SIU received three international Aspire Awards for medical education activities. (#4)

2013 was a great year for SIU School of Medicine. Here’s a list of the Top 10 achievements as we work to fulfill our mission to assist the people of central and southern Illinois in meeting their health-care needs through education, patient care, research and service to the community.

1. Office of Community Health and Service Created A new Office of Community Health and Service, led by Dr. David Steward, organizes and oversees the School’s community service work in Springfield and throughout central and southern Illinois, fulfilling the fourth pillar of the School’s mission statement.

2. SIU Center for Family Medicine Designated a Federally Qualified Health Center More patients are being added to the more than 17,000 patient base established at the Center, 520 N. Fourth St. in Springfield, thanks to this federal grant.  The Center, led by Dr. Janet Albers, is now solely a part of SIU School of Medicine and partners with SIU HealthCare for additional physician and management services.

3. National Magazine Ranks SIU 13th in Primary Care Graduates SIU SOM ranked 13 out of 161 institutions nationwide in the graduate-level training of primary care physicians, according to a study published in the September issue of Academic Medicine. The study evaluated outcome measures of social accountability for residency and fellowship training programs.  These measures included the percentage of graduates who entered primary care practices and the percentage of graduates who practiced in medically underserved settings.

4. Medical Education Programs Receive 3 International Awards SIU was the only medical school to be recognized in all three areas by the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE). SIU received Aspire Awards for outstanding efforts in 3 areas: student assessment (how well the performance of students is evaluated), student engagement (how involved students are in their own education and the curriculum), and social accountability (how the school exposes its students to the needs of the public and the community).

5. Dr. Jerry Kruse Named to Dual Post at SIU School of Medicine In May, Dr. Kruse was named executive associate dean of the School of Medicine and chief executive officer of SIU HealthCare. He received the unanimous support of the SIU HealthCare Board of Directors, the clinical chairs and hospital partners. Dr. Kruse has been professor and chairman of the Department of Family & Community Medicine from 1997 until March 2013. He is the authority for all clinical and clinically related academic issues and planning.

6. New Neurosurgery Residency Added to SIU School of Medicine   A seven-year residency in neurosurgery was established last July. It has received initial accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The first neurosurgery resident will begin training in July 2014. Neurosurgery is the 17th residency program offered by SIU School of Medicine.

7. New Andrology Fellowship to Provide Advanced Training in Men’s Health A one-year, accredited fellowship in andrology, the study of the modern management of male reproductive and sexual health was established in July. This year’s fellow is Dr. Charles Welliver. This is the 13^th Fellowship at SIU School of Medicine.

8. Outreach clinics Established in Decatur (GI), Staunton (Oncology), Taylorville (OB/GYN) These clinics established throughout 2013 are helping SIU patients receive specialized care closer to their homes.

9. Thirteen grants Awarded by the National Institutes of Health These prestigious grants from NIH are even more competitive in the recent economy. SIU researchers received 13 of them throughout the year to research health issues including longevity, aging, hearing, chronic pain, breast cancer and kidney cancer. Principal investigators, some receiving multiple awards, are Dr. Andrzej Bartke, Dr. Michael Brenner, Dr. Greg Brewer, Dr. Don Caspary, Dr. Debbie Mukherjea, Dr. Louis Premkumar. This federally funded-research will make a significant impact on future health advances.

10. Medical Innovators Program Highlights 11 Medical Professionals SIU, along with the Sangamon County Medical Society and The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, resurrected this program for a third event, held March 7. A selection of innovative medical professionals working in Sangamon County presented their achievements in medical treatments, research and community service. Eight of the 11 medical professionals highlighted were from SIU School of Medicine.

Wishing all our readers a safe and healthy 2014!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but all the excitement of the holiday interrupts a child’s routine and can add stress and sometimes cause behavioral problems.

Stress and pressure from extra activities, shopping and high expectations can impact family harmony. Glen Aylward, Ph.D., professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at SIU School of Medicine says a variety of stressors can affect children.

“Kids’ schedules change during the holidays which can cause disruption. They are out of school. Many of them travel for vacation and to see extended family,” Aylward says. “The big hype by the media and peers to get the best toy and other things that they probably don’t even need increases pressure. This is exacerbated in situations or families with pre-existing anxiety about food and security, lack of social support and other family issues.”

