September 16, 1998, Vol. 20, No. 33

KUMC Breaks Ground For New Health In Aging Facility

Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, former U.S. Senator from Kansas, will join KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway, Executive Vice Chancellor Donald Hagen, and Stephanie Studenski, MD, director of the Center on Aging for groundbreaking ceremonies for the new University of Kansas Medical Center Health in Aging Facility. Ceremonies are planned for 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the former site of the Bell Recreation Center, 36th Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard.
When completed in February 2000, the new 44,000 square-foot building will provide comprehensive health care for older adults. An ambulatory care center with specialized medical services and physician offices, and a community wellness resource area are part of the new facility. The new facility will include a telemedicine center for older adult programs, linking physicians and patients throughout Kansas with KU Medical Center physicians. When complete, the Health in Aging facility will be the only one of its kind in the Midwest.
“We’re fortunate to be recognized as an innovative national leader in the health care of older adults,” said Dr. Studenski. “Our dream from the very beginning has been to integrate cutting-edge care for older citizens. Our goal is to help older adults achieve and be the very best they can be, physically, emotionally and intellectually. Therefore, an innovative program is being developed in restorative care to help those with chronic conditions or disease.”
Half of the $8 million project will be underwritten by KU Medical Center and the other half comes through national and federal grants. The new structure will replace much of the former Bell Recreation Center. The gymnasium, which will remain standing, will be completely renovated as part of the wellness center for older adults.
Kansas is 11th among states in percentages of persons aged 65 or older-13.8 percent compared to 12.5 percent for the U.S. as a whole. Kansas ranks fifth among states in the percentage of persons aged 85 and older.

Hospital Retirement Plans Meetings

You still have time to attend an employee meeting to discuss new retirement plans to be offered by the KU Hospital Authority. These meetings are for people who will make the transition to the KU Hospital Authority on Oct. 1.
Employees will learn how the new plans compare to the Regents Retirement Plan. Those who currently are in the Regents Voluntary TSA Program and the voluntary State Deferred Compensation plan will learn about and select investment companies that will participate in the new voluntary programs. Also, employees will complete forms allowing salary reduction.
Employees who participate in KPERS are not affected by these plans and do not need to attend these meetings.


Retirement Meetings are in Sudler Auditorium
Remaining times and dates are:
Wednesday, Sept. 16: 10 a.m.; 11 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 17: 9 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18: 1 a.m.; 2 p.m.; 3 p.m.

KUMC Night at the Chiefs
tickets to be so KUMC has a limited number of tickets to the Oct. 26 Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game. To ensure that all employees and students have an equal opportunity to buy two tickets at $40 each, KUMC will have a drawing. People can register for the drawing 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21 through Sept. 25 outside the main cafeteria.
Only KUMC employees and students can enter the drawing. Each person can submit only one entry. Spouses and children cannot enter. People whose names are drawn will be called before Sept. 30 and must buy the tickets by Oct. 5.
KUMC Night at the Chiefs will include a tailgate party with a visit from KC Wolf and the Chiefs cheerleaders.
ld by drawing

Around KUMC...
What’s New

Grant expands school-based telemedicine program
KU Medical Center will add to the recently established school-based telemedicine program with Unified School District 500 in Wyandotte County as a result of a $22,000 grant from Southwestern Bell. The grant is part of the company’s Kansas Community Enrichment Program, which provided grants to 36 recipients this year. On hand for the recent check presentation and telemedicine demonstration were Gary Doolittle, MD, director of the telemedicine program at KU, Donald Hagen, KUMC Executive Vice Chancellor, Ray Daniels, superintendent of USD 500, and representatives from Southwestern Bell.

Heart of Healthcare banquet honors nurses Sept. 25
KU School of Nursing will honor 10 outstanding registered nurses from across Kansas Sept. 25 during the annual Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare awards banquet. The banquet will be at the Marriott Muehlebach Towers.
Selected from hundreds of nominations, this year’s winners were chosen for their exemplary dedication to their patients, community and the nursing profession.
This year’s winners are Betty Jean Watters, RN, Citizens Medical Center, Colby; Nancy Marshall, RN, Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice, Dodge City; Debbie Folkerts, RN, nurse practitioner, First Choice for Continence, Inc., Manhattan; Barbara Miles, RN, The Menninger Clinic, Topeka; Jill M. Gann, RN, Beverly Health Care, Neodesha; Pamela Davidson, RN, Trinity Lutheran Manor, Merriam; Kevin L. Sharp, RN, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mission; Mini Miller, RN Catholic Community Services, Kansas City, Kan.; Karen Berns, RN, City Union Mission, Kansas City, Mo.; and Mary Ellen Baker, RN, North Kansas City Hospital, North Kansas City, Mo.

