THIS ISSUE AVAILABLE ONLINE WITH EXPANDED INFORMATION AND PHOTOS AT:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/newsletter/weekly
IN THIS ISSUE:
1) President Bush Proclaims April "National Donate Life Month"
2) Lose weight by walking! Did you know if you that by walking for 30 minutes and eating 200 calories less a day you can lose 1-2 lbs. in two weeks?
3) Alzheimer's Research update
4) 5th National Screening Day to Focus Americans on Alcohol and Health
5) NIMH Launches Campaign to Reach Men with Depression
President Bush Proclaims April "National Donate Life Month"
Last week President Bush issued a Presidential proclamation dedicating April 2003 "National Donate Life Month." Right now, close to 81,000 people are awaiting organ or tissue donations. Yet last year only 24,851 were performed. Despite our technological advances, 17 people who are waiting for a donated kidney, liver, heart, lung, or other organ die each day due to the lack of donors---and over half of the transplant recipients are minorities.
Although most Americans indicate they support organ donation, only about 50 percent of families asked to donate a loved one's organs agree to do so. President Bush and HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson are working together to increase awareness about the importance of choosing to donate your organs or tissue, then communicating your decision to your loved ones so they are aware of your wishes in the event of an emergency.
To learn more about the donation initiative, and to read the Presidential Proclamation, please visit organdonor.gov.
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Lose weight by walking! Did you know if you that by walking for 30 minutes and eating 200 calories less a day you can lose 1-2 lbs. in two weeks?
Here is a self-starter guide for a daily walking regimen:
Begin with a warm up by walking at a comfortable pace for 3 to 5 minutes then increase your intensity for 25 minutes. Be sure to allow yourself at least a two-minute 'cool down' so as not to shock your heart. Over time, stretching before and/or after your walks will increase the elasticity of your muscles.
By setting aside time to walk each day, you can change your life and lower your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, overweight and obesity.
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Alzheimer's Research update
Dr. Richard Hodes, Director of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), testified on the scientific advances of Alzheimer's research to the Senate Committee on Appropriations on April 2nd. Currently, close to 4 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease costing over $100 billion annually. If we don't work toward improved treatment and prevention strategies now, these numbers could double by the year 2050. Not only do the victims of Alzheimer's suffer, so do their spouses, siblings, and children-often having to leave their jobs and make unforeseen sacrifices in order to take care of their loved ones.
The National Institute of Health has made tremendous advances in the field of Alzheimer's research. The NIH, the largest research entity in the United States, is using a multi-pronged strategy to understand the disease and how it can possibly be prevented and treated.
Scientists are tracking genetic and lifestyle risk factors by identifying families who have at least two members diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Minorities are also a focus in the research. Dr. Hoades said, "in one study [researchers] found that persons in a Latino population had a 7-8 fold increased risk of dementia if they had both type 2 diabetes and stroke compared to persons who had neither, suggesting that improved interventions to prevent diabetes and stroke may prevent dementia in substantial numbers of people."
To find out more information on Alzheimer's Disease, please visit alzheimers.org
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5th National Screening Day to Focus Americans on Alcohol and Health
Analysis suggests one-third of adults are "risky" drinkers
The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is sponsoring a free, anonymous alcohol screening for those at risk for alcoholism on Thursday April 10. The screening will be conducted at nearly 4,000 locations across the country, and will offer access to health professionals, information on alcohol-related abuse and available treatment programs.
In addition to the NIAAA, the National Alcohol Screening Day program is also sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Screening for Mental Health (SMH), Inc., and their partners.
It is suspected that as many as one-third of Americans are at risk for alcoholism, which could be due to a genetic predisposition, dependence, or other behavioral factors.
To locate a nearby NASD site, telephone (1-800-405-9200) or visit the NASD website
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NIMH Launches Campaign to Reach Men with Depression
HHS' National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) announced a national campaign to raise awareness that depression affects an estimated 6 million men annually. Research suggests that men are less likely to seek treatment for this serious illness; data also show that men die by suicide at four times the rate of women.
"For generations men have been told that they have to act tough," U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona said. "Today we're saying to men, it's okay to talk to someone about what you're thinking, or how you're feeling, or if you're hurting. We are attacking the stigma that tough guys can't seek help. They can and they should."
The public health education campaign from the NIMH - "Real Men. Real Depression." - features the personal stories of men who live with depression: a firefighter, a national diving champion, a retired Air Force sergeant, a lawyer, a publisher, and a college student.
Research studies have found that depression affects twice as many women as men. However, research and clinical findings reveal that women and men may talk differently - or in the case of men, not talk - about the symptoms of depression.
Individuals and organizations are encouraged to call the campaign toll-free number (1-866-227-6464) and to access the NIMH Website to learn more.
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Last updated April 7, 2003
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