Aylward says behavioral challenges might include emotional volatility and tension. “If parents are under pressure, the children can sense this as they are bell weathers of stress,” he added.

He advises parents to take care of themselves and make the holidays more fun and less stressful, which will make their children’s behaviors more acceptable. These tips can help.

• keep finances under control
• do not exhaust yourselves by too much revelry
• avoid getting upset by meeting family members that perhaps they would prefer to avoid

He also recommends guiding children away from the material issues of the holiday and get into the giving – the actual spirit of the season. If a child’s behavior becomes more disruptive or doesn’t return to normal soon after the holidays, the child may need to see a doctor or pediatric counselor.

Hear Aylward talk about kids and holiday stress.

Other resources:

http://childparenting.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/holidaystresskids.htm

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/holiday_stress.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5884_help-children-with.html

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Cold weather is on the horizon for the weekend, causing safety concerns for infants and children. Take precautions to protect them from the elements.

Protecting infants and children from winter weather calls for safety precautions recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Marthe dela Cruz, SIU pediatrician at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains these suggestions:

• dress in several light layers as opposed to one thicker layer
• cover exposed skin
• wear gloves, hat and scarf

Dr. dela Cruz says the biggest concerns for children playing outside in cold weather are hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia occurs when the child’s body temperature falls below a normal level due to exposure to cold temperatures.

“Some early signs of hypothermia may be shivering. And at that time, I would definitely recommend the children come inside and warm up. If they are getting lethargic or drowsy, that means something more serious, and you may want to consider calling your doctor or 911.”

Dr. dela Cruz says frostbite can occur when the skin and outer tissue areas become frozen. It can happen first to the fingers, toes, nose and ears. The skin becomes pale or gray and blistered. The frostbitten areas need to be warmed slowly in warm water. If the numbness or tingling sensation lasts more than five minutes, see your primary care physician.

Listen to Dr. dela Cruz discuss winter tips.

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Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU (SCI) takes an advanced approach to coordinated cancer care addressing the mind, body and spirit. In addition to quality patient care and research, SCI offers a variety of additional programs and services to improve the experience for patients and their caregivers.

Regardless of treatment location, cancer patients, their caregivers and family have access to many benefits at SCI through the American Cancer Society (ACS).

• SCI houses an ACS wig salon where patients can select a wig and up to two scarves or hats for free. Patients can attend classes to learn how to tie the scarves and style the wigs.
• The ACS also sponsors a Look Good, Feel Better program where a cosmetologist gives women make-up tips.
• An ACS patient navigator is available to guide patients through the health-care system and connect them to qualifying services.

Other programs and services offered at SCI:

• Three board-certified genetic counselors help people before cancer strikes by providing knowledge about appropriate cancer screening guidelines, genetic testing and in some cases, preventive surgeries.
• Support groups and counseling services
• Wellness classes through the Side-by-Side program
• Animal therapy
• A nutritionist offers extra dietary support as patients go through radiation and chemotherapy.
• A licensed pharmacist helps patients with specific issues that may arise from cancer treatment.
• Clinical trials to help doctors and scientists develop more effective cancer treatments
• A team approach to cancer care

Read more about the array of services provided at SCI. Read other articles about SCI. Listen to Emily Lane, clinical social worker at SCI, talk about dealing with cancer during the holidays.

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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an unexplained cause of death occurring in seemingly healthy infants when they are sleeping. SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants under one year old, and it claims the lives of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 infants each year in the U.S.

“We know that SIDS is the result of some sort of lack of oxygen,” said SIU pediatrician Dr. Tracy Milbrandt

Risk factors for SIDS can help parents be more aware.

• Being male
• Prematurity
• Low birth rate
• Poor prenatal care of the mother
• Mothers younger than 20 years old
• Tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy or following birth

Dr. Milbrandt suggests precautions to protect babies from SIDS.

• Place infants to sleep on their backs
• Put infants to sleep in a baby bed with a firm mattress
• Keep toys and blankets out of the crib to avoid suffocation
• No co-sleeping or bed sharing
• Do not over-clothe the infant
• Keep baby’s crib in the parent’s room until the infant is at least six months old
• Offer the baby a pacifier

If parents are looking for more information about SIDS, she recommends talking to your child’s physician or check the websites listed below.

