Public invited to UNMC Simply Science talk May 26: how to reduce your exposure to environmental contaminants

An expert in environmental contaminants will give a free presentation to the public at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, at North Platte Community College South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Road, Room 131.

Shawn Gibbs, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, will talk about how Nebraskans can reduce their exposure to environmental contaminants, which are both naturally occurring and man-made. Environmental contaminants such as molds, and exposure to a host of chemical environmental contaminants, such as lead and pesticides, can have a potential impact on health.

Dr. Gibbs’s presentation is part of “UNMC Simply Science,” a statewide outreach program launched to strengthen UNMC’s commitment to communities by sharing the latest in health care information. Dr. Gibbs also will present to Rotary clubs in North Platte and Ogallala during his trip to western Nebraska.

“Regardless of where we live, there are ways to reduce one’s exposure to environmental contaminants, but first you have to be aware of them. This discussion will raise people’s awareness,” said Dr. Gibbs, who joined UNMC College of Public Health’s Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health in 2008.

For more on Dr. Gibbs or UNMC Simply Science, visit www.unmc.edu/simplyscience.

As the state’s only academic health science center, UNMC is on the leading edge of health care. Breakthroughs are possible because hard-working researchers, educators and clinicians are resolved to work together to fuel discovery. In 2009, UNMC’s extramural research support topped $100 million for the first time, resulting in the creation of 3,600 jobs in Nebraska. UNMC’s academic excellence is shown through its award-winning programs, and its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through its commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading health care centers. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 550 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.
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