As the Academic Health Center’s multimedia producer I get the opportunity to work with many talented and brilliant researchers.

Sometimes, the creativity and passion of these physicians and scientists literally blows you away. John Ohlfest, Ph.D., was one of those people.

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of John last week; he was one of the most dedicated, passionate and genuinely nice researchers I’ve ever met during my time with the AHC.

For most people, the holidays are a time of celebration.

But for some, the holidays can also be a catalyst for increased stress levels.

During the holidays, increases in family time, financial challenges or responsibilities can be overwhelming. In addition, these stressors can be compounded as we sleep and exercise less and our food and alcohol intake climbs.

But the good news is that with a few simple tips, most people can help keep stress levels from getting the better of them this holiday season.

The holidays bring lots of cheer, but also a lot of new or unusual situations that can spell disaster for children or pets that ingest new plants around the house or find their way into a visitor’s medication. The holidays are the busiest time of year for poison control centers, but there are a few simple holiday safety tips to help keep everyone safe and happy this holiday season.

Deck the halls with lots of candy, fa la la la la, la la la la. Top my eggnog off with brandy, fa, la la la … la … that’s how the song is sung, right?

If that sounds right to you, take heed: studies suggest the average American gains more unnecessary body weight during the holiday season, between November and January, than any other time of the year!

While this may amount to only a few pounds and perhaps an extra inch on the waistline, it could have long-term detrimental effects on health.

There has to be a guilt-free way to enjoy the holiday season, right?!

We met up with School of Public Health researcher, Mark Pereira, Ph.D., an associate professor of epidemiology and community health, to find out how we – and our scales – could make it through the holidays unscathed.

If given only months to live, what would you do? Zach Sobiech’s response: embrace every day with hope and joy. And that’s just what he is doing.

Meet Zach Sobiech, a 17-year-old from Lakeland, Minnesota who has been battling cancer for 3 years.

His journey started in November 2009, when Zach was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer most typically found in the long bones of growing teenagers.

At the end of May 2012, following many surgeries, chemotherapy treatments and ups and downs, he was given the news there were no know effective treatments left.

So now, Zach is saying goodbye to his friends and family through music – writing and performing songs like “Clouds.”

Some days are harder than others, but Zach remains upbeat and positive.

Health Talk wants to thank University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital, Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Woolly Rhino Productions for sharing Zach’s story with us. We hope our readers continue to spread the message of hope and joy. 

Domestic abuse is a serious issue for women across the country and around the world. But it isn’t just the partners involved in these relationships who are hurt. There is a long term impact on children experiencing domestic abuse in their daily lives.

We spoke with Iris Borowsky, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, about how children who witness violence, particularly in their home or neighborhood, are impacted.