Medical educators and research teams from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus are coming to Steamboat Springs next week to offer Northwest Colorado residents the opportunity for free educational health screenings, interactive wellness learning and information.

The Research Roadshow, which is promoted as a chance to learn how to “Live Well” and “Age Strong,” is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 17 at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs. Although everyone is welcome, the target audience is community members 50 and older who can learn more about their health in a wide variety of categories such as balance and mobility, cancer prevention, better sleep and firearm safety.

The event will feature interactive activities with research teams who study how to use technology to improve balance in older adults, exercise to reduce fatigue in cancer survivors and ways to prevent falls at home.

Organizers are hoping to attract at least 150 participants across the four-hour event. A free catered light lunch will be provided.

“We hope that attendees can learn more about how research really impacts health advancements directly, from healthy brain aging to prevention and early detection of cancer, and more,” said Jodi Waterhouse, director of strategic partnerships and programs at the CU Anschutz Multidisciplinary Center on Aging.

Participants who register in advance online will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card, and participants who walk-in on the day of the roadshow and complete an evaluation form will be registered to win a $25 gift card.

Participants can try out Steadiplay, a fun way to improve balance for fall prevention. Attendees can receive a quick scan for sun damage on the face to see skin areas with the most sun exposure and areas that could be better protected by sunscreen.

Attendees can learn about cancer research leading to early prevention and detection and pick up free cancer screening resources. Free radon test kits and FIT tests for colorectal cancer will be among the materials provided.

Attendees can learn about research for veterans and a device to prevent PTSD nightmares as well as how better sleep promotes healthy brain and heart aging. Participants can try an exercise program designed to reduce fatigue after cancer.

Cancer Epidemiologist Jan Lowery at CU Cancer Center and School of Public Health will bring information about cancer incidence and mortality in Routt and surrounding counties. Cancer is one of the top health concerns identified in the most recent community health needs assessment conducted in the Yampa Valley.

“We will have research teams there to talk about the work they are doing to prevent and treat cancer and improve quality of life after cancer,” Lowery said.

The team will also bring a giant inflatable colon to teach folks about polyps and the importance of getting screened to find colon cancer early. South Routt Medical Center staff will also be on hand to take blood pressure and weight measurements.

“Participation by older adults in research can lead to new discoveries that promote independence, longevity and quality of life,” said Kathryn Nearing, associate professor in geriatric medicine at Anschutz. “Volunteering for research studies is one way to have a voice and make a difference. We know Northwest Colorado has many older adults who are passionate about living long lives and living them well, and we are excited to be working with local community partners to engage with the community here.” 

The roadshows have taken place previously in Pueblo, Sterling, Salida, Grand Junction, Greeley and Denver. The educational Research Roadshow is a collaboration between Anschutz Multidisciplinary Center on Aging, CU Cancer Center, UCHealth, Routt County Public Health and the Health Partnership serving Northwest Colorado with support by the Next50 Initiative and the National Institute on Aging.

Advance registration is available at bit.ly/rr-steamboat or by phone at 720-556-3622. For questions, community members can email OlderAdultResearch@CUAnschutz.edu.