Daily Archives: February 3, 2022

With the restructuring and expansion of the refectory/restaurant of the Crous university campus in Cergy-Pontoise, in France, the GRAAL architecture studio has given new life to a pre-existing building built in 1993 inside the large Franois Mitterrand Park.The building occupies an area of the park located at the intersection of the two main routes that connect the Paris-Seine University sector and the Val d'Oise prefecture. While the pre-existing structure already enjoyed a privileged position within the park's quality landscape context and public interest, nevertheless, as the architects highlighted, the building suffered from lack of visibility and interior spaces not used to their fullest potential due to the limited relationship with the outside. The restructuring project created by the GRAAL studio thus focused on allowing the refectory to regain an important role for university life and for the campus' services. The new building becomes a strong component of the park, fitting harmoniously into its context and enhancing the landscape qualities of the site.First and foremost, the architects chose to highlight the intrinsic qualities of the original building. Of the refectory's pre-existing 2000-square-metre building, the architects recovered all the elements considered to be of quality from an architectural point of view. Not only the prefabricated concrete structure, but also the flexible construction system, offering a wealth of features such as paths, stairways and openings. In addition, the restaurant's offer was completed with a new expansion called the "kiosk".

The new refectory is spread over two floors, directly accessible from the park on the same level thanks to the topography of the land. Part of the lower level is thus underground and reserved for the kitchen work spaces. The dining room, instead, is located on the opposite side. Thanks to the modifications made by the GRAAL strong> studio, this space can now benefit from a stronger relationship with the outside and more light penetrating from the large glazed faade. In addition to enlarging the existing openings, the architects also removed a retaining wall and remodelled the sloping outdoor garden. Moreover, they deliberately preserved the material quality of this volume to use it as a mineral "base" on which the new lighter body of the factory has been grafted. The glazed faade and the garden enhance the restructured refectory, now more apparent in the park's context and inviting passers-by to enter. The interior has been organised in three phases: a relaxation area, the dining space and the kitchen space. Despite the low ceilings, a predominant palette of light colours, a careful choice of materials and the architectural solutions adopted offer a large and comfortable space. The upper floor houses the new extension, the so-called "kiosk". On the restaurant volume, the architects have designed a transparent pavilion with a large terrace that opens up towards the park and the surrounding nature. The kiosk is architecturally cohesive with the restaurant, with its glazed faade governed by green support elements that respect the alignments with the underlying structure. The pavilion thus functionally completes the refectory's services, offering new possibilities for interaction with the surrounding green context and allowing the structure to become more visible on the urban scale, becoming a new landmark for the park.

(Agnese Bifulco)

Images courtesy of GRAAL Architecture, photo by Clment Guillaume

Project Name: Restructuration dun restaurant universitaire / University Refectory Cergy-Pontoise FranceClient: CROUS de VersaillesLocation: Cergy-Pontoise FranceSurface area: 2,310 mSchedule: 2019-2021

Project: GRAAL ArchitectureTeam: I+A Laboratoire des structures (structure); Choulet (fluids); Eco+construire (economist); Arwytec (kitchen); 2IDF (civil engineering); SLAM (acoustics)Photo: Clment Guillaume

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GRAAL studio completes extension and restructuring of the University refectory in CergyPontoise - Floornature.com

Image: 4H4 Photography/Shutterstock

A total of 49 projects have been awarded 19.8 million (16.5m) in Irish government funding.

One of these projects aims to develop a tool for end-of-life wind turbines, examining lifetime extension, repurposing and sustainable decommissioning.

It is estimated by 2030 Ireland will have around 1,000 wind turbinesthat will reach their end-of-life.

Grants will also support a project that will provide e-bikes to explore the impact of e-mobility on peoples behaviour.

Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, said: With such diverse areas as green hydrogen, robotics for wind farm maintenance, biofuels and technologies for increasing energy efficiency in buildings, this investment sees Irelands researchers take exciting steps forward in our national efforts to meet our binding climate targets.

