HEALTHBEAT

Baby boomers at high risk for heart attack or those who have stared “the big one” in the face and survived are familiar with aspirin therapy. Dr. William Robinson, principal investigator of the Tulane University Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program, says the data from several small studies shows benefits beyond treatment and prevention of heart attack and stroke. These findings prompted the first, definitive, long-term international study, funded by the National Institute on Aging. The ASPREE (Aspirin Reducing Events in the Elderly) study seeks to confirm or dispel if low doses of aspirin prevents some forms of cancer and cognitive decline, such as dementia and memory loss, and to assess the effects of long-term use and possible associated risks beyond bleeding. “It’s trying to decide whether the previous tantalizing results are real,” says Robinson. African-American and Hispanic men and women 65 and up, and members of other ethnicities 70 and up, are encouraged to enroll in the study following patients for a period of five years. Despite earlier study results, Robinson cautions against taking aspirin without consulting with your doctor. Contact clinical research coordinator Alexandria Augustus at 988-6124 to learn more about participating in the study.


Exercise, fun and philanthropy in the outdoors come together in one place during The Foundation at East Jefferson General Hospital 12th annual Golf Classic. On May 12 at the Metairie Country Club, enjoy lunch at 11 a.m. and a 12:30 p.m. Tee-Off, while helping the foundation provide funding for technology, services, capital expansion projects and specialized patient care. For more information about the event, its May 8 pre-party and sponsorship opportunities, contact Lucy King at 503-5596 or lmking@ejgh.org, or visit EJGH.org.


A recent column in the journal Psychiatric Services, authored by doctors at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, details a new care model combining psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and telemedicine resources into primary care clinics in Louisiana parishes most affected by the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill. The project is funded from the Deepwater Horizon Medical Benefits Class Action Settlement and is part of the Gulf Region Health Outreach Program. After researching national models of care LSU doctors found none acceptable for the needs of close-knit, rural communities with scant availability of mental health resources. Tailored to the local culture, results indicate reductions in mental health and general medical symptoms for children and adults, as well as resilience in the face of future disasters and can be adapted for use in other communities at risk for disasters or with limited mental health resources.

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