Health Briefs: Bad sleep, cardiovascular problems linked

By: North County Times - | Saturday, April 7, 2007 8:10 PM PDT ∞

Sleep disruption in seemingly healthy patients is associated with blood clotting, a predictor of cardiovascular disease. UCSD School of Medicine researchers reported the findings in the March issue of Chest, the official publication of the American College of Chest Physicians.

"In previous work, we have found that sleep disruption was linked to pro-coagulant (i.e., pro-clotting) activity in patients with sleep apnea, and in patients facing harrowing long-term stress. Now, we have seen the same pattern of findings even in healthy normal subjects," Joel E. Dimsdale, a UC San Diego psychiatry professor, said in a UCSD press release.

"Sleep disruption needs to be taken seriously," Dimsdale said. "It is known that certain forms of sleep disruption such as obstructive sleep apnea convey extensive cardiovascular risk. We now know that sleep disruption is a potential factor in heart disease even in the average person."

More information about the research is available at: http://tinyurl.com/2pb5lk.

Seniors get balanced

A new series of free classes on preventing falls is being offered by the San Diego County's Health and Human Service Agency.

"A Matter of Balance" consists of two-hour classes that will be held each week at four county senior centers. For North County inland residents, the closest is the Poway Weingart Neighborhood House. For coastal residents, the closest is the Florence Riford Senior Center in La Jolla. The federally funded classes will be offered for at least three years. More locations may be added, the county said.

An average of 19 San Diego County seniors aged 65 years and older have a fall each day so severe that it requires help from paramedics, according to county Emergency Medical Service records. For people 75 and older, falls are the leading cause of deaths by injury. The majority of these falls are preventable.

Those interested in taking these classes should leave a message at (858) 495-5500.

Post polio group to meet April 10

ESCONDIDO ---- The North County Post Polio Group will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Dorothy E. Boeger Building, 728 N. Broadway (in the Joslyn Senior Center complex). "Help Train Your Future Doctor" will be presented by Marty Becerril, patient resource program coordinator at the UCSD School of Medicine.

Also, UC San Diego is looking for patients to assist in training medical students. Patients will interact with students, giving them the chance to practice physical examination and communication in a realistic setting under the supervision of physician instructors. Contact (760) 741-5075 or postpolio@cox.net.

Pet therapy volunteers sought

ESCONDIDO ---- The Elizabeth Hospice is looking for pet therapy animals to join its volunteer team. The next pet therapy informational session is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the hospice administrative office, 150 W. Crest St. The question-and-answer session will address how to get your animal certified and how to become a volunteer. Call (760) 737-2050.

Developmental disabilities meeting

POWAY ---- Parent Advocates Seeking Solutions, a support group for parents of children ages 15 and older who have developmental disabilities, will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. April 19 at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 16275 Pomerado Road, Poway. "Administering a Special Needs Trust" will be the topic. For information, call (858) 748-2594.

Weight Loss Study Opens at UCSD Moores Cancer Center

LA JOLLA ---- A national weight-loss study using drugs and a behavior modification program has started at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center. Up to 840 men or women nationally are being sought who have "uncomplicated obesity" that is, obesity without other medical conditions like cancer, heart disease or diabetes.

The study's main goal is to find out how much more effective the treatment is when combined with the lifestyle modification program in helping people lose weight and keep it off. Researchers will compare the change from baseline in percentage of total body weight lost between the active drug treatment group and the placebo group, each of which will receive group lifestyle modification at UCSD. There is no cost to participants.

The study uses Naltrexone Sustained Release and Bupropion Sustained Release, along with a 56-week behavior modification program. The study focuses on changing diet and exercise patterns to promote healthy weight management.

The study sponsor is San Diego-based Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. Cheryl L. Rock, a professor of family and preventive medicine at the cancer center, is the lead principal investigator for the study. Dr. Ken Fujioka of Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center at Scripps Clinic Del Mar is a co-principal investigator for the study. For further information, contact the clinical project coordinator at (858) 822-2779.

Inner Yoga, Pacific Bakery join forces

OCEANSIDE ---- Inner Strength Yoga, 2124 El Camino Real, Suite 202, has joined Pacific Bakery to offer yoga to local breast cancer patients in need. People can make donations or buy gift classes at Inner Strength for patients. Call (760) 822-1348.

Golf tourney to benefit SD Brain Injury Foundation

POWAY ---- The 22nd annual Charity Golf Classic benefiting the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation will be held April 30 at StoneRidge Country Club. A $275 registration fee will include golf, lunch, dinner, prizes, contests, raffles, live and silent auctions and a chance to win $100,000 and a car.

To register, for sponsorship opportunities and information, call (619) 543-0433 or (619) 294-6541. Or e-mail sdbif@aol.com with your name and address to request a registration form.

Event to benefit Rady Children's Hospital

ESCONDIDO ---- The Poway Unit of Children's Hospital Auxiliary will present "Tabletops and Tea," a fundraiser for Rady Children's Hospital, Child Life Services, from 1 to 5 p.m. April 29 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. The event will feature themed tables decorated by members and others from the community with items that will be up for bid, a boutique, a traditional tea service, speakers, a video presentation, opportunity drawings and a silent auction. Contact (858) 451-8797 or phering1@san.rr.com.

Blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank sponsors numerous blood drives in San Diego and Southwest Riverside counties. Unless otherwise noted, the drives listed below take place at the bloodmobile in the parking lot.

Participants in these drives can join the San Diego Blood Bank's Donor Difference Program, which includes access to an online store for donors and the ability to track cholesterol, pulse and blood pressure after each donation.

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, in good health, and weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to give blood. A good meal before donating is recommended.

For donor requirements or to make an appointment, call the San Diego Blood Bank at (800) 4MY-SDBB or visit www.sandiegobloodbank.org.

Monday

2 to 7 p.m., Temecula, Pat & Oscar's 29375 Rancho California Road.

2 to 7 p.m., Temecula, the Promenade, 40820 Winchester Road.

Tuesday

1 to 6 p.m., Cardiff, V.G. Donuts 106 Aberdeen Drive.

Wednesday

8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Rancho Bernardo, Northrop Grumman, 15120 Innovation Drive.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rancho Bernardo, Hewlett-Packard Co., 16399 W. Bernardo Drive.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Escondido, County Health & Human Services Agency, 620 E. Valley Parkway.

Thursday

7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Encinitas City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave.

7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Rancho Bernardo, NCR Corp. A1-K02, 17095 Via del Campo.

8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oceanside, County Health & Human Services, 1315 Union Plaza Court.

9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Vista, North County Regional Court, 325 S. Melrose Drive.

Friday

10 a.m. to 7 p.m., San Marcos, Biggs Harley-Davidson, 717 Center Drive.

Saturday

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rancho Penasquitos, Vons & Subway center, 13255 Black Mountain Road.

April 15

8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Murrieta, St. Martha Catholic Church Old Worship Center, 37200 White Wood Road.

8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. San Marcos, San Marcos High School, Middle Room in Gym, 1615 San Marcos Blvd.