Health Notes Health Notes (May 12, 2004)

PASSING DOWN PANIC . . . A Stanford researcher wants to learn how women prone to panic pass down their disorder to their daughters. Panic disorder is marked by unpredictable attacks of anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitation, shortness of breath, dizziness and trembling. About 5 percent of the population suffers from panic, with twice as many women afflicted as men. Panic disorder can cripple a person's life, causing people to become afraid of their own physical reactions and to avoid activities that might trigger anxiety. The exact cause of panic disorder is unknown, but family history is a strong indicator. Kimberly Wilson, a fellow in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, will examine physical symptoms and thought patterns of daughters whose mothers have panic disorder. Wilson is recruiting women with and without panic disorder along with their daughters, ages 12 to 17. The daughters must not have been diagnosed with panic disorder. Volunteers will be paid $50 for their participation in two two-hour visits, which will include interviews, questionnaires and a computer test. Interested volunteers should call (650) 723-6308 or e-mail kawilson@stanford.edu.
SITTER TRAINING . . . Youth ages 11-13 years can learn the essentials of safe babysitting through the American Red Cross' Babysitter's Training class. The next session is Saturday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Palo Alto Area Red Cross office at 400 Mitchell Lane, Palo Alto (near University Avenue and El Camino). Students will learn the qualities of being a good babysitter, including making responsible decisions, supervising children, keeping kids and themselves safe, and choosing safe and age-appropriate toys. Skills taught include rescue breathing, first aid for choking and bleeding, and basic care (diapering, holding, feeding, dressing) for infants and small children. The cost is $45. Contact Carolina Miranda at (650) 688-0428 or cmiranda@paarc.org. Or visit www.paarc.org for information.

MIDLIFE AND MEDICINE . . . The Palo Alto Medical Foundation will sponsor a Women's Health Forum on Saturday, May 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Palo Alto clinic, 795 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. The forum will present three topics of interest to women in mid-life: Menopause and hormone therapy, osteoporosis and treatment options available, and heart disease and its impact on women's health. Drs. Tara Seneviratne, Carol Clewans, and Meg Durbin will present. The cost is free. For information, call (650) 853-2960 or visit www.pamf.org.
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