New Resources

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

• Selenium and Vitamin E Role in Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Under Way
  Format: Info
  Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  Scientists are testing the role of two dietary supplements, selenium and vitamin E, in preventing prostate cancer. NCI is funding a clinical trial called SELECT and NCI has prepared a question-and-answer fact sheet to provide information on the ongoing trial. The trial, coordinated by the Southwest Oncology Group, an international network of research institutions that receive NCI funding, hopes to discover if one or both of these supplements prevent prostate cancer.
  
  Enrollment began in 2001 and ended in 2004. The study, involving more than 35,000 men, will continue for 7 years. Participants from more than 400 sites in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada are participating in the study.

  Next Steps
  To view the question and answer fact sheet, visit http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/4_20.htm.

Substance Abuse

• Research on Underage Drinking Explained on New Web Site
  Format: Web Site
  Institute: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

  As recent scientific advances have led to a greater understanding of alcohol, public conern about the seriousness of underage drinking has increased. In response, NIAAA is spearheading an initiative to intensify research, evaluation, and outreach efforts regarding underage drinking. As part of the initiative, NIAAA has launched a Web site, the NIAAA Initiative on Underage Drinking.
  
  Underage drinking presents an enormous public health issue. Alcohol is the drug of choice among children and adolescents. Annually, 7,000 youth under age 21 die from alcohol-related injuries, homicides, and suicides. Advances in scientific research have helped to shed light on several important aspects of this problem. More

  Next Steps
  For information on the initiative and to comment, visit www.niaaa.nih.gov/about/underage.htm and post your feedback to our Underage Drinking Research Webmaster.
  

Women's Health

• Learn about Alcohol's Affects on Women's Health
  Format: Brochure, Web Site
  Institute: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

  While it’s true that men are more likely to drink alcohol and drink greater amounts, women have a higher risk of developing problems from alcohol consumption. A new Alcohol Alert from NIAAA summarizes research findings and their practical implications for women of all ages. More

  Next Steps
  Download the new Alcohol Alert on alcohol and women's health at www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa62/aa62.htm. To order free print copies, call (301) 443-3860 or write to NIAAA Publications Distribution Center, P.O. Box 10686, Rockville, MD 20849–0686. To view other Alcohol Alerts, visit http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/alalerts.htm.

Alcohol / Alcohol Abuse / Alcoholism

• Research on Underage Drinking Explained on New Web Site
  Format: Web Site
  Institute: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

  As recent scientific advances have led to a greater understanding of alcohol, public conern about the seriousness of underage drinking has increased. In response, NIAAA is spearheading an initiative to intensify research, evaluation, and outreach efforts regarding underage drinking. As part of the initiative, NIAAA has launched a Web site, the NIAAA Initiative on Underage Drinking.
  
  Underage drinking presents an enormous public health issue. Alcohol is the drug of choice among children and adolescents. Annually, 7,000 youth under age 21 die from alcohol-related injuries, homicides, and suicides. Advances in scientific research have helped to shed light on several important aspects of this problem. More

  Next Steps
  For information on the initiative and to comment, visit www.niaaa.nih.gov/about/underage.htm and post your feedback to our Underage Drinking Research Webmaster.
  

• Learn about Alcohol's Affects on Women's Health
  Format: Brochure, Web Site
  Institute: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

  While it’s true that men are more likely to drink alcohol and drink greater amounts, women have a higher risk of developing problems from alcohol consumption. A new Alcohol Alert from NIAAA summarizes research findings and their practical implications for women of all ages. More

  Next Steps
  Download the new Alcohol Alert on alcohol and women's health at www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa62/aa62.htm. To order free print copies, call (301) 443-3860 or write to NIAAA Publications Distribution Center, P.O. Box 10686, Rockville, MD 20849–0686. To view other Alcohol Alerts, visit http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/alalerts.htm.

