Wendy Darling

Primary Recipients of Kidney Transplants

Kidney transplants stand as a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney dysfunction. The recipients of kidney transplants are a diverse group united by a common thread – the dire need for a new lease on life. Let’s delve into who these recipients are and the transformative impact kidney transplants have on their lives.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patients:
According to experts like The Kidney Docs, the primary recipients of kidney transplants are individuals battling ESRD, a condition where the kidneys’ function is significantly impaired, often to the point of complete failure. ESRD can result from various underlying causes, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or genetic disorders. For these patients, a kidney transplant offers the promise of restored health and a chance to break free from the shackles of regular dialysis treatments.

Those Facing Severe Kidney Dysfunction:
Beyond ESRD, individuals experiencing severe kidney dysfunction that severely impacts their quality of life may also be candidates for kidney transplants. While not every case reaches the stage of complete renal failure, a transplant can provide relief from symptoms, enhance overall well-being, and prevent the progression of kidney disease.

Living Donor Recipients:
Some kidney transplant recipients are fortunate to have a living donor willing to share the gift of life. Living donor transplants often occur between family members, close friends, or altruistic individuals who choose to donate a kidney to someone in need. This option not only expedites the transplantation process but also contributes to better outcomes for the recipient.

Children and Adolescents:
Pediatric patients facing kidney-related challenges, whether due to congenital conditions or acquired diseases, may also be candidates for kidney transplants. For these young recipients, a successful transplant can mean the chance to lead a more normal, a

Kidney transplants stand as a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney dysfunction. The recipients of kidney transplants are a diverse group united by a common thread – the dire need for a new lease on life. Let’s delve into who these recipients are and the transformative impact kidney transplants have on their lives.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patients:
The primary recipients of kidney transplants are individuals battling ESRD, a condition where the kidneys’ function is significantly impaired, often to the point of complete failure. ESRD can result from various underlying causes, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or genetic disorders. For these patients, a kidney transplant offers the promise of restored health and a chance to break free from the shackles of regular dialysis treatments.

Those Facing Severe Kidney Dysfunction:
Beyond ESRD, individuals experiencing severe kidney dysfunction that severely impacts their quality of life may also be candidates for kidney transplants. While not every case reaches the stage of complete renal failure, a transplant can provide relief from symptoms, enhance overall well-being, and prevent the progression of kidney disease.

Living Donor Recipients:
Some kidney transplant recipients are fortunate to have a living donor willing to share the gift of life. Living donor transplants often occur between family members, close friends, or altruistic individuals who choose to donate a kidney to someone in need. This option not only expedites the transplantation process but also contributes to better outcomes for the recipient.

Children and Adolescents:
Pediatric patients facing kidney-related challenges, whether due to congenital conditions or acquired diseases, may also be candidates for kidney transplants. For these young recipients, a successful transplant can mean the chance to lead a more normal, active, and healthy childhood.

ctive, and healthy childhood.

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Wendy Darling in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Should you move your loved one with dementia into a nursing home?

Deciding to move a loved one into a nursing home is an incredibly difficult one. It is absolutely heartbreaking to send a parent, relative or close friend away to a nursing facility like the one at carltonseniorliving.com/community/pleasant-hill-downtown/ because we recognize that they are struggling in their day-to-day lives to take care of themselves as well as needing help through their medical conditions. As many people realize by the time that they are sending their loved one off to one of these facilities that there is already a very high likelihood that they will not return home. It is for this reason that we wholeheartedly believe in a proactive approach to providing the best quality of life possible for your loved one living in senior home care that goes far beyond merely meeting their basic needs in functional daily ways.

There are some important things you should consider when trying to decide the best option for you and your loved one.

Your loved ones’ views around going into care- We don’t want to force our loved one to do something against their wishes. It’s unusual for someone to want to go into a nursing home. When he or she is able to express any hopes and desires for how they want their life to play out in terms of moving to long-term care then it is important to try to honor them as much as possible without compromising the safety and health of everyone involved in the matter. You can let them see a community for seniors like terrazaseniorliving.com before deciding.

Your loved one’s current quality of life- If their quality of life is currently poor, particularly if this is due to not having enough day-to-day physical care, health care or emotional support, then moving into a nursing home might help meet their daily needs and allow them to meet their long-term medical goals while maintaining the best short-term stability for them while they adjust to their new living situation without forcing them to completely uproot themselves and re-adjust to a new way of life.