Hear Dr. Milbrandt talk about SIDS.

Resources:

http://www.cdc.gov/SIDS/

http://sidscenter.org/

http://www.sids.org/

Did you know that the average weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is three to five pounds? Don’t let your belly turn into “a bowl full of jelly.”

The holiday season may not be the best time to attempt weight loss with holiday parties and plentiful feasts, but it is possible to maintain your weight and not spread your waistline.

With some planning, fitting holiday treats into a healthful eating plan is easy.  All foods can fit into healthy eating plan if you choose smaller portions of high fat and calorie foods that are popular this time of year.

When cooking and preparing food, think about easy and healthy substitutions:

• substitute evaporated skim milk for heavy cream in side dishes and sauces
• use chicken broth in place of butter for potatoes and stuffing
• substitute an equal amount of applesauce for at least half the oil, margarine or butter in muffins, desserts and quick breads like banana bread

Some simple guidelines for healthy holiday eating include:

• Be Prepared: Accept the fact  that temptations are high during the holiday season. Fight inevitable cravings by increasing physical activity, which can help suppress your appetite
• Be Realistic: Don’t try to diet. Your goal should be to maintain weight, not lose it.  Remember that calories in must equal calories out to keep your weight the same.
• Be Selective: Choose the holiday favorites you MUST have. Don’t try to cut out high-fat holiday favorites like eggnog and candied sweet potatoes. Instead, choose small portions and fill the rest of your plate with lower fat, higher fiber choices, such as apples, cranberry dishes, baked squash, pumpkin, whole grain breads and pastas.
• Plan Ahead: To avoid surrendering to high-fat fast foods on hectic days, pre-plan several quick, healthy meals. Have these readily available in the refrigerator or freeze for quick reheating. When going to a party, offer to bring a favorite low-calorie dish, so you know there will be at least one “safe” item available.
• Hydrate: Try to drink water throughout the day to help curb your appetite.
• Get Moving: Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes 3-4 times a week.

Win the weight gain battle by shifting entertainment to non-food events such as dancing, playing games, ice-skating or singing carols. It’s your key to maintaining good health and a healthy weight.

Have Healthy and Happy Holidays!

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‘Tis the season for giving, and Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU (SCI) is grateful to have a group of  approximately 40 dedicated individuals who give their time to help others through their cancer journey.

“They do more than greet or provide directions to patients; they make sure that the time patients spend at SCI is as positive as it can be,” says Cindy Davidsmeyer, director of community support at SCI. The volunteers’ job ranges from helping people find clinics, assisting with wigs or just listening to a patient or caregiver who wants to talk.

A friendly face can make all the difference to someone coming in for cancer treatment. Many of Simmons Cancer Institute’s (SCI) patients travel from outside the Springfield area, and when they come in for the first time, a greeting and a smile add reassurance in an unfamiliar place.

Each of the volunteers has a specific motivation for coming in to SCI for their four-hour shift, all of them relating in some way to the role of cancer in their lives.

Read more about the stories of these special individuals.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Cindy Davidsmeyer at 545-3837.
Learn more about Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU.

Eight million women in have osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. “By 65 every woman should have had a bone density scan, sooner if they have the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and are post-menopausal.” says SIU OB/GYN Dr. Casey Younkin.

Are you at risk? The risk factors include:

• being underweight
• smoking
• having a family history of osteoporosis
• taking steroids
• Caucasian women are also at a higher risk

Diagnose: A bone density scan, also known as a DXA scan looks somewhat like a tanning bed. It shows the amount of bone in the hip, spine or other bones and is used to diagnose osteoporosis in women age 50 and over. A second scan is done one to two years after the first, and the physician compares results to determine if bone density has decreased.

Treat: SIU HealthCare’s bone health clinic treats and educates those with osteoporosis. The clinic is staffed by SIU obstetricians/gynecologists, rheumatologists, orthopaedists and endocrinologists who provide primary and secondary fracture prevention, as well as bone fragility treatment, care and education to at-risk patients in the central and southern Illinois area. To make an appointment with the bone health clinic, call 217-545-8000.