DNA is weirder than we thought. Why you’re what your parents ate or breathed.

Genetics (DNA) is like a piano.  Epigenetics is the music affected by the environment, in utero, chemicals, drugs, aging and diet. 

Methyl groups (epigenetic factor) can mark “tag” lock DNA (DNA methylation) and turn off genes that repair cancer or prevent diabetes and heart disease. 

Firefighters have higher cancer rates. Our studies found firefighters were exposed to combustion products that caused DNA methylation that can predispose to cancer.  Modern fires burn plastics and computers that are more dangerous than prior fires of wood and metal. Protective gear does not prevent all the exposures to combustion products based on our study of firefighter skin contaminated after a fire — local firefighters have the highest melanoma rates in the US due to UV light and chemical exposures. 

Wildland firefighters (Bighorn Fire) use bandanas that offer minimal protection. 

Scientific dogma has been epigenetic marks aren’t passed to human offspring (plants can transmit to the next generation).  Evidence in mice and WWII famine and Holocaust survivors suggest it can.  In which case can the epigenetic damage in firefighters (or anyone) be inherited by their children?

Wayne Peate ~ Biography

First generation American. Born at Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

Degrees: Harvard MPH, Stanford BA, Dartmouth MD & Rincon High. First member of his family to attend a 4 year college.

 Awards: In 2018 firefighters from 3 counties initiated an annual award: “The Dr. Wayne Peate Health and Safety Award” — Wayne was the first recipient.       Eagle Scout.

 Cancer researcher, University of Arizona since 1983. Founding faculty College of Public Health

 Author: 34 articles, 8 books &1 play Gaslight Theater. His best seller: Listening with Your Heart (Rio Nuevo Press)

 Military: Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Reserve, Medical Corps.

 Community service: Refugee Camp doctor for 40,000 in Somalia.

 Founding chairman: Pima JTED “Jay-Ted” School District Governing Board. 125,000 graduates. 98% graduation rate.

 Past President: Harvard School of Public Health Alumni Association; Past President Tucson Ulster Project.

 Member of Rotary Club of Tucson since 1987.

 Business owner: Founder WellAmerica, Inc. health care for public safety personnel from 23 agencies.  Associate Medical Director Valor Hospice.

 Personal: 10 Marathons: Antarctica and UP Mt. Lemmon X 3.  Instrument rated pilot. 

 Married: Dr. Lynn Struthers, for 37 years, 3 daughters: Elise who works with movie music composer John Williams; Marissa (Paul Kantor) emergency/trauma RN at Torrance Memorial, CA; Lauren (Josh Jacobsen) CEO for her own software company.

 Certifications: Hospice Medical Director Certification, Board Certified American College of Preventive Medicine (Occupational).

With closures due to COVID-19, children face even greater obstacles to accessing early learning opportunities. A recent study by Parents Together found that 4 out of 10 of the most economically-disadvantaged students are accessing remote learning as little as once a week or less. As closures continue, children and families need books and engaging ways to learn at home. Support from Rotary Club means that Make Way for Books is able to adapt and work creatively to ensure young children have early literacy and learning opportunities.

 Since early March, Make Way for Books has been providing bilingual, online Story School programming to more than 600 participants throughout southern Arizona and beyond. Thousands of families are currently using the free, bilingual Make Way for Books App to access quality, age-appropriate books on their phones or tablets. The app provides in-book tips to support families in sharing books effectively as well as standards-based early literacy activities families can do to build their children’s early literacy skills using what they have at home. Make Way for Books is also delivering high-quality books and literacy resources to children and families throughout southern Arizona for continued learning at home. A parent recently shared, “Thank you so much for bringing us books. We have no words to express how grateful we are. Make Way for Books has completely changed our family. Especially me... I always knew the importance of reading but making it a habit or part of our family routine was hard for me. But now I have learned we can do it whenever, wherever. Most importantly I have learned to make it fun and educational.”

 Make Way for Books continues to innovate and to transition programming to flexible, digital learning models. This summer Make Way for Books is currently offering its Make Way for Kindergarten program online. Through the program, 5-year old children and families participate in two-generation literacy and language programming where they both learn together. Make Way for Books is providing backpacks filled with books as well as school and literacy resources to all families participating in this program so that the kids are ready for kindergarten in September!

According to Jenny Volpe, CEO of Make Way for Books, “Thanks to Rotary, Make Way for Books is able to continue our work to ensure young children have the quality books and early literacy and learning experiences they need to become thriving readers and learners.”