Availability of quality nursing home care- It’s emotionally easier to place a loved one in a memory care senior living home or popular independent living community like The Residences at Plainview – independent living community if carers are confident the home will provide suitable care. Early engagement is key to finding the best appropriate option for both you and the special people in your life when it comes to making sure your family member will be getting the nursing care that they need while continuing to enjoy a quality lifestyle in the time they have left.

When your loved one enters nursing home care like the one at terrazacourtseniorliving.com/assisted-living/your-home/, you’ll still be caring for them. You want to ensure you can continue to support your loved one emotionally and practically in partnership with the nursing home, even if you are not able to be there in person every day to watch over them yourself and ensure they’re doing OK. This is why working together with your service provider to identify ways of enhancing the quality of care for your loved ones during their stay is so important. You can visit this assisted living community in CA or sites like riverpointofkerrville.com for additional guidance.

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Wendy Darling in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Facing the Facts on Skin Care

Dr. Anita Sethna
Dr. Anita Sethna, director of the Emory Facial Center.

The desire to look good and feel great about ourselves doesn’t disappear when we hit 50, 60 or even age 70  Caring for your skin is the most important way to impact the way you age.

Looking good does not have to involve drastic procedures, says Dr. Anita Sethna, director of the Emory Facial Center.  There are small, simple and affordable ways to care for your calling card to the world:  your face.

Dr. Sethna offers these tips:

  • Protect yourself against sun damage. Wearing makeup or moisturizer with sunscreen daily is incredibly important, advises Sethna. Just as a high-quality product from a reputable source, like the OEM cosmetics manufacturer, provides reliable protection, using sunscreen consistently helps protect your skin from daily exposure. The more careful you are about safeguarding your skin, the less damage you’ll cause as you age, reducing your risk of skin cancer and preserving the texture and plumpness of your skin. This advice is applicable to all skin types, genders, and degrees of pigmentation. Sethna recommends products that offer at least 30 UVA/UVB protection for optimal results.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking is not only horrible for your health, but is also horrible for your skin, she warns. Nicotine causes a decrease in blood supply to the skin and reduces its ability to heal, eventually giving it a leathery look. For tips on how to quit smoking, visit https://heysnus.com/pt.
  • Some products can help. Many of us are aware of the benefits of using moisturizers to maintain healthy-looking skin, especially as we age. However, what you might not know is that face oils can have active ingredients that can help to improve the appearance of your skin. While over-the-counter moisturizers can work just fine, using products containing retinol and antioxidants like Vitamin C can help to stimulate collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and fullness. Additionally, incorporating pine tar bar soap into your skincare routine can provide natural antibacterial properties and soothing relief for various skin conditions.
  • For even better results, prescription strength products such as Retin-A and skin lighteners like hydroquinone can be recommended by a skincare specialist like Sethna. For those who want to take wrinkle prevention a step further, Botox injections can be carefully used in certain areas of the face to reduce repetitive motion of the skin and soften lines around the eyes, between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. In some cases, these injections can even prevent the formation of new lines on the face.

Sethna also wants us to remember that perfection is fine when you’re talking about a painting or a new dress, but our face is a different story.

Perfection should not be a goal when you are talking about your appearance. Your expression, quirks and small imperfections make you – you, and also make you beautiful.  You should not be embarrassed or ashamed at wanting to preserve that beauty.

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Wendy Darling in Uncategorized 1 Comment

Medicine Through the Ages

Sometimes treasures are hidden in plain sight. Take for example the enormous mosaic that graces Emory’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center Administration Building, conveying the history of medicine through the ages through 2.5 million small mosaic chips.

Installed in 1996, the mosaic is the work of Italian-born artist Sirio Tonelli.  Dr. John Skandalakis (1920-2009) of Emory University was familiar with the artist through previous work on the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Atlanta. It was Dr. Skandalakis, director of the Centers for Surgical Anatomy and Technique, who was a key force in commissioning the mural.

Yet this piece of campus, 66 feet long and three stories high, remains largely unknown on the Emory University campus. Interested in seeing the mural in person? WHSCAB, at 1440 Clifton Road on Emory’s Atlanta campus, is open to the public during normal weekday hours. A brochure available in the lobby not only gives background information but provides a key to the identities of the over 30 historical figures and events pictures on the mosaic.

