TODAY news - October 23, 2003 - Loma Linda University news

Thursday, October 23, 2003 TODAY

Loma Linda University news

Hispanic Alumni of Loma Linda University holds Seventh Annual Scholarship Banquet

The HALL Alumnus of the Year is Albert H. Arteaga, MD, who stands beside his wife, Maria, in the picture above.

Hispanic Alumni of Loma Linda University (HALL) held its Seventh Annual Scholarship Banquet on October 12, 2003, in Wong Kerlee International Conference Center.

The guest speaker for the evening, the Honorable Cari M. Domínguez, MA, 12th chair of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington D.C., talked about having “ganas.” In other words, to give it your all and have passion in what you do. Ms. Domínguez has been recognized as the “100 most influential Hispanics in the country” by Hispanic Business magazine, and the American Biographical Institute has listed her as one of the “two thousand most notable American women.”

HALL recognized three Hispanic individuals who are committed “to making man whole.” Albert H. Arteaga, MD, received the Alumnus of the Year Award. Looking back on the last 20 years, Dr. Arteaga sums up his mission: “I wanted everyone to feel that going to the doctor was no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.” He says that the secret to making it happen is perseverance, pride, and teamwork.

Daisy D. De Leon, PhD, associate professor, physiology/

pharmacology, School of Medicine, and Marino De Leon, PhD, associate professor, physiology/pharmacology, CMBGT, each received the Special Recognition Award.

Dr. Daisy De Leon’s current research work in breast cancer has been funded by an R01 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), grants from the California Breast Cancer Research program, and the Susan G. Komen breast cancer program. Her observations have been published in numerous scientific journals and have resulted in exciting discoveries that may help treat and detect breast cancer patients.

Dr. Mariono De Leon’s research is in the area of neuronal injury and nerve regeneration, which has led to the identification of peripheral Myelin protein 22 (PMP-22) in the sciatic nerve. This finding has significantly advanced the research in the field of human peripheral neuropathies. In addition, he is currently the principal investigator and director of the NIH-funded Initiative of Minority Student Development (IMSD) program at LLU.

Nineteen Hispanic students at LLU earned scholarships. Frank Barceló, MPH, MBA, president of HALL, stated, “We hope that, by helping to finance the educational successes of our scholarship recipients, we will inspire them to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ in all the corners of the world.”

The recipients are: Isis Esther Christian-Durán, SAHP; Rebecca E. Duran, SPH; Gabriel Enríquez, SD; Zurisadai Franco, SM; Corina A. Gallardo, SN; Ada García, SM; Gabriel García, SAHP; Ana Gómez, SM; Nephtali Ruiz Gómez, SM; Esther Hernandez, SN; Angélica P. Herrera, SPH; José Maciel, GS; Claudine Brito Marmolejos, SM; Alicia Márquez, GS; Yolanda Meléndrez, SN; Benjamín Pérez, SD; Gabriel L. Pimentel, SAHP; Luz B. Piña, SN; and Enrique Vega, SM.

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Nearly 500 seniors attend Senior Day at Drayson Center

Physical therapy student Jeremy Jackson (center) conducts a water aerobics class demonstration while seniors look on.

Senior Day 2003, the first event of its kind to be held at Drayson Center, was attended by an estimated 500 seniors from the surrounding communities.

The event, co-sponsored by the Just for Seniors program, was held September 26 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and featured a variety of health-education and fitness presentations, demonstrations, and activities targeted to seniors.

“We are very pleased with the turnout,” says Donald Sease, director of Drayson Center. “Seniors in our surrounding communities responded positively to our efforts.”

Senior Day 2003 has contributed to record growth in senior memberships during September—135 to be exact—bringing the total of active seniors to more than 900.

During the day, presenters related the benefits of exercise to various problems experienced by seniors, and topics included arthritis and other joint problems, osteoporosis, cardiopulmonary issues, balance and motor skills, avoiding injury, mental health, and diabetes.

“All of our education classes were well-attended,” points out Mr. Sease. “We had nearly 70 individuals attend the presentation on osteoporosis.”

Fitness activities included water and low-impact aerobics, stationary bicycles, Tai Chi, fitness training, and power-walking.

“Our water aerobics and stationary bike classes were filled to capacity,” he continues.

Senior 3-on-3 basketball also took place, led by Howie Stahlnecker, one of Drayson Center’s senior volunteers.

