UCHealth

When you hear the word “bank” you may think of cash deposits or checks, but Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine's biobank actually holds something quite priceless; donated samples of blood and saliva from more than 135,000 (and counting) UCHealth patients. These samples contain important information about the association between certain genes and the risk of certain diseases, including some types of cancer and cardiovascular conditions. They also can predict how patients will respond to certain medications. Dr. David Kao is the medical director of the CCPM and oversees the clinical operations of the biobank. “We need to enrich our research and benefit as many lives as possible,” says Dr. Kao. Learn how to sign up to participate in the biobank and why it is so vital:

“We all know people who have gone through this. That’s why we do, what we do.” We partnered with The Human Bean and Colorado State University for this year’s Coffee For a Cure as part of Fight Like a Ram. The event supports the local community with 100 percent of the day’s sales going to cancer patients and research in northern Colorado. #FightLikeARam

Hey batter batter batter! Swing batter! ⚾ The Hit the Mitt banner in left field was hit five times during the 2024 Colorado Rockies Season! That's $25,000 donated to Next Chapter, a grant-funded community collaborative of non-profit organizations focused on supporting veterans and their families.

From a high-impact collision during a game, to an unexpected accident like slipping in the shower - each year millions of Americans suffer from traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Lisa Brenner, a PhD professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Psychiatry, and Neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, says individuals with these brain injuries are roughly three times more likely to suffer from sleep conditions than members of the general population. Dr. Brenner is currently heading a research study, CU-REST. Testing the effectiveness of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat insomnia. This innovative six-week program is intended to not only enhance access to insomnia treatment but also dismantle the barriers that some individuals face when it comes to seeking mental health therapy. “I just feel like there is a lot more we could be doing to help humans do more to help themselves. To me, it’s really important to [raise] their mental health literacy and empower them to treat things that they can for themselves online.” Read more in-depth details about CU-REST:

Alzheimer's disease. The neurodegenerative disease has affected nearly 7 million people in the United States. This is rapidly changing, however. Within the past year, there has been promising progression on three fronts: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of two new drugs to slow the progression of the disease, new information about the genetic roots of Alzheimer's and encouraging recent results of a blood test that could improve early detection of Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association researchers strongly touted the promise of the new blood test, which measures levels of two key biomarkers tied to Alzheimer's disease. Leaders noted that blood tests could make Alzheimer's disease screening and diagnosis much more widely available and less expensive for patients. They could begin treatment when the disease is still in its early stages. Blood tests could also help to boost the number of candidates who qualify for clinical trials of new treatments. Dr. Tara Carlisle, a behavioral neurologist and assistant professor of Neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, explained that while the new developments related to blood tests for Alzheimer's disease are encouraging, they also raise important questions for both patients and providers. We asked Dr. Carlisle these top questions:

Join our innovative Greeley Hospital team as an Inpatient Pharmacy Manager! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NzWpXz

Special Delivery from the Denver Nuggets: New Family Kits 🎒🍼

During Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, families create intricate altars in their homes adorned with colorful decorations, marigolds and ofrendas. Ofrendas are offerings placed on the altars, including photos of loved ones, candles, flags and ancestors’ favorite foods. Dancing in the streets, lively parades and some even gather at graveyards – but it’s all about coming together to celebrate and honor loved ones. Victoria Gonzalez, marketing and digital manager for Denver’s Latino and Cultural Arts Center says the best way to learn is by getting out into the community and experiencing it firsthand! “We’re honoring and remembering our ancestors,” Victoria said. “People have feasts and enjoy meals together and tell stories and remember their loved ones. That’s how we celebrate our dearly departed and keep their memory close.” Explore more about where, when and how to celebrate:

What better way to celebrate the start of the new season than visiting new parents 🍼 The Denver Nuggets and SuperMascot Rocky delivered diaper bags containing a variety of essential items and treats to celebrate and support our new parents ♥️

We can’t make extraordinary possible without you. Join UCHealth's marketing team as a Paid Search Strategist in Denver! Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/4dTbGxv