Hemangiosarcoma: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know and Research Insights

In this video, Dr. Kelly Diehl from the Morris Animal Foundation has a conversation with Dr. Antonella Borgatti, Professor of Oncology at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. They discuss hemangiosarcoma in dogs, covering its signs, how it develops, the available treatments, and ongoing research. 

Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that fundraises cutting-edge research for the benefit of animals ranging from koalas to kangaroos. Explore other articles about Morris Animal Foundation’s impact on animal health here.

What Is Hemangiosarcoma?

Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that originates from the cells that form blood and blood vessels in pets. It predominantly affects the spleen, but can also affect the heart, skin, and liver. In fact, it can even manifest in multiple places simultaneously, which contributes to its complexity. 

By the numbers: 

• Ranks among the most devastating dog cancers
• More than 50% of dogs with a hemangiosarcoma diagnosis die within 4–6 months, even with treatment
• Only 10% of dogs survive a year
• Represents 5% of all dog cancers
• Around 50,000 dogs are diagnosed yearly
• Affects various breeds, primarily older dogs
• Also observed in wolves and coyotes, and cats, albeit rarely

What Are Signs To Look Out For? 

Unfortunately, hemangiosarcoma is a very insidious type of cancer that often develops quickly and under the radar. Typically, a dog will not show signs of the cancer or have much discomfort until a large tumor is identified on the physical exam, or a tumor mass ruptures, leading to life-threatening complications. That being said, here are some clinical signs that have been linked with hemangiosarcoma.

Clinical signs in dogs:

• Sudden collapse
• Pale gums
• Sudden weakness
• Fluid in abdomen
• Limping
• Skin mass

What Treatment Strategies Currently Exist?

With the exception of hemangiosarcoma localized in the skin, the principle goal of hemangiosarcoma treatment is to remove a tumor which may be the source of a life threatening hemorrhage, or to slow down or delay the onset or spread and metastasis. 

In other words, it is typically not possible to “cure” this cancer, and treatment options focus on extending the life expectancy of the animal and helping to slow the destruction of the cancer.

Emerging research, however, identifies distinct subtypes of the cancer with varying outcomes, including better survival rates. This means that there are some dogs that will receive a hemangiosarcoma diagnosis and will live for a long period of time with the disease. With more research, treatment options are constantly improving.

What Can Dog Owners Do To Prevent This Cancer?

Many dog owners understandably want to know how environment, diet, exercise, genetics, hormones, and other factors contribute to a dog’s likelihood of developing hemangiosarcoma. At this time, there is no definitive answer to these questions. Yet, getting at the bottom of these questions is precisely what the Morris Animal Foundation is hoping to do through sharing the data from their Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. 

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

Since 2012, the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study has been tracking the lives of over 3,000 golden retrievers in order to help identify risk factors for cancers and other diseases in dogs. Now, after a decade of progress, the data collected from the participating dogs is ready to be studied.

Among all recorded dog fatalities, a striking 75% are linked to cancer, with nearly 70% of these cancer-related deaths specifically attributed to hemangiosarcoma.

Not only have these findings resulted in the launch of the Hemangiosarcoma Initiative—a multi-year, multi-million dollar commitment to researching hemangiosarcoma, but it means researchers can use the data from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to answer questions about preventing this cancer. 

For example, researchers have lifetime data on dogs that eventually developed hemangiosarcoma, having tracked things like:

• housing situation
• food choices
• preventative medications they took
• vaccination status
• whether they were spayed or neutered
• what kind of carpet was in the house
• what kind of cooking fuel was used in the primary residence
• what type of water they drank

All of this data will help us get much closer to being able to identify preventative measures dog owners can take to protect their dogs from this devastating cancer.

What Are Some Common Misconceptions?

“Hemangiosarcoma Is a Death Sentence”

This is not true! Hemangiosarcoma does not have to be a death sentence. As researchers learn more about the disease, there are more and more treatments that can prevent euthanasia. Many people assume that a diagnosis means that the dog will not live very long. While it’s true that the majority will have a bad outcome, there are some dogs that will live a long time.

“Mortality Data Is Definitive”

Due to the problem of finances and the prevalence of early euthanasia, mortality data for hemangiosarcoma should be interpreted with a grain of salt. The data can be skewed due to the individual decisions that dog owners make regarding treatment. In many cases, dog owners can’t afford the more expensive treatments that could lead to a longer lifespan for their pet. Early euthanasia decisions can make survival times shorter, and can make it more difficult for vets to learn from new treatments.

“You Can Just Remove The Spleen”

If the cancer is most commonly detected in the spleen, some dog owners ask—Why not just remove the spleen? Vets do not advocate for the removal of the spleen in situations where dog owners are concerned about hemangiosarcoma formation in a breed that is considered to be at risk or the presence of hemangiosarcoma before a mass forms. This is because hemangiosarcoma often localizes in multiple organs at the same time, and so it would not be beneficial. 

“It’s Just One Cancer”

Hemangiosarcoma is actually more of a complex of diseases instead of just one disease. So the more we learn about the differences between all of the subtypes, hopefully with time we will be able to develop more targeted therapeutic strategies that will have better outcomes.

“Alternative Treatments Are Effective”

No! Researchers strongly discourage people from using supplements to treat hemangiosarcoma. Anecdotal evidence may not be accurate, and can give people false hope. In the worst case scenario, the use of supplements could be detrimental, causing interactions with medications. 

The Future of Hemangiosarcoma Research

We hope this helped answer some of your questions about hemangiosarcoma. At the end of the day, hemangiosarcoma is a devastating cancer in pets, but with the combined force of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study and the Hemangiosarcoma Initiative, there is hope in the veterinary community that answers, breakthroughs, and new treatments will be available hopefully in the next few years. In the meantime, keep tabs on Morris Animal Foundation for breaking news on hemangiosarcoma research!

The post Hemangiosarcoma: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know appeared first on TEDxMileHigh: Ideas Worth Spreading.

Morris Animal Foundation is a Denver-based nonprofit that has been funding research to benefit the health of animals for 75 years. To learn more about MAF, read about their biggest achievements in 2022.

Cognitive Health in Dogs and Cats

In this video, you’ll learn everything you ever wanted to know about cognitive health in pets,  from common misconceptions about cognitive decline in dogs and cats to the most up-to-date research on CDS. We hope you enjoy it!

Did you know that research on cats is limited compared to research on dogs? Dogs tend to be taken to the vet more often than cats, and cats are really good at hiding their symptoms from their owners. Luckily, this is changing now, as researchers like Dr. Starr Cameron dedicate their professional careers to answering pressing questions about cat health!

What Is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)?

As pets age, they can develop a neurological disorder that resembles dementia in humans. It’s called CDS and affects 50% of cats 15 and up, and 80% of dogs 17 and up. CDS can significantly impact a pet’s cognitive functions, relationships with others, and overall quality of life. 

What Should Pet Owners Look Out For?

