Among former faculty members honored at LSUA’s 50th Anniversary Reception hosted by Chancellor David Manuel and the LSUA 50th Anniversary committee were Dr. Pat Barber, seated, and Bettye DeKeyzer, standing.  Dr. Barber, the author of seven books is president of Rapides Council of Aging Corporation and board of directors. Mrs. DeKeyzer, Council executive director was an adjunct instructor in journalism.



February 2010 Front Page

 

CLINICAL TRIALS NEED VOLUNTEERS
One way to benefit first from a new treatment is to participate in a medical study.  Volunteers are needed for numerous clinical trials including many sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.  Many important clinical trials can’t be completed because the number of patients who sign on are not a sufficient number for the trial. To find studies, check the Internet for www.clinicaltrials.gov and centerwatch.com as well as organizations for a specific condition.

Before anyone signs up for a trial or study their personal physician should be consulted. There could be something in a medical history that would not make them a good candidate.

Consider the risks and read the informed consent form carefully.  Pay special attention to potential adverse affects.  Don’t participate if you don’t feel comfortable with the safety information provided by the sponsor.  .

Most insurance policies won’t cover anything research-related, according to the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania.  Find out what care will be provided free of cost in case of injury or if a negative side effect is experienced as a result of being part of the medical study.


ANNUAL CENLA RESIDENTIAL MARKET UPDATE
By Liz Merryman

Our market had a strong finish last year and there are many bright spots for the New Year:

*Interest rates continue to be below 6%.

*First time Home buyer Tax Credit of $8,000 is extended through April 2010.

*Additional Current Homeowner Tax Credit of $6.500 added this year for selling a
  principal residence, also good through April 30, 2010.

*100% financing is available through VA and Rural Development Loans.

Average sale price in 2009 was $144,150, down from $149,603 in 2008.  Average days on the market was 93 in 2009, up from 89 in 2008.  Total sales were down 10% in 2009 from 2008.  Statistics indicate that homes in top notch condition are selling well. Condition, pricing, and staging are crucial to selling a house.  

Call 442-3300 for more information about the market in your neighborhood.

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM
For those 50 years of age and older, these are one-day, four-hour classes that will be held February 24, April 27, June 3, August 12, October 27 and December 1.   Classes begin at 8:30 am in the Medical Terrace Gallery room at Rapides Regional Medical Center.  Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.  Bring a check or money order payable to AARP to cover the cost of the course and your AARP membership card to verify your AARP membership number.  Valet parking is available at the Hospital’s main entrance.  To register, call Rapides Regional Medical Center’s Community Education department at 769-3106

NEW LONG TERM STUDIES ON DEMENTIA
One in seven Americans who reach the age of 65 will develop dementia.  Those lucky enough to reach 85 have only a 50-50 chance of escaping the disease.  Dr. Jeff Keller of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center wants to change that, and has led the way to create the Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention.

Large pharmaceutical companies gravitate to locations and program that carry out large, long-term clinical trials. One of the goals of the Institute is to find and enroll more than 400 individuals who are 60 years old and older.  With extensive communication, outreach efforts and overarching community support, the Institute has seen remarkable progress in recruitment and program development in its first six months.

To learn more about enrolling in the Institutes studies, call 225-763-2973 or email
www.dementia@pbrc.edu or www.pbrc.edu and click on “Institute For Dementia Research and Prevention.

FREE GLAUCOMA SCREENING
Cenla Area Agency On Aging, Inc., and the Lions Club Foundation will provide a glaucoma screening on Monday, February 15, 2010, from 9am to 3pm at 1423 Peterman Drive in Alexandria.

Who should be screened? Those who are Caucasian or Asian - 40 years of age or older;  Black or American Indians - 30 years of age or older; Anyone with a family history of Glaucoma and Anyone with hypertension or diabetes.

The screenings are open to the public. For more information call 484-2260 or 454-9573