Invasive zebra mussels making their way east in Colorado's high country. Find out why you need to be paying attention.
The Colorado River District's Lindsay DeFrates explained we still have the oppurtunity to turn this around, but the window to act is closing.
"I think right now is a moment in Colorado's history with water that is going to be defining how we handle this," DeFrates said. "We really have to be focused on the long game right now."
The CRD is hosting a webinar specifically about the mussels, because the organization understands what's at stake should the mussels continue to end up in other bodies of water, and multipy.
"Infrastructure impacts," DeFrates said, to start. "These diversions, canals, whether it's for irrigation or drinking water, are essential lifelines for all of our communities across the Western Slope, and mussels impact on infrastructure is well known and well documented, and it's not cheap to fix."
The other issue?
"Water quality, people hear 'filtration' and they think, 'oh, that's great.' But the reality is our rivers are used to carrying a pretty high silt load, which basically provides shade and lowers the temperature for fish and ecosystems."
Too much heat, fish die. Too few nutrients in the water because the mussels are eating it all, other ecosystems collapse. DeFrates said mussels are an added blemish on an already aggressive acne meltdown, to keep with the skincare metaphor.
"The municipal, the recreation, agriculture, the environment, they're already facing tremendous pressure from hotter, drier summers and the lower stream flows," DeFrates said. "You add that to the fact that a lot of our infrastructure for water in this state is close to 100 years old, and we're seeing this compounding effect that mussels are going to bring where the issues that we're already dealing with are now even more urgent, and they're going to have to find ways to manage and upgrade their systems to reflect this new situation."
Tom Hogeman, Marina Service Manager over in Frisco said his team has been checking for invasive species on boats for more than a decade at this point, but zebra mussels are a threat he hasn't seen the likes of.
"They can cause tremendous damage to the ecosystem, infrastructure ... that could shut down recreational boating if, you know, Denver Water decides that they present enough of a threat."
"So that's a big deal," Hogeman said. "My livelihood depends on it," he added, glumly.
But it's not a time to throw in the towel, according to DeFrates. Quite the opposite in fact.
"If there's one uniting factor in our very, very divided landscape of politics, socioeconomic experience and everything going on in our country, water is a place where so many of us come together," DeFrates said. "All of these different interests find common ground, and that's where these solutions are built. But I don't want to make it sound like it's that easy: this will not be easy."
But a big fight starts with simple steps, like Tiffany Hays, a paddleboarder prepping to take on Dillon Resivor. She also happens to know about the zebra mussel infestation, and that it's up to people like her to make sure they aren't spreading the infestation.
"I wipe mine down really good, after each use with a towel," Hays said. "I inspect all the different parts just to make sure there's not something on there that shouldn't be there."
She believes if we all do a little effort, we can keep this from getting any worse than it already has.
"if we can get ahead of it and keep it from going to some of the other lakes, that we can have some success," Hays said.
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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mosquitoes bite! 5 tips for making yourself less attractive to them
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Their itchy bites and the disease-causing pathogens they carry are infamous, and the insects are also responsible for driving many of humanity's most essential turning points throughout history, said Winegard, author of 'The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator.' 'Malaria and yellow fever (have shaped) our historical journey from our hominid ancestral evolution … right to present day,' Winegard told CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta recently on his podcast, Chasing Life. Winegard, an associate professor of history at Colorado Mesa University, got the initial idea for his best-selling book from his dad's interest in malaria. The wee pest didn't intrigue Winegard too much at first. 'I kind of disparaged him and said, 'Sure, dad, I'll write a book on mosquitoes,'' he recalled. But once Winegard began going down the rabbit hole of mosquito-borne pathogens' impact on humanity — including, but not limited to malaria, Zika virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and West Nile virus — he couldn't stop. The mosquito's impact on history is still deeply felt in the present. More than half a million people die of malaria alone each year, and disease-heavy regions have suffered financially as a result. 