The first 250 seniors received a “goody bag” with a barbell-shaped water bottle, workout towel, and heart-shaped refrigerator magnet—all imprinted with the words “We love our seniors.”

Food was provided the entire morning by LLU catering service, headed by Najwa Medina, manager.

For a number of years now, Drayson Center has offered a special senior membership rate during the low-usage hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays and regular hours on Sunday.

With special programs and activities geared specifically to individuals age 55 years and older, the numbers of senior memberships have been growing steadily.

“We look at our senior program as another way to fulfill the motto of the University and Medical Center, ‘to make man whole,’” comments Mr. Sease. “We are reaching out to our seniors in the surrounding communities in an effort to help them enjoy a better quality of life.”

Mr. Sease points to 225 senior members age 80 or older for whom Drayson Center provides a free membership.

“If I am in half as good of shape as they are when I reach their age, I’ll be very happy,” he adds. “We have world-class senior athletes who train at Drayson, and they certainly enjoy a quality of life many of us can only hope for.”

Senior Day 2003 was certainly a collective effort. “We had so many individuals who worked tirelessly to make this day a success,” Mr. Sease relates, “including our presenters and instructors, senior volunteers, and the Drayson Center staff.”

Presenters included Mihaela Taylor, MD, second-year fellow in the department of medicine, division of rheumatology, LLU School of Medicine, who spoke on arthritis and exercise; Beth Cook, RN, unit educator for units 7300 and 8300, LLUMC, who addressed issues of exercise and joint problems; and Cesar Libanati, MD, associate professor of medicine, School of Medicine, who works with the osteoporosis center and spoke on that topic.

Speakers included Zachary Cash, exercise physiologist, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, LLUMC, who talked on cardiopulmonary issues; Diana Su-Erickson, OTR, occupational therapist at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center, who addressed balance and motor skills issues and how seniors can avoid injury; Susan Brady, OTR, and Son Nguyen, PhD, clinical therapist for LLU Behavioral Medicine Center’s department of senior services, who teamed up to point out the benefits of exercise in relation to one’s mental health; and Debbie Clausen, RN, MSN, nurse manager for the Diabetes Center, who looked at the benefits of exercise for those suffering from diabetes.

Fitness instructors included David Hessinger, PhD, professor of physiology and pharmacology, School of Medicine, who covered low-impact aerobics; Jeremy Jackson, physical therapy student and Drayson Center staff member, who taught water aerobics; Klaus Stadtler, Drayson Center aerobics instructor, who taught the “Revolution Class” using stationary bicycles; and Willie Stewart, facilities manager at Drayson and a world-class tri-athlete, who led powerwalking sessions on the track.

Harvey Kurland, exercise physiologist and Tai Chi instructor at Drayson Center, gave a demonstration of Tai Chi techniques and spoke on how this form of exercise is particularly beneficial for seniors.

Brenda Rea, DrPH, MPT, assistant professor of health promotion and education, School of Public Health, and one of seven personal trainers who provide training services at Drayson Center, addressed senior training issues.

“We especially appreciate the willingness of these busy individuals to help make our Senior Day a success,” Mr. Sease explains. “Our program would not have been a success without their expertise.”

Another group of individuals was particularly helpful during Senior Day 2003. Seven senior volunteers served in various capacities during the day. Diana Zink, Judy Benson, Juanita Chi, and Suffia Sircar helped Drayson Center staff with the registration process.

Pat Gillies spent the entire morning as a greeter, providing both a cheerful welcome and necessary paperwork for guests. Bette Rhoads covered the table where seniors turned in their paperwork and received their “goody bags”—also for the entire morning.

“It takes the effort of so many individuals to make an event like this a success,” Mr. Sease concludes. “Our sincere thanks to the many individuals who helped, and to our guests who attended the event.”

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Former Loma Linda University faculty honored as women of the year

The Association of Adventist Women (AAW) recognized nine Adventist women who are making significant contributions to their communities, professions, churches, and families. Two of the “women of the year” are former LLU faculty.

Alberta Mazat is honored for the Family Life Award. She was the first chair of the marriage and family department at LLU. When the home and family service, designed to train leaders for family ministry in every conference, opened at the General Conference, Ms. Mazat was one of the first academicians to offer professional and cutting-edge information and support. She has also authored many books and articles on marriage.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded to Irma Vyhmeister, PhD. She began a career in nutrition and dietetics at LLU. Dr. Vyhmeister pioneered the area of dietetics for the world church working in the General Conference department of health and temperance. Thus, she has circled the globe with nutrition classes for both the professional and layperson. Dr. Vyhmeister has collaborated in 36 research studies and 34 publications.

