MEDICAL TIPS FROM THE UAB OFFICE OF MEDIA RELATIONS SEPTEMBER 9, 1999
1. Research on Black Men and AIDS
Recent reports from the CDC show declines in AIDS deaths in the United States. But HIV infection rates among black males continues to rise. Medical sociologist Bronwen Lichtenstein, Ph.D., says there's comparatively little research about HIV risks among black males because current public health focus is mainly on women, children or generic categories of risk which don't take into account black males as a discreet category. "Black males, especially those who are incarcerated, aren't getting comparable research attention or prevention. Now that we've reached the populations that are more easily accessed, and treatment programs in place, we won't stop the spread of AIDS unless there's a greater effort to reach black men." Call Gail Short, Media Relations, (205) 934-8931 or e-mail: [email protected].
2. Osteoarthritis and the Knee
Women who are overweight are more likely to develop osteoarthritis in their knees than their lightweight peers. But now doctors have a new drug that they hope will prevent or slow the progression of osteoarthritis in overweight women. "We've already shown that the drug, called doxycycline, slows the effects of aging in the knee," says Larry Moreland, M.D., UAB rheumatologist. UAB is one of six sites around the country conducting clinical trials of the antibiotic, which blocks the action of enzymes involved in the breakdown of joint cartilage. The study is still accepting volunteers. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 16 million people in the U.S. Call Joy Carter, Media Relations, (205) 934-1676 or e-mail: [email protected].
3. New Prostate Cancer Drug
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein secreted by prostate tumors, is familiar for its use as a diagnostic marker in the bloodstream. Now, cancer scientists are hoping to harness the higher levels of PSA to activate a new drug for patients who have progressive prostate cancer. Oncologist Scot W. Ebbinghaus, M.D., is UAB's principal investigator of a compound in Phase I trials at several sites. "This treatment may be more effective and have fewer side effects than current chemotherapy regimens for these patients with limited options. The drug circulates fairly harmlessly through the blood until reaching the tumor, where it is activated by PSA and attacks only those cells secreting PSA on their surface." Call Hank Black, Media Relations, (205) 934-8938 or e-mail: [email protected].
4. Surviving Football
An estimated 182,000 children under age 15 are injured every year playing football and 20 percent of high school players sustain some type of head injury, says Tara Dortch of UAB's Think First injury prevention program. But the risks can be minimized. "Studies show that teams with more experienced coaches and more assistant coaches have lower injury rates. Good conditioning helps, too. And younger kids are at less risk because they can't run as fast." Dortch says that by using the right equipment, teaching proper techniques and playing against kids the same age and weight, football can be a pretty safe sport. Call Bob Shepard, Media Relations, (205) 934-8934 or e-mail: [email protected].
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