'Northern Hemisphere countries don't have endemic malaria, (so) they're able to develop more affluent economies because they're not continuously suffering from malaria,' Winegard said. You can listen to the full episode here. Humans have been battling mosquitoes for millennia, and amid the season's summer peak in the Northern Hemisphere, Winegard offered some insight into how you can keep them away this summer. 'Eighty-five percent of what makes you alluring or less alluring to mosquitoes is prewired in your genetic circuit board,' according to Winegard. However, there are a few ways you can manage mosquitoes. He has these five tips. Steer clear of the booze Booze makes it easier for mosquitoes to see you, Winegard said. Mosquitoes hunt by sight, but they don't see the world like people do. The predatory insects employ thermal, or infrared, vision. 'They see heat signatures,' Winegard noted. 'Consuming alcohol raises your body temperature,' he explained over email, 'which make(s) you an identifiable heat signature for your soon-to-be tormentor.' So, maybe reach for a refreshing glass of water or lemonade instead of that beer. Play it cool In addition to using heat-based vision, mosquitoes hunt down humans primarily through smell. Winegard said mosquitoes 'can smell carbon dioxide from over 200 feet (60 meters) away.' 'So if you're exercising or breathing heavily, they'll smell that and be attracted to it,' Winegard told Gupta. And just like alcohol, high CO2 emissions make detecting heat signatures easier for mosquitoes, so Winegard recommends keeping yourself as cool as possible. This applies to your wardrobe, too. 'Dark clothes retain relatively more heat,' he said, so it's best to opt for lighter-colored, long-sleeved attire to keep mosquitoes at bay. Build a strong suit of armor Applying insect repellent is the gold standard for mosquito management, but if you're not careful when applying it, you can leave yourself vulnerable to bites. 'I know people who lather themselves in it, but they miss this little spot on the back of their calf and she'll find the chink in our armor,' Winegard told Gupta, referring to the female mosquito, who is the bloodsucking hunter. Mosquito repellent isn't like perfume, in which a few spritzes can cover your whole body. If you're spraying, make sure to be thorough. 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Medscape
2 hours ago
- Medscape
‘Clinical Obesity' Definition Shifts Obesity Prevalence
The adoption of the new 'clinical obesity' definition alters prevalence estimates of obesity in many parts of the world compared with BMI-based definitions, new data suggested. In January 2025, a Lancet Commission proposed that the diagnosis of obesity first be made via confirmation of excess adiposity using measures such as waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio in addition to BMI. Next, a clinical assessment of signs and symptoms of organ dysfunction due to obesity and/or functional limitations determines whether the individual has the disease 'clinical obesity' or 'preclinical obesity,' a condition of health risk but not an illness itself. That definition, although endorsed by more than 75 professional medical organizations, has proved controversial, with a commonly cited concern that people in the 'preclinical obesity' category might be denied needed care. But the Lancet authors counter that the 'preclinical' obesity category should be treated as a health risk factor, no differently than hypertension or dyslipidemia. A new analysis of nationally representative surveys from 56 mostly low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) showed that application of a modified version of the 'clinical obesity' definition would reduce obesity prevalence by more than 50% in some regions. It was published on July 24, 2025, in PLOS Global Public Health . 'Our results emphasize the need to carefully consider how obesity is defined in population surveillance to ensure its relevance to health outcomes. While the clinical obesity framework offers a more precise measure of obesity-related disease burden, its implementation in routine surveillance will require further adaptation to overcome data availability challenges,' the authors wrote. Lead author Rodrigo M. 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Clinical Obesity Prevalence Differs From BMI-Only Obesity The study included nationally representative data from the World Health Organization's STEPS Survey for a total of 142,250 people in 56 countries in six world regions, including Africa (n = 49,438 from 18 countries), the Americas ( n = 3083 from one country), the Eastern Mediterranean (n = 19,292 from nine countries), Europe (n = 17,536 from seven countries), Southeast Asia (n = 27,334 from six countries), and the Western Pacific ( n = 25,567 from 15 countries). Carrillo-Larco told Medscape Medical News that LMICs were sampled because 'obesity may impose a greater burden in LMICs, given the limitations in access to treatment and counseling for obesity as well as for related comorbidities.' The clinical obesity definition used for the study included objective measures of weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and total cholesterol. 