What I Learned About Nutrition Risks for COVID-19
July 30, 2020 – by Martin Kohlmeier, MD, PhD
I am just reading that the Director-General of the World Health Association, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing that the Covid-19 pandemic “is not even close to being over.” We need to aggressively explore all opportunities to control the continued spread of this very dangerous virus. In addition to the various proven infection control measures, dietary and lifestyle factors affecting large numbers of our populations also appear to be of importance. And in light of the continuing infections, I, like many health professionals also wanted to know how to ensure optimal nutrition as a foundation for successful treatment outcomes. Read more.
A Nutrigenetic Study of Purine Metabolism and Cognitive Function
July 30, 2020 – Nutrigenetic research at the NRI often focuses on brain development and health across the lifespan. Recently, faculty members Carol Cheatham, PhD, and Saroja Voruganti, PhD, received a supplemental grant from the National Institute of Aging (NIA), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to study how purine metabolism affects cognitive function. Read more.
AFL with a Twist
July 30, 2020 – This fall, Appetite for Life is coming back – with a twist! Each month join us for a virtual learning experience about the critical role of nutrition in immunity. A balanced diet that provides a full range of nutrients is a cornerstone of well-being. Together with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoidance of harmful substances, good nutrition builds an immune system that is effective at maintaining health during normal times and could be essential in a time of pandemic or a regular flu season.
Presented via webinars, our AFL with A Twist sessions will be offered in September, October, and November. In September, Martin Kohlmeier, MD, PhD, will share latest findings on vitamin D’s fundamental role in strong immune function and known effects of vitamin D deficiency and viruses. Watch for this program announcement next month.
We’ve missed seeing you at our live programs but are excited to bring you timely, important information from the Nutrition Research Institute and UNC-CH in our new virtual learning series. We hope you’ll join us.
Seeking: Social Media Intern
July 30, 2020 – Are you a Facebook expert? Instagram influencer? TikTok videographer extraordinaire? The NRI is looking for a Social Media Intern. The Social Media Intern will be responsible for planning social media calendars, creating social media posts and assisting the social media team with brainstorming new campaigns. The Social Media Intern will also have the opportunity to assist with virtual community outreach events and create and distribute content such as blogs, infographics, and press releases.
We’re looking for someone who is creative, ready to multitask, and able to stay focused while working independently. If that sounds like you, get @ us! Learn more and apply here.
Please note: Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, all interviews and job duties will be conducted remotely.
NRI Summer Virtual Programming Continues
July 30, 2020 – Unprecedented times call for unprecedented ways to provide your students with opportunities to have fun while learning at home with the NRI. Don’t miss out on our final summer offerings before we launch our fall 2020 virtual programming lineup.
CAMP NRI
Designed for elementary and middle school students, Camp NRI is a monthly program featuring a follow-along science experiment or similar project. Our last camp offering of the season will be in session on Wednesday August 12 (11 AM – Facebook and 2 PM – Instagram). Join us as we learn to exercise using the rainbow as our guide – no equipment needed. See you there!
VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Our Virtual Internship Program (VIP) participants kicked off six weeks of learning and mentorship on July 6. These 19 driven high school students from across the state of North Carolina and the US will culminate their experience by completing an independent research project on the nutrient of their choice and presenting their research to their peers, parents, and internship program leaders virtually.
Interested in participating in our VIP program in the future? Stay tuned! Future program information, including application details, will be announced via SoundBites.
