Understanding Atrial Fibrillation
Presented by: Stanford Cardiac Arrhythmia Service and Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory
Stanford University Medical Center
September 10, 2009
Lecture Overview:
- Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm problem of the upper chambers in which the electrical signals are extremely rapid and irregular
- Risk factors include age (over 60), heart disease, high blood pressure, and chronic conditions like sleep apnea and thyroid problems, as well as external triggers like alcohol or stress.
- Atrial fibrillation accounts for about 15 percent of strokes in the U.S., and more than one-third of a-fib patients may have a stroke during their lifetime.
- Catheter-based procedures are being created to close off the left atrial appendage occlusion, a structure associated with clots in atrial fibrillation.
Cancer in the Family
Presented by: Kerry Kingham, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor, Cancer Genetics Clinic
Stanford Center for Clinical Informatics
September 30, 2009
Lecture Overview:
Although most cancers are not “inherited,” some families are particularly susceptible to cancer and may benefit from early detection or other risk reduction strategies.
- The most common inherited cancers include breast, ovarian, and certain kinds of colorectal cancer.
- A BRCA mutation is linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer, and a higher risk for male breast cancer.
- Genetic tests can help patients understand their risk of develop cancer and allow them to make educated decisions about screening and preventive measures
Transcatheter Therapy for Aortic Valve Stenosis
Presented by: William Fearon, MD
Assistant Professor, Cardiovascular Medicine
Stanford University Medical Center
October 7, 2009
Lecture Overview:
- Aortic stenosis is a condition in which the valve between the heart and the aorta becomes narrowed, affecting the flow of blood
- It is most common in people over age 65, and symptoms often don’t manifest until age 70 or older
- While open heart surgery is still the gold standard to repair a damaged valve, new minimally invasive options are being studied for certain high-risk patients
- Stanford is involved in a national study to refine a promising technique called transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Deconstructing Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Presented by: Linda Nguyen, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Gastroenterology
Director, Gastrointestinal Motility and Neurogastroenterology
Stanford University Medical Center
October 14, 2009
Lecture Overview:
- Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
- As much as 20 percent of adults have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors.
- Stress tends to exacerbate the symptoms and can affect how a person perceives the problem as well as delay seeking appropriate medical help.
- Though there’s no one cure for IBS, most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications.
Lifestyle and Safety Management
Presented by: Candace Mindigo, RN, BSN
Manager, Stanford Aging Adult Services
Stanford University Medical Center
October 28, 2009
Lecture Overview:
- Diet and exercise are among the most important tools for maintaining health.
- Keep blood pressure down by following a Mediterranean or DASH diet.
- Keep your legal papers up to date and have copies located in one place so they are easy to find.
- Modify your home to prevent falls-the No. 1 reason people come to the emergency room.
- Stimulate your brain cells by taking on new mental challenges
Navigating Adults Through the Health Care System
Presented by: Rita Ghatak, PhD
Director, Stanford Aging Adult Services
Stanford University Medical Center
October 29, 2009
Lecture Overview:
- Factors that affect a person’s health outcome include social vulnerability, aging, acute illness, and chronic disease.
- People are most vulnerable during care transitions, as they change doctors, settings, and treatments, or are discharged from a hospital.
- Stay mentally active and set up a support system to help coordinate care before the need arises.
- Learn how to maneuver through the health care system and take steps to engage in preventive health practices.
Modern Rhinoplasty: Aesthetic and Functional Surgery of the Nose
Presented by: Sam Most, MD, FACS
Director, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery
Stanford University Medical Center
November 5, 2009
Lecture Overview:
- Breathing problems can be caused by fixed or variable structures in the anatomy of the nose.
- Rhinoplasty reshapes the internal and external components of the nose.
- Functional rhinoplasty can improve breathing function and sometimes enhance facial harmony.
- There is no ideal profile, and each patient needs to be evaluated individually, assessing breathing, overall health, expectations, and prior surgeries
Stress Fitness for Seniors
Presented by: Joan Vernikos, PhD
Director Emeritus, NASA Life Sciences
November 19, 2009
Lecture Overview:
- Stress is neither inherently good nor bad-it’s simply the physiological and psychological response to external or internal tension.
- Not everyone experiences stress the same way, but there are tactics that can help you deal with stressors more effectively.
- Most stress is generated by the brain but if you can create it, you can also control it.
- Older adults can often handle stress better because they have more experiences to draw from to deal with it.
- Recognize the difference between effective and ineffective coping mechanisms in responding to stress
