for a dynamic and changing society.
“The college advances public knowledge and policy and generates scientific discovery through undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, service, and clinical activities.”
David H. Perrin, dean  
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SOCIAL MEDIA
WAYS TO GIVE
By investing in the intellectual firepower of the college’s faculty and students, donors help ensure that University of Utah continues to play a major role in meeting the nation’s health care needs. Please contact the College of Health at 801.585.3205 or courtney.garay@hsc.utah.edu for more information on how to create your legacy.