Latest news with #NationalJewishHealth
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Derek Abbott, MD, PhD, Begins New Role as Chair of Immunology and Genomic Medicine at National Jewish Health
DENVER, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National Jewish Health is pleased to announce that Derek Abbott, MD, PhD, has joined the organization as the Cecil and Ida Green Chair of the Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine. Following a national search, Dr. Abbott was selected for this prestigious leadership position and began his tenure in July 2025. Dr. Abbott comes to National Jewish Health from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, where he served as the Arline H. and Curtis Garvin Professor of Medicine in the Department of Pathology since 2006. He previously served as Director of the CWRU Medical Scientist Training Program, bringing with him a wealth of experience in research, education and leadership. "I am honored to take on this leadership role at National Jewish Health," said Dr. Abbott. "I look forward to building on the department's legacy of discovery science and advancing research that improves the lives of patients worldwide." Dr. Abbott is recognized for his work at the intersection of genetics and immunology, with a strong track record of high-impact publications. His lab focuses on mapping nodal points in inflammatory and autoimmune disease using genetic data to guide drug development and improve therapeutic outcomes. "Dr. Abbott is a highly respected researcher within the fields of immunology and genomic medicine. He brings tremendous experience, knowledge and collaborative leadership, and we are excited to have him lead this key area of our institution," said Michael Salem, MD, CEO and president of National Jewish Health. Dr. Abbott completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia in 1993 and earned his MD and PhD in Cell Biology from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine as part of the Medical Scientist Training Program. He continued his training at Brigham and Women's Hospital (Harvard Medical School), where he focused on integrating immunology and genetics to identify new therapeutic targets — a mission that continues in his current research. "National Jewish Health has always been a leader in medical innovation and care. We look forward to Dr. Abbott's expertise and contributions as we continue to lead in the field of immunology," said Gregory Downey, MD, executive vice president, Academic Affairs & Provost at National Jewish Health. Dr. Abbott succeeds Philippa Marrack, PhD, FRS, who has been a key researcher at National Jewish Health for more than 45 years and led the Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine for the past 15 years. A world-renowned immunologist, Dr. Marrack has made foundational discoveries that have contributed to immune-based therapies, transforming treatment for cancer, autoimmune conditions and infectious diseases. Dr. Marrack's professional recognitions are numerous, including being elected to the National Women's Hall of Fame and the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame, and receiving the 2015 Wolf Prize in Medicine along with her husband and research partner, John Kappler, PhD. "We are deeply grateful for Dr. Marrack's lasting impact in the field of medicine and for our organization. Her career, spanning more than 50 years, has impacted lives throughout the world, as well as those of us who have had the privilege to work with and learn from her," said Dr. Salem. National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health today is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of children and adults with respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders. Patients and families come to National Jewish Health from around the world to receive cutting-edge, comprehensive, coordinated care. To learn more, visit the media resources page. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Jewish Health Sign in to access your portfolio
CNET
26-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
You've Probably Hit Your Protein Goal: Here's What Experts Think You Need Instead
There's plenty of healthy eating and workout trends that come and go over the years, but one topic seems to come up again and again: Protein. Contrary to what you may be hearing on social media, you're probably already getting all the protein you need. Similar to counting calories, the protein goals trend has gotten out of hand, causing people to buy expensive protein bars, shakes and slabs of meat. According to Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, it's actually "extremely uncommon" if not "nearly impossible" to be deficient in protein, at least in the US, where there's an abundance of food. So what's the deal with this protein push by almost every wellness influencer you follow? You're likely getting enough protein without even trying As long as you're not heavily restricting yourself and getting enough calories to fuel your body, you're probably hitting your protein goals just by eating a typical American diet. While some people may need more to feel satisfied and strong or to maximize their muscle gains in the gym, the reality for many Americans might be that they meet their protein requirements through their daily diet. For some, that requirement may be well below 100 grams, which is one elusive protein goal often touted, including by the wellness team here at CNET. "People are absolutely obsessed with protein," Freeman said, pointing to the fact it's also likely you'll hit your "protein goals" even if you're eating a plant-based diet, so long as it's varied and full. One potentially influencing factor toward the protein goal trend is the rise in interest in the carnivore diet, which prioritizes meat consumption. "What most people forget is some of earth's biggest and strongest mammals, they're all plant-based," Freeman said. "When was the last time you saw a protein-deficient gorilla or elephant?" Americans, in particular, have a complicated and sometimes disordered relationship with food – when we're not obsessing over getting enough of something (#proteingoals), we're restricting something else (think the villainization of fats and carbs). Examples of some diets that oscillate between these extremes include the ketogenic diet, the carnivore diet, calorie-counting apps and taking extra time to make complicated drinks in the name of weight loss. This would be more defensible