Cary Spotlight | Issue #233

Bird Flu Concerns, Exercise and Brain Health, Revolutionary Synthetic Platelets, Raleigh/Cary Hospitals Shine

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week

📰 Bird Flu's Rising Threat: A Warning for Human Health

📰 How Exercise Keeps the Brain Sharp and Healthy

🚴🥾 Resource Guide: Best Road Biking (& Walking) Trails in Cary

📰 Emergency Care Revolutionized by Synthetic Platelets

📰 Raleigh/Cary Hospitals Earn Top Safety Grades in National Study

😀 Quote of the Day

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Dear Reader,

We look forward to sharing news, spotlights of businesses and events that make our vibrant community a great place to live, work and play. We need your help.

Do you know of an outstanding Real Estate Agent or Realtor that you would like to introduce to the subscribers of Cary Spotlight?

Simply hit reply or have your Realtor contact me at [email protected].

We are currently opening 10 8 7 spots for realtors who can help people interested in relocation, downsizing, real estate investment or property management. They will be part of our Cary Real Estate Advisory Counsel featured in our newsletter.

They don’t have to be an expert in all of these areas. More importantly, they have to be focused on serving the community and can play nice with others.

Chris Coetzer
Founder/Publisher
Cary Spotlight

P.S. Thank you for the recommendations that came in yesterday.

Question: Where is the world's largest island located?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

📚 TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS! 📚
To get two free audiobooks from Audible, just follow this link: Learn more

Partner with us to reach our local audience in Cary, NC.
email: [email protected]

…

Quote of the Day. Brought to you by Cary's daily newsletter.

Email is faster than word of mouth. Cary Spotlight: The Daily Email Newsletter of Cary, NC keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

…

These articles are for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Blue Kingfisher

Bird Flu's Rising Threat: A Warning for Human Health

In the summer of 2022, Wild Instincts Animal Rescue in Wisconsin faced a significant challenge with the spread of H5N1 bird flu among local wildlife. This virus, discovered in 1996, has infected millions of birds and various mammals, posing a global threat. Although human infections have been rare, H5N1's high mutation rate raises concerns about its potential to become a human pandemic.

Mark Naniot, co-founder of Wild Instincts, witnessed the virus's devastating effects, particularly in red fox kits suffering severe seizures. Scientists, including Dr. Jesse Bloom, warn that the virus’s ability to mutate rapidly could eventually allow it to infect humans more effectively. Current studies suggest the virus does not spread easily through the air, but the risk remains.

Experts like Dr. Rick Bright and Dr. Erin Sorrell emphasize the need for vigilance, as the virus’s capacity for rapid adaptation could lead to significant changes. The U.S. government has prepared vaccines and protective measures, while ongoing research and monitoring continue.

Naniot’s experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of viral diseases and the importance of preparedness to mitigate the risk of future pandemics. Read full article

How Exercise Keeps the Brain Sharp and Healthy

Research has increasingly highlighted the substantial benefits of exercise on brain health, demonstrating improvements in cognition, mood, and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Activities such as running, biking, weightlifting, and brisk walking offer far-reaching advantages beyond physical fitness.

Studies led by Stanford Medicine have shown that exercise affects various organs at the molecular level, enhancing the immune system, stress response, energy production, and metabolism. This research identified changes in gene expression related to mitochondrial function, suggesting potential benefits for conditions like diabetes and liver health.

Further research from The University of Queensland revealed that exercise might delay cognitive decline by rejuvenating aged brain immune cells, supporting the creation of new neurons in the hippocampus. These findings emphasize the deep connection between physical activity and mental wellness.

Experts recommend various forms of exercise, including Pilates, aerobic exercises, strength training, and balance exercises, as particularly beneficial for brain health. Activities that combine physical and cognitive challenges, such as dance or Tai Chi, offer additional benefits.

Despite the clear advantages of exercise, individual responses may vary due to genetics and baseline health. Ongoing research aims to identify the most effective exercise types and intensities for different populations, ensuring everyone can reap the brain-boosting benefits of physical activity. Read Full Story

Resource Guide

How often do you exercise per week?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Captured inside a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laboratory, this image depicted a close view of a laboratory technician in the process of pipetting a sample of vitamin E acetate, which would be used in various tests conducted upon a number of electronic cigarettes, referred to as e-cigarettes, or e-cigs, and vaping pens.

Emergency Care Revolutionized by Synthetic Platelets

A research team has successfully developed synthetic platelets using hydrogel nanoparticles, marking a significant advancement in emergency medicine. These synthetic platelets effectively mimic natural platelets, traveling to wound sites to expedite clotting and promote healing. Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the study demonstrated promising results in animal models, including mice and pigs.

Synthetic platelets address the critical need for platelet transfusions in various medical scenarios, such as severe bleeding or chemotherapy treatment, where human platelets are often in short supply and require precise storage conditions. Unlike human platelets, synthetic platelets can be used with any blood type and are easier to store and transport, making them invaluable in emergency situations like battlefield injuries or pre-hospital care.

Researchers aim to begin clinical trials in humans within two years, pending FDA approval. This development in biomedical engineering holds great potential for improving patient outcomes in emergency medicine and beyond. Read Full Story

Raleigh/Cary Hospitals Earn Top Safety Grades in National Study

The Raleigh/Cary metro area has been recognized as one of the safest regions for hospital care in the United States, according to The Leapfrog Group's latest safety grades. The region ties with Charleston/North Charleston, SC, with 62.5% of its hospitals earning "A" grades, ranking it seventh in the country.

Leapfrog's Spring 2024 evaluation assessed 26 hospitals in the Triangle and 90 across North Carolina. In the Triangle, 14 hospitals received "A" grades, including all three Duke hospitals, two Rex hospitals, and WakeMed’s Raleigh campus.

Six hospitals were awarded "B" grades, including UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and two Johnston Health facilities. Five hospitals received "C" grades, such as Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville. Granville Medical Center in Oxford received the only "D" grade in the state.

This achievement highlights the Raleigh/Cary area's strong commitment to maintaining high safety standards and providing excellent healthcare services, supported by its leading medical institutions.  Here’s the full list

Let’s Tell Your Brand’s Story.
Increase Your Local Visibility and
Connect with Our Community!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Cary area residents in an upcoming issue of Cary Spotlight? Click the link below.

Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

June 12th (Wednesday)

June 13th (Thursday)

June 14th (Friday)

June 15th (Saturday)

June 16th (Sunday)

June 17th(Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

Greenland, the world's largest island that is not a continent, is located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, known for its vast ice sheet, rugged landscape, and unique Arctic wildlife.

For more information about Greenland, you can visit the official tourism website at visitgreenland.com.