An NIU professor recently was presented with a medal and plaque honoring his 30 years of research on health issues related to aging as well as other projects.

Biological sciences Professor O. Arne Schjeide was honored by the Institute for Arteriosclerosis Research of the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Riverside, California.

Schjeide said, “My research focuses mainly on heart disease, arterial sclerosis and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism in itself is a form of aging.”

For the past four years, Schjeide has been experimenting with the hormone Chondotin-4-Sulfate (C-4-S) in monkeys and humans.

Schjeide said, “In most cases the hormone is helpful because it causes cells to metabolize better.

“It particularly reduces blood clotting which is a big danger in heart disease.”

In conjunction with his participation in the Senior Olympics, Schjeide also has been studying “the effects of diet and exercise on the aging process.”

e said age brings a tremendous fall-off in performance of endurance activities such as running but strength activities are less affected.

Schjeide also serves on NIU’s Committee on Aging.