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University Faculty Colloquium presents a fun and inspiring day

Faculty members interact with each other during the afternoon session called “Deliberate Success: Taking Talent to the Top.”

LLU faculty had the opportunity to engage in a fun, fulfilling, and inspiring day at Wong Kerlee International Conference Center on September 23, 2003. Sponsored by Interschool Faculty Advisory Council (IFAC), the topic for University Faculty Colloquium, “Deliberate Success: Taking Talent to the Top,” was presented by Eric Allenbaugh, PhD, of Allenbaugh Associates, Inc.

“The goal of University Faculty Colloquium is to bring faculty from all schools of LLU together at the beginning of the new school year to provide focus and inspiration,” states Lisa Beardsley, PhD, MPH, vice chancellor for academic affairs, “and to communicate how important they are to the mission of Loma Linda University.”

The first session, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., taught faculty principles and tools to apply at work and at home in tapping into their own talents and drawing out the talents of others. Topics included: the three approaches to life: bright eyed, glazed eyed, and beady eyed; identifying your passion; engaging your passion—and the passion of others; honoring differences while serving a common direction; and being tough on issues—tender on people.

Eric Allenbaugh, PhD, of Allenbaugh Associates, Inc. speaks about creating memorable moments.

During this time, faculty members were able to relax and get a massage from the Desert Springs Therapy Center massage team.

Dr. Allenbaugh’s book, Deliberate Success, was given to each participating faculty member as well.

Spouses of faculty were encouraged to join the evening session that began with a grandiose and ethnically diverse dinner. It featured five different decorated and delicious buffets: Middle Eastern, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, and an ice cream bar from Cold Stone Creamery.

After dinner, the second part of colloquium, titled “Creating Memorable Moments,” focused on fun and insightful ways to enhance important relationships. Dr. Allenbaugh talked about the “Seven C’s” of creating more fulfilling relationships. They are: 1) create, 2) connect, 3) communicate, 4) cherish, 5) care, 6) commit, and 7) celebrate.

“The quality of a relationship is a function of how much truth is exchanged,” says Dr. Allenbaugh on the topic of communication.

About the topic called celebrate, he states, “Honor differences! Give feedback of what you appreciate about each other, and make ordinary days special.”

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LLU’s Gentry Gymnasium serves as important church venue

The recently renovated Gentry Gymnasium will serve as home for University Church most likely through the end of December, 2003. It will, however, eventually be demolished to make room for the planned School of Allied Health Professions complex.

It has been about a year and a half since Loma Linda University administrators decided to initiate some much-needed renovations to Gentry Gymnasium.

The dome-roofed facility at the north end of the campus served as the primary recreational facility prior to the opening of Drayson Center in 1995.

Current plans for the new School of Allied Health Professions complex will require demolition of Gentry Gym.

“The decision by administration to renovate couldn’t have been more timely and appropriate,” says Donald Sease, director of Drayson Center. “This aging facility has become a valuable part of the campus once again.”

Most recently, University Church has benefitted from the decision. Renovations of the church building have become more extensive than originally planned, due to some unexpected code requirements.

Gentry will serve as headquarters for the church probably through the month of December, thanks to the generosity of the LLU administration.

The current arrangement has required highly coordinated efforts by Drayson Center, University Church, LLU campus engineering, LLU&MC campus security, housekeeping, and landscaping staff.

Gentry also recently served as the venue for the 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of the LLU School of Dentistry.

During the 2002–2003 school year, Gentry served the needs of nearly 30 church and other groups. It has also provided an additional venue for basketball, volleyball, and other sports leagues.

“When Gentry finally comes down,” comments Mr. Sease, “it will certainly create a void on campus.”

The facility can seat as many as 1,500 individuals and plays an important role as a site for major events and activities for the University, Medical Center, and the community.

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Bill’s Place changes cuisine and management

Today’s menu is Mediterranean cuisine, and two patrons receive their orders of falafel and grilled vegetables in pita bread from the chef. Bill’s Place is now under the management of LLU Catering Service, headed by Najwa Medina.

If you come to Loma Linda University Drayson Center with a healthy appetite, your nose will lead you to Bill’s Place.

