|
Designated a National Center of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Women’s Health E-Newsletter Winter 2007
To view a pdf version of this newsletter, click here.
WOMEN’S HEALTH NEWS AT VCU
Antidepressant may ease some PMSDr Susan Kornstein's work has been extensively covered in the media recently, from the Times-Dispatch articles to CNN, Canada's Maclean magazine, Scientific American, Shape magazine, UPI, Reuters Health, and local television appearances. A VCU news release is available online at http://www.news.vcu.edu/news.aspx?v=detail&nid=1841
Richmond Times Dispatch—November 24, 2006 http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?c=MGArticle&cid=1149191852978&pagename =RTD/MGArticle/RTD_BasicArticle
Early treatment important for postpartum depression Postpartum depression is common but highly treatable. Postpartum depression affects an estimated 10 percent of new mothers who can experience mild to severe symptoms requiring treatment of some sort. Read more in the Richmond Times-Dispatch article: http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?c=MGArticle&cid=1149191838204 &pagename=RTD/MGArticle/RTD_BasicArticle
VCU study suggests heritability of major depression is higher in women than in men Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have found that genes contribute more strongly to the risk of depression in women than in men, and that there may be some genetic factors that are operating uniquely in one sex and not in the other. Read more about how some genetic risk factors for depression may be sex-specific in their effect: http://www.news.vcu.edu/news.aspx?v=detail&nid=1153 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTYoung Women's Health Day at Huguenot High School Approximately 600 teenage girls from Huguenot High School participated in the first ever Young Women’s Health Day led by the VCU Institute for Women's Health and the VCU Women in Medicine Student Organization. The event — supported by the offices of Community Outreach and Workforce Development — provided health education and promoted health career opportunities for young women. Topics included teen issues, sports and fitness, nutrition and healthy relationships in addition to career possibilities. For more information, visit http://www.news.vcu.edu/vcu_view/pages.aspx?nid=1860.
Latino Health Summit http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?c=MGArticle&cid=1149191760384 &pagename=RTD/MGArticle/RTD_BasicArticle
Hospital Advocate Project serving victims of domestic and sexual violence.The Philip Morris Employee Community Fund (PMECF) awarded the VCU Institute for Women’s Health a grant to develop services for domestic and sexual violence victims. The $69,203 grant creates a hospital based advocate position to provide assistance in identification, treatment and referral for post-assault care of victims of domestic/sexual violence at the VCUHS Emergency Room. For more information contact: Georgi Fisher, Forensic Advocate Phone: 628-0623 VCU WOMEN’S HEALTH RESEARCH PROPOSALSCall for Community Based Women’s Health Research ProposalsCommunity-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) is an approach to health and environmental research meant to increase the value of studies for both researchers and the communities being studied. CBPR creates bridges between scientists and communities, through the use of shared knowledge and valuable experiences. The Institute for Women’s Health sought faculty/student proposals for its seed grant program that fosters excellence in community based participatory research on women’s health. The proposal deadline was February 15, 2007. Up to six awards will be given up to $10,000 each for research that bridges academia with pressing community needs and contributes to improving the health of women and girls in our communities. For more information, contact Janett Forte, at jforte@vcu.edu. WOMEN’S HEALTH NEWS
The Heart Truth for Women: It’s Ageless One in three American women die of heart disease, making it their number one killer; that’s The Heart Truth. It’s also true that heart disease is “ageless.” Whatever a women’s age, she needs to take action to protect her heart health. Read more about The Heart Truth for Women.
Breaking the Ice: An interview with Bonnie Blair Many of us remember Bonnie Blair as the fastest woman on ice. She represented the United States at the 1984, 1988, 1992, and 1994 Winter Olympic Games, winning a total of five gold medals and a bronze for speed skating. After hanging up her skates, she became a motivational speaker and a member of the U.S. Speed Skating Board of Directors, as well as a wife and a mother. Like many new mothers, however, she had no idea that pregnancy could bring about a potentially embarrassing condition: stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Read more about Bonnie Blair’s story and how she is dealing with this condition.
States Report Progress in Combating Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer killer of women in the world. In the United States, about 9,700 women were diagnosed with the disease in 2006 and 3,700 women died from it. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While most women will have the virus at some point in their lives, the vast majority will not go on to develop cervical cancer. In most cases, the virus clears up on its own. There are some forms of the virus, however, that persist and eventually turn into cancer, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. States are making gains in the war against cervical cancer, although significant racial and economic disparities remain. Read more about Cervical Cancer, HPV, and nationwide efforts being made to decrease these conditions. UPCOMING EVENTS
How To Treat A Woman: Strategies for Healthcare & Self-Care National Center of Excellence presents an ongoing, year-round series of brown-bag seminars focused on women’s health—for all healthcare professionals.
