May 27, 1997
Health Source: Medical News from the University of Washington
A ONE-DAY, STATEWIDE ORAL HEALTH SURVEY will assess the oral health status of young Medicaid-eligible women of childbearing age throughout Washington. The June 27 survey is sponsored by the University of Washington School of Dentistry and Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, with support of the Washington State Dental Service. Dr. Penelope Leggott, UW associate professor of pediatric dentistry, said data on the dental health and treatment needs of this group is important since they are at high risk for tooth decay and may pass along cavity-causing bacteria to their children.
USING TREES TO CLEAN UP TOXIC WASTE SPILLS is the focus of a University of Washington and Washington State University research project. Dr. Milton Gordon, UW professor of biochemistry, explained the idea is for trees to take up toxic solvents as they soak up ground water. These solvents are then oxidized into other compounds. The project could provide a cheaper, easier way to clean up polluted sites.
SIXTY-TWO MEDICAL STUDENTS WILL STAY WITH physicians throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming this summer for a first-hand look at medical practice in small towns and inner cities. The Rural/Underserved Opportunities Program matches medical students with these dedicated doctors in the hopes that, by observing their daily lives, the students may later emulate them. Many regional agencies collaborate with the University of Washington on the program, now in its ninth year. Participating physicians, along with others in their local communities, volunteer their time.
ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS COULD HELP ASTHMATICS exposed to polluted air breathe easier. Preliminary results of a double blind study conducted at the University of Washington Department of Environmental Health indicate that adults with asthma who took daily supplements of both vitamins E and C showed improved pulmonary function, compared to when they took a placebo, after being exposed to two common air pollutants, ozone and sulfur dioxide.
HELPING PARENTS PREPARE FOR MULTIPLE BIRTHS is the focus of a new program at University of Washington Medical Center. The course, offered through the Perinatal Education Department, covers the topics of pregnancy, delivery and parenting for couples expecting multiple births. To provide first- hand experience, a family of multiples also participates in the sessions to share their knowledge with other parents.
A NATIONAL REGISTRY OF PEOPLE WITH ICHTHYOSIS, a rare inherited skin disorder, has been established at the University of Washington by the National Institutes of Health. The purpose of the registry is to encourage research into new methods of diagnosis and treatment for the condition. Ichthyosis describes a variety of skin conditions which relate primarily to dry, scaling skin.
MAKING CHANGES IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT can be important for employees’ physical and mental health. The Field Research and Consultation Group at the University of Washington Department of Environmental Health visits job sites to assess activities and offer suggestions to improve comfort in the workplace.