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Wendy Darling in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Brain Tumor Foundations Join Together to Raise Awareness and Funds for Research

“Two Voices, One Vision: Sharing Hope Across Generations” is the vision and message this year as two well-known brain tumor foundations join together to raise awareness and money for brain and spinal tumor research and support.

The Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation (SBTF) is joining forces with the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children (BTFC) for the 2011 Race for Research, to be held on July 23 at Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta. The joint run and walk will highlight the shared mission of both groups in the fight against brain tumors.

Costas G. Hadjipanayis, MD, PhD

Costas G. Hadjipanayis, MD, PhD

Emory neurosurgeon Costas Hadjipanayis, MD, PhD, is the president of the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation. He says the annual race is the major fundraising event for the SBTF, raising money to support critical, cutting-edge brain and spinal tumor research at major medical centers in the Southeast, including Emory. Over the past decade, the SBTF has raised more than $1.2 million for research.

Since 1983, the BTFC has been serving the pediatric brain tumor population, providing $1.5 million in emergency financial assistance for families over the past 10 years, in addition to providing resources for numerous patient programs and research.

According to Hadjipanayis, the Race for Research has drawn, in recent years, over 2,000 participants annually from throughout the Southeast and across the U.S. By joining forces with the BTFC, attendance is expected to grow, as is the fundraising goal of $300,000 this year for the two not for profit organizations.

Hadjipanayis, who is also chief of the neurosurgery service at Emory University Hospital Midtown, hopes this event will help in gaining greater exposure for brain tumor awareness in both children and adults, while raising funds for important research.

To find out more about the 2011 Race for Research 5K run and 2K walk, visit upport.sbtf.org/2011Race.

Information about the SBTF can be found by visiting www.sbtf.org. For more information about the BTFC, see www.braintumorkids.org.

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Wendy Darling in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Inclusive Environment Helps Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Learn

The Monarch Program

The Monarch School Program is dedicated to providing information and resources to families and school systems throughout Georgia for the education of K-12 students with autism / autistic spectrum disorder.

Educators have known for a long time that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can learn a lot by being in a classroom with typical children. Inclusion (educating students within the general education classroom) gives children with special needs the opportunity to learn in a natural environment and the opportunity to learn social skills from interacting with their classmates. In addition, Inclusion can eventually lead to greater acceptance of these children in the community.

Unfortunately, teachers are not always trained how to help children with special needs function in a typical classroom, nor in ways to ensure successful imitation of the positive role models.

“Teachers do not necessarily have the specific training required to teach these children yet, too often, the children with ASD are placed in the classroom with the expectation that the teacher, or the student, will learn to adapt,” says Sheila Wagner, M.Ed., assistant director of the Emory Autism Center. “Without the training, many times the student faces failure, when success was the goal.”

In order to provide some guidance to the school system, the Emory Autism Center received a grant from the Childhood Autism Foundation (CADEF) in 1994 to develop a program that would address Inclusive Education for students with ASD.  With the help of CADEF, the Monarch Program was created. The program implemented a nationally recognized Inclusion Project that has reached hundreds of students with ASD, thousands of teachers through on-site technical assistance and training, and assisted thousands of typical students in learning about the autism spectrum and children with different behaviors and abilities.

“The Monarch Program has grown to provide school systems with a network of support from curriculum training, to teacher and home/school collaboration, to consultations and social skills curriculum,” says Wagner, who serves as the Program Manager of the Monarch School-Age Program at Emory.

“Because of the Monarch Inclusion Project, students with ASD are increasingly able to enjoy exposure to typical students, and teachers are offered some guidance in providing a positive classroom experience.”

Wagner began her experience in the field of autism more than 30 years ago and has published three books on inclusive programming for students with ASD, as well as a brochure on Asperger’s syndrome, and a chapter in Grandin & Attwood’s book Aspergers and Girls.

The Emory Autism Center is a component of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. The program was opened in 1991 as a public, private and University collaboration. Since opening, the Emory Autism Center has become a national model for diagnosis, family support and innovative treatment, as well as a vital source of professional training.