It’s normal for your pets to exhibit signs of aging as they get older, but when should you start getting concerned? Using the acronym “DISHAAL,” Dr. Starr Cameron and Dr. Michael Khan outlined the seven signs of CDS and what to look for in your aging pets.

• Disorientation: This usually manifests as your cat being unable to locate their food bowl, or your dog getting stuck in the bathroom or behind a curtain. It’s any indication that your pet is regularly disoriented and confused about where they are.
• Interaction: If you notice a change in the way your pet interacts with family members or other pets in the house, this could be a sign of CDS. For example, if one of your cats is suddenly best friends with the cat that they usually despise, or vice versa.
• Sleep/Wake Cycle: Any changes to your pet’s regular sleep patterns could be a cause for concern. For example, if your dog usually sleeps through the night but now wakes up at 3 am and wanders around the house aimlessly, or if your cat is usually awake at 6 am but now sleeps until the afternoon.
• House Soiling: If your cat is urinating or defecating outside of the litter box, or your dog is peeing on your rug minutes after being let outside, that could be a sign of CDS.
• Activity: Any abrupt changes in activity level could be a sign of CDS. So, a cat that is suddenly sleeping more, or following the owner incessantly around the house, would qualify.
• Anxiety: Any heightened separation anxiety could be a sign of CDS.
• Learning and Memory: Let’s say you move the litter box to a new location. A cat with CDS might struggle to remember where the new litter box is. 

Some veterinarians want to add a V for Vocalization to this list. They believe that because 50% of cats with CDS vocalize more than they used to, excessive vocalization could be an indicator of CDS. Those opposed believe that increased vocalization can be linked to other symptoms that are already included in the acronym, namely anxiety or disorientation.

Are There Other Diseases That Can Mimic the Signs of CDS?

Yes, other diseases can look like CDS. For example, chronic kidney disease in cats can cause a cat to use his litter box more frequently, and hyperthyroidism in cats can lead to excessive vocalization, increased hunger, and heightened activity.

Another big one is pain and arthritis. For example, if a cat has arthritis and it is painful for them to climb to the top of their cat tree, this behavior might be mistaken for a change in activity level in the DISHAAL symptoms of CDS. 

That’s why it is so important for you to go to see your veterinarian if you suspect that your pet is exhibiting signs of CDS. The vets will perform tests to rule out all other causes for these symptoms, including other illnesses, before confirming a CDS diagnosis.

Preventing Cognitive Decline in Dogs and Cats

As a concerned pet owner, the next question that likely pops into your mind is: How can I avoid this fate for my beloved cat or dog? As Dr. Kelly Diehl, senior director of science communications at Morris Animal Foundation, put it in the webinar, “We can’t give cats [and dogs] Sudoku puzzles.” So what can we do? When it comes to prevention, there are a number of ways to keep your cat’s or dog’s brain healthy.

Keep Your Pet Mentally Engaged

At any age, mental stimulation is key to overall health. It becomes especially important for pets who are unable to do activities that used to stimulate them, like long walks. 

• For Dogs: Dr. Khan recommends taking your dog on sniff walks. Processing the smells on a sniff walk takes a lot of brain power and offers excellent stimulation for a dog that is aging. 
• For Cats: Introducing new toys, using interactive puzzles, increasing petting and brushing, and creating an environment that promotes exploration can keep their minds active and engaged.

But remember, if a cat or dog is already cognitively impaired, food puzzles or hiding their food in many places can be stressful for them, leading to heightened anxiety and worsened CDS symptoms. Make sure to challenge your pet to a degree that is appropriate for their current cognitive capabilities. 

Routine Dental Care

One way to potentially prevent cognitive decline in dogs specifically is to stay on top of their dental hygiene. Some research links a type of bacteria commonly found in gum inflammation in dogs with cognitive decline in dogs. (There is limited research that connects cat dental care with CDS, but again, research in cats is often less funded than dog research.)

Address Chronic Pain Issues

Any kind of chronic pain in pets can lead to disruptions in their sleep/wake cycle, which can be detrimental to their brain health. To prevent CDS, it is important to treat chronic pain as soon as it is detected in your pet.

The Role of Diet and Supplements

Feeding your pets a nutritious diet throughout their lives is essential. For cats, choosing diets that support cognitive health, incorporating Omega-3s, antioxidants, vitamins E, C, B12, L-carnitine, and SAMe can be beneficial. However, always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new diet or supplements.

Remember, cats are not small dogs! If a dietary supplement does not say it is for cats, do not feed it to your cat.

Take Home Message: Pay Attention To Your Pet!

As your pet ages, don’t just assume that every symptom they are experiencing can be attributed to the aging process. Pay attention, and look out for the DISHAAL signs of CDS: disorientation, interaction, sleep/wake cycle, house soiling, activity, anxiety, and learning and memory.

And whatever you do, don’t punish your pet for these new behaviors!

More likely than not, your pet is acting out because they do not know any better, and are dealing with new cognitive impairment, which can be frightening for them. Instead of punishment, try to adapt to their new symptoms, and set them up for success. Here’s to long, happy lives for our fluffy friends!

The post Cognitive Decline in Dogs and Cats: Managing Pet Brain Health appeared first on TEDxMileHigh: Ideas Worth Spreading.

Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding groundbreaking research about animals from horses to rats to koalas. They know that a world with happier animals is a world we all want to live in. Check out our roundup of Morris Animal Foundation’s biggest achievements in 2022. 

Brush Up on Your Pet’s Dental Health: Q&A With Dr. Lauren Richman

In this video, Dr. Lauren Richman takes us through everything we need to know about pet dental care, from how often to brush our cat’s teeth to when to see a dental specialist for your dog. If you have a question about pet dental care, odds are, she answered it in this video. 

Pet Dental Care Highlights

If you’re not able to watch the entire Q&A (we get it, you have pets to take care of after all!) we’ve rounded up some of the most important information she shared below. Though, of course, we saved some of the info for those of us who can watch the video!

Why Should We Take Care Of Our Pet’s Teeth?

It’s a pretty basic question, but a good one. Lots of pet owners ignore the advice of their veterinarians when they say, “Brush your pet’s teeth!” Why? Well, the thought of shoving our fingers inside the ferocious jaws of our house cats and dogs can seem scary, or just inconvenient. We already need to feed them, wash them, play with them… I mean come on now! 

But Dr. Richman explains that ignoring your pet’s dental health is extremely risky. What’s going on inside an animal’s mouth has a direct impact on their overall health.