Dates and Topics: February 27, 2007: The Latest Advances in HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention April 10, 2007: “Let’s Chat: Complementary Medicine and Women’s Health”
For more information contact the Institute for Women’s Health at (804) 827-3033 or view the How To treat A Woman flyer: www.womenshealth.vcu.edu/announcements/HTTW2007RollingDateseFlier.pdf.
2nd Annual VCU Women’s Health Fair The 2nd Annual VCU Women's Health Fair has been set for Thursday, March 1st from 10 am - 2 pm in the Richmond Salons of the Student Commons at 907 Floyd Ave.
The purpose of the fair is to bring together university, community national organizations and individuals with an interest in women's health to provide education and information to the VCU community regarding all aspects of women's health, thus the effort to integrate holistic health options with traditional providers and organizations.
If you would like to participate by staffing a booth, providing a lunch topic or sharing resources from your program or information on health careers for women contact Stacy Baldwin at (804) 327-8857 or through email at baldwinsm@vcu.edu.
For more information contact: Sara Duke VCU Women's Leadership Forum, Founder & President Masters of Urban and Regional Planning '08 MBA '09 (804) 353-1228
Women In Science, Dentistry & Medicine – 15th Annual Pathways to Leadership Conference The Conference, which celebrates its 15th year in 2007, is designed to promote professional development through enhancement of leadership skills. Community practitioners, academic faculty, administrators and other health care professionals, as well as medical, dental, and graduate students, residents and community leaders are welcome. Both women and men in medicine and science will gain skills that will enhance personal growth and advance careers. In addition, the conference provides an opportunity to network with other professionals and share advice and experience. Friday March 9, 2007 - 7:30 – 12:45 Location: Kontos Medical Sciences Building – MCV Campus Brochure & registration available at: http://www.womeninmedicine.vcu.edu/events/conferencePTL.html
Building a Coordinated Health Care Response to Intimate Partner Violence Training Building a coordinated health response involves increasing skills and awareness in identifying, treating and referring women experiencing violence. This training will focus on improving the collaboration and partnerships between health professionals and shelter program staff and volunteers in responses to serving victims of domestic and sexual violence in their respective agencies. Who should attend? Domestic violence/sexual assault professionals, ANY health care provider, clinic staff, homeless shelter program staff, and students.
Date: Friday March 23, 2007 Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (lunch & refreshments provided) Location: Fan Free Clinic – 1010 N. Thompson St. Richmond, VA 0.3 VCU CEU Credits – will be available for participation at this training Questions: Janett Forte – 327-8843 jforte@vcu.edu or Chandra Johnston – 327-8834 cljohnston@vcu.edu
Registration & flyer available at: www.womenshealth.vcu.edu http://www.womenshealth.vcu.edu/announcements/DV%20Shelter%20Health% 20Training%20Flyer%203-23-07.doc
2007 Women’s Health Conference Women’s Health 2007: Clinical Insights & Best Practices – Save the Date
The VCU Institute for Women's Health is pleased to announce its 8th annual multidisciplinary CME conference. This program is designed to provide physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals with an update of topics relevant to women’s health. A broad array of topics and speakers from around the country will be presented at Women’s Health 2007, to be held March 30-April 1, 2007 at The Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia. The conference is organized by CoE Senior Deputy Director Wendy Klein, MD, FACP. For more information, visit www.womenshealth.vcu.edu/wh2007.
For further information contact Danielle Terrell, Conference Coordinator: (804) 306-5004 or dterrell@vcu.edu
3rd Annual VCU Women’s Health Research Day Save the date for the 3rd Annual VCU Women’s Health Research Day, which is scheduled for Wednesday April 11, 2007 at the Medical Sciences Building on the MCV Campus. The event is a unique networking opportunity celebrating and promoting excellence in interdisciplinary women’s health research. All VCU faculty, students, staff, and community members with an interest in innovative research in women’s health are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Women’s Health Research Day Co-Chairs are: Dr. Robert W. Downs, Jr., Professor of Medicine Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Dr. Joann Bodurtha, Professor of Human Genetics. Call For Abstracts: The VCU Institute for Women’s health is now accepting abstracts for Women’s Health Research Day. Abstracts are welcome from junior and senior level faculty and staff on any domain of women’s health or sex/gender differences research. Abstract submission deadline is March 9, 2007.
