Media Contact: Sandra Van
Phone: 1-800-396-1002
E-mail: [email protected]
CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL TIP SHEET: March 29, 1999
CEDARS-SINAI RESEARCHERS ANNOUNCE BREAKTHROUGH IN THE EFFORT TO UNDERSTAND AND FIGHT SEPTIC SHOCK -- IDENTITY OF AN ELUSIVE "RECEPTOR" IN HUMAN CELLS CONFIRMED
In a study headed by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, scientists have for the first time identified in actual human cells a "receptor" that may be a key component of the process that leads to septic shock, confirming suspicions raised in other recently published studies. Doctors hope this breakthrough may lead to new and more effective approaches for the treatment of severe bacterial infections and endotoxin-associated septic shock that claim thousands of lives each year.
GENRISK GENETIC TESTING PROGRAM OFFERS PATIENTS NEW HOPE IN CONFRONTING DISEASE
Utilizing state-of-the-art genetic consultative services, geneticists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's GenRISK program provide genetic risk assessment, diagnosis, testing and counseling for such common, chronic conditions as cancer (including breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, ovarian, prostate, skin and thyroid), diabetes, heart disease, hemochromatosis and stroke. The program is designed for individuals who may have a genetic susceptibility to these conditions. Says one patient, "The traditional medical methodology is to wait until you're sick and then treat the problem. With genetic screening, you can look into the future and make changes that can benefit both you and your family."
CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER PHYSICIANS PERFORM FIRST KNOWN PEDIATRIC LASER SURGERY FOR FARSIGHTEDNESS
A laser technique approved by the Food and Drug Administration last November for correction of farsightedness in adults has been used for the first time to treat a child, allowing a 12-year-old boy to shed unattractive glasses and enjoy a more active life. Kenneth Wright, M.D., a Cedars-Sinai Medical Center ophthalmologist specializing in the treatment of pediatric patients, performed the operation on Feb. 11. He was assisted by James Salz, M.D., an ophthalmologist who specializes in laser surgery.
PRENATAL PROGRAM PUSHES THE FRONTIERS OF DIAGNOSIS FROM THE SECOND TRIMESTER INTO THE FIRST
With three-dimensional ultrasound, genetic testing procedures that can now be done in the first trimester of pregnancy, and a medical staff that is nationally recognized for its size and leadership in research, the prenatal diagnostics program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center gives women access to the very latest techniques at the very earliest opportunity.
NEW, BETTER MEDICATIONS CAN NIP ALLERGY SEASON IN THE BUD
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. People with allergy-triggered asthma can also benefit from these medications along with prescribed cortisone sprays, which contain steroids that reduce inflammation.
WORLD HEALTH DAY IS APRIL 7, 1999 -- CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER VICE PRESIDENT ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR WORLD HEALTH
Larry Baum, senior vice president of Community Relations at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, has been elected to the volunteer position of Chairman of the Board of the American Association for World Health (AAWH) in Washington, D.C. Baum began his one-year voluntary term on January 1, 1999, as he continues in his role at Cedars-Sinai.
CEDARS-SINAI NURSING ADMINISTRATOR RECEIVES "NURSEWEEK" NURSING EXCELLENCE AWARD
In recognition of her contributions at the local, state and national levels, Linda Burnes Bolton, Dr. P.H., R.N., FAAN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Cedars-Sinai Health System and Research Institute, received the "NurseWeek" Nursing Excellence Award in the category Advancing the Profession. The award, presented during a ceremony Saturday, March 13, recognized Burnes Bolton, a registered nurse who holds a master's degree in nursing as well as both master's and doctoral degrees in public health.
MEMBER OF "THE COASTERS" MAKING A REAL-LIFE COMEBACK AFTER EXPERIENCING AN ANEURYSM
When Billy Richards, of "The Coasters" fame, talks about making a comeback, he is referring not only to his career in music. His greater challenge has been to regain speech, memory, motor and cognitive skills that were lost when an aneurysm nearly took his life two years ago. According to the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, "perhaps as many as 10-15 million Americans may have intracranial aneurysms at some point in their lifetimes."
SELECTED SCIENCE STUDENTS TO GET A PERSONAL INTRODUCTION TO BRAIN SURGERY, CANCER RESEARCH
More than 120 students from Los Angeles Unified School District have been invited to spend four hours with renowned neurosurgeon Keith L. Black, M.D., and other members of the research and patient care teams at the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute. The goal of this special program, called Brainworks, is to motivate and encourage students to stay in school, pursue higher education and consider the possibilities of a career in medicine.
DINNER-PARTY DONATIONS EVOLVE INTO EFFORT TO RAISE $7.5 MILLION IN BATTLE AGAINST BRAIN TUMORS
An organization that grew out of a series of dinner parties is committed to raising millions of dollars to help the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute search for cures to brain tumors. Linda Burrows credits neurosurgeon Keith L. Black, M.D., with removing a tumor and saving her life in October 1996. In appreciation and as a means of raising awareness and funds to support the effort to combat brain tumors, she later hosted several gatherings at her home, inviting Dr. Black to speak and inviting friends to contribute.
HOUSEWIDE PAIN MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE DESIGNED TO EFFECT FASTER HEALING BY REDUCING PAIN
A new housewide pain management initiative at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is designed to effect faster, more complete healing by reducing patient pain using a variety of interventions. According to Linda Burnes Bolton, Dr. P.H., R.N., FAAN, Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer, this program is unique in that it brings together techniques from a wide range of disciplines, including behavioral interventions, to help minimize both acute and chronic pain. Led by a multi-disciplinary Pain Management Committee, the program includes 10 physicians, psychologists, and a dentist specially trained in pain management, as well as a recently-hired pain management pharmacist who specializes in helping to identify the best pain medications for each patient.
YOUNG PATIENTS GET STATE-OF-THE-ART "TLC" IN 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 difference is apparent as soon as you enter the pediatric waiting room, where all but the most critically ill or injured youngsters (and their families) wait their turns for care. The room, enlivened by storybook murals, is filled with child-friendly furnishings. Photos available.
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