July 26, 1999
MEDICAL TIPS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM OFFICE OF MEDIA RELATIONS
1. Parasites That Cause Blindness -- Researchers from UAB and Auburn University will hold a conference July 25-29 at UAB to train a group of South American scientists in the use of a new technique to detect the parasite that causes Onchocerciasis, or river blindness. The disease, which currently infects 18 million people, is one focus of a global initiative by the World Health Organization to eliminate preventable blindness by 2020. "The test, which isolates parasite DNA from host DNA, will allow scientists to determine when the threat of infection has been eliminated from an area and when people can be taken off preventive medicines," says Thomas Unnasch, Ph.D., UAB professor of medicine. Call Joy Carter, Media Relations, 934-1676.
2. Ear Rocks, Stomach Rolls Dizzy? -- "Ear rocks" may be the culprit. And spinning you around in the doctor's office may be the cure. Ear rocks are debris that has collected within a part of the inner ear, says UAB otolaryngologist Thomas Eby, M.D. Technically called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, ear rocks are small crystals of calcium carbonate resulting from damage to a structure in the ear called otoliths. "Symptoms are usually precipitated by certain motions of the head such as getting out of bed or tipping the head back to look up. An intermittent pattern is the usual situation. If symptoms persist, see a specialist, who may prescribe specific physical maneuvers in office to try and reposition the particles." Call Hank Black, Media Relations, 934-8938.
3. Prevent Baby Bottle Syndrome -- Before using the bottle as a pacifier, parents should consider the welfare of their child's teeth. "One of the sad things I see with very young children who are put to sleep with a bottle is so-called baby bottle syndrome," a "totally preventable" condition, says John Thornton, D.M.D., UAB professor and acting chair of pediatric dentistry. "Parents put milk, fruit juices, sodas and other cavity-causing liquids in their child's bottle, causing tooth decay within seven to 12 months. A nighttime bottle should be filled only with water." Teeth also are exposed to lactose (milk sugar) during breast-feeding, so mothers should not nurse during the night or immediately before putting babies to bed. Call Melanie Parker, UAB Media Relations, 934-8935.
4. Poisoned Produce? -- Fruits and vegetables are good for you. Yet they often contain pesticide residues from farming, and pesticides have been linked to cancer and other illness. Are they safe to eat? Beth Kitchin, R.D., of UAB's EatRight Nutrition Information Service says the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables far outweigh any risk from ingesting pesticide or herbicide residue. Kitchin points out that many of the healthiest fruits and veggies are among the least likely to be contaminated. Careful washing and peeling can eliminate most pesticide residue and consumers also can buy organically grown produce, which is pesticide-free. Call Bob Shepard, Media Relations, 934-8934.
5. Munchausen's by Proxy -- Kathy Bush of Fort Lauderdale is on trial, facing charges of aggravated child abuse and fraud. Her daughter, Jennifer, has had 40 surgeries and 200 hospitalizations in her eight years of life. Prosecutors say Mrs. Bush is a case of Munchausen's by Proxy, a factitious disorder in which a person inflicts injury on another to gain attention. "Typically, it seems, the MSBP parent is on a misguided mission to feel 'special' to garner attention from people -- family, friends, and community -- as the heroic caretaker of a tragically ill child," says Marc Feldman, M.D., author of three books on factitious disorders. "In the vast majority of cases, the perpetrator is the mother and the victim an infant or toddler." Call Melanie Parker, Media Relations, 934-8935.
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