if we were reaping the health benefits of sticking to these diets, but instead, Americans are leaders in chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes (preventable and often reversible through diet). Many people also suffer a reduced quality of life from restricting themselves or following diets that may or may not meaningfully improve their health down the line, and may also inspire shame or eating disorders. Not to mention, most of us are actually deficient in fiber, and a good chunk of us are low in other very important nutrients, such as iron, vitamin D and more. In fact, all the focus on protein ends up causing people to overlook other nutrients their body needs that they can't get from protein. Fiber, for example, is a key carbohydrate that is found mainly in plants and should also be prioritized, especially with the rising rates in colorectal cancer among people younger than 50 years old. Of course, this is absolutely not to say that protein isn't important, or that some people need more than others based on their activity level or the muscle build they're going for. Here, we merely take a minute to plead the case that, when it comes to protein, you may be able to cool it a bit. Instagram How much protein should you actually be eating? Look, the intro to this topic came on a little strong, so it is important to take a moment and stress how protein is an absolutely vital nutrient: protein contains amino acids, which build our bodies and help them function. If we didn't eat protein, we'd be dead. To get a baseline of how much we need to support our needs, there's fortunately a recommended daily amount, or RDA, of protein. This is 0.8-gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. (There are about 2.2 pounds in one kg.) This means a person who weighs 200 pounds needs about 73 grams of protein to meet their needs and not be deficient. Where it gets tricky is deciphering exactly how much protein you need not only to stay alive, but to thrive. Like every health "thing," what's best for you will depend on your body and your activity level, for example. But even taking this into account, you may not have to work as hard as you think to get adequate protein, even if you're hitting the gym regularly. In a 2023 podcast hosted by Zoe, a nutrition science company and maker of at-home gut microbiome test kits, Stanford University professor and nutrition researcher Christopher Gardner explained why fears of falling short in the protein department are often overblown. "When the US comes up with recommended daily allowances for protein, vitamins and minerals, the standard approach is to take two standard deviations above the average," Gardner explained in the podcast. For the 0.8-gram of protein per kilogram of weight, he said, "You've picked a number that should be adequate for 97.5% of the population." But what if you're above average? Chances are, you're not. "To me, it's the American idea of 'that's what the RDA is, but I know I'm above average, so let me make sure I get some extra here,'" Gardner explained. "It was built in to recognize that some people need more [protein]," he continued, going on to explain that when you're working out heavily, you're naturally going to feel hungrier, which will prompt you to eat more -- which means (for most people), naturally eating more protein. But what if you want to really gain muscle? To its credit, and in a refreshing turn of American-diet events, the protein goal trend is focused on adding rather than restricting. And if you're into intense weightlifting, or if you want to gain muscle, you will need more. But chances are that "more" is not as much more as you might think -- at least if you're considering consciously adding protein through shakes and other supplements. If you really want to build muscle or are seriously into weight lifting, estimates on how much "extra" protein you need varies, and the best (and safest) advice is always to talk to your doctor or nutritionist to take your whole health and lifestyle into account. But some estimates land around 1.2 to 1.7 grams per kilogram of weight. Others are even higher, at up to 2 grams per kilogram. This discussion assumes you enjoy counting your macros, though. If you eat when you're hungry, fuel up after a hard workout and choose foods that are rich in protein and also part of a well-balanced diet, you should be good to go. In addition to weightlifting, Freeman said that people with medical concerns, such as undergoing surgery or recovering from burns, need more protein. Pregnancy and older adulthood are other instances when people's protein requirement goes up a bit in relation to their calorie intake. Yaorusheng/Moment via Getty Images Can you get too much protein? What about protein's benefits? High protein consumption makes the kidneys work harder, which may be a concern for some and is one reason parents should be wary of giving kids extra protein supplements, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, hitting your high protein goals or even exceeding them shouldn't be harmful for most people, though keep in mind that after they're broken down into those vital amino acids and the energy is expended, excess protein is stored as fat if not used for energy. Now for a benefit: In addition to overall body function and muscle building, protein is very filling and satiating. This means a protein-rich meal may aid in weight loss (if that's your goal) because it keeps you full for longer when compared, for example, to a meal that's more carb-heavy and lacking in protein. Craving protein? You could be low in iron About 95% of Americans aren't eating enough fiber, according to research from 2016. Fiber is found in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds and more. Nearly one in three of us are also low in iron, which is where things get interesting in the protein discussion, because excellent sources of protein are often excellent sources of iron. (Steak and other red meat, for example.) However, there are plant-based foods like dark greens that are high in iron and also in fiber. Vitamin D, a nutrient we can get from the sun as well as from our food, is also one Americans tend to be lower in. This is especially notable during the cooler months. Unfortunately, the advice for how to best meet your nutritional needs isn't flashy and mimics previous guidance: Eat a full diet full of variety and color, prioritizing foods like vegetables, healthy fats and, yes, protein. You just don't need to obsess about it.