Cancers

• Trial to Elucidate Tamoxifen and Raloxifene Role in Curbing Breast Cancer Incidence
  Format: Info
  Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  Some women know they are at increased risk of developing break cancer, but scientists hope that certain drugs may curb that risk. To test two drugs for their efficacy, scientists launched a Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) that is expected to yield results in 2006.
  
  NCI, which is the main funder of the study or clinical trial, has produced a question-and-answer online fact sheet for people interested in learning more about STAR. The market name for tamoxifen is Nolvadex® and the name for raloxifene is Evista®.
  
  Conducting the trial at more than 400 centers across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, is the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project. Enrollment closed in June 2004, after the trial reached its target of 19,000 post-menopausal women.
  
  

  Next Steps
  For more information, visit http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/4_19.htm.
  For information in Spanish, visit http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/4_19s.htm.

• Selenium and Vitamin E Role in Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Under Way
  Format: Info
  Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  Scientists are testing the role of two dietary supplements, selenium and vitamin E, in preventing prostate cancer. NCI is funding a clinical trial called SELECT and NCI has prepared a question-and-answer fact sheet to provide information on the ongoing trial. The trial, coordinated by the Southwest Oncology Group, an international network of research institutions that receive NCI funding, hopes to discover if one or both of these supplements prevent prostate cancer.
  
  Enrollment began in 2001 and ended in 2004. The study, involving more than 35,000 men, will continue for 7 years. Participants from more than 400 sites in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada are participating in the study.

  Next Steps
  To view the question and answer fact sheet, visit http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/4_20.htm.

• Fact Sheet on Financial Assistance for Cancer Care
  Format: Fact Sheet
  Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  Cancer imposes heavy economic burdens on both patients and their families. For many people, a portion of medical expenses is paid by their health insurance plan. Some resources are available for people who need financial assistance to cover additional health care costs or who do not have health insurance. The resources include government-sponsored programs and services supported by non-profit groups or community volunteer organizations.
  
  Cancer patients and their families should discuss any concerns they may have about health care costs with their physician, medical social worker, or the business office of their hospital or clinic. NCI has prepared a fact sheet listing organizations and resources for financial help, including resources in Spanish or organizations with Spanish speaking staff.

  Next Steps
  For more information on financial assistance, visit http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/8_3.htm.

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Questions and Answers
  Format: Fact Sheet
  Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  As men age, both benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer become more frequent. A common test used for detecting prostate conditions, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, measures blood levels of this protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. The doctor takes a blood sample and a laboratory technician gauges the amount of PSA present. It is normal for men to have low levels of PSA in their blood; however, both prostate cancer and benign (not cancerous) conditions can increase PSA levels.
  
  NCI has produced an online fact sheet about PSA, with eight questions and answers about key PSA issues, including who should be screened and why the PSA test is controversial.

  Next Steps
  For more information, visit http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/5_29.htm.

• NCI Levies Shipping/Handling Charge for Bulk Orders of Cancer Publications
  Format: Info
  Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  Anyone looking for information about cancer can receive free booklets from NCI on a large variety of topics. Brochures and similar information resources are also shipped free for small orders. However, NCI now needs to charge a fee to help cover shipping and handling costs on orders of more than 20 items, which are considered bulk orders. Orders for more than 20 items have a shipping and handling fee of 10 cents per copy, with a minimum charge of $5. Some discounts are available. These charges are necessary because of Federal Government budgetary constraints and NCI's desire to meet increasing cancer information demands.
  

  Next Steps
  For questions and answers about ordering cancer information from NCI and to learn more about the bulk order charges, visit http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/1_20.htm.

• Booklet Describes Ways To Make a Difference in Cancer
  Format: Booklet
  Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  Do you want to find ways to make a difference in cancer, or to help others become involved? When cancer strikes you, a loved one, or a neighbor, you may struggle with how to respond to the diagnosis. How can you help? What can you do? You want to make a difference. You may join an educational group, run in a race to raise funds to fight cancer, or become part of a group that advocates for cancer research or programs.
  
