Health Notes

ANTIBIOTIC OVERUSE . . .According to a recent study headed by Palo Alto Medical Foundation physician Meg Durbin, the PAMF is well ahead of the national average in limiting overuse of antibiotics and using them only when they can be effective. Durbin said colds, upper respiratory infections and bronchitis account for about 31 percent of antibiotic prescriptions, but these illnesses do not generally respond well to antibiotics. Infections of the sinuses and ears do respond well to antibiotics. She said doctors across the country tend to over-prescribe antibiotics because they think patients want them. Durbin worked on the PAMF study with Megan Ackley and Diane Stewart, of the clinic's quality management division. They plan to base further patient and doctor education on the study.

DIET AND THE PROSTATE . . . About 75 percent of prostate cancer cases may be prevented by simple diet changes, according to James Brooks, an assistant professor of urology who practices with UCSF Stanford Health Care. Preliminary evidence suggests that cutting fat and adding certain natural substances found in vegetables--lycopene, the red pigment found in tomatoes, and selenium--found in garlic, grains and other plant foods, may reduce prostate cancer. Selenium encourages the body to produce antioxidant enzymes that protect against cancer. Brooks recommends that men over the age of 50 have a digital rectal exam by their doctors every year, along with a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen).

BONE-DENSITY TEST . . . Walgreen's stores will be offering an osteoporosis bone-density test for women at risk through March 6. The program is an effort to educate women about this bone-thinning disease and expand diagnosis of osteoporosis. Post-menopausal women should call 1-800-517-BONE between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for a preliminary evaluation and to schedule a bone-density test at an area Walgreen's if they are evaluated to be at risk.

UPCOMING EVENTS . . . Stanford University Medical School and the Northern California Cancer Center will sponsor "When Your Patient Asks About Alternative Medicine," a Feb. 28 conference for doctors, nurses, social workers and other health practitioners who have regular contact with cancer patients. For more information call (510) 429-2500 . . . "The Health Effects of Psycho-social Stress on Children" will be the topic of a lecture by pediatrician Frederick Lloyd on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Urgent Care building auditorium at 920 Bryant St., Palo Alto. No fee. To register, call 853-2960 . . . on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired will host a free workshop on "Internet Access for Blind and Visually Impaired Computer Users," at the Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 2470 El Camino Real, Suite 107, Palo Alto. To register call 858-0202 or (800) 660-2009.

HOSPITAL TOURS . . . If you've ever wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes at a hospital, now's your chance. Stanford Hospital and Clinics' Office of Community and Patient Relations offers weekly guided tours. Trained docents lead tours through major areas of the hospital and discuss the history of the medical center and its services. Tours are 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Thursday. Large groups need advance reservations. Tours start at the information desk near the main entrance. For more information, call 723-7167.

Back up to the Table of Contents Page