Health Notes Health Notes (October 13, 2004)

RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED . . . Stanford needs volunteers for two pioneering studies. The first explores different psychological treatments for adolescents suffering from the life-threatening disorder of anorexia nervosa. A researcher at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is studying the difference between two programs. One attempts to address the psychological reasons behind a patient's reluctance to eat, while the second concentrates strictly on getting the patient to eat more and exercise less. Although approximately one in 200 adolescents in this country struggles with anorexia nervosa, the disorder is notoriously difficult to combat, according to researchers. Prospective participants can be boys or girls between the ages of 12 and 18 with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. To obtain more information or to volunteer, contact Judy Beenhakker at 650-723-7885. The second study at the Stanford University School of Medicine is already underway on the effects of a medication to treat kleptomania. Early results show that taking a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be effective in treating the disorder. Volunteers age 20 or older who think they may have kleptomania are encouraged to call for a confidential assessment. For more information, call 650-725-5180.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION . . . Those awkward preteen years don't have to be so lonely. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation recently launched a Web site where kids ages 9-12 can get confidential answers to such questions at "What's happening to my body?" or "How do I handle all this homework?" The site, called Preteen Health Talk: We're Talking Too!", is an off-shoot of PAMF's existing teen Web site. The new endeavor covers topics such as puberty, exercise, nutrition, hygiene, school, stress, friendships and basic clinical issues, from nail fungus to the flu. The content was developed by a group of Palo Alto preteens, teens and college students. To check out the site, log on to http://www.pamf.org/preteen/.
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