Osteopathic Research Center receives study grant
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful, progressive condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.
The grant, “Treatment Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” will support a three-year clinical trial to examine whether an eight week regimen of osteopathic manipulative treatment will have immediate and lasting positive effects on the symptoms, functional limitation, and physiologic impairment associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
The Osteopathic Research Center, a national research organization housed at the UNT Health Science Center, was developed in 2001 with an initial investment of $1.1 million over a four- year period from the American Osteopathic Foundation, the American Osteopathic Association and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. These same osteopathic organizations have re-funded the Osteopathic Research Center for the next four years, bringing the total investment to $2 million for the eight-year period.
The center works to increase evidence-based knowledge about the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of osteopathic manipulative medicine through research and training and by conducting local and national research.
THR named champion
Texas Health Resources (THR), the largest health care system in North Texas, was named “Champion in Health: Large Employer of the Year” by The Health Industry Council’s Champions in Health program for the results of its “Be Healthy THR” program, the company’s wellness plan for employees.
Be Healthy THR is designed to address the whole person – mind, body and spirit. It gives employees the information, opportunities, and support needed to make healthy changes in their lifestyle. Participants earn points for participating in disease management programs, getting medical screenings and exercising. They can use the points to save up to $260 a year in health insurance costs, according to THR.
Be Healthy THR began September 2004, and in its first year, 30 percent of the companyÂ’s employees filled out the health-assessment questionnaire, the first step to participating in the program. Of those, 48 percent earned enough points to qualify for a cut in their insurance costs. Participation in 2005 is higher and results are even better than expected, according to a THR press release. Through THRÂ’s partnership with Weight Watchers, 1,700 THR employees have lost 20,000 pounds.
“Results like these are definitely moving us in the right direction as we focus on the total health of our employees,” said Michelle Reyna, THR’s wellness manager.
Champions in Health recognizes and promotes outstanding workplace wellness programs in the community and provides resources for new and existing programs. The program’s three primary goals are: to recognize and promote effective wellness programs; create business advocates that “train” other employers about the value of health and wellness; and generate awareness of wellness resources through networking and sharing of information.
Fundraiser lays foundation
American Cancer Society Relay For Life volunteers in Denton will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 18 at 4 p.m. to dedicate a brick garden created for everyone affected by cancer. The brick garden is located at North Texas Hospital, 2801 South Mayhill Road in Denton.
“Dr. James A. Haley, a gastroenterologist with his own Relay For Life team, helped us come up with the idea,” said Relay For Life Co-Chair Leigh Smith. “We decided to sell bricks “In Memory of” and “In Honor of” those affected by cancer and create a celebration brick road. North Texas Hospital graciously agreed to permanently place all of the bricks we could sell for our 2005 Relay For Life.”
Relay For Life volunteers sold $10,000 worth of bricks and plan to sell even more to finish the sidewalk.
To purchase a brick and support the American Cancer Society, call Leigh Smith at 940-382-0900. Bricks are $40.
For more information on Relay For Life, contact Kim Malone at 817-570-0624.
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