Stress Reduction Course Offered by The Miriam Hospital
(posted January 25, 2006)
The Division of Behavioral Medicine at The Miriam Hospital is sponsoring a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course designed to improve health and well-being through meditation. Participants of the program will learn several types of quiet guided meditation, including gentle stretching to enhance well-being and help cope with personal, medical or psychological challenges.
The eight-week course meets from 6:30-8:30 pm either every Tuesday or Wednesday evening beginning March 21.
In addition to lowering stress levels, the course is designed to renew energy and vitality, improve flexibility of body and mind, achieve deep states of relaxation, decrease anxiety and frustration levels and learn how to handle tension and discomfort. Prior to the first class, each participant will have a private consultation with instructor Karen Ryder, MA, a certified professional holistic counselor.
More about Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Lifespan Celebrates Black History Month
(posted January 18, 2006)
In honor of Black History Month, the public is invited to attend the following presentations and events at Lifespan hospitals:
- Thursday, February 2
3 to 5 p.m.
Newport Hospital
Presentations include:
- “The value of Lifespan’s employee resource groups,” Brandon Melton, senior vice president of human resources at Lifespan
- “Health disparities in the black community,” Gertrude Blakey, director of diversity at Lifespan
- “Connections between the United States and Liberia,” Rodney Chesson, guest speaker who immigrated to the United States from Liberia. Chesson’s speech may also feature Liberian music.
- Wednesday, February 15
3 to 5 p.m.
The Miriam Hospital
Presentations and performances include:
- “The value of Lifespan’s employee resource groups,” Brandon Melton, senior vice president of human resources at Lifespan
- “Health disparities in the black community,” Gertrude Blakey, director of diversity at Lifespan
- There will be live musical performances that will highlight African American and black cultures.
- Tuesday, February 28,
3 to 5 p.m.
Rhode Island Hosptial
Presentations include:
- “Footsteps from past to present,” Phyllis Anderson-Miller, director of patient relations and coordinator of the African American/Black Employee Resource Group at Rhode Island Hospital.
- A “Walk of Fame” display will highlight African American and other Rhode Island Hospital employees of color. Vendors will sell African American specialty items and there will be live performances by the Black Repertory Theatre in addition to other musicians and dancers. Light refreshments will be served.
All events are hosted by Lifespan’s African American/Black Employee Resource Group. For more information, contact Geraldine Williams at 401-444-7659 or Felecia Ngawor at 401-444-8353.
Urine Test Helps Detect 99 Percent of Recurring Bladder Cancers
(posted January 17, 2006)
A simple urine test that can be interpreted in a doctor’s office can help detect nearly all recurrences of bladder cancers with a higher accuracy rate than conventional laboratory analysis of urine tests. The BladderChek test, used in conjunction with a diagnostic scope, detected 99 percent of recurring bladder cancers, according to a study in the Jan. 18 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
“This is good news for patients. If you have been treated for bladder cancer and are being monitored for recurrence, the accuracy of your diagnosis is extremely important. We depend on the urine test to show us whether there’s a possibility of cancer that we’re not seeing with the scope. If we say there’s no recurrence of cancer, we want to be right,” says author Barry Stein, MD, a professor of urology at Brown Medical School and surgeon-in-chief of urology at Rhode Island Hospital, a participating site in the study.
The BladderChek test—which requires four drops of urine—detects elevated levels of the nuclear matrix protein NMP22, an indication of cancer even at early stages of the disease. A doctor or nurse can read the results in 30 to 50 minutes.
“You know the answer before the patient is out of your office,” Stein says. “If the result is positive, and you didn’t see anything from the cystoscopy, you would check to see if you missed something.”
No single procedure is completely effective in detecting recurring bladder cancer, so physicians use a combination of methods —typically cystoscopy and a urine cytology test. Cystoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure performed in a physician’s office, enables physicians to view the wall of the bladder through a scope. However, it may not detect very small tumors or tumors in the muscle or upper tract. So in conjunction with the scope, physicians rely on cytology, a clinical analysis of a urine sample. The process can take a week or more, and requires expert interpretation. The analysis identifies changes in intact cells, but its sensitivity is dependent on the size and shape of the tumor.