Not to scare you (or maybe to scare you), here are the most common preventable dental diseases in pets: 

• Periodontal disease: This is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth. It is the most common dental disease in pets and can cause bad breath, gum inflammation, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues if left untreated. Regular brushing of your pet’s teeth can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which are the main causes of periodontal disease.
• Gingivitis: This is an inflammation of the gums and is often an early sign of periodontal disease. Gingivitis can cause red, swollen gums that bleed easily. 
• Oral tumors: Pets, particularly older ones, can develop oral tumors, which can be benign or malignant. Regular dental care, including brushing your pet’s teeth, can help detect any lumps, bumps, or abnormalities in the mouth early on, allowing for prompt veterinary intervention if needed.
• Malocclusion: Some pets may develop misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion, which can cause issues with biting and chewing. Regular dental care, including brushing, can help detect malocclusion early on and allow for appropriate dental management, which may include orthodontics or extractions.

What If Teeth Brushing Is Out Of The Question?

For some scrunchy-face dog breeds and pets with behavioral problems, teeth brushing is just not an option. In these cases, Dr. Richman recommends other preventative measures for protecting your pet, including buying water additives, dental chews, dental toys, dental diets, or gels and oils you can rub on your pet’s gums.

How Do I Know Which Products Actually Work?

Pet dental products are considered “supplements” and thus are not regulated by the government (much like human food supplements). But don’t worry! Dr. Richman recommends that pet owners check out the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s website. All products recommended on this website have been scientifically proven to have benefits for your pet’s teeth. 

What Are Some Common Pet Dental Care Myths?

#1 Stinky Pet Breath Is Normal

Most of us just assume stinky breath is perfectly healthy in cats and dogs. But this is a myth! If a pet has healthy dental health, they should not have bad breath at all. In fact, bad breath can be an indication that your pet may have a dental disease, and you should go to see your vet!

#2 Pet Anesthesia Is Dangerous

Pet dental cleanings require that pets undergo anesthesia. This can be really scary for pet owners, but according to Dr. Richman, it shouldn’t be. Vets conduct extensive tests to ensure that pets are physically healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. According to Dr. Richman, pet anesthesia is extremely safe.

#3 My Dog or Cat Is Too Old To Go Under Anesthesia

Again, false! Age does not have a direct effect on whether your dog is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. The vet will take a series of health tests to determine their eligibility. 

Will My Pet Suffer If It Needs a Tooth (Or Teeth) Removal?

It turns out, no. Because our pets are no longer wild animals they no longer need to rely on their teeth to hunt and kill or chew their food. In fact, most pet foods are completely consumable without teeth. So if your fluffball loses all their teeth for some reason (bless their heart) you’ll have nothing to worry about. 

What Are The Benefits of Seeing a Vet Dental Specialist?

There are a lot of reasons why you should consider seeing a vet dental specialist. For one, they have more tools, expertise, and experience when it comes to dental care than a generalist vet. They might be able to salvage a tooth that would otherwise be extracted by performing a root canal, and they are able to remove tumors and fix fractured jaws. Vet dental specialists can even give your fluff ball braces if it would improve their comfort or teeth functionality (there is no cosmetic dentistry for pets for obvious ethical reasons!). 

Take Home Message For Pet Owners

If you have the time, we highly recommend giving this Q&A with pet dental specialist Dr. Richman a listen. But if you only have a few seconds… here’s the take home message:

Brush your pet’s teeth three times a week! 

The more the better when it comes to dental health. Don’t forget about the mouth, it’s very important for your pet’s overall health. To keep up with Morris Animal Foundation, check out their Youtube channel and website, and their guide to pet dental health. Here’s to long, healthy lives for our beloved pets!

The post Pet Dental Care: What You Need To Know appeared first on TEDxMileHigh: Ideas Worth Spreading.

Environmental Toxins and Dogs

Commonly known as humans’ best friend (and also our oldest one—domestication can be traced back 11,000 years), dogs are an important animal to look at when we’re talking about environmental toxins.

Environmental toxins are toxic chemicals introduced into the environment due to human activity.

While there’s little we can do to completely avoid environmental toxins—they’re in everything from our food to our water to the air we breathe—we can make changes to reduce our exposure to them. We can also help our pets reduce their exposure to chemicals that are toxic to animals. 

What Is the Morris Animal Foundation?

As one of the largest animal health research organizations in the world, Morris Animal Foundation exists to advance the health of animals. The organization’s work has funded more than $142 million in critical studies across a diverse range of species.

What Does The Research Say?

Just like people, dogs are affected by environmental toxins. Environmental factors that are toxic to humans are often toxic to animals, too. Interestingly, many cancers in dogs are biologically similar to cancers in humans. Dr. Lauren Trepanier used this premise to research the affects of environmental toxins in dogs, and how lymphoma and bladder cancer in dogs could potentially signal to owners that they, and their dogs, may have been exposed to harmful chemicals. If you’d like to check out her talk, you can do so here.

Historically, canaries were taken into coal mines to help act as an early warning sign to gas leaks. If dangerous gasses such as carbon monoxide built up in the mine, the canaries would die first—signaling that miners needed to get out of the mine, quickly. 

In her research, Dr. Trepanier uses this analogy and adjusts it to explain disease in dogs. Using the term “boxers in the backyard,” Dr. Trepanier discusses how the research she and a team conducted shows how disease in dogs, such as the boxers they studied, could act as an early warning sign to humans. This is because dogs share similar chemical exposures in the home, have shorter life spans, have closely related genomes to humans, and share many clinical and biological features with humans. 

“A cancer diagnosis in your dog might be a lightbulb for you to evaluate what’s around you in your home and yard and maybe make some changes in your home and household that might protect your family and other pets,” Dr. Trepanier says.

The study that was conducted analyzed more than 50 boxers with lymphoma from all over the United States and compared them to more than 80 unaffected boxers of an older age. Owners were asked to fill out questionnaires, detailing toxins such as the use of weed killers, paints and paint strippers; share where they walked their dog (for example near gas stations, railway tracks, etc.); and also share the county that they lived in, so researchers could look at water and air pollution levels. Other measures, such as urine samples and dust analysis (to detect toxins such as arsenic), were also used.

The research found that boxers with lymphoma were more likely to live:

• Within two miles of a crematorium or chemical supplier (which indicates high air pollutants)
• Within 10 miles of an active nuclear power plant
• In counties with higher levels of ozone, formaldehyde, and butadiene

Additionally, dogs with bladder cancer were more likely to live:

• In a home that used insecticides 
• A county with higher levels of air pollution
• A county with higher levels of trihalomethanes (which are the breakdown products of chlorine and other water disinfectants)

Further Learning

If you’ve had a dog pass away from bladder cancer or lymphoma, or are simply just a concerned owner, we recommend watching the full talk by Dr. Trepanier. Not only is she a wealth of knowledge in environmental toxins, she’s also a proud dog owner, having owned boxers since she was five years old! 

The post Toxic To Animals: How Environmental Toxins Impact Your Dog appeared first on TEDxMileHigh: Ideas Worth Spreading.

What Is Morris Animal Foundation? 

