UMB Academy of Lifelong Learning

08/20/2026

What should you know about the new mRNA flu vaccine, cyclospora and what studies are discovering about COVID-19?

Dr. Wilbur Chen, professor and adult infectious disease physician-scientist, joined Maryland Public Television to explain it all.

Chen is chief of the Adult Clinical Studies section within the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_ZXYI3GQpI

07/20/2026

When wildfire smoke is so intense that it covers the skies, or you can smell the smoke, head indoors.
Breathing in this smokey air is especially dangerous for people with underlying lung or heart problems, potentially triggering an asthma attack.

Submit your Parenting Forum questions today and receive a response:
https://www.umaryland.edu/lifelong-learning/parenting/answers/

07/08/2026

Has Congress or a President tried to impose Supreme Court term limits? And did anything happen more than just talking about it?

A Maryland Carey Law faculty member weighs in for this question in our U.S. Constitution Forum. Submit your question and receive a response! https://www.umaryland.edu/lifelong-learning/constitution/answers/

06/29/2026

An excessive heat warning issued for Baltimore from July 1-4 has the heat index forecast to reach up to 110 degrees. Those are dangerous conditions for everyone, but how do we keep our older adults safe? Our University of Maryland, Baltimore expert in our Aging Forum advises the community to follow guidelines from the CDC and Ready.

Find the resources in our Aging Forum, where you can submit your own question! https://ow.ly/hJzw50Ziqhl

06/02/2026

My 13-year-old doesn't want to go to summer camp. What should we do? Leaving home is hard for some kids, especially for these extended overnight, or sleep away camps.

High-quality camp experiences — whether sleepaway or day programs — can help children build independence, confidence, social awareness, resilience, and new skills when the program matches their developmental stage, interests, and support needs.

Read more from our expert in our Parenting Forum and submit your question! https://ow.ly/fSTf50Z5kQU

05/28/2026

Earlier this month, we brought our Aging Forum experts to you in person!

On May 13, four University of Maryland, Baltimore experts on aging were the featured speakers at the Enoch Pratt Free Library's “Serving Up Wisdom” community event, which drew about 60 seniors from the community.

The library event, which drew about 60 seniors, focused on helping seniors be more empowered by learning to stay active, maintaining independence at home, and finding trustworthy health information.

05/19/2026

Should I be concerned about a pandemic from the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak? Not unless you were on the cruise ship, says our infectious disease expert from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

"However, this circumstance highlights the importance of maintaining good domestic and international surveillance for a wide-spectrum of diseases."

Submit your question today to the Academy of Lifelong Learning COVID Response Forum: https://ow.ly/rSHe50Z16os

04/30/2026

My mother can no longer care for herself. I'm not sure what to do. Where do I start?

It's an all-too-common situation that children find themselves in, taking care of a parent.

UMB faculty provide a few tips of how to start the process in our Aging Forum. Submit your questions today: https://ow.ly/zq8M50YSuVz

04/20/2026

Stress is part of being human — but you can learn to navigate it with greater ease and resilience.

In this interactive webinar, Michelle Pearce, PhD, professor and director, Integrative Health and Wellness Program, University of Maryland, Baltimore - School of Graduate Studies, will go beyond surface-level coping strategies to show you the science of stress: how it affects your brain, body, and emotions — and why understanding this science matters for choosing the right tools.

Register for the webinar, which will be held at noon April 21. https://elm.umaryland.edu/announcements/2026/An-Integrative-Approach-to-Stress-Management-Practical-Tools-for-Building-Resilience-and-Well-Being.php

The Elm is a publication of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).