If you enjoyed this story you can sign up to our weekly email forEnergy Live News and if youre interested in hearing more about the journey to net zero by 2050, you can also sign up to thefuture Net Zeronewsletter.

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Ireland boosts energy research projects with 19.8m - Energy Live News - Energy Made Easy

The schools campus includes buildings on Oakland Street, above, and Monmouth Street. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

See UPDATE below

By JOHN T. WARD

The Red Bank Charter School has won state authorization to operate for another five years, Head of School Kristen Martello announced Wednesday.

The widely expected extension was granted by the New Jersey Department of Education over the objection of borough school districts board, which was joined by the town council in its request that the school be closed.

Head of Charter School Kristin Martello with students at the boroughs Veterans Day commemoration last November(Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

In a prepared statement, Martello said the renewal of the 23-year-old schools charter followed a comprehensive review that included student performance on statewide assessments, a structured interview with school officials, public comments, student composition of RBCS, and the fiscal impact on the sending district.

After such a rigorous review process, yesterdays decision by the New Jersey Department of Education to renew Red Bank Charter School for another five-year term demonstrates that we continue to provide an excellent public educational option to families in our community, the statement said.

The statement also said the charter school wants to find a path forward where all families educational choices are respected. We are committed to working with our partners at Red Bank Borough Public Schools to end the divisiveness and lift up all children in our beloved community.

Heres the full statement: red bank charter school statement 020222

Last August, the borough BOE called for a unified borough educational system and the elimination of the 200-student charter school, which Superintendent Jared Rumage said had fostered segregation throughout its existence and created $2 million a year in duplicative costs.

Rumage did not immediately respond to a redbankgreen request for comment Wednesday.

UPDATE: Rumage responded with a statement Thursday. The text is at the end of this post.

His challenge echoed rhetoric from a bitter battle leading up to the schools charter renewal in 2017.

In November, the borough council unanimously passed a resolution in support of the district school boards opposition to the charter renewal and call for a unification of the two systems.

Afterward, Martello called Rumages comments a segregation slur against the charter school, which, despite an immense waste of public monies in legal fees, has never been proven.

In 2016, the state DOE denied, without explanation, a request by the charter school to double its enrollment over three years.

Heres Rumages comment:

We are extremely disappointed with the decision to renew the local charter school. In our opinion, we provided a comprehensive package with detailed evidence supporting a single public school system in Red Bank. As we noted in our submission to the NJDOE, this is not a charter school issue, it is an issue of equity. The current structure is clearly a barrier to educational equity in this community and contradicts the longstanding values of the NJDOE and those recently described on the Departments Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) homepage.

We are the only community in New Jersey of similar size that supports two K-8 public school districts. While the local charter school claims to be much-needed, it is not filled to capacity, educates several children who reside in districts outside of Red Bank, and has a dwindling waitlist. Moreover, as did our evidence, a comprehensive review of both schools would clearly show that the local charter school does not distinguish itself in any way from the Red Bank Borough Public Schools. Most importantly, after 24 years of existence, if this experiment with a two-school model is much-needed, why has it not been replicated in similarly-sized communities by the NJDOE? And why have other local municipalities not explored this much-needed option? Not Fair Haven, not Little Silver, not Shrewsbury, not Tinton Falls, not Rumson, not Oceanport and the list goes on throughout the State.

Currently, the regionalization of school districts is a prominent topic. The fiscal outcome of operating two school systems is wasteful and unfair to taxpayers. If we were building a new Red Bank, a system of two public schools would not be a part of the conversation. Furthermore, in Path to Progress (August 9, 2018), the Economic and Fiscal Policy Workgroup noted that school districts with less than 1,000 students cost taxpayers 10 to 15 percent more per pupil than larger districts and are unable to provide as diverse a curriculum.

Again this decision is not only disappointing but disheartening. We are grateful for the many residents, community partners, and municipal leaders who support our vision for Red Bank. Our intent was and continues to be unifying a community and building a robust, diverse, and fiscally responsible school district for all of Red Bank to enjoy. Looking ahead, we will redouble our efforts to inspire our students to Dream BIG and maintain our Best In America mindset, so that we can be certain we are best for the students, families, and community of Red Bank.