For the past 70+ years, Morris Animal Foundation has worked tirelessly to fund veterinary research to advance the health of animals worldwide. Since 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has contributed more than $149 million to over 2,945 animal health studies. Their funding has led to breakthroughs in fighting animal diseases in species ranging from cats and dogs to elephants and koalas. Every breakthrough contributes to their mission to make the world a brighter place for animals, and those who love them.

Check out Morris Animal Foundation’s website to learn how to support their research.

Morris Animal Foundation’s 2022 Wins For Animals

From securing funding for new equine behavior studies to uncovering a breakthrough sea turtle treatment, here are Morris Animal Foundation’s top 8 wins for animals in 2022.

#1 Funding for 12 New Wildlife Health Studies

This year, the Foundation succeeded in securing funding for 12 new wildlife health studies. These new studies all center around critical health issues that impact wildlife living in coastal wetland habitats. These habitats are a critical ecosystem under threat from climate change, pollution, habitat loss, invasive species, and other factors. 

Learn how to support these studies here.

#2 The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Celebrates 10 Years

Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2022! This study is the largest longitudinal study of its kind, focused on understanding the environmental, lifestyle, nutrition, and genetic risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs.

Plus, at the end of the year, the Foundation announced its multiyear, multimillion-dollar Hemangiosarcoma Initiative, based on findings to date from the Study that showed the leading cause of cancer death in the Study cohort is this devastating cancer.

#3 Breakthrough Sea Turtle Treatment

Sea turtles are suffering more and more from toxic red tides. Toxins in these tides, called brevetoxins, affect their nervous systems, leading to lethargy and unresponsiveness, and possibly immune system and organ damage. 

This year, a breakthrough treatment—intravenous lipid solution—is helping to save sea turtles and allow for successful release back to the wild. What the Foundation learned may help other marine species suffering from these same toxic red tides.

#4 Funding for 5 New Equine Behavior Studies

The foundation funded 5 new equine behavior studies, addressing an area of high need that is currently underfunded. These studies will improve the health and well-being of both working and companion horses.

The studies include:

• Effect of Touch in Human-Horse Interactions. This study will help strengthen the relationships between horses and humans by measuring stress responses in horses caused by human interaction.
• Reducing Mare Stress at Weaning. Researchers will develop strategies to combat chronic mare stress during foal weaning.

• Developing Online Equine Behavior Educational Tools for Owners. Researchers will create online resources to help horse owners to notice and respond to mental health and wellness issues in horses.

• Examining Roughage Availability and Abnormal Horse Behavior. This study will examine three different feeding techniques to uncover the best feeding strategies to reduce behavioral issues in horses. 

• Studying the Impact of Lighting on Stabled Horses. Researchers will examine the effect of various kinds of indoor lighting on the well-being of horses living in stables.

#5 Furever Memorial Platform Launch

The Foundation launched its new platform: Furever Memorials, which gives people a place to memorialize their beloved pets by sharing stories and photos and providing a community of support.

Morris Animal Foundation invites you to add your memories of your pets who have passed here. 

#6 More Studies On Geriatric Pets

Cats and dogs are living longer than ever today, increasing the need for veterinary research for geriatric pets. Under the prestigious Mark L. Morris Jr. Investigator Award, the Foundation awarded grants to four researchers studying health and diseases in aging dogs.

#7 Funded 52 New Studies in 2022 (Total of 120 Active Studies)

The Foundation funded 52 new studies in 2022, raising the total number of active studies to 120. Studies range from early detection of urothelial carcinoma in dogs to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. If you are interested in enrolling your pet in an active clinical trial, explore options here.

#8 Revive & Restore Partnership

In 2022, the Foundation launched a partnership with Revive & Restore, a nonprofit organization that enhances biodiversity through the genetic rescue of extinct and endangered species. The partnership funds studies on genomic sequencing and biobanking for the protection and management of wildlife in kelp forest ecosystems. 

“With the rate of species extinction currently happening in the world, it can be absolutely heartbreaking and you begin to lose hope that you can do anything to make a meaningful change. . . . While this won’t solve the overarching problems of climate change, habitat destruction and increased disease risk, it might buy us some time and save species we might otherwise lose.” – Carol Borchert, Chief Marketing Officer

Morris Animal Foundation Goals For 2023 and Beyond

Looking forward to 2023, Morris Animal Foundation is motivated to continue to fund groundbreaking studies in animal health, typically funding more than 50 new studies each year.

Hemangiosarcoma Initiative

One particularly critical area of research support, the Hemangiosarcoma Initiative, will open for grant applications in 2023. Hemangiosarcoma is a devastating cancer in dogs that is almost 100% fatal. It has emerged as the leading cause of death in the Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. 

“My own dog, Jaz, died of hemangiosarcoma. It was a very sudden and unexpected death that left us all shocked. I had never heard of this cancer before and it took our dog in minutes. Since then, I’ve met so many other people who have lost dogs to this devastating cancer and the impact is just terrible. If we can improve detection and treatment of hemangiosarcoma, as well as look at prevention, that would be a huge step forward for veterinary medicine and our canine companions.” — Carol Borchert, Chief Marketing Officer

CitizenPet

The Foundation has also been working on a citizen science program—CitizenPet—that will launch in 2023. The program will allow pet owners and their dogs to become part of the scientific research community by participating in studies that will advance the health and well-being of dogs everywhere. 

Supporting Animal Health Research

As a nonprofit organization, what the Foundation needs the most is donations to fund research. They receive many more requests for grant funding than they are able to fulfill and that can be devastating. If you love animals, visit Morris Animal Foundation’s website to see how you can support this important animal health research.

The post Wins For Animals in 2022: Morris Animal Foundation appeared first on TEDxMileHigh: Ideas Worth Spreading.

TEDxMileHigh volunteers not only meet incredible people but are able to attend adventures and events at discounted rates. It’s an opportunity to network, gain new skills, and learn something new.

As Aristotle (born 384 BC) once said: “The essence of life is to serve others and do good” – and we couldn’t agree more. 

Why Be a TEDxMileHigh Volunteer? 

Aside from the networking opportunities, event discounts, and personal rewards associated with TED volunteering, there’s also research to prove volunteering can be beneficial for your mental health.

In a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, nearly 70,000 people in the United Kingdom were asked questions about their volunteering habits and mental health, every two years from 1996 until 2014.

The survey discovered that in comparison to people who didn’t volunteer, the participants that had volunteered within the past year were more satisfied with their lives and felt that their overall health was better off.

It was also found that people who volunteered more frequently reported better mental wellness than those who didn’t at all or did so infrequently.

So, while the study admits that the evidence has its limitations and is not necessarily conclusive, there definitely appears to be a link between more positive mental health and volunteering.

But what better way to gauge how good something is than going straight to the source? We decided to do just that, approaching three TEDxMileHigh volunteers and asking them about their experiences.

Here’s what they had to say. 

