Improving Your Cholesterol Profile Without Drugs
Presented by: Yann Meunier, MD
Director, Stanford Health Promotion Network
November 17, 2009
Lecture Overview:
Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body: It helps maintain the integrity of cell membranes, allows skin cells to protect the body from toxins and dehydration, is a precursor of several hormones and bile acids, and allows the body to synthesize Vitamin D. But high levels of cholesterol can create problems and is associated with the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) inside of blood vessels, also leading to atherosclerosis and conditions ranging from peripheral artery disease to erectile dysfunction, angina, and stroke.
Robotic Surgery in Urologic Oncology
Presented by: Mark L. Gonzalgo, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Urology and Director of Robotic-Assisted Urologic Cancer Surgery
Stanford University School of Medicine
January 14, 2010
Lecture Overview:
- Since the early 2000s, when robotic surgical systems were first used to treat prostate cancer, urologic surgeons have increasingly employed the technology and expanded its applications to kidney and bladder cancer.
- Robotic surgical systems may offer advantages in the treatment of certain cancers, however they are not a “magic tool” and should be considered simply as one of the methods at a surgeon’s disposal.
- The most important consideration for the cancer patient is not the surgical technique, but rather the skill and experience of the surgeon.
- There is a dearth of randomized clinical trials involving robotic surgical systems and additional research is needed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Presented by: Shamita Shah, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Gastroenterology
Clinical Director, Stanford Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program
Stanford University Medical Center
February 24, 2010
Lecture Overview:
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Its cause is unknown and may be a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
- Treatment is designed to induce a rapid response and maintain remission.
- Management of symptoms is individualized for each patient, and compliance to medical treatment is essential.
Alzheimer’s and Communication
Presented by: Judith L. London, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Author, Connecting the Dots
February 24, 2010
Lecture Overview:
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a long-term progressive disease that affects memory, intellectual ability, judgment, and behavior, depriving people of their independence and ability to communicate. Alzheimer’s accounts for 70 percent of all types of dementia, and more than half of these cases are in the middle to late stages, when individuals require extensive help with daily activities and lose the ability to respond to their environment.