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RED BANK: Charter school wins five-year lease on life - redbankgreen

The JAK inhibitor momelotinib provided a significant benefit in symptomatic patients with myelofibrosis and anemia, according to preliminary data from the phase 3 MOMENTUM study.

Of note, patients in this study were previously treated with a JAK inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Preliminary results from this study demonstrate that momelotinib may be the first and only JAK inhibitor to demonstrate efficacy in improving symptoms, splenic size and anemia. Dr. Srdan Verstovsek, a researcher on the MOMENTUM study and professor of medicine in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, explained that this development is important because these are the three issues patients with myelofibrosis often experience.

I'm really happy that we are in a situation where we are talking about potential for a new drug approval which covers the problems that we have not covered so far, he said in an interview with CURE.

Improving the Past

For the past 10 years, standard therapy has been Jakafi (ruxolitinib), with the option of Inrebic (fedratinib) added to standard care in the last two years. Both drugs have been shown to improve symptoms but worsen anemia, so they are limited in what they can do for a long period of time.

There are (several) different areas of interest; just looking at quality of life is No. 1, Verstovsek explained. What drives the therapy in myelofibrosis is improvement in quality of life. We want people to feel better, and we want them to feel better for a very long period of time. Along (with) that, we want them to improve the bone marrow function, lessen anemia, we want them to have a higher red blood cell count, eliminate the need for transfusions (and) that has been achieved here as well (with momelotinib) and then we want to decrease that spleen as well.

Verstovsek added, You have here a new medication that is able to tackle all three critical parameters that bother patients with myelofibrosis, the three parameters that we treat in a great majority of the patients. (Momelotinib is) certainly unique in its ability. (Jakafi) and (Inrebic) can control the spleen and symptoms but worsen the blood cell count, (but) not with momelotinib. (We) can improve quality of life, improve the anemia and improve the spleen all three at the same time.

In the MOMENTUM study, researchers assessed data from 130 patients with myelofibrosis who were unsuccessful with Jakafi and were treated with momelotinib, along with 65 patients treated with danazol after standard of care.

Extremely Significant Results

Results demonstrated a total symptom score of at least 50% or greater (with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity) in 25% of patients in the momelotinib group and 9% in the danazol group. The splenic response rate, which is the percentage of patients who obtained a reduction in spleen volume of at least 35%, was 23% and 3%, respectively. Verstovsek said that these results are significant, especially for this patient population.

The results are extremely significant, particularly, for example, in the setting where the study was done, the study was done after standard practice (Jakafi) failed, so resistant/refractory patients to (Jakafi), where patients are much more anemic than at the beginning of the therapy with (Jakafi), he explained. They may have lower platelets, they still have issues with the spleen, and they still certainly have a bad quality of life. What do you do? The life is bad, life is short also.

Verstovsek added, In that setting, you could use, for example, in some selected patients this other approved JAK inhibitor, (Inrebic), but it worsens the blood cell count, so it's not really applicable. And you say, what do I do? We can use prednisone, we can use danazol or an anabolic steroid to perhaps patch the problem a little bit, but it does not work. And momelotinib, particularly in this setting, is a discovery medication that has a potential to revise the outlook for the patients that have failed (Jakafi) by tackling all the critical three problems.

Additionally, momelotinib was able to control and improve anemia in patients, which Verstovsek highlighted as a differentiating factor from other drugs in the space.

Momelotinib has no medications to compare to. Because there are no other medications that tackle all the three problems at the same time. Certainly, we can say how about comparing the spleen control or the quality of life control with (Jakafi) or (Inrebic). But to say there is also a possibility of controlling the anemia (with momelotinib), then that's the differentiating factor. That's something that no other drug does. And that's why we are so excited about the prospect of having medication for our patients that will tackle those. So comparisons might be partial, but when you look at the total quality of what momelotinib does, it certainly stands on its own, he said.