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Wendy Darling in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Dr. Kutner Receives Award for Excellence in Public Health

Michael Kutner

Michael Kutner, PhD, the recipient of the 2011 Charles R. Hatcher, Jr, MD Award

The Rollins School of Public Health is on a 35-year trajectory that dreams are only made of. What began as a small working group tasked with formulating a strategic plan for Emory’s school of public health, evolved into a Masters of Community Health program (MCH) and degree in 1975. Finally, in 1990, Emory approved the public health school, the university’s first new school in 71 years. Michael Kutner, PhD has been there every step of the way, and as a result is the recipient of the 2011 Charles R. Hatcher, Jr, MD Award. The award honors faculty members from Emory’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center who, through their lifetime of work, exemplify excellence in public health.

For 40 years, Dr. Kutner has played a key role in building the school of public health and advancing programs of research across the Woodruff Health Sciences Center.  He joined Emory’s School of Medicine in 1971, was a key figure on that small planning group for a school of public health, and served as Interim Chair of the medical school’s Department of Statistics and Biometry in 1986.

When Dr. Hatcher and the Board of Trustees approved the creation of the Emory University School of Public Health in 1990, Dr. Kutner was appointed the inaugural Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.  As he has stated on numerous occasions that subsequent events after this appointment “went way beyond our wildest dreams.”

He played a major role in creating the organizational structure of the school—curriculum, strategic faculty and chair recruitments, committees, policies and procedures—and for securing its initial accreditation.

Dr. Kutner always carried public health with him. In 1994, he served as Chair of the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and returned to the Rollins School of Public Health in 2000.  In 2004, he was named Rollins Professor and Chair of the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, where he served until 2009.

Throughout his Emory career, Dr. Kutner has provided critical support for biomedical research.  He developed the Biostatistics Consulting Center, collaborated with scores of investigators, and has co-authored over 150 articles in leading health and medical journals.   He is former Director for Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design for the Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute and is currently the Biostatistics Core Director for the Center for AIDS Research.  He is known around the world for his widely adopted textbooks, Applied Linear Regression Models and Applied Linear Statistical Models.

Dr. Kutner’s lifetime contributions to research, teaching and mentoring are not only legendary, but they give integrity and energy to public health and to Emory. On April 5th, the Woodruff Health Sciences Center and the Rollins School of Public Health will celebrate Dr. Kutner’s distinguished career with a reception in the RSPH Klamon Room at 4 p.m.

RSVP to Nancy Sterk at nsterk@emory.edu.

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Wendy Darling in Uncategorized Leave a comment

The science of caring

Handprints

“It is the oncology nurse whose ‘fingerprints’ are on the entire matrix of therapies,” said Seliza Mithchell.

A keynote presentation on “fingerprints” might be more suited to a police convention than an oncology nursing symposium.  That is unless Selinza Mitchell is the speaker. Mitchell, a nurse educator and presenter was the keynote speaker at the third annual Winship Oncology Nursing Symposium, held March 18 and 19 at the Evergreen Conference Center in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Mitchell’s presentation focused on the impact oncology nurses have on the hundreds of patients and families they touch, both literally and figuratively.  It is the oncology nurse whose “fingerprints” are on the entire matrix of therapies, from administration of today’s latest targeted-therapy drugs to helping patients and families navigate an increasingly complex health care system.

That concept also formed the basis of many of the discussion groups that were part of the symposium.  “The entire model of care delivery is changing,” says Amelia Langston, MD, professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Winship Cancer Institute.  “Care delivery is more of a team approach and is less physician-centered.  Therefore there is great interest in the expanding role of nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.”

Amelia Langston presenting at the Winship Oncology Nursing Symposium

Amelia Langston presenting at the Winship Oncology Nursing Symposium

The Winship Oncology Nursing Symposium has grown in three short years into one of the most informative and influential among this growing market of nursing continuing education opportunities.  Among the topics covered in this year’s meeting were cancer genetics, image-guided medicine, minimally invasive treatment, disease-specific topics and the expanding role of non-physician providers against the backdrop of health care reform.

“The health care system is demanding cost effective, clinically relevant continuing education programs in nursing and specifically in oncology nursing,” says Joan Giblin, MSN, FNP, a course director for the symposium and Manager of Patient Access at Winship.  “Offering a high quality, regional program that can provide the latest information on advanced nursing practice, research, and other issues is central to meeting that need.”