Registration & Abstracts submission guidelines are available on the website at: http://www.womenshealth.vcu.edu/research/research_day_2007.html
For more information, contact Janett Forte: jforte@vcu.edu or 804-327-8843
UPCOMING CLASSES:
Nutrition – Weight Loss – Walking Upcoming classes include “Lean ‘N Easy Cholesterol Lowering Diet Class” March 13, April 23, April 24; “First Step Program” (Four weeks long, begins April 30); “Diabetic Dining Made Easy” (March 7, April 4); Food and Fitness Weight loss Seminar (March 15, March 20, April 2, April 3).
Sign up to receive the “Your Nutrition News” electronic newsletter. To subscribe, please email Mary-Jo Sawyer, Registered Dietician at msawyer@mcvh-vcu.edu .
Family Life EducationClasses include Maternity Tour/Healthy Beginnings, Breastfeeding Class, Car Seat Safety, Childbirth Preparation, Infant CPR, Newborn Parenting, and Sibling Class. All classes except for the Sibling Class are for adults only.
To register or for more information, call 828-7929.
Centering Pregnancy: A Model for Prenatal Care Groups made up of 10 12 women who will all have their babies at the same time. Discussion about pregnancy and how to care for the new baby and in each session moms will have some private time with a midwife, nurse, or doctor. Groups starting at Stony Point Women’s Health Center. Contact Ellen Coffin at 628-3042 for more information.
CURRENT WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINICAL TRIALS AT VCU
Clinical trials offer individuals the opportunity to participate in research studies that are used to answer specific questions about the safety and efficacy of new medications, new therapies, or new ways of using known treatments. Individuals participate in clinical trials in order to play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research in women’s health.
VCU Mood Disorders Institute Dr. Susan Kornstein is currently seeking participants for the following research studies: Decreased Sexual Desire Study: Has a decrease in sexual desire come between you? You’re invited to see if you may qualify for a medical research study for women concerned about their decreased sexual desire. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of an investigational medication for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Physicians right in your area are conducting the medical research study. Qualified participants will receive study medication, medical exams, and lab tests at no charge. Financial compensation for time and travel may also be available.
Depression Study: Symptoms of Depression include: Feeling sad or depressed Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt Sleeplessness or lack of energy
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, are between the ages of 18 and 65 and medically stable, you may qualify to participate. This study is of an FDA approved medication for depression. Study-related research care is provided at no charge to you at our convenient off-campus location.
Depression in Peri-Post-Menopausal Women Study: If you are experiencing symptoms of depression and symptoms of menopause No menstrual period for at least 3 months, significant changes in the length of your menstrual cycle, changes in menstrual flow and are between the ages of 40 and 70 and medically stable you may qualify to participate.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Study: Do you have severe premenstrual mood changes that disrupt your life at home and work? This study is of an investigational medication for PMDD. Qualified participants must be between the ages of 18 and 48, and not taking a hormonal contraceptive.
All of the above studies are being conducted at the VCU Mood Disorders Clinic. For more information, contact: Maggie Britton, RN, BSN Clinical Research Coordinator 828-5639.
VCU Program for Osteoporosis and Bone Health For information on current studies and recruitment contact: Marian L. Sheppard, BSN,CCRC Research Nurse, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism VCU Medical Center. Stony Point Office: Phone: 804-237-6620 or call (804) 828-8932 or visit http://www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/osteoporosis/index.html.
ABOUT US
VCU Institute for Women’s Health National Center of Excellence (CoE) is one of 20 National Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health designated in 2003 by the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The National Centers of Excellence serve as models for the Nation in providing innovative, comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and integrated health care systems for women across the lifespan.
Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Executive Director Janett Forte, MSW LCSW, Program Director Phone: 804-327-8843 Email: jforte@vcu.edu Charlotte K. Roberts Women’s Health Resource Center (WHRC) provides quality information on health and wellness including prevention, conditions, diseases, and treatments. Information and services are available to anyone at no cost. We are located next to Women’s Health Care at Stony Point, and a Community Health Information Specialist is available from 9:30am – 2:30pm Monday through Friday. Stacy Baldwin, Community Health Information Specialist Phone: 804-327-8857 Email: baldwinsm@vcu.edu http://www.womenshealth.vcu.edu/community/resource_center.html
______________________________________________________________
Women’s Health E-Newsletter is brought to you by the VCU Institute for Women’s Health Charlotte K. Roberts Women’s Health Resource Center. If a colleague forwarded this newsletter to you and you would like to subscribe to future issues, please send an e-mail to baldwinsm@vcu.edu. To unsubscribe please send an email to baldwinsm@vcu.edu with “remove” in the subject heading and your reason for unsubscribing in the message body. We use collected e-mail addresses only to send our own information to you; we do not rent or sell e-mail addresses.
|