  Whether you have cancer or know someone who does, NCI's Ways You Can Make a Difference provides ideas about how to start, including ways to:

  • Learn what it is like to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
    
    
  • Decide if you want to "get involved" and volunteer to help others.
    
    
  • Choose activities that interest you.
    
    
  • Learn about cancer-related organizations.

  Next Steps
  To order the free booklet, call (800) 4-CANCER or visit www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/make-a-difference.

Community Outreach

• Read About Weight Cycling, Palliative Care, and Why Trial Results Differ
  Format: Newsletter
  Institute: Office of the Director (OD)

  Palliative care, preventing college-age alcohol abuse, weight cycling, and contradictory clinical trial results are all topics covered in the latest edition of a National Institutes of Health newsletter, The NIH Word on Health. The public can read more about the following topics:
  

  • Palliative Care: This aims to improve the quality of life for patients near the end of their lives and involves not only pain-relief medication but also a team approach to provide comfort and support.
    
    
  • Preventing College-Age Alcohol Abuse: Young adults going off to college can expect to be exposed to many new experiences, including heavy drinking. Alcohol abuse is widespread on the nation's college campuses.
    
    
  • Facts About Weight Cycling: This refers not to biking to reduce weight but to the repeated loss and regaining of body weight. Some research links weight cycling with certain health risks.
    
    
  • Different Trials, Different Results: One minute, something is reported to be good for our health, and the next it is bad. How can medical studies come up with such different conclusions about the same topics?
  
  NIH plays a major role in finding better ways to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases. The practical health information in The NIH Word on Health is based on research conducted either by NIH's own scientists or by its grantees at universities and medical schools around the country.

  Next Steps
  To view The NIH Word on Health, visit http://www.nih.gov/news/WordonHealth.

Eyes and Vision

• Read About Glaucoma, Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy
  Format: Booklets, Web Publications
  Institute: National Eye Institute (NEI)

  Information about various eye diseases and disorders, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, is available free from NEI in its Information for Patients booklet series. These booklets are written for patients, their families, and friends. Recently updated booklets include:
  

  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration: What you should know.
    
    
  • Diabetic Retinopathy: What you should know.
    
    
  • Glaucoma: What you should know.
    
    
  • Cataract: What you should know.

  Next Steps
  To download or order free copies of the booklets, call (877) 569-8474 or visit www.nei.nih.gov. To access the booklet on the NEI website, click on “Free Publications and Materials List” and search for the booklets by title.

• Eye Health Database Available Online
  Format: Database
  Institute: National Eye Institute (NEI)

  People looking for eye health information on the Internet can turn to NEI's new eye health organizations database. This online tool lists organizations to contact about a variety of eye health information and resources. Many of the organizations listed provide referrals to resources in communities around the country.
  
  Users can search by keyword, such as amblyopia or Braille, or look at an alphabetical list. They will find organization names, addresses, phone numbers, and Web sites, as well as a short explanation of what the organization offers.

  Next Steps
  To access the NEI Eye Health Database, visit www.nei.nih.gov/health/resourceSearch.asp.

Immune System

• New Pamphlet Gives Overview of Food Allergies
  Format: Pamphlet
  Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

  People wanting to learn about food allergies, their possible causes, and ways to diagnose and treat them can read a new pamphlet, Food Allergy: An Overview. Produced by NIAID for the public, this pamphlet also describes non-allergic reactions to foods known as food intolerances, which can be confused with food allergies. It also describes some unproven and controversial food allergy theories.

  Next Steps
  To view a PDF file of the brochure, visit www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/pdf/foodallergy.pdf. A free copy can be ordered online at www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/orderforms/freepampo.htm or from the NIAID Office of Communications and Public Liaison at (301) 496-5717.