Verstovsek added that because momelotinib improves anemia, it also makes some patients transfusion independent, leading to a longer life, which is my, as an academic physician, ultimate goal, he said.

Side Effects

Severe or worse side effects occurred in 54% of patients in the momelotinib group and 65% in the danazol group, which, Verstovsek explained, is a testament to the safety of momelotinib. Specific side effects are not known yet; however, in the past with momelotinib, there has been occasional dizziness, indigestion or a skin rash. Verstovsek noted that this was not a leading issue that his team was concerned about.

Overall, he said momelotinib is safe and simple, especially as patients only have to take one pill a day, which doesnt require much adjustment.

Nobody worries about too much side effects. And that can eventually, through control of these parameters, particularly anemia, then lead to durability and life extension at the end. We need to study that life extension much more in detail, but certainly I'm a believer in being able to make people live longer with good control of signs and symptoms, he said.

Next Steps

There are plans to submit an application this year to the FDA for potential approval of momelotinib in this setting. Verstovsek said that this is exciting and that may change the outlook for patients in this setting.

Certainly if the drug is approved, as I would expect it to be in the very near future, momelotinib will be, by far, the No. 1 choice for therapy in the setting where it was tested, he said.

There is also potential for momelotinib to be combined with other drugs, similarly to Jakafi, in the future to enhance its effectiveness. Verstovsek explained that since both drugs dont have any leading toxicities, they may be good combination partners.

I think it would be embraced by the very large group of patients right away where there was no option after (Jakafi) and in patients in frontline setting where you haven't even given any therapy, and they're already requiring transfusions or are significantly anemic and suffer from the spleen symptoms, Verstovsek concluded. It is qualitatively (a) different medication than anything so far. I think it will be a major, major drug for our patients with myelofibrosis.

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Momelotinib 'Stands On Its Own' Compared With Other JAK Inhibitors for Myelofibrosis - Curetoday.com

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Renee Threlfall's research and extension focuses on processing and postharvest storage of specialty crops (wine grapes, muscadine grapes, table grapes, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, hops, etc.) and value-added processing of horticultural crops.

Renee Threlfall, a research scientist in enology and viticulture at the U of A, has been named winner of the Julian Miller Sr. Distinguished Researcher Award.

The award is presented by the Southern Region of the American Society for Horticultural Sciences. It recognizes an outstanding record in research on one or more horticultural crops and in one or more areas of horticultural research for a period of 10 or more years.

Threlfall is a member of the faculty in the Department of Food Science in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. She is also a researcher and scientist with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment State, the research arm of the U of A System Division of Agriculture.

Threlfall has been in the department more than 30 years, and has a split appointment between research, extension and teaching.

Her research and extension focuses on processing and postharvest storage of specialty crops (wine grapes, muscadine grapes, table grapes, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, hops, etc.) and value-added processing of horticultural crops. She has more than 40 refereed journal publications.

Threlfall teaches an introduction enology and viticulture class, Uncorked: Vines to Wines, each fall, and teaches enology, viticulture and sensory topics for grape and wine production in other food science classes.

She is a member of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture (ASEV), ASEV-Eastern Section, American Wine Society, American Society for Horticultural Science, North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association and American Society of Brewing Chemists. She is on the Extension and Outreach Committee for the National Grape Research Alliance, is a member of the Arkansas Association of Grape Growers and serves on the Arkansas Wine Producers Council. She is also director of the Arkansas Quality Wine Program.

ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community - scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. Members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.

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Food Scientist Threlfall Named ASHS Southern Region Distinguished Researcher - University of Arkansas Newswire

Zinc is an essential mineral found in almost all of your cells. You need it for growth, healing, and a healthy immune system. According to medical experts, zinc could even help protect you from respiratory viruses.

Often, youll get enough zinc from foods like meat, seafood, and whole grains, and deficiencies are rare in the United States.

That said, if youre pregnant, breastfeeding or chestfeeding, following a meat-free diet, have a medical condition like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you may benefit from boosting your zinc levels with a supplement.

But not all zinc supplements are created equal. So if youre zinc-ing of adding a supplement to your daily routine, this roundup spills the tea on some of the best.

