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Surgeon General Nominee Backs Obama's Positions On Reproductive Health, White House Says
The Washington Post reports that Regina Benjamin -- President Obama"s nominee for U.S. surgeon general -- shares Obama"s position on reproductive health issues, a position that could put her "at odds" with the Catholic Church"s positions on reproductive rights, according to s familiar with her selection. White House spokesperson Reid Cherlin said, "Like [Obama], she believes that this is an issue where it is important to try and seek common ground and come together to try and reduce the number of unintended pregnancies." Cherlin added, "As a physician, she is deeply committed to the philosophy of putting her patients" needs first when it comes to providing care." The White House would not specifically comment on her views on abortion rights, and an HHS spokesperson says Benjamin is not permitted to speak publicly until she is confirmed. s close to Benjamin, who is Catholic, say that she does support abortion rights, the Post reports. However, several individuals who know Benjamin said her views would not affect her role as surgeon general. David Satcher -- a surgeon general in the Clinton administration who taught community health to Benjamin at the Morehouse School of Medicine -- said, "We all have our religions, but when you speak as the surgeon general to the American people, it"s not about your religion." He added, "I don"t see why the surgeon general has to get involved in a discussion about abortion." Jorge Alsip -- president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama -- said abortion-related issues occasionally arose when he and Benjamin served on the Alabama State Committee on Public Health. Alsip, who is Catholic, said he does not know her position on the issue, adding, "You kind of have to park your personal beliefs at the door when they conflict with what your role is."Sister Carol Keehan, president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, said, "This is not pivotal to the surgeon general"s job." She added, "From the perspective of being a practicing Catholic, you can certainly say that it matters. I think being willing to work to reduce (abortion) is a good thing."Robert Lawrence, a director at Johns Hopkins University"s Bloomberg School of Public Health and chair of the board of Physicians for Human Rights, served with Benjamin on the group"s board from 1996 until 2002. He said, "I would think that as surgeon general she would uphold the law of the land, and the law of the land guarantees women a choice for reproductive health." He added, "The charge of the surgeon general is to be the people"s doctor and ensure that all those health services guaranteed under federal law are available to the people" (Thompson, Washington Post, 7/19).
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Pomegranate For Prostate Cancer
Pomegranate juice may be beneficial in men who have undergone standard treatment for localized prostate cancer, according to a long-term study presented at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association.
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Nature Reviews: Drug Discovery Article Describes Design Of Glycomimetic Compounds And Newly "Druggable" Disease Targets
GlycoMimetics, Inc. announced the publication of an article in Nature Reviews: Drug Discovery describing how novel small molecule compounds that mimic carbohydrates can be successfully designed and optimized to treat cancer, inflammatory disorders and other diseases.
Mental Health

Less Frequent Social Activity Linked To More Rapid Loss Of Motor Function In Older Adults

Loss of muscle strength, speed and dexterity is a common consequence of aging and a well-established risk factor for death, disability and dementia. Yet little is known about how and why motor decline occurs when it is not a symptom of disease. Now, researchers at Rush University Medical Center have found that, among the elderly, less frequent participation in social activities is associated with a more rapid decline in motor function. The study is published in the June 22 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. "It"s not just running around the track that is good for you," said Dr. Aron Buchman, associate professor of neurological sciences at Rush University Medical Center. "Our findings suggest that engaging in social activities may also be protective against loss of motor abilities." "If the causal relationship is confirmed by others, the implications are enormous for interventions that can help the elderly. Our data raise the possibility that we can slow motor decline and possibly delay its adverse health outcomes by supporting social engagement a relatively low-cost solution to a very large public health problem." The researchers recruited 906 older individuals from retirement facilities, subsidized housing complexes, church groups and social service agencies in northeastern Illinois who had no signs of dementia or history of Parkinson"s disease or stroke. At the outset of the study, the participants filled out a survey indicating their level of participation in a variety of activities involving social interactions, such as doing volunteer work, visiting friends or relatives, or attending church or sporting events. Frequency of participation in these activities was measured using a five-point scale, with one indicating participation in a particular activity once a year or less; two, several times a year; three, several times a month; four, several times a week; and five, every day or almost every day. Demographic information, weight, height and disabilities were also recorded. The researchers then annually assessed the participants" basic motor function, including muscle strength in the arms and legs and motor performance, including walking and balance. Participants were followed for an average of five years. The study found that motor decline was more rapid in those who less frequently participated in social activities, with each one-point decrease in a participant"s social activity associated with an approximate 33-percent more rapid rate of decline. A one-point decrease on the social activity scale was equivalent to being approximately five years older at the start of the study, according to Buchman. "Statistically, that amount of change translates into a more than 40-percent increased risk of death and a more than 65-percent increased risk of developing disability," Buchman said. Motor function was also associated, as expected, with other factors, such as joint pain, depression, disability and vascular disease, but even when these factors were considered in the analysis, the association between social activity and motor decline still held up. "There is gathering evidence that physical activity is only one component of an active and healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown, for example, that increased cognitive and social activities in the elderly are associated with increased survival and a decreased risk of dementia," Buchman said. "Our study extends these findings, showing that social activity late in life is closely linked with healthy motor function." Other researchers at Rush involved in this study were Patricia Boyle, PhD, Robert Wilson, PhD, Debra Fleischman, PhD, Sue Leurgans, PhD, and Dr. David Bennett. The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Robert C. Borwell Endowment Fund. Rush University Medical Center includes a 674-bed (staffed) hospital; the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center; and Rush University (Rush Medical College, College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and the Graduate College). Rush University Medical Center


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