Ethan, 30: “I’m really passionate about solving the climate crisis”

Passionate about experiencing the richness of other cultures, Ethan is a regular at TEDxMileHigh. In fact, he’s been to all but one event since he became a volunteer upon moving to Denver from Ann Arbor in early 2018. His passion stems from his love for traveling and building relationships—a social trait that also has him soaking up dance and karaoke in his spare time.

For Ethan, the people are what make the TED volunteering experience so worthwhile. As a TEDxMileHigh volunteer, Ethan has made deep connections. “I love the people I get to meet and work with,” he shares. “It’s truly a unique set of individuals who choose to dedicate their time and effort to putting or attending these events.”

The community he joined also helped him settle into his new city.

“It’s a great way to meet people,” he tells us. “It’s a way to give to the community and get to see some of the events yourself for free. It’s a win-win.”

In his volunteering journey, Ethan has progressed in the past four years. “I’ve taken on more leadership with each event,” he tells. “At my very first TEDxMileHigh, in May 2018, I was helping with registration. More recently at the last event, I was doing a lot of set up. This time, I’m very excited to be the Volunteer Lead for the latest event!”

Underpinning everything Ethan does for TEDxMileHigh is his passion for helping combat climate change.

“We have such limited time to make big changes, so [climate change] needs to be a big focus. But in a hopeful way that engages and inspires people.”

If he was to give his own TEDxMileHigh talk one day, Ethan would choose to discuss the climate. “I’m really passionate about solving the climate crisis and have done a lot of work towards helping accelerate the energy transition, including organizing a statewide climate march in Michigan with no prior experience,” he shares. “I’d like to share the idea that anyone can make a difference.”

Krystal, 26: “I want to meet people who are passionate about new ideas”

“At first it might seem a little nerve-wracking,” new TEDxMileHigh Krystal explains, sharing the common feeling experienced by many newbie volunteers. “But everyone is so friendly that you’ll soon feel comfortable,” she adds. 

Starting as a volunteer back in October 2021, Krystal is relatively new to the TEDxMileHigh crew. But her interest in the events was piqued back in high school. “I never realized there was a local division until one of my professors offered extra credit for attending!” During the pandemic, Krystal then reconnected with TED by participating in the TEDxMileHigh virtual events.

“Conversations stop violence, conversations start countries and build bridges” – Theo E.J. Wilson

She settled into the Denver crew quickly. “Everyone is so welcoming and appreciative!” she says of the TED volunteering experience. “It’s so easy to start conversations with other volunteers.”

One of the most interesting TEDxMileHigh talks Krystal has seen was by Theo E.J. Wilson. In his talk, he discusses his experiences of being a Black man going undercover in alt-right white supremacist internet circles. “The importance of courageous conversations has only increased since this talk,” Krystal shares.

Eric, 27: “The culture that surrounds TEDxMileHigh is even more rewarding than the talks themselves!”

Incredibly, TEDxMileHigh volunteer Eric met his fiance through volunteering for TEDxMileHigh. “I’m getting married to the love of my life in June, who happens to be the Event Manager at TEDxMileHigh,” Eric shares. “We met at the Friday night after party of Point of Departure in July of 2017. You could call it a TEDx love story!”

In addition to meeting the love of his life, TED volunteering has been deeply rewarding for Eric. Since joining as an intern in 2016, then becoming part of the staff and now helping as a volunteer, Eric has been able to find a community in TEDxMileHigh.

“The culture that surrounds TEDxMileHigh is even more rewarding than the talks themselves,” he says. “The attendees, volunteers and staff that come back year after year have created a tight-knit family that represents the greater mission of community and idea-sharing.”

As a carpenter by trade—“I turned my childhood passion of building Legos into a career!”—Eric is passionate about sustainable home building. This is the topic he’d present at TEDxMileHigh, if the opportunity arose. “Too much construction nowadays is wasteful and cheap which means new houses will only last about 25 years before major repairs are needed. Old fashioned techniques of home building such as rammed earth, hempcrete, and even mud have proven to be more lasting than modern technology.”

Next Steps

Want to join in on TED volunteering? We’d love to have you on board. We’ll just need you to meet the following criteria, then you can go ahead and apply:

• We hope you’re hungry to grow! Learning and growing is part of the TEDxMileHigh experience.
• You’ll need a passion for spreading transformational ideas, of course.
• You want to join a community of powerful thinkers and changemakers. 
• You believe you have a skillset that can be helpful at TEDxMileHigh.
• You’re 18+ years old.

Once you’re sure you meet these criteria, you can start the process of becoming a volunteer right here. 

Reconnect with your community at our upcoming TEDxMileHigh event: Reconnect. Get tickets here.

The post TED Volunteering: Why Volunteer With TEDxMileHigh appeared first on TEDxMileHigh: Ideas Worth Spreading.

TEDxMileHigh to the rescue! At TEDxMileHigh, we deeply value taking action on the issues that matter most to you. After you watch a talk, we want you to have access to actionable steps you can take to join the cause of whichever speakers moved you most.

Turn Rethink Inspiration to Action

We spoke with three speakers from TEDxMileHigh Rethink about tangible ways you can learn more and take action about their causes.

HistoryMakers

You’d be hard-pressed to find an American who doesn’t know the names George Washington or Christopher Colombus. But what about Alonzo Pettie, the oldest living Black cowboy, or Katherine Johnson, the NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to spaceflight (Hidden Figures, anyone?). 

Too often, African American histories are not documented and preserved. Julieanna L. Richardson made it her mission to ensure no more histories of Black Americans were lost.

In her TEDx talk, Julieanna L. Richardson discusses her creation of HistoryMakers, an online oral history archive of African American histories. Today, HistoryMakers is the largest national collection of African American video oral histories on record. 

Feeling inspired? We asked Richardson what people can do to help her cause.

8 Inspiration to Action Items to Help the HistoryMakers

1. Visit The HistoryMakers website to learn more about their work. 

2. Become a member of the HistoryMakers.

3. Become a volunteer of the HistoryMakers.

4. Share Richardson’s TEDxMH talk with family members and friends and associates.

5. Talk to family members about the HistoryMakers to help spread the word.

6. Ask your local library and archives about what they have of the African American experience.

7. Help the HistoryMakers as a photoshop volunteer. You can become a part of the team that is tasked with captioning a total of 100,000 photos in order to rescue visual history.

8. If you are a Black American, consider donating your papers to the History Makers. “Papers” are any material accumulated over the years that give information about your life and the history of your family, be them letters, diaries, photos, etc. When you donate your papers, your family’s history can become a part of your community’s collective memory.

“If we do not act now, we will lose this history forever and generations will be robbed.” – Julieanna L. Richardson

Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

When the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August of 2021, women in the country lost hard-fought human rights seemingly overnight. What happens next for the women of Afghanistan? And what went wrong in the 20 years of U.S. fighting in the country? 

In her TEDx talk, feminist political geographer Jennifer L. Fluri analyzes what went wrong in Afghanistan, including the U.S.’s failure to listen to Afghan women. 

We asked Fluri what you can do from home to help women in Afghanistan.

