Cedars-Sinai Medical Tip Sheet for March 1

TIP SHEET: Mar. 1, 1999

"SCIENCE" ARTICLE REPORTS DIRECT LINK BETWEEN BACTERIAL INFECTIONS AND HEART DISEASE -- CEDARS SINAI CLINICAL TRIAL TESTING EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMON ANTIBIOTIC IN PREVENTING RECURRENT HEART ATTACKS

A common, inexpensive antibiotic could reduce a second heart attack in patients who have already suffered an acute heart attack. In a clinical trial involving 1,400 patients, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center scientists, as well as collaborators at two facilities in Israel and three in Europe, are testing the effectiveness of the common antibiotic, Azithromycin, in preventing recurrent heart attacks.

LONG-TERM STUDY SHOWS THAT SURGICAL SKILL AND OTHER FACTORS AFFECT SURVIVAL RATES IN CHILDREN WITH BRAIN TUMORS

In a study led by Paul M. Zeltzer, M.D., a neurooncology specialist at Cedars-Sinai's Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, doctors at 40 medical centers and children's hospitals nationwide have found that in treating children who have certain malignant brain tumors, a "tried-and-true" chemotherapy protocol provides better results than a newer, more experimental method. This study was so carefully designed and controlled that it will likely serve as a "gold standard" for future research projects.

$5 MILLION DONATION WILL BENEFIT PATIENTS WITH BRAIN TUMORS, OTHER DEADLY BRAIN DISORDERS (BRAIN AWARENESS WEEK IS MARCH 15-21):

Wiping out brain tumors is a top priority for Keith Black, M.D., and the other physicians and scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute. After learning of his background and work in this area, a life-long hospital supporter, Maxine Dunitz, donated $5 million that will benefit patients with brain tumors formerly regarded as virtually untreatable, as well as those with other deadly brain disorders such as aneurysms and strokes.

WITH ALLERGY SEASON APPROACHING, NEW MEDICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE

Too many people suffer needlessly with allergies, according to Zab Mohsenifar, M.D., director of the Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. In many parts of the country, allergy season begins in early to mid-March when pollens produced by a proliferation of blooming flowers, grasses and weeds attack allergy sufferers. Although studies suggest that the number of people with allergies is growing, there are now highly effective medications available that do not produce unwanted side effects such as drowsiness.

CEDARS-SINAI SCIENTISTS LOCALIZE NEW ATAXIA/EPILEPSY GENE

Neurogeneticists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles have localized SCA10, a gene involved with a rare form of inherited ataxia, a disease whose onset usually comes in early adulthood and that causes incoordination of gait and movement. The finding is reported in the February issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.

SECRET TO MAINTAINING AN EXERCISE/FITNESS PROGRAM LIES IN FIRST "TRAINING YOUR BRAIN"

The secret to maintaining an exercise program may be "all in your mind," says Michael Gilewski, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and an active runner who has completed the Los Angeles, Honolulu and other marathons. When planning to train for a major event such as the Los Angeles Marathon, athletes need to start by first "training" their brain. Research in recent years has elaborated on the key functions the cerebellum plays in our habits, and maintaining a fitness program. Dr. Gilewski offers 7 tips for developing -- and sticking with -- a successful fitness program.

HOUSEWIDE PAIN MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE IS DESIGNED TO EFFECT FASTER HEALING BY REDUCING PAIN

Research indicates that the second biggest fear expressed by surgical patients is the pain they will have after surgery, and that proper patient education and preparation can result in 28 percent shorter hospital stays, better overall results and less pain. A unique housewide pain management initiative at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center brings together techniques from a wide range of disciplines, including behavioral interventions, to help minimize both acute and chronic pain.

AMERICAN PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION INFORMATION AND REFERRAL CENTER NOW OPEN AT CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Information and Referral Center has opened at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to assist individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, including their families and caregivers. Services are free of charge and include a wide range of information and support to help understand the disease and maintain quality of life.

EARLY DENTAL EXAMS FOR CHILDREN CAN AVERT PROBLEMS POSED BY BOTTLED WATER AND "BOTTLE CARIES"

Well-meaning parents who give their babies "designer" bottled waters to drink may be unwittingly contributing to their young children's dental problems, according to Denis Weintraub, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist, orthodontist and dental anesthesiologist who is co-director, Hospital Dentistry, Ambulatory Care Center Dental Clinic at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Many children's dental problems could be easily avoided with early check-ups -- 12 months old is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendation -- that include examination and education on proper dental care.

CEDARS-SINAI PEDIATRICIAN/ NEONATOLOGIST OFFERS TIPS FOR PARENTS OF PREMATURE BABIES

Alan H. Klein, M.D., a pediatrician/neonatologist on the medical staff of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, offers parents of premature babies tips on getting through a trying time of life. Dr. Klein is the author of a recently-released book with a central theme of "family-centered care." The book is intended to help parents become active members of the health-care team, even in the neonatal intensive care unit.

YOUNG PATIENTS GET STATE-OF-THE-ART "TLC" IN CEDARS-SINAI'S NEW PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY FACILITY

When it comes to kids, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is taking much of the trauma out of a trip to the emergency room. A major renovation effort and a progressive approach to pediatric emergency care has resulted in special services and surroundings for the nearly 9,000 children treated in the hospital's emergency department each year. The pediatric waiting room, where all but the most critically ill or injured youngsters (and their families) wait their turns for care, is enlivened by storybook murals, and filled with child-friendly furnishings.

CEDARS-SINAI NAMED QUALITY LEADER FOR PROVIDING MOST PREFERRED HEALTHCARE SERVICES

In the largest independent survey of its type in the nation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been named a Quality Leader for providing healthcare services most preferred by consumers. This marks the fifth two-year period in a row that the hospital has been identified as Southern California's gold standard in healthcare.

DELAYING MEDICAL CARE IS WORST MISTAKE STROKE VICTIMS CAN MAKE

Many people who experience a stroke are very stoic and feel that the weakness or the slurred speech they're experiencing will just go away. "That's the biggest mistake they could make," says Cedars-Sinai Medical Center neurologist Cyrus K. Mody, M.D. Why? Because a stroke's impact on a patient depends on the size of the stroke, the area of the brain affected, and how quickly treatment is initiated.

LONG-LEAD STORY IDEA: NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

(May 6-12, 1999): For nearly 30 years, the role of the nurse practitioner has quietly grown in prominence throughout the U.S. health system. Today, nurse practitioners are able to perform physical exams, diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries, manage chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications. At Cedars-Sinai Health Systems, nurse practitioners are in the forefront in several hospital units and in other important programs.

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