In addition to Joan Giblin, course directors for the event were Deena Gilland, RN, MSN, Director of Nursing at Winship, and Kevin Schreffler, RN, MSN, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Winship.

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Wendy Darling in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Theater Emory Event Provides Platform for Awareness and Discussion about the Challenges of Military Life

Theater Emory is partnering with Theater of War Productions to present a free public performance of “Theater of War” on March 26, 7 p.m. in Cannon Chapel on the Emory University campus.

Actors Elizabeth Marvel and Bill Camp in Theater of War (Credit: Howard Korn)

Actors Elizabeth Marvel and Bill Camp in Theater of War (Credit: Howard Korn)

“Theater of War” is an interactive program intended to increase awareness of post-deployment psychological health issues, disseminate information regarding available resources and foster greater family, community, and troop resilience. The presentation uses dramatic readings of ancient Greek plays as a catalyst for town hall discussions about the challenges faced by service members, veterans and their families.

Panelists who will lead the discussion following the readings include:

Timothy (Tim) Puetz, PhD, MPHc
Tim Puetz separated from the US Army in 2010 after 8 years of service split between the Medical Service Corps and Infantry branches. He has consulted on Veteran’s Affairs research grants related to PTSD and mental health. He is currently a graduate student at Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health.

Christiane (Christi) O’Hara, PhD
Christiane O’Hara, PhD is a clinical psychologist and the mother of an active duty soldier presently serving in Iraq. As Co-Chairmain for a local non-profit, The ArtReach Foundation: Project America, she serves our active duty military personnel, veterans, and families as a Trainer and Training Coordinator. She is also a Red Cross Consulting Psychologist with the Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, and a USO Georgia volunteer at the Atlanta airport.

CSM Phillip Stringfield, USA NGGA HHC 560th BFSB
Command Sergeant Major Stringfield is the highest ranking active duty enlisted person with the Army National Guard’s 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade out of Ft. Gillem, GA.

Theater of War Productions, supported by a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation in collaboration with the United Service Organizations (USO), is partnering with ten prominent theaters and universities across the United States to present “Theater of War” for mixed audiences comprised of military service members and civilians.

Cannon Chapel is located at 515 Kilgo Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322. Advance tickets not required, but seating is limited. For parking, directions and details, visit www.theater.emory.edu.

The Emory presentation of “Theater of War” is supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the USO, the Emory Rollins School of Public Health, the Emory Center for Ethics, the Michael C. Carlos Museum, Creativity: Art & Innovation, and the Center for Creativity & Arts.

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Wendy Darling in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Cervical Cancer – Can Be Hard to Detect

MedicalHorizon

The Pap smear – also called Pap test – is part of the standard annual wellness exam for women’s health and used as a first step in detecting cervical cancer.  But according to a recent article published in the International Journal of Cancer,  the Pap test may not provide reliable results for certain types of cancer that are harder to detect.

Kevin Ault, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Emory University School of Medicine and investigator at the Emory Vaccine Center conducted a post-hoc analysis of the FUTURE I and FUTURE II (Gardasil) vaccine trials.  Based on that analysis Ault, a leading expert and pioneer in the field of human papilloma virus (HPV), says a regular Pap test is not always effective in diagnosing adenocarcinoma, because it starts high up in the cervical canal and may not be sampled by the Pap smear.

“There are a number of reasons the Pap smear could lead to inaccurate results. For example, the pathologist examining the cells could make an error, the gynecologist may not sample the cervix adequately or an infection could obscure the results,” says Ault.

According to Ault, andenocarcinoma is the second most common type of cervical cancer, accounting for about 20 percent of all cervical cancer cases. While the overall incident of cervical cancer is on the decline, Ault reports the proportion of cervical cancers that are andenocarcinoma is rising.

Cervical cancer is the eighth most common type of cancer in American women. More than 12,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed each year, and more than 4,200 women in the U.S. die from of this disease annually* according to the American Cancer Society.  Scientists believe that pre-invasive cervical cancer may develop over a period of months or years after the cervix is infected with the sexually transmitted HPV.

“The take-away from this recent paper is the HPV test would be a better test for the harder to detect adenocarcinoma cervical cancer, if not all cervical cancer,” says Ault.

* 2010 data

Posted on March 17, 2011 by Wendy Darling in Uncategorized 1 Comment
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