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Jody Vogelzang Wins National ADA Medallion Award

Jody Volgelzang, PhD, RD, LD, FADA, HHN's Nutrition Department Editor, was awarded a Medallion Award at the American Dietetic Association's annual meeting. The prestigious award is bestowed upon no more than eight ADA members each year in recognition of leadership, ability, service, and contribution to the profession by demonstrating:

 

* exceptional service to the Association at the national, state, and/or district level,

 

* exceptional service toother food and nutrition organizations,

 

* outstanding professional leadership abilities,

 

* instrumental in moving the profession forward,

 

* dedication to professional high standards,

 

* source of inspiration and outstanding role model,

 

* devotion to the spirit of service to others in dietetics, allied fields, and the community.

 

 

Dr. Vogelzang's publications in HHN and other sources, her leadership in the ADA home care council, and her research continue to greatly contribute to successful patient outcomes in home care.

 

CDC Offers Post-Hurricane Health and Safety Tips

In the wake of 2004's record hurricanes, many agencies have begun reviewing their disaster prepared-ness plans and patient teaching tips. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added detailed information on hurricanes on its Web site as well as advice that can protect people from illness, injury, and death after storms subside. Major issues covered by CDC guidelines include food and water safety, structural safety, carbon monoxide hazards, clean-up activities, and protection from mosquitoes. For more information visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/protect.asp.x

 

New Web Site for Infection Control Resources

Infection control is a challenge when providing care to medically complex patients in the home because procedures are carried out by patients and their caregivers with equipment not always readily available. A collaborative effort between the Visiting Nurse Association of America and the Lysol Brand Group has resulted in a monthly online newsletter on home health infection control issues. In addition, a "bug of the month" column outlining precautions to prevent the spread and cross contamination of infection in the home is available. Log on to the "Germ Protection Center" found at the http://www.vnaa.org for details.

 

Medicare Seeks Participants for New Drug Coverage Project

Medicare has a new drug demonstration project to provide coverage for 25 "life-enhancing and life-saving" drugs. Medicare beneficiaries with rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, pulmonary hypertension, and other diseases may be eligible.

 

Qualifying beneficiaries must:

 

* have both Medicare part A and B,

 

* obtain a certification signed by a physician indicating that the physician has prescribed or intends to prescribe one of the covered drugs,

 

* be ineligible for other comprehensive drug benefits.

 

 

A complete list of covered drugs is available on the Medlearn Matter Web site at http://www.medicare.gov or by calling toll free (866) 563-5386. The information brochure can be found at [email protected]

 

New Association for Heart Failure Nurses Launched

The American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) has been formed with the mission "to optimize successful outcomes for heart failure patients by uniting health care professionals, patients and families in the support and advancement of heart failure practice, education and research."

  
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AAHFN offers membership opportunities at five levels; benefits include a subscription to the newsletter; online access to Web site resources including the AAHFN Message Board, educational materials, emerging clinical data and slide presentations for heart failure management and career development resources; discounted fees for CE programs, events, and AAHFN meetings; and the association's international directory. The association is developing additional membership benefits including a certification program in heart failure nursing. For more information visit http://www.aahfn.org or call (858) 345-1138.

 

Drinking Soft Drinks Increases Risk of Diabetes 83%

Recent research has found that women who drank at least one sugary drink every day had an 83% higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes than women who said they had less than one such drink per month. Researchers analyzed data from more than 90,000 women between 1991 and 1999, noting their weight and diet, and who developed diabetes. The link between soft drink habits, obesity, and diabetes persisted even after the influence of factors such as physical activity and fat intake were removed.

 

Liquid calories, such as the sugars added to sodas and fruit punch, may be processed in the brain differently than food sugars, thereby preventing your body from letting you know you've had enough calories. For example, women who started to drink more sugary soft drinks during the study period did not compensate for the extra calories by eating less food-they tended to eat more. Because fruit juice is sweetened with natural, not added, sugars, heavy fruit juice drinkers did not show a higher risk of obesity or diabetes.

 

It is believed that natural sugars may not pose the same risks, and juice contains antioxidants that may counteract negative effects of the natural sugars.

 

REFERENCE

 

Schulze, M. B., Manson, J. E., Ludwig, D. S., Colditz, G. A., Stampfer, M. J., Willett, W. C., et al. (2004). Sugar-sweetened beverages, weight gain, and incidence of type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged women. Journal of the American Medical Association, 292, 927-934.