14 Inspiration to Action Items to Help Women in Afghanistan

1. Learn more about Fluri and her work by visiting her website and University of Colorado Boulder department page.

2. Write/Email/Call your representatives in the Congress and Senate and advocate on social media to increase the speed and processing of refugee referral (P1/P2) applications.

“There are many people stuck in Afghanistan who are facing ongoing threats or remain in hiding because of their work with Americans.” – Jennifer L. Fluri

3. Write/Email/Call your representatives in the Congress and Senate and advocate on social media to stop US sanctions in Afghanistan.

“The US sanctions in Afghanistan are literally killing people in Afghanistan, due to food and fuel shortages, many people face starvation and a freezing winter without fuel.” – Jennifer L. Fluri

4. Welcome newly arrived Afghans into your community with kindness. In Afghanistan, hospitality is taken seriously. Being understanding that most newly arrived Afghans have left everything in their life behind (often including family members) goes a long way. The tremendous amount of strife and uncertainty they have experienced should be treated with empathy, patience, and care.

“Afghans have always welcomed me into their homes and treated me with such care and kindness every time I was in the country for research.” – Jennifer L. Fluri

5. Don’t assume you know how best to help. Listen before doing.

“Just because Afghans are in precarious and vulnerable situations doesn’t mean they do not know what they need.” – Jennifer L. Fluri

6. Volunteer with Afghans4Tomorrow, Luther Family Services of Colorado, Rose Foundation: Colorado Afghan Evacuee Support Fund, or Fluri’s team. She is currently looking for volunteers to help her with social media and e-letter writing campaigns, as well helping with paperwork logistics for helping Afghans who are still waiting to evacuate.

7. Read Fluri’s book, ​​The Carpetbaggers of Kabul and Other American-Afghan Entanglements.

8. Read Pious Peripheries: Runaway Women in Post-Taliban Afghanistan by S. Ahsan-Tirmizi.

9. Read The Pitfalls of Protection: Gender, Violence, and Power in Afghanistan by T. Wimpelmann.

10. Read articles on Afghan women by the Conversation.

11. Read “The Other Afghan Woman” at the New Yorker.

12. Read about the fragility of women’s rights in Afghanistan from Human Rights Watch.

13. Read about women’s rights in Afghanistan from Amnesty International.

14. Read “Reflections on the Tragedy of Afghanistan” by Fluri.

Wildfires

We don’t have to remind you that in 2020, wildfires burned over 10 million acres of land. Most Americans were impacted by the fires, if not directly by having their homes and communities destroyed, then indirectly by coughing through the poor air quality. 

It’s natural for us to fear wildfires, especially given the extremes we have witnessed in recent years. But fire isn’t inherently bad; in fact, it might be key to the future of wildfire prevention.

In her TEDx talk, fire ecologist and former firefighter Camille Stevens-Rumann speaks about her research on preventing wildfires through fire. According to Stevens-Rumann, more fire is the answer to our fire problem. 

Want to help prevent forest fires in your local community? We spoke with Stevens-Rumann about what you can do to help.

10 Inspiration to Action Items to Help Prevent Wildfires

1. Learn more about fire science by visiting the Southern Rockies Fire Science Network. The network is a place to interact with and share credible fire science. You’ll find science-based knowledge that can help provide fire management solutions. Join them for a workshop, webinar, conference, or field tour to learn more. You can also check out the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute for resources on fire knowledge and the latest science.

2. Write/Email/Call your representatives to express your interest in returning fire to the land and using more prescribed fires in order to prevent devastating wildfires. Find your representatives here, along with tips to write effective letters.

3. Get involved in your local collaborative groups that work to mitigate fire hazards and fire behavior, including doing prescribed fires.

4. Talk to your local fire protection districts about the efforts they are taking to prevent forest fires.

5. Practice defensible space and fuels reduction treatments on your property.

6. Volunteer with post-fire recovery efforts with the Cal-Wood Education Center, Ember Alliance, or The Nature Conservancy.

7. Consider becoming a volunteer firefighter if you want to go out and assist in prescribed fire or fire management. Talk to your local sheriff’s office to get connected.

8. If you’re unable to volunteer, consider donating to one of the above organizations. Every dollar counts!

9. Learn about how fighting fire with fire works in Florida through this video.

10. Learn even more about how we can prevent wildfires by watching this TED talk.

Didn’t Attend TEDxMileHigh Rethink? No Problem. 

We have more events coming up, including Ascend on April 30th at The Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Sign up now to secure your spot!

And if you watched other TEDxMileHigh talks and need some guidance on what to do next, follow the below general guidelines!

5 Steps to Turn Inspiration to Action 

1. Write It Down

You feel really inspired. But, about what exactly? After you attend a TEDx event, your first step from turning inspiration to action is to get out your favorite notebook and pen and get scribbling. Just let your mind go. What did you learn? Who did you agree with? Which things do you want to learn more about?

2. Pick One Topic

You might be looking down at your notes and notice that all of the talks inspired you in some way. Instead of scattering between each talk and trying to find actionable steps to help the cause, just start with one. Don’t worry, you can always do more action later.

3. Look Up the Speaker

Most TEDx speakers have an online presence, whether that is through social media or a website. We often write about our speakers on the blog, and do interviews with them. Give yourself the opportunity to do a little online sleuthing. Who is this person? What projects are they working on now? Through what organizations? Are they looking for volunteers? Did they write a book that you might be interested in reading? Chances are, yes. So after you look up the speaker, consider reading their book to learn more.

4. Research the Topic of Interest

We love our speakers, but like any good speaker they have a point of view. So, it’s up to you to delve deeper into the issue and learn more about it in order to craft your own unique perspective. Also—and this one’s key—TEDx talks can’t be longer than around 15 minutes. So, yes, there’s a lot of info that we want to add in, but simply can’t due to time restraints. Make it your mission to find the remaining information out there. We often delve deeper into our most popular TEDxMH talks on the blog, so be sure to regularly check the blog to see if we’ve covered a topic that particularly interests you!

5. Take Action!

In your research, you will likely have come across opportunities for action. Perhaps a speaker is asking for donations to help the wildfire relief in Boulder, or is looking for volunteers to help prevent plastic waste in our oceans. Maybe you find that the best way to support a cause is by spreading the word about it, and linking others to the TEDx video.

The post Inspiration to Action: What To Do After Seeing a TEDxMileHigh Talk appeared first on TEDxMileHigh: Ideas Worth Spreading.

Richardson and Spielmann will both speak on issues that are constantly being discussed, updated, and debated. With today’s ever-changing news cycle, it can be hard to recall the important contextual details you need to fully understand these topics. In an effort to bring you up to speed on the latest happenings, here is a refresh on the topics Julieanna Richardson and Virginia Spielmann will be discussing in their respective talks.

Join us in-person for TEDxMileHigh: Rethink on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Buy your tickets here and come prepared to learn and think differently!

