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Several members of the UNMC Public Affairs Department had a surprise 93rd birthday party for Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D., on Monday. They included: standing from left –Jill Carson, Vicky Cerino, Tom O’Connor, Jo Giles, Jessica Brummer and Karen Burbach; squatting — Lisa Spellman. |
UNMC’s version of the “Eveready Bunny” just keeps on going. He celebrated his birthday on Feb. 14, the same day he was named a fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Dr. Harman, the Emeritus Millard Professor of Medicine at UNMC, is known internationally as the father of the free radical theory of aging, which he proposed in 1954. The theory is one of the most well-known and respected theories on the aging process.
Dr. Harman proposed that free radicals — highly reactive molecules freed in the normal chemical processes — cause aging and disease through their destructive actions in cells and tissues. The theory suggests that antioxidants such as vitamin E, C and beta carotene can decrease cell destruction.
At 93, Dr. Harman is still passionate about science and how it can make a difference as we age.
“I really believe that Alzheimer’s disease can be beaten,” he said. “We should be able to (at least) decrease the rate of progression. It’s not a question of money … it’s the quality of the people doing the work.”
Dr. Harman, who continues to come to work nearly every day at his office on the first floor of Swanson Hall, is amazed how fast time goes by. “You turn around and another year is gone,” he said.
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Several members of the UNMC Public Affairs Department surprised Dr. Harman Monday by giving him a heart-shaped birthday cake and paperweight.
“We thought the heart-shaped gifts were appropriate for three reasons,” said Vicky Cerino, media relations coordinator. “First, it shows the fondness all of us at UNMC have for him. Second, he was born on Valentine’s Day. Third, it recognizes the health benefits of his beloved antioxidants on the heart.”
Dr. Harman said an investment of less than $100 a year in antioxidants can really pay off in health benefits for people.
“The dividends of antioxidants really have seemed to pay off for Dr. Harman and his family,” Cerino said. “We all have benefitted from Dr. Harman’s scientific successes, but more than that, we benefit from knowing such a kind and thoughtful man.”