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The largest shift in prevalence occurred in Malawi, with BMI-only obesity in 0.7% vs clinical obesity in 0.2%, a relative reduction of 67.7%. However, the absolute change was less than 1 percentage point. Countries experiencing both a relative change of ≥ 10% and an absolute change of ≥ 10 percentage points were Nauru (-35.5% relative change and 13.3 percentage points in absolute change; prevalence of clinical obesity was 24.2% and that of BMI-only obesity was 37.5%) and Qatar (-49.2% and 10.3; prevalence of clinical obesity was 10.6% and that of BMI-only obesity was 20.9%). In women, the relative change in prevalence exceeded 50% in Malawi (relative reduction of 52.8%; 5.6% for BMI-only obesity and 2.6% for clinical obesity) and Rwanda (-52.4%; 2.7% for BMI-only obesity and 1.3% for clinical obesity). In Malawi and Rwanda, the absolute change was 2.9 and 1.4 percentage points, respectively. Countries with both relative and absolute changes exceeding 10% and 10 percentage points, respectively, were in the Western Pacific (American Samoa, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, and Tuvalu). Rubino told Medscape Medical News , 'Distinguishing clinical from preclinical obesity doesn't reduce urgency — it ensures timely treatment for those who need it and directs prevention toward those for whom it remains possible.' Regardless, Carrillo-Larco said, 'Clinicians should always consider obesity as a multifactorial condition for which nonpharmacologic conditions are very important and social determinants of health play a key role.' The authors received no specific funding. Rubino declared having received research grants from Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson), Novo Nordisk, and Medtronic; consulting fees from Morphic Medical; and speaking honoraria from Medtronic, Ethicon, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Amgen. He has also served (unpaid) as a member of the scientific advisory board for Keyron and as a member of the data safety and monitoring board for GI Metabolic Solutions. Cohen declared having received research grants from Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic; honoraria for lectures and presentations from Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and Novo Nordisk; and serving on scientific advisory boards for Morphic Medical, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ignored and Undiagnosed: Sleep Apnea Threatens Women's Cognitive Health
Alzheimer's disease affects more than 6 million Americans, and emerging research identifies Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as a significant, modifiable risk factor. Interrupted breathing during sleep can impair memory and accelerate cognitive decline, with growing evidence linking poor sleep to an increased risk of dementia. In response, Vivos Therapeutics is offering innovative, airway-centered treatments aimed at improving sleep quality and supporting long-term brain health. LITTLETON, Colo., July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The possibility of a dementia diagnosis may have a new origin, according to a recent study from UC Irvine. Medical research shows a troubling connection between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during REM sleep and increased risk of verbal memory decline in older adults—an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease. (1) This is where key specialists like Vivos Therapeutics step in, offering focused treatments to fight OSA and its other ramifications. "These findings not only underscore the urgent need for early intervention in OSA but also present a critical opportunity to modify previously intractable risk factors and potentially alter the devastating trajectory of cognitive decline", states Kirk Huntsman, CEO of Vivos Therapeutics, a leading innovator in medical technology for sleep and breathing health. An Alarming Link and Its Ramifications The UC Irvine study that links dementia with OSA delivers a powerful and sobering message: a direct and concerning correlation exists between the frequency and intensity of REM-related apnea events and the subsequent decline in verbal memory function. This is reinforced by findings from Michigan Medicine, which indicate that older women with known or suspected OSA are more likely to exhibit signs or receive a diagnosis of dementia in the years ahead, compared to their male counterparts. (2) Menopause May Be a Hidden Factor Another contributing factor to this diagnosis is menopause, which may help explain the gender disparity in sleep apnea's impact on dementia risk. Hormonal changes during this phase—especially declining estrogen—may increase susceptibility to OSA and dementia. (3) A Sleep Advance's study found that by age 80, women with sleeps apnea had nearly double the dementia risk of 5% compared to men. With