Julieanna Richardson and The HistoryMakers

Richardson is the founder and president of The HistoryMakers, the largest national collection of African American oral histories on record since the WPA Slave Narratives. This non-profit is on a mission to educate and preserve the untold, personal stories of well-known and unknown African Americans. They seek to create a more inclusive record of American history through an all-encompassing lens, not simply through history textbooks.

An Outdated Version of History

The U.S. and other countries have been ignoring and covering up certain hidden histories since long before the 2020 BLM movement brought some of them to light. The U.S. education system at large has maintained a contorted version of history. This version examines the largest moments in our country’s history solely through a white lens.

Colorado has dealt with its own backlash in the face of censored history classes. When a conservative board proposal was submitted in suburban Denver to only teach history topics that promote “citizenship, patriotism, and respect for authority,” hundreds of students walked out of their classrooms during their school day in protest. They argued that they shouldn’t have to learn an abridged version of U.S. history. Rather, schools need to teach the true version, no matter the stain on the reputation of the U.S.

Julieanna Richardson and The HistoryMakers seek to help make that happen. With their extensive records of African American oral histories, we have an accurate way to look into the past and learn from our country’s mistakes. Consider your own history education. How verzuztv often was it taught from a white perspective? It’s time to rethink who gets to write history because our current process is outdated.

We’ve covered some of our nation’s hidden histories on our blog before. Read about them here.

Virginia Spielmann and Sensory Processing

Autism and other behavioral disability awareness has increased significantly in recent years. Conversations have become more inclusive, and we as a society are learning more about the daily challenges autistic people face. Sensory processing is a common discussion among the autistic community; however, it’s a discussion that belongs in every community because we are all sensory beings.

Virginia Spielmann is an occupational therapist specializing in sensory processing. She has extensive clinical experience in autism, infant mental health, sensory integration and processing, adoption, developmental trauma, physical disabilities and verzuztv live.

Sensory Processing Post Pandemic

Before attending her talk, consider the life you have lived the last two years. Most of us stayed at home and lived our lives in a small bubble with a routine that barely changed. Now, as the world begins to recover, we are getting back to normal. But, how do you feel about that?

After months of less exposure to normal sensory triggers, do you feel overwhelmed?

And, if your answer to that question is, Yes, absolutely, consider our children, especially those who have now lived half of their verzuztv live stream in a quarantined world. 

Those who were two years old when the pandemic began are now four, usually the age children prepare for kindergarten in preschool. Imagine walking into a preschool room after two years of experiencing little else than your living room. The sensory triggers that children will have to face and verzuztv live online deal with all at once are enough to overwhelm an adult, let alone a preschooler. 

And, this sensory overwhelm problem affects more than just young children. Teenagers whose last year of in-person learning was sixth grade are now entering high school, an environment with a sensory pool of its own.

It’s time we learn how we, as neurotypical or neurodivergent human beings, relate to our senses, and how they affect our behavior. How do we reintegrate into a sensory overloaded world? And, for those who contracted COVID-19 and are now dealing with the lingering side effects, like loss of smell or taste, how do we adapt?

The sensory processing conversation extends far beyond the autistic and neurodivergent communities. We need to rethink how we talk about and deal with our senses.

Rethink Differently

At TEDxMileHigh, we have always challenged the status-quo and encouraged our audience to think differently about new ideas. However, now we realize that in order to move forward, rethinking outdated conversations are just as important as creating new ones. Join us at TEDxMileHigh: Rethink.

The post A Rethink Refresh: Julieanna Richardson & Virginia Spielmann appeared first on TEDxMileHigh: Ideas Worth Spreading.

Don’t have your ticket yet? Get your tickets for TEDxMileHigh: Rethink.

Prepping for Rethink: Afghanistan

At the event, feminist political geographer Jennifer L. Fluri will discuss what will happen to Afghanistan’s female leaders after the U.S. evacuation. In order to get the most of her talk, we’ve put together a review of Afghanistan’s recent history. 

The Political State of Afghanistan

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government determined that al-Queda, an Islamist militant group, was responsible. At the time, al-Qaeda’s leader, Osama Bin Laden, was hiding in Afghanistan with the protection of the Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist group. When the Taliban refused to turn Bin Laden over, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan. It did not take long to push the Taliban out of power and seize control of the country. The U.S. then aimed not only to eliminate future terrorist threats in Afghanistan but to support democracy and secure rights for Afghans, particularly women.

In April 2021, President Joe Biden announced that all U.S. military troops would be removed from Afghanistan by September 2021, 20 years after 9/11. As U.S. troops began to leave, the Taliban seized more and more territory across the country. By August 15, 2021, the Taliban entered the capital in Kabul and regained power, leading to the collapse of the Afghan government.

What Does a Taliban Rule Mean for Afghans? 

When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, they enforced a strict interpretation of Shariah law. The Taliban banned most musical instruments and television from use by the general public. They barred women from leaving the house without a male guardian or from working outside the home. Girls were not allowed to receive an education, and women that were accused of adultery were stoned to death.

The Taliban takeover could potentially be devastating for the feminist advances made in Afghanistan since 2001. While the Taliban have claimed that women will have rights during their new rule, many experts are not convinced. Already, many schools for girls and women clinics have been shut down.

Jennifer L. Fluri on the Future of Afghanistan’s Female Leaders

Jennifer Fluri has been studying and closely collaborating with women in Afghanistan for the last 20 years, carefully documenting what does and doesn’t work in advancing feminism in the nation. Now, all of that is up in the watch verzuztv live stream free air.

See Political Geographer Jennifer L. Fluri speak on the future of Afghanistan’s female leaders. Get your ticket.

Fluri is a political geographer, Fulbright Scholar, and Professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder. She has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles and co-authored three books. Her current research project examines gender, security, and development in Afghanistan with a focus on Afghan women’s leadership.

Prepping for Rethink: Wildfires

At TEDxMH: Rethink, fire ecologist and former firefighter Camille Stevens-Rumann will be speaking about her post-fire recovery research. In order to get the most of her talk, we’ve put together a review of recent wildfire history. 

The Global Wildfire Crisis

Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that can take place anywhere. They exist mainly in environments that experience high temperatures, low humidity, and little rainfall. That, paired with fast winds and “fuel” in the form of dried shrubs, trees, and other vegetation, make the perfect environment for a disastrous wildfire to ignite. 

Research shows that as temperatures rise, these conditions will be more widespread across the globe, leading to a heightened risk of wildfires.

Once started, wildfires can be highly difficult to control and predict, spreading at a rate of up to 14.29 miles per hour (23 kph). That’s around a 4-minute mile pace, meaning they can easily outrun most humans, even the extremely fast ones.

On average, wildfires burn 5 million acres of land every year in the U.S., resulting in millions of dollars in damage. In 2020, this amount of acres doubled. 58,950 wildfires burned 10 million acres of land, resulting in billions of dollars in damages.