CNN
25-06-2025
- Health
- CNN
Deaths from heart attacks are way down. Here's what's killing us instead
Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world. However, overall heart disease death rates over the past five decades dropped by 66% in American adults age 25 and older, according to a new study. Even better, deaths from heart attacks dropped by nearly 90%. 'Over the past 50 years, our understanding of heart disease, what causes it and how we treat it has evolved considerably,' said lead study author Dr. Sara King, a second-year internal medicine resident at Stanford University School of Medicine in California. 'There have been great strides made in helping people survive initial acute cardiac events that were once considered a death sentence,' King said in a statement. Unfortunately, that positive news has a flip side. Deaths from all other types of heart disease, including arrhythmia, heart failure and hypertensive heart disease increased by 81% in the United States, according to the study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association. It's important to put both sets of numbers into perspective, said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver. 'These days, the likelihood of dying from a heart attack is relatively low compared to where it's been, but the likelihood of significant disability from the heart attack is still high,' said Freeman, who was not involved in the study. 'You might develop heart failure — where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs and you're always short of breath,' he said. 'Or maybe you're on a number of medications for blood pressure, fluid retention and cholesterol, or you never feel your best. 'It's one thing to be alive, it's another to be alive and well.' The study analyzed government data on deaths from heart disease between 1970 and 2022. Back in 1970, heart attacks were responsible for 54% of all deaths from heart issues. By 2022 that number had dropped to 29%. Deaths from atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, which happen when electrical impulses to the heart go awry and cause an irregular heartbeat or 'flutter' in the chest, were rare in the 1970s. By 2022, the number had risen to 450% — about 4% of all heart disease deaths, the study found. Deaths from heart failure increased 146% over the same time period, while death due to persistent high blood pressure rose by 106%. Changes in cardiovascular risk factors are contributing to the rise in certain types of heart disease, the study said. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, poor food choices and physical inactivity have skyrocketed over the past 50 years. Obesity prevalence rose from 15% in 1970 to 40% in 2022, the study found. Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes now impacts nearly half of all adults in the United States. High blood pressure increased from 30% in 1978 to nearly 50% in 2022. Another potential contributor — the aging Baby Boomer population now reaching a time when they are most likely to develop heart disease. 'All of these risk factors contribute to an ongoing burden of heart disease, especially as related to heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and arrhythmias,' said senior study author Dr. Latha Palaniappan, professor of cardiovascular medicine and associate dean for research at Stanford University School of Medicine. 'Heart disease hasn't gone away,' Palaniappan said in a statement. 'The focus now must be on helping people age with strong, healthy hearts by preventing events, and prevention can start as early as childhood.' Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Deaths from heart attacks are way down. Here's what's killing us instead
Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world. However, overall heart disease death rates over the past five decades dropped by 66% in American adults age 25 and older, according to a new study. Even better, deaths from heart attacks dropped by nearly 90%. 'Over the past 50 years, our understanding of heart disease, what causes it and how we treat it has evolved considerably,' said lead study author Dr. Sara King, a second-year internal medicine resident at Stanford University School of Medicine in California. 'There have been great strides made in helping people survive initial acute cardiac events that were once considered a death sentence,' King said in a statement. Unfortunately, that positive news has a flip side. Deaths from all other types of heart disease, including arrhythmia, heart failure and hypertensive heart disease increased by 81% in the United States, according to the study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association. It's important to put both sets of numbers into perspective, said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver. 'These days, the likelihood of dying from a heart attack is relatively low compared to where it's been, but the likelihood of significant disability from the heart attack is still high,' said Freeman, who was not involved in the study. 'You might develop heart failure — where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs and you're always short of breath,' he said. 'Or maybe you're on a number of medications for blood pressure, fluid retention and cholesterol, or you never feel your best. 