Seniors' Health

• New Information Available on Alzheimer's and on Working with Older Patients
  Format: PowerPoint; Slide Show Brochure
  Institute: National Institute on Aging (NIA)

  Information aids about two key age-related topics, Alzheimer's disease and working with an older population, have been prepared by the NIA.
  

  • NIA's popular publication, Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery, is now available as a PowerPoint slide show to help speakers organize talks and discussions related to the disease.
    
    
  • Working with Your Older Patient: A Clinician's Handbook is a 45-page booklet that teaches clinicians communication techniques, such as how to address difficult-to-discuss issues. These issues include driving, abuse, end-of-life care, incontinence, and sexuality. The booklet is useful for primary care providers and health professionals working with seniors in outpatient settings.

  Next Steps
  To order the PowerPoint slide show or any NIA publications, call (800) 222-2225, e-mail niaic@jbs1.com, or visit www.niapublications.org.

• Shingles After Chickenpox: Information and Tips on Staying Comfortable
  Format: Brochure
  Institute: National Institute on Aging (NIA)

  Just when you thought that childhood diseases were nothing more than a fuzzy memory, BANG! you develop shingles. The same virus that caused chickenpox when you were young can become reactivated in later life, causing shingles. NIA's new Age Page discusses symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and complications—including postherpetic neuralgia, an extremely painful aftermath of shingles. The brochure also offers tips for staying comfortable and lists helpful resources.

  Next Steps
  To order a free copy of the Shingles Age Page, call (800) 222-2225 or e-mail niaic@jbs1.com. To view the page, visit www.niapublications.org/engagepages/shingles.asp. To view Age Pages online, visit www.niapublications.org and click on "All Age Pages," and find an alphabetical listing of the pages.

• Popular Publications on Age-Related Issues Updated
  Format: Brochures
  Institute: National Institute on Aging (NIA)

  Seniors face particular issues related to their age and changing life situations, and NIA has produced brochures about these issues. Called Age Pages, they are available to the public free. NIA recently updated seven brochures on its most popular topics:

  • Getting Your Affairs in Order.
    
    
  • Older Drivers.
    
    
  • Preventing Falls and Fractures.
    
    
  • Exercise: Getting Fit for Life.
    
    
  • Forgetfulness: It's Not Always What You Think.
    
    
  • Spanish Age Page: El crimen y las personas de la tercera edad (Crime and Older People).
    
    
  • Spanish Age Page: Cuidado a largo plazo: Escogiendo el lugar correcto (Getting Your Affairs in Order).

  Next Steps
  To obtain copies of these brochures and other Age Pages, call (800) 222-2225 or e-mail niac@jbs1.com. To view all NIA publications, visit www.niapublications.org.

• New Fact Sheet on Expanded Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Services
  Format: Fact Sheet
  Institute: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

  There is a new, easy-to-read fact sheet about Medicare and diabetes, called Expanded Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Services, published by the National Diabetes Education Program. It covers the latest information on diabetes self-management training, medical nutrition therapy services, and other diabetes benefits covered by Medicare.
  
  Self-management training helps individuals learn to successfully manage their diabetes. This doctor-prescribed training includes how to manage blood glucose (blood sugar), make informed choices about nutrition and exercise, and prevent and treat complications. Diabetes patients can also receive doctor-prescribed medical nutrition therapy services that are provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional. These services include a review of current eating habits, nutrition counseling (what foods to eat), how to manage lifestyle factors that affect your food choices, and follow-up visits.
  
  NDEP is a partnership of the NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 200 public and private organizations working together to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes.

  Next Steps
  For further information about the fact sheet view http://ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/EMCDS/emcds1.htm. Printable copies are available in English or Spanish at www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/catalog.htm#PubsPatCont or by calling (800) 438-5383. This fact sheet is an excellent companion to NDEP’s brochure, The Power to Control Diabetes is in Your Hands, which focuses on the importance of blood glucose testing. It can also be ordered via the Web address or phone number listed above.