We consulted nutritional therapist, Julie Stewart for some expert advice to create our list of the best zinc supplements.

With so many zinc supplements available, choosing the right one can be challenging. However, these zinc supplements stand above the rest.

Thorne is a science brand developing products at its own dedicated research and lab facilities. Each product goes through four rounds of testing, which is better than most.

That commitment has helped its supplements earn certification from NSF International and Australias Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It also meets standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Thornes efforts make its zinc picolinate one of the best overall zinc supplements available, and a deserving top pick. Plus, because it contains zinc picolinate, the body can absorb it more easily than the zinc some other supplement brands use.

Its also free from gluten, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial preservatives, substances banned by major athletic groups, and allergens. So keeping those fillers out makes Thorne Zinc Picolinate suitable for most people.

Each capsule contains 30 mg of zinc picolinate. Take one capsule daily or follow your doctors advice. The capsules are easy to swallow and have helped some users improve their skin. However, as they can make you drowsy, its a good idea to take them at night.

Those who follow a vegan diet have to be careful of zinc supplements, as many brands seal their products in gelatin capsules. If youre steering clear of animal products, then our top vegan choice is a great option. Its made without gelatin and other animal products, so you can enjoy the benefits guilt-free. Theyre also organic, gluten-free, and free from GMOs.

Take two capsules for 30 mg of zinc derived from brown rice chelate. Each dose also includes 60 mg of raw vitamin C from a blend of raw fruits and veggies. The addition of probiotics and enzymes may improve digestion.

Most users say these pills are easy to swallow and can be taken with or without food. However, you can also open them up and stir them into water, juice, or a smoothie. According to satisfied users and research, zinc helps with clear skin and better immune health.

There are several gluten-free zinc supplements on the market, but if you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, MegaFood Zinc is one of the best.

People who avoid gluten often need to avoid other ingredients like dairy and soy. MegaFood Zinc is free of all these common irritants. Its also so kind on tummies that you can take it with or without food.

Its ingredients are also kosher, non-GMO, and certified vegan, so they suit various dietary requirements. However, it does get its 22.5 mg of zinc from S. Cerevisiae, which is a type of yeast. That means its unsuitable for anyone with a yeast allergy and may cause similar symptoms as a gluten flare.

Along with the yeast, MegaFood Zinc capsules contain a blend of veggies like spinach, carrot, broccoli, and beets. Unlike many brands, a single capsule is your daily dose. Some people say the capsules have improved their immune systems and energy levels.

NutriGold Zinc Gold is certified by the United States Department of Agricultures National Organic Program, so you can trust its ingredients are at least 95 percent organic.

Its zinc comes from organic, non-GMO sprouted whole foods. The blend of guava leaves, lentil sprouts, and bean sprouts gives each capsule 15 mg of zinc. NutriGold claims these ingredients make its single-dose capsules kinder on tummies.

It might seem like a small thing, but NutriGolds glass jars get a big tick from us. Using glass instead of plastic, even BPA-free plastic, helps keep your supplements pure and chemical-free. When you buy organic, its good to know your supplements are free of contaminants.

If you want a pure zinc supplement free of chemicals and other nasties, NutriGold Zinc Gold is a great choice. However, it doesnt have the added vitamins of many brands.

If you prefer a zinc boost when you need it rather than a daily supplement, Life Extension Enhanced Zinc Lozenges could be a match made in heaven.

Suck on these peppermint-flavored lozenges for 18.75 mg of zinc acetate.

Life Extension claims its lozenges deliver positively charged zinc ions to your immune system. Try them when you first notice cold symptoms and you could get back on your feet sooner. Yep, a 2020 analysis found zinc supplements may reduce the duration of a cold by 2.25 days.

Many people claim they do the job well, but their large size and strong flavor are barriers for some. Some people also experience minor side effects, including dry mouth and stomach cramps.

If you can handle them, though, you may appreciate Life Extensions commitment to quality ingredients. The lozenges use vegetarian ingredients that are free from GMOs and gluten. Take them once a cold takes hold or as the seasons change to boost your immunity.