'It's one thing to be alive, it's another to be alive and well.' The study analyzed government data on deaths from heart disease between 1970 and 2022. Back in 1970, heart attacks were responsible for 54% of all deaths from heart issues. By 2022 that number had dropped to 29%. Deaths from atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, which happen when electrical impulses to the heart go awry and cause an irregular heartbeat or 'flutter' in the chest, were rare in the 1970s. By 2022, the number had risen to 450% — about 4% of all heart disease deaths, the study found. Deaths from heart failure increased 146% over the same time period, while death due to persistent high blood pressure rose by 106%. Changes in cardiovascular risk factors are contributing to the rise in certain types of heart disease, the study said. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, poor food choices and physical inactivity have skyrocketed over the past 50 years. Obesity prevalence rose from 15% in 1970 to 40% in 2022, the study found. Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes now impacts nearly half of all adults in the United States. High blood pressure increased from 30% in 1978 to nearly 50% in 2022. Another potential contributor — the aging Baby Boomer population now reaching a time when they are most likely to develop heart disease. 'All of these risk factors contribute to an ongoing burden of heart disease, especially as related to heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and arrhythmias,' said senior study author Dr. Latha Palaniappan, professor of cardiovascular medicine and associate dean for research at Stanford University School of Medicine. 'Heart disease hasn't gone away,' Palaniappan said in a statement. 'The focus now must be on helping people age with strong, healthy hearts by preventing events, and prevention can start as early as childhood.' Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
CNN
25-06-2025
- Health
- CNN
Deaths from heart attacks are way down. Here's what's killing us instead
Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world. However, overall heart disease death rates over the past five decades dropped by 66% in American adults age 25 and older, according to a new study. Even better, deaths from heart attacks dropped by nearly 90%. 'Over the past 50 years, our understanding of heart disease, what causes it and how we treat it has evolved considerably,' said lead study author Dr. Sara King, a second-year internal medicine resident at Stanford University School of Medicine in California. 'There have been great strides made in helping people survive initial acute cardiac events that were once considered a death sentence,' King said in a statement. Unfortunately, that positive news has a flip side. Deaths from all other types of heart disease, including arrhythmia, heart failure and hypertensive heart disease increased by 81% in the United States, according to the study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association. It's important to put both sets of numbers into perspective, said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver. 'These days, the likelihood of dying from a heart attack is relatively low compared to where it's been, but the likelihood of significant disability from the heart attack is still high,' said Freeman, who was not involved in the study. 'You might develop heart failure — where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs and you're always short of breath,' he said. 'Or maybe you're on a number of medications for blood pressure, fluid retention and cholesterol, or you never feel your best. 'It's one thing to be alive, it's another to be alive and well.' The study analyzed government data on deaths from heart disease between 1970 and 2022. Back in 1970, heart attacks were responsible for 54% of all deaths from heart issues. By 2022 that number had dropped to 29%. Deaths from atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, which happen when electrical impulses to the heart go awry and cause an irregular heartbeat or 'flutter' in the chest, were rare in the 1970s. By 2022, the number had risen to 450% — about 4% of all heart disease deaths, the study found. Deaths from heart failure increased 146% over the same time period, while death due to persistent high blood pressure rose by 106%. Changes in cardiovascular risk factors are contributing to the rise in certain types of heart disease, the study said. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, poor food choices and physical inactivity have skyrocketed over the past 50 years. Obesity prevalence rose from 15% in 1970 to 40% in 2022, the study found. Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes now impacts nearly half of all adults in the United States. High blood pressure increased from 30% in 1978 to nearly 50% in 2022. Another potential contributor — the aging Baby Boomer population now reaching a time when they are most likely to develop heart disease. 'All of these risk factors contribute to an ongoing burden of heart disease, especially as related to heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and arrhythmias,' said senior study author Dr. Latha Palaniappan, professor of cardiovascular medicine and associate dean for research at Stanford University School of Medicine. 'Heart disease hasn't gone away,' Palaniappan said in a statement. 'The focus now must be on helping people age with strong, healthy hearts by preventing events, and prevention can start as early as childhood.' Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
