HHS Launches Campaign to Raise Women's Awareness of Diabetes

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson recently announced a nationwide campaign to raise women's awareness about diabetes through free screening events and educational material. The “Take Time to Care” campaign, which is sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), emphasizes that women, who are usually a family's primary caregiver, can have the greatest impact on their own health and the health of the entire family. The campaign will include about 500 local screening events that will take place from May 28 to June 22 in 10 cities with a high incidence of diabetes (Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia), 250 free diabetes risk assessment events at chain pharmacies, free educational materials, and a Diabetic Management Kit. “This campaign will help women recognize the warning signs for diabetes, so that they and their families can take proactive steps to improve their health,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner Dr. Lester M. Crawford. “Armed with the key facts, all Americans can take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes and to ensure that they get appropriate, effective treatments once diagnosed.” More information about the “Take Time to Care” campaign is available online atwww.fda.gov/womens/taketimetocare/diabetes.

Guidebook on Infant Care Released for New Parents

A new guidebook titled “Healthy Smart, Grow Smart: Your Newborn,” provides information for new parents on how to care for their infants and what to expect in the initial days and weeks after their child is born. The document is a collaboration of the U.S. Departments of HHS, Agriculture, and Education. The 19-page publication includes chapters on topics such as health screenings, checkups, breastfeeding, immunization shots, car seats, reasons why babies cry, bathing the newborn baby, and information resources. Upcoming titles in the “Healthy Start, Grow Smart” series include “Child Care Choices,” “1 Month Checkups,” “Your Newborn Turns 1 Month,” and “How to Handle Colic.” To order copies of this publication, call the U.S. Department of Education at 877-433-7827 or 800-872-5327 or order online atwww.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html. This publication is also available in alternate forms, such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer diskette, at the Department's Alternate Format Center (202-260-9895 or 202-205-8113).

Deadline Approaching for AAFP Constituent Chapter Grant Proposals

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Constituent Chapter Grant Program for 2002–2003 has received an additional $10,000 in funding for grant awards from the sole supporter, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, bringing the program total to $40,000 (a 33 percent increase). The funds will be awarded in seven to 14 grants ranging from $2,500 to $6,000. The deadline for chapter proposals is July 31. Proposals should focus on the development of programs and activities that help keep members informed about nonclinical factors that affect their practice environments, such as communication technology workshops, leadership training, contract evaluation and negotiation, and practice management workshops. Proposals must include an outline of the program or activity and an estimated budget for implementation. The Commission on Health Care Services will select grant recipients and announce the winners by August 30. An application form and additional submission information is available to chapter executives atwww.aafp.org/chapter. Under the “Forms and Tools” section, click on “Grant Applications,” then select the link for “Constituent Chapter Grant Program (CCGP).” The program coordinator, Sherry Fernandez, can be contacted at 800-274-2237, ext. 4114.

AAPA Members Present Data on Physician Assistant Work Force

Staff members of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) recently presented 2001 data on physician assistants at the primary care forum sponsored by the Robert Graham Center, Washington, D.C. The following data were presented: the total numbers of practicing physician assistants is 42,700, and an estimated 87,100 physician assistants will be eligible to practice in the United States by 2010; 43.5 percent of these physician assistants are men and 56.5 percent are women; their average age is 41.5 years; physician assistants work an average of 45 hours per week; the average income of physician assistants working at least 32 hours a week is $71,046, and new physician assistants earn an average of $59,839; and 35 percent of physician assistants work in family practice settings. Family physicians work with physician assistants more than any other group of specialists.

Women of Color Conference Honors Two Family Physicians

The 2002 Women of Color Conference, held in Nashville, Tenn., on April 12 to 13, presented two family physicians with the first annual awards dedicated to recognizing “Women of Color in Health, Science, and Technology” for their career accomplishments and their dedication to helping other minorities succeed in health, science, and technology careers. Jeannette E. South-Paul, M.D., Pittsburgh, who is chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, received an award for Medical Leadership in Education. South-Paul was credited for her research in areas such as premenstrual syndrome, osteoporosis and infant nutrition. AAFP Vice Speaker Carolyn Lopez, M.D., Chicago, was named one of the conference's “All-Stars.”