York U Scholars Hub at Vaughan Public Libraries Speakers Series

Vaughan Public Library and York University invite you to the Scholars Hub Speaker Series. The partnershipbrings some of York’s top academic minds to Vaughan.
The series will feature talks and expertisefrom professionals in the Faculties of Science and Health with subject matter around psychology, exercise, astronomy and biology.
COST: FREE BUT PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Space for each talk is limited. Refreshments are provided.
Jun. 31, 2018 | Exercise And The Heart: What Every Sports Buff Should Know
Peter Backx (Professor and Canada Research Chair, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science)
We all know exercise is good for the mind and body. Recent studies have found a link between endurance sports and atrial fibrillation, the most common electrical disturbance (i.e. arrhythmia) affecting the upper chambers of the heart whose incidence is reaching epidemic levels.
Exercise’s association with atrial fibrillation is unexpected because this condition is more commonly associated with aging, heart disease and general poor cardiovascular health. Our mouse models reveal that endurance exercise causes atrial alterations resembling closely changes seen in atrial fibrillation patients and are thereby providing us with novel approaches for treating and preventing this cardiac arrhythmia.

This unique partnership is part of York University’s goals for community engagement and reputation-building, with a unique collaboration that invites alumni, students and their families, and the public to engage in meaningful talks and discussions.