up to 90% of OSA cases undiagnosed, researchers call for proactive screening in high-risk groups like postmenopausal women. More Studies, One Common Factor: Timely Action Beyond the UC Irvine findings, a growing body of evidence confirms the strong connection between OSA and elevated Alzheimer's risk. These studies underscore a critical takeaway: early diagnosis and intervention aren't just helpful—they can be life-changing. Timely treatment, particularly with therapies like CPAP, has been shown to preserve cognitive function and enhance quality of life. Experts like Vivos Therapeutics play a vital role by addressing the root cause of OSA with targeted, non-invasive solutions. OSA Raises Dementia Risk 27% in Seniors: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine of 20,000+ seniors found OSA increased dementia risk by 27%, even after accounting for other health factors like age, sex, race, education, and comorbidities.(4) Sleep Apnea Tied to Alzheimer's Markers: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)-backed research found severe OSA patients had elevated levels of beta-amyloid—key indicators of Alzheimer's.(5) Disrupted sleep hampers the brain's ability to clear toxins. CPAP May Boost Cognition in Alzheimer's: Alzheimer's patients using CPAP for three weeks showed better memory, attention, and executive function. (6) Older Women With OSA Face Double Dementia Risk: UCSF researchers found elderly women with sleep-disordered breathing were 85% more likely to develop dementia—mainly due to oxygen deprivation during sleep. (7) Vivos Expands Rapidly, Targeting Sleep Apnea and Its Implications As the OSA-dementia connection becomes clearer, Vivos Therapeutics is scaling efforts to meet demand. In partnership with the Centers for Sleep and Airway Medicine and Rebis Health, Vivos is expanding access to non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatments for sleep-disordered breathing. Vivos empowers providers—primary care doctors, neurologists, dentists, and sleep specialists—with tools to diagnose and treat OSA earlier. Its solutions aim not just to relieve symptoms, but to protect long-term brain health by restoring healthy sleep and airway function. "With Alzheimer's cases rising fast, this is a wake-up call," said Huntsman. "That's why we're expanding sleep centers and training more providers to identify and treat those at high risk—especially patients with early cognitive decline." About VIVOS THERAPEUTICS Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects over 1 billion people worldwide, yet 90% remain undiagnosed and unaware of their condition. This chronic disorder is not just a sleep issue—it's closely linked to nearly every modern chronic health condition. While the medical community has made strides in treating sleep disorders, breathing and sleep health remain areas that are still not fully understood. As a result, solutions are often mechanistic and fail to address the root causes of OSA. Vivos Therapeutics, founded in 2016 and based in Littleton, CO, is changing this. Through innovative technology, education, and partnerships with dentists, functional medicine doctors, and sleep specialists, Vivos is empowering healthcare providers to more thoroughly address the complex needs of patients. Their groundbreaking device is the only FDA 510(k) cleared technology for treating severe OSA and the first to receive clearance for treating moderate to severe OSA in children. The Vivos Method offers a unique, clinically effective solution that is nonsurgical, noninvasive, and nonpharmaceutical, providing hope for patients with mild to severe OSA. Vivos: Breathe New Life. For more information, visit References "UC Irvine-led study links sleep apnea severity during REM stage to verbal memory decline." UC Irvine News, Fromson, Norah. "Sleep apnea contributes to dementia in older adults, especially women" 29 Oct. 2024, Braley J, Tiffany, Lyu Xiru, Levi Dunietz Galit, Schulz Paul C, Bove Riley, Chervin Ronald D, Paulson Henry L, Shedden Kerby "Sex-specific dementia risk in known or suspected obstructive sleep apnea: a 10-year longitudinal population-based study" 22 Oct. 2024 Monica M. Shieu, MS, PhD, Galit Levi Dunietz, MPH, PhD, Henry L. Paulson, MD, PhD, Ronald D. Chervin, MD, Tiffany J. Braley, MD, MS JSCM "The association between obstructive sleep apnea risk and cognitive disorders: a population-based study" 1 April, 2022 "Study provides new evidence that sleep apnea may increase risk of Alzheimer's disease" November 10, 2017 Sonia Ancoli-Israel 1, Barton W Palmer, Jana R Cooke, Jody Corey-Bloom, Lavinia Fiorentino, Loki Natarajan, Lianqi Liu, Liat Ayalon, Feng He, Jose S Loredo "Cognitive effects of treating obstructive sleep apnea in Alzheimer's disease: a randomized controlled study" PubliMed September 15, 2007 O'Brien Jennifer "Sleep Apnea Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia in Elderly Women" August 9, 2011 Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR™ 727-777-4629 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vivos Therapeutics