In this study, 668 patients with a history of bladder cancer provided a urine sample before undergoing cystoscopy during follow-up visits with their physician. The urine sample was analyzed with urine cytology, and with the BladderChek test. Bladder cancer was identified in 103 patients. Cytoscopy alone detected 94 cancers, and the BladderChek test detected eight of nine cancers that were not seen through the scope—seven of them life-threatening. The urine cytology only detected three of the nine cancers.
Cystoscopy alone detected 91.3 percent of cancers. When cystoscopy was used with conventional urine analysis, the detection rate was 94.2 percent; when it was used with the BladderChek test, detection was 99 percent.
An accurate urine test could reduce the number of cystoscopies a patient undergoes, Stein says. While not painful, the procedure can be uncomfortable. By contrast, the BladderChek test is similar to a pregnancy test and gives objective results—if cancer is detected, a purple line appears.
The study demonstrates that one day a simple urine test might replace cystoscopies, Stein says.
“I’m not saying any one study gives you the confidence to change 100 years of tradition,” Stein says. “We need to do further research. But if a test is developed that is effective as a stand-alone, that would be a real benefit.”
The authors include independent investigators from: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; University of Rochester Medical Center; University of Miami School of Medicine; Lake City Veterans Administration Hospital; Rhode Island Hospital; Lakeshore Urology; and Georgia Urology.
The study was funded by Matritech, Inc., the manufacturer of BladderChek.
Winterize Your Workout
(posted January 16, 2006)
Short days and bad weather make convenient excuses for not exercising during the winter months. But the doldrums-and weight gain-that often go hand in hand with dark, cold weather can be lessened with physical activity.”Many people trade their exercise routines for holiday feasting during the winter,” says Aileene Palm, an exercise physiologist at The Miriam Hospital. “Not only can it result in battling extra pounds in the spring, but you will be stiff, sore and more likely to get injured after months of inactivity.”
There are several indoor workout options, but for those who enjoy exercising outdoors, special precautions must be made to stay warm and safe. Palm provides the following tips for those venturing out into the cold this winter.
Wear layers. Water-wicking fabrics are best when layering- try to avoid cotton and other fabrics that hold cold moisture against your body. You can always shed layers of clothing as your body temperature warms up, but start with a windbreaker, hat and gloves to contain heat and protect extremities.
Avoid muscle sprains. A cold muscle is more susceptible to damage than a warm one making longer warm-ups imperative when exercising in the cold. A winter warm-up should last at least 15 minutes and comprise of stretching and sport-specific coordination exercises
Stay hydrated. Even though you don’t sweat as much as in warmer months, every time you breathe, moisture is released from your body into the air. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine that dehydrate the body.
Beware of slippery roads. Many sidewalks and streets are poorly plowed and can make it dangerous for runners, walkers and bikers. Keep your eyes on the ground and consider all-climate shoes with improved traction and stability.
Dangerous cold. In extreme cold—when the temperature or wind-chill drops below 0 degrees Fahrenheit —stay inside. If you must go outside, be sure to educate yourself on the warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite and consult a health professional if symptoms do occur.
Alter your schedule. Consider changing your workout schedule to enjoy the daylight hours, which are shortened in the winter. A lunchtime workout can jumpstart your afternoon and let you take advantage of the warmest time of the day.
It is recommended to consult with a professional before starting any exercise routine.
Giving Kids What They Need, Instead of What They Want
(posted January 16, 2006)
Parents often feel like they’re fighting a losing battle with their children when it comes to saying ‘no.’ This Thursday, January 19, parents are invited to explore strategies to improve communication with their kids and learn ways to encourage cooperation at home.
The 2005 Speaking of Kids series will close with a presentation by Tracey Sutton, MSW, on “Giving kids what they need instead of what they want.” Parents will learn to understand the dynamics that get in the way of effective communication and receive practical information to help turn relationships around. Topics will include:
- Understanding your child’s temperament
- The language of encouragement
- Positive discipline
- Family meetings
The Speaking of Kids series is presented by Bradley Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and sponsored by CVS/pharmacy. All programs are handicapped accessible.