Australia Wildfires in 2020

In the 2019-2020 wildfire season in Australia, over 46 million acres of land burned. 

The wildfires, called “bushfires” in Australia, killed over 1 billion animals, 34 people, and destroyed at least 3,500 homes and thousands of other buildings.

Additionally, the Australian firefighters (“fireys”) were mainly volunteers and laid-off fire management staff, who were called to service without pay. Several firefighters were injured or killed in their attempts to extinguish the out-of-control flames. 

Colorado Wildfires in 2020

Colorado experienced its three largest fires in history in 2020: the Pine Gulch Fire, Cameron Peak Fire, and the East Troublesome Fire. These fires led to the evacuation and destruction of hundreds of homes and 400,000 burned acres. The Cameron Peak fire damaged 469 structures, caused more than $6 million in loss, and raged for 112 days before it was finally extinguished on Dec 2nd.

California Wildfires in 2020

California experienced six of the largest fires in California history, including the August Complex fire that burned 1.03 million acres in seven counties. Officials declared a state of emergency in Napa, California, in September. The Glass Fire in Sonoma and Napa counties destroyed 1,555 structures, forced 70,000 residents to evacuate, and led to $2.9 billion in insured losses.

Oregon Wildfires in 2020

During this same period, Oregon experienced record-breaking wildfire damage. The fires destroyed 4,009 homes, a significant increase from a total of 93 homes lost between 2015 and 2019. In previous years, wildfires in the state burned in mostly remote areas, but in 2020, they raged through towns and residential areas, endangering everyone in their path.

After such destruction, Australia and the U.S. need to execute post-fire recovery both in forests and residential areas. Recovery from fires of this magnitude can take years. how to watch verzuztv Once complete (if recovery is ever really complete), the next question becomes, when will the next wildfire ignite?

Camile Stevens-Rumann on Post-Fire Recovery

Between Colorado, California, and Australia, 2020 was one of the worst years on record for wildfire. Stevens-Rumann will be discussing how we can rebuild from these burns and prevent future ones.

See Camile Stevens-Rumann speak about post-fire recovery. Get your ticket.

Camille Stevens-Rumann is a fire ecologist and faculty member in the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship department at Colorado State University, as well as the Assistant Director of the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute. 

To learn about some of the recent technological innovations to solve the global wildfire crisis, click here how to watch verzuztv live.

Attend TEDxMileHigh Rethink

You’ve learned a bit about the current threat against women’s rights in Afghanistan and the danger of global wildfires. Now it’s time to take your learning to the next step by attending TEDxMileHigh Rethink (in-person or online!). Get your ticket to Rethink here. We can’t wait to see you there.

The post Prepping for Rethink: Afghanistan & Wildfires appeared first on TEDxMileHigh: Ideas Worth Spreading.

At TEDxMileHigh, we are stepping into this new season and rethinking some of the basics. 

Join us for our next in person event, TEDxMH: Rethink, and learn how to rewire your thoughts on issues you thought you already understood. 

In the meantime, we are tackling our own topics on the blog as a part of our Rethink series. Let’s start rethinking human connection and understand how creating moments of softness for yourself and others can make a harsh world feel softer.

Steven Dunn’s Moments of Softness

Sure, the last few years have been hard for everyone. But, try to consider your day-to-day life before the anomaly that has been this pandemic. Was it still hard? Perspective is everything, and maybe you’re looking back on it now and realizing that, in comparison, it really wasn’t that bad. But, at the time, it might have felt like it couldn’t get any worse.

Life is hard. There are things we all have to face in our own ways, and we don’t necessarily have a choice in the matter. Things like poverty, racism, and gender inequality are all forces that we’re up against daily. However, according to TEDxMileHigh: All Together speaker Steven Dunn, there are ways we can create moments of softness for ourselves and those around us to make the world feel a little nicer and make our lives feel easier.

In his talk, Dunn mentions several moments of softness that were created by those surrounding him throughout his life. These moments are times Dunn remembers as beautiful, loving, happy times that he can lean on when the world around him feels too difficult.

Dunn’s mom and her friend Ms. Evelyn were a part of one of these moments of softness when they continued to play a part in one of Dunn’s childhood fantasies, rather than crushing it with the truth. Dunn was convinced that Ms. Evelyn was famous singer Evelyn Champagne King, and he would be so excited to head over to her house to watch her perform with his mom.

Little did he know, Ms. Evelyn was not in fact Evelyn Champagne, she just happened to have the same name. When he discovered this years later, he realized that she and his mom were creating a soft place where Dunn’s dream of knowing and watching a famous singer were true. Rather than crushing this innocent childhood fantasy, they played along and let Dunn believe whatever he wanted about the world for that brief moment in time.

“That softness came before I knew how exhausting and painfully hard the world is for a lot of us.” – Steven Dunn

Create Moments of Softness in Your Life

Small moments of softness happen more often than you might think. But, they are so important to capture and save for times when you need a break from the toughness of the world. You can create these moments yourself, or be an expert in spotting them when they’re happening. This way, like Dunn, you can create a “running catalog of softness.” Here’s how.

1. Start With Others

Dunn gives another example of softness that his mother created for other kids at his school. She was the lunch lady, and she connected with every single student by genuinely asking how they were doing. She even risked her job by saving food to give to those who she knew didn’t have enough to eat.

Dunn recognized this early on as another moment of softness his mom was creating for other people. Although at the time he may not have had a name for it, or recognized it as ‘softness’ he can look back on those moments his mom created for others as an example. 

So, if you’re looking to create softness in your own life, start by watching others. Take note of when they go above and beyond to help someone, or make them smile. These moments may seem small and insignificant on the outside, but to someone going through a hard time, they might mean everything, so no moment is too small.

2. Write Them Down

Whether they happen to you or someone else, catalog every moment of softness you experience. Dunn mentions that he writes his down in a journal and keeps a running tab open on his laptop.

Cataloging these special moments will help to ensure that you always have a soft place to fall back on. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, angry, or lost, this catalog of softness that you create can be a resource. You can read through moments that made you feel happier, and hopeful in order to pull yourself up.

3. Share What You’ve Seen

An easy way to create a moment of softness for yourself and for someone else is to share a moment that you’ve experienced. Whether that’s explaining to another that something they did was really thoughtful, or recounting a moment that happened to you, sharing softness ultimately creates more softness.

Some moments are too special and those you can keep to yourself. But, don’t be afraid to let others in on your newfound happiness.

Rethink Human Connection

These moments of softness that Dunn mentions are a new way to consider human connection. Creating softness is a way to help one another. Softness is a deeper level of connection, one that we carry with us and use when we need to. It’s time we rethink human connection. We need to understand that we all need softness in our lives to keep going in a world that too often feels too hard.

The post Steven Dunn: Rethinking Connections With Moments of Softness appeared first on TEDxMileHigh: Ideas Worth Spreading.