Know the warning signs of stroke

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Throughout the month of May, visitors to www.heartland-health.com can request a Stroke Warning Signs magnet.

Know what to do when a stroke takes place. Dial 911 right away if you or someone you are with has the sudden onset or one or more of the following symptoms of a stroke: Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially if it is only on one side of the body; confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; trouble seeing with one or both eyes; trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and severe headache with no known cause. Learn more about the prevention of stroke at www.strokeassociation.org.

Cancer Society seeks study participants

The American Cancer Society is looking to St. Joseph residents to play a direct role in improving the lives of future generations by participating in a study. The society will be signing up volunteers for its Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) at the Relay For Life of Andrew/Buchanan County from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 12 at Word of Life Church, 3902 Riverside Road. The study, which will enroll a diverse population of half a million people across the United States, will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer, and will further efforts to eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations. St. Joseph will be one of more than 200 enrollment sites scheduled for 2009.

Participants must be between the ages of 30 and 65, must never have been diagnosed with cancer, and must be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which simply means filling out follow-up surveys at their home periodically. To enroll in the study, individuals will be asked to complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement and give a small blood sample at the Relay enrollment site, in addition to completing a baseline survey at their home.

Researchers will use the data from CPS-3 to build on evidence from a series of American Cancer Society studies that began in the 1950s and involved hundreds of thousands of volunteer participants. The Hammond-Horn Study and previous Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS-I and CPS-II) have played a major role in understanding cancer prevention and risk and have contributed to the scientific literature and to the development of public health guidelines and recommendations.

The Relay For Life of Andrew/Buchanan County will be the only time CPS-3 will be enrolling in St. Joseph this year. While initial enrollment takes just 20 to 30 minutes, the study is expected to produce benefits for decades to come.

Dr. DiStefano maintains certification

Dr. Lisa Gorry DiStefano of St. Francis Family Health Care in Maryville, Mo., has successfully completed the requirements to maintain board certification in internal medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

ABIM works to enhance the quality of health care by certifying internists and sub-specialists who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for excellent patient care. Physicians must periodically complete requirements to maintain their certification, including passing an examination and completing a self-assessment of knowledge and practice.

Dr. DiStefano has been a member of the St. Francis Hospital & Health Services medical staff and has practiced internal medicine and pediatrics with St. Francis Family Health Care since September 1999.

In addition to her ABIM Board Certification, Dr. DiStefano is also a fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Lifestyles reporter Erin Wisdom can be reached at ewisdom@npgco.com.