MDNews - Greater Kansas

++++++++++++++++++++++++ + +++ + +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++ HOSPITAL ROUNDS JACOBSON RECEIVES $20,000 GRANT FOR STROKE RESEARCH A KU researcher has received a grant to explore the potential protec- tive factors of breastfeeding in relation to women's risk of stroke. Lisette Jacobson, postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the KU School of Medicine–Wichita, received the $20,000 grant from the Frontiers Pilot and Collaborative Studies Funding Program and Wichita Center for Graduate and Medical Education-Kansas Bioscience Authority. Research findings point to the protective effect of breastfeeding on maternal health. Specifically, women who reported breastfeed - ing their children for more than nine months were less likely to have hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome. Less is known, however, about a potential relationship with stroke or how such a relationship might vary by race or ethnicity. Findings from this study will be used in the development of a more in-depth study of stroke risk factors among a high-risk popu - lation. This line of research may lead to targets for interventions to reduce the risk for stroke among women. HINES RECEIVES $30,000 GRANT FOR CANCER RESEARCH An Assistant Professor at the KU School of Medicine–Wichita has received a grant to identify gaps in medical care experienced by cancer patients in rural Kansas. Robert Hines, of the school's Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, received the $30,000 grant from the American Cancer Society. Hines' research explores disparities in treatment outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer, which are due to geographic location and socio- economic status. Previous studies have shown that patients who live in rural areas and/or have a lower socioeconomic status were less likely to receive chemotherapy and surgery and had higher rates of mortality following diagnosis. The research is essential to identify treatment gaps and ensure all Kansans receive the highest quality of cancer care. UPCOMING EVENTS PRAIRIE FIRE SPRING RACE TO INCLUDE MY HEART. MY LIFE. RED FUN RUN AND WALK The 2014 Prairie Fire Spring race series will include a one-mile run or stroll along the Arkansas River sponsored by Via Christi Health and the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Participants in this noncompetitive event are asked to wear an old shirt and be ready to get "red" along the way. "This event is one in which the entire family can take part, " says Nancy Duling, Executive Director of the American Heart Association Midwest Affiliate. "Our volunteers are looking forward to joining Via Christi and helping spread the red and, in doing so, raise awareness about heart disease." The race will start at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, May 4, in front of the Wichita Boathouse. Preregistration is required and may be done online or at KidFest, which runs from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Century II Exhibition Hall. Registration is $15 until May 3 or $20 at KidFest, which is where race pack - ets must be picked up. Registered participants will get to take part in the red balloon launch at the starting line and receive a finisher's medal when they complete the walk. To register or get more information about the My Heart. My Life. Fun Run and Walk, or other races and activities being held in conjunction with the Prairie Fire Half Marathon, go to www.prairiefiremarathon.com. LAWRENCE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ENDOWMENT ASSOCIATION HOSTS THE HEARTS OF GOLD BALL The Lawrence Journal-World Press Room, 608 Massachusetts St., has been chosen as the site for the biennial Hearts of Gold Ball, to be held from 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, May 10. The Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH) Endowment Association hosts the Hearts of Gold Ball every other year to raise money for a specific area of the hospital. This year's Ball will benefit the renovation of LMH's fourth floor, which is the home of the Acute Rehab Unit and the Transitional Care Unit, both of which focus on rehabilitation of patients. "We want to create a more comforting, healing environment," says Kathy Clausing-Willis, Vice President and Chief Development Officer. The Press Room was chosen because it provides an inventive backdrop of printing presses and rich local history. The Press Room also inspired the 2014 Hearts of Gold theme, "Press On," which reminds the community of the mindset that patients must have to persevere as they rehabilitate and heal. Last year, patients spent a total of 6,256 days pressing on toward rehabilitation, and with the community's support this year, the LMH Endowment Association will improve and rehabilitate the fourth floor. The hospital is a not-for-profit organization and receives no tax sup - port from the City of Lawrence or Douglas County, so the Endowment Association's funds help LMH employees provide the best care possible to our community. One way the LMH Endowment Association helps make a difference is the Hearts of Gold Ball, which has raised more than $1 million since 1999. In the past, this money has provided improvements to the Bob Billings Cardiac Observation Unit and the Emergency Department, and provided LMH with the money for specialized equipment for the Special Care Nursery, cardiovascular services and the renovation of the second floor Medical Unit. "The Hearts of Gold Ball is a special way to spend a magical evening of fun and food with friends and colleagues; but more importantly it is a spe - cial way to help LMH," says Linda Robinson, Co-Chair of the 2014 Hearts of Gold Ball. "The proceeds from the Hearts of Gold Ball help to enhance and improve the services and facilities available to our community." If you would like to buy tickets, support the renovation of the fourth floor or sponsor the event, please contact Tracy Davidson at 785-505-3318 or tracy.davidson@lmh.org, or visit www.lmhendowment.org. ■ 1 8 | Greater Kansas MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M

• Cover