The eatery is now under new management. LLU catering service, managed by Najwa Medina, has taken over the facility.

“We’re very excited with the new arrangement,” says Donald Sease, director of Drayson Center. “We’re hoping that Bill’s Place will become a major reason people visit Drayson Center.”

Those who have had the opportunity to enjoy the food at the Faculty Dining Room in Coleman Pavilion, or who have attended one of the many events catered by Ms. Medina and her staff, will appreciate the quality of cuisine now available at Bill’s Place.

In addition to excellent cuisine, Bill’s Place now has ambiance—and lots of it. Comfortable restaurant-style seating and a different layout inside Bill’s Place lend to its attractive “new look.”

For the time being, Bill’s Place will continue to be open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

“Now you have more reasons to visit us,” adds Mr. Sease. “Not only can you ‘work off’ those calories—you can replace them in a most delicious way.”

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Faculty notes

• Christy Billock, MA, OTR/L, assistant professor, department of occupational therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, successfully defended her research proposal on spirituality and occupation for her PhD dissertation at the University of Southern California. A grant she received from the Center for Spiritual Life & Wholeness will help underwrite the research.

• Curtis A. Fox, PhD, associate professor in the department of counseling and family sciences, addressed the Peruvian Congress in Lima, Peru, on issues of mental health and mental health services on August 19, 2003. The address was titled, “Marriage and Family Therapy in Peru: A New Discipline in Mental Health Care.” Dr. Fox taught a graduate course in structural family therapy at Universidad Peruana Union in Naña, Peru, in August, 2003, on the same trip.

• Mark G. Haviland, PhD, professor of psychiatry, School of Medicine, has published two papers. The first, “Depression and Satisfaction with Health Coverage and Medical Care in the 1998 NRC Healthcare Market Guide Survey,” appeared in the July, 2003, issue of Administration and Policy in Mental Health. Co-authors are Harold Alan Pincus, MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Leo S. Morales, MD, PhD, UCLA School of Medicine. The second, “Type of Illness and Use of the Internet for Health Information,” appeared in the September, 2003, issue of Psychiatric Services. Co-authors are Harold Alan Pincus, MD, and Thomas H. Dial, National Education Association.

• Esther Huecker, MA, OTR/L, BCP, program director of the master’s of occupational therapy program, School of Allied Health Professions, received the Penelope Louise Richardson Award from the occupational therapy department of the University of Southern California. The award, presented on May 16, 2003, recognizes Ms. Huecker as a doctoral student who demonstrates outstanding potential in fulfilling the role of a faculty member, and one who possesses qualities inherent to an academic future dedicated toward life-long learning, diversity, student centeredness, and a strong commitment to teaching.

• Judith Palladino, MA, OTR/L, assistant professor and fieldwork coordinator, department of occupational therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, contributed a chapter titled “Management of fieldwork education” to the 2003 revised fourth edition of The Occupational Therapy Manager, published by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Ms. Palladino’s chapter guides the OT manager in evaluating whether a program is ready for occupational therapy students. It then outlines the basics of fieldwork education and student supervision, and concludes with emphasizing the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of the fieldwork program once it is established.

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Drayson Center installs new pool lift for challenged swimmers

Daniel Palacios, 41, lowers himself into the water with the help of the remote control for the Portable Aquatic Lift recently installed at Drayson Center.

Thanks to a collaboration between the new PossAbilities club and Drayson Center, challenged athletes came out the winner. On September 30, Drayson Center installed a portable aquatic lift (PAL) to give challenged swimmers an independent way to get from their wheelchair into the pool.

“It’s very simple,” says Daniel Palacios, a patient-surgeon liaison at LLUMC who also participates in triathlons as a challenged athlete. Swimmers can raise and lower themselves with a remote control on the PAL’s chair. It offers a lot more independence than the previous device, which required the help of a lifeguard and looked like what Fabio Maia, manager of sports and adaptive athletics at Drayson Center, described as a “tea bag” being dipped into the pool.

The lift was the tangible effect of the Rudy’s BraveHeart Triathlon held on July 20. The proceeds from the event helped fund, in addition from a contribution from Drayson Center, the $5,000 piece of equipment.

“This is independence, this is what we’ve been heading towards,” says Willie Stewart, facilities manager at the Drayson Center. The PossAbilities club provides support and sport option for people adapting to disabilities.

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Thursday, October 23, 2003 TODAY