If you dont love capsules, Metagenics Zinc Drink may suit you better. Each teaspoon dose contains 15 mg of zinc sulfate and deionized water. In addition, its free from additives, preservatives, GMOs, gluten, and meat ingredients.

This is one of the more expensive zinc supplements on the market. You get what you pay for, though, with each batch tested to ensure it makes the grade. As with all Metagenics products, this zinc drink meets NSF and TGA regulations. Its also verified by United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

Most users say this zinc drink is tasteless and odorless, so you can take it on its own. If you prefer, you can also mix it into a glass of water or juice. Satisfied users say it effectively shortens their cold symptoms, including sore throats and fevers. The research agrees that zinc can shorten the duration of colds.

NOW Foods Zinc Glycinate Softgels use a chelating agent to aid absorption and effectiveness. Some users agree with their effectiveness. However, others have still reported upset stomachs after taking them.

They might not be a silver bullet, but if your systems sensitive, these softgels may work for you. Each softgel has 30 mg of zinc glycinate and 250 mg of pumpkin seed oil. They have a neutral taste, and most users say they go down easily. They do contain gelatin and beeswax, too, so look elsewhere if youre vegetarian or vegan.

NOW Foods takes quality seriously, so its supplements are certified by Underwriters Laboratories. It also follows good manufacturing practices (GMP) to ensure every batch is up to scratch. NOW Foods Zinc Glycinate Softgels are also more affordable than many zinc supplements.

Everyones different, so the zinc supplement your friends love might not necessarily be the best choice for you. These tips can help you find the zinc supplement thats optimal for your needs.

Zinc supplements are available online and over the counter but getting medical advice on them is still a good idea. Your doctor knows your medical history, so they can suggest how much zinc you need. They may suggest a supplement with the recommended daily allowance of zinc or suggest more if you have a certain medical condition that impacts zinc absorption, or youre eating a meat-free diet, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Your dietary needs impact everything you put in your mouth, including your supplements. If you have allergies or intolerances to ingredients such as gluten or yeast, look for supplements free from that stuff. If youre following a vegetarian or vegan diet, look for supplements labeled for these diets. Browse the ingredients list to make sure theyre suitable for you.

Zinc supplements are available in a variety of forms. Tablets and capsules are the most common, but some peeps find liquids easier to swallow. There are also lozenges that you can suck like candy. Choose a supplement you can take easily.

Most online stores show unbiased ratings and comments from users. Read them to decide whether the supplement gets the results you want. The comments can also alert you to any potential side effects. This preliminary research can help you feel confident in your choice.

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The 7 Best Zinc Supplements of 2022: Reviews and Advice - Greatist

AMES, Iowa Candy, cards or flowers may bring smiles on Valentines Day, but developing a healthy relationship takes more effort than a once-a-year tradition, according to Danielle Day, human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Februarys focus on relationships makes it a great time to reconnect with your partner. Those strong relationships not only make you healthier, but they also are the basis for strong families all year long, said Day, who specializes in family wellbeing.

The quality of a couple relationship, regardless of the family structure, directly affects the children. The research is clear: healthy relationships, and resulting family stability, promote the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of adults and children, Day said.

Couples can explore how to focus on the positive and strengthen their connection by participating in Elevate: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level, a virtual workshop series from ISU Extension and Outreach. The program will take place four Wednesdays (March 23 and 30, and April 6 and 13), 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Cost for the program is $175 per couple or $99 per individual and includes a workbook and materials for each person. For more information and to register, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/elevate.

The information presented will be based on a relationship education curriculum developed by the National Extension Relationship and Marriage Education Network. The workshops will cover the following topics:

All relationships take work and commitment, but when we focus on the positive and growing with each other, we strengthen our connection for a healthy relationship. You can explore these tips and more in the upcoming virtual Elevate: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level series, Day said.

Photo credit: rocketclips/stock.adobe.com

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Focusing on Healthy Relationships Creates Strong Families - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences