3-30-09

Media Release

Healthier, longer lives are subject of ‘Science Pub Corvallis’ on April 13

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Two leading Oregon State University faculty researchers in the areas of disease prevention through smart eating habits and exercise for healthy aging are the featured presenters in the second “Science Pub Corvallis” evening, set for Monday, April 13, 6 p.m. at Old World Deli, 341 S.W. 2nd St.

Science Pub Corvallis kicked off earlier this month with a presentation on the history, art and science of beer that packed a standing-room-only crowd of more than 200 participants into the downtown restaurant venue, and a Facebook group for the ongoing series already has more than 100 members. Set for the second Monday of each month, Science Pub is intended to take science out of the laboratory and into the community with informal presentations in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It is sponsored by OSU, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Downtown Corvallis Association.

The April 13 program, “Eat Smart, Get Active, Age Well,” will feature Emily Ho, a principal investigator at OSU’s Linus Pauling Institute and an associate professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences, and Kathy Gunter, a researcher in OSU’s Center for Healthy Aging Research and an assistant professor in Health and Human Sciences.

Ho’s research has included studies of green tea and soy, as well as broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, and has been sponsored by the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute. Among her findings are the discovery of an important link between prostate cancer and zinc, a mineral required by every cell in the human body, but one that 50 percent of men over 65 get in insufficient amounts.

Gunter’s NIH-backed research has documented health benefits of some remarkably simple exercises, including physical activity that can help slow the loss of bone mass in older adults. Her wildly popular “Better Bones and Balance” class provides a routine of self-paced stretching and weight-bearing exercises that build muscle, bone mass and confidence, equipping seniors to safely handle everyday chores. That’s important, given that one in three people over 65 falls in a given year, resulting in about 1.8 million annual trips to the emergency room for broken hips, concussions and other trauma.

Science Pub Corvallis programs are free and open to the public. Individuals wishing to order food and beverage and select their seating are encouraged to arrive early.

For more information, visit the official Web site at http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubcorvallis, join the Facebook group (search for “Corvallis Science Pub”) or call 541-754-6624.

About Oregon State University: OSU is one of only two U.S. universities designated a land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant institution. OSU is also Oregon’s only university designated in the Carnegie Foundation’s top tier for research institutions, garnering more than 60 percent of the total federal and private research funding in the Oregon University System. Its more than 20,300 students come from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. OSU programs touch every county within Oregon, and its faculty teach and conduct research on issues of national and global importance.

About OMSI: Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation's leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR, 97214. For general information, call 503-797-4000 or visit http://www.omsi.edu.

About the Downtown Corvallis Association: The DCA is a non-profit membership organization providing economic development, business advocacy, design assistance and networking opportunities in and for Downtown Corvallis. Membership in the Downtown Corvallis Association is open to all businesses and individuals supporting the organization's mission to maintain the vibrancy of Downtown Corvallis.