Three Tips Ski Beginners Should Learn

Ski Beginners
Image: skiing.about.com

Formerly a principal at Thomas Weisel Partners, Jason Pflaum leverages expertise in research and the financial industry to oversee Plum Tree Advisors as president. In his spare time, Jason Pflaum enjoys skiing and helping others learn how to as well.

Here are some of the most important tips for for beginning skiing students to learn:

Look forward. A common mistake for new skiers is to look down at the tips of their skies while in motion. This prevents them from observing obstacles ahead, such as a crowd of people or trees. Make sure your students keep their focus downhill for a distance of at least 10 feet beyond their skis. This will keep them safe.

Bend their knees. Help students gain more control and balance by having them ski with knees slightly bent. In doing so, he or she will naturally lean forward in their boots and be prepared to travel over uneven terrain more fluidly.

Turn uphill. At times, a student may gain too much speed. Rather than forcing the skis to stop abruptly, have your skier turn upward. The action slows acceleration gradually, bringing students to a complete stop if necessary.

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation – On the Road to a Cure

Jason Pflaum serves as the president and senior consultant of Plum Tree Advisors, LLC, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Experienced in consulting on financial and business development strategies, Jason Pflaum works with both emerging and established companies. Outside of work, he contributes his efforts to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). Pflaum has a personal interest in this research, as his wife, Jill, was diagnosed with this blood cancer in 2011.

As the number one privately funded multiple myeloma organization in the United States, and one of the highest rated non-profits in the world, the MMRF and its partners develop treatment protocols 60% more quickly than other organizations.

More than 77,000 people live with this cancer, which affects the plasma cells inside bone marrow. Plasma cells are essential to the body’s immune system. Through a complex process, normal plasma cells can become cancerous, creating an antibody called Protein M.

Protein M serves no useful purpose; as its numbers grow, it displaces other useful antibodies and leads to conditions such as kidney problems and bone deficiencies. As the disease spreads, soft spots develop in the bones, particularly in the hips, shoulders, ribs, and spine, which makes some patients more prone to fractures.

MMRF’s Laugh for Life: New York

A financial executive based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jason Pflaum serves as president and senior consultant of Plum Tree Advisors. Outside his professional responsibilities, Jason Pflaum is actively involved in raising awareness and funds for multiple myeloma research through the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to find a cure for the blood cancer affecting plasma cells.

Among MMRF’s signature events is Laugh for Life, an annual fundraiser that was held May 15, 2015, in New York. Headlined by comedian and television cohost Joy Behar, the event gathered 700 local patients, doctors, supporters, and family members to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment. In addition to a lineup of comedians, the event featured a live and silent auction, as well as the presentation of the Carol Goldschein Spirit of Hope Award to Stephanie Stoss, senior director of The Mount Sinai Medical Center. The event also honored Laugh for Life founders Sue Stern Korn and Cindi Stern with the MMRF Courage and Commitment Award.

MMRF Cofounder Selected for Federal Working Group

Plum Tree Advisors’ President Jason Pflaum possesses years of experience in financial services, having previously served as principal and senior research analyst for Thomas Weisel Partners and senior securities analyst at Owenoke Capital. Jason Pflaum and his wife are heavily involved with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Established in 1998 as a nonprofit, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) seeks to work toward a cure for Myeloma, a blood cell cancer. Since its establishment, the nonprofit has seen many successes, including the establishment of a multi-center tissue bank with more than 4,000 samples and the launching of the CoMMpass Study to analyze tissue samples from more than 1,000 patients.

On April 1, 2015, the White House announced the introduction of the Personalized Medicine Initiative working group, which would work to improve care and the development of treatments through an innovative model of patient-powered research. The group collects key figures in research, patient advocacy, science, and more, and also includes Kathy Giusti, a cofounder and the current chairman of MMRF.