Auxiliary prepares apple pies for annual, October bazaar
It’s almost time for the annual KU Medical Center Auxiliary Bazaar, and Auxiliary members are wasting no time in preparation. Next week, KUMC’s biggest supporters will be sluicing and slicing apples for their mouth-watering apple pies.

The pie sale is officially during the Auxiliary’s October bazaar. But KUMC employees can order pies their pie-baking marathon 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 24 in Delp Cafeteria. Those who can’t get to the cafeteria early will still can buy their pies during the bazaar.
The 1998 bazaar helps mark the Auxiliary’s 50th anniversary, which was observed April 19. In its 50 years, the Auxiliary has contributed more than $1.1 million to KUMC departments and programs campus-wide. The annual bazaar provides a significant part of the income for such donations.

Grant Awarded to Ahluwalia
Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, MD, vice chair and director of research, Department of Preventive Medicine, has received a $268,000, two-and-a-half year supplemental grant from the National Cancer Institute. The grant will give 50 percent release time to Kola Okuyemi, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine, to pursue research. Dr. Ahluwalia and Kari Jo Harris, PhD, MPH, will be mentors on the project, “Does Buproprion Help African Americans Quit Smoking?”

Lai, Duncan publish in Stroke
Sue-Min Lai, PhD, associate professor of preventive medicine, and Pamela W. Duncan, PhD, director of research for KU Center on Aging, received notice that their article, “Prediction of Functional Outcome After Stroke: Comparison of the Orpington Prognostic Scale and the NIH Stroke Scale,” has been accepted for publication in Stroke.
Lai SM, Duncan PW, Keighley J: Prediction of functional outcome after stroke: Comparison of the Orpington Prognostic Scale and the NIH stroke scale. Stroke 29:1838-1842, 1998.

Integrative Medicine seminar Scheduled for Sept. 24
“Energy Health Methods” is the Integrative Medicine seminar that will be noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, in Wahl West Auditorium. The seminar will feature Mitzi McFatrich, MDiv, of the Sastun Center of Integrative Health Care.

Donald Hagen, EVC

On Sept. 11, we traveled to Seattle to host an alumni dinner. This is the fifth gathering we have hosted across the country for Medical Center alumni. We have been working hard to stay in touch with all of our alumni, and we presented the latest information to them about all of the activities at KU Medical Center. We presented a video, then Deans Powell and Miller and I talked to them and answered their questions. The alumni in the Northwest are eager to learn about all of you.
I have to admit I have a headache from all of the construction noise next to the office. I know I share the “torture” feeling with many students and faculty. At church as a child I was told not to build my home on the sand, but to build it on a strong foundation. I promise you all, I never expected to have to dig ten feet into bedrock, but it looks like this is what is happening. There is no doubt in my mind that this nursing education building will stand forever. Thank you all for your patience. I am told all of that noise will be over Sept. 21. I hope they are right.
I wish more of you could have heard the Chancellor’s convocation for faculty and staff on Sept. 10. This was the first time the convocation was bridged via video to the campuses at Wichita and Kansas City. He honored our award-winning faculty and reaffirmed his commitment to Strategy 2001, including the elements of One University, Serving Kansas, and the Premier Learning Environment initiatives. Those of you who missed it, missed the statement of support for several Medical Center initiatives as well. We are really fortunate to have such support from the Chancellor.
I was particularly pleased to see that virtually everyone who was offered positions in the new Hospital Authority accepted those offers. Now the real work begins. There is an excitement throughout the campus about all of the new opportunities. I invite you now to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Center for Health in Aging at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Former U.S. Sen. Kassebaum-Baker will share this exciting ceremony with us.
We have just begun.

Student Link

From the SGC President...
Action, Balance, Camaraderie Needed For Successful Year

Welcome to a new school year. There’s a lot of energy in the air and, whether it’s acing tests or the NCAA basketball games, the prospect of a great year lies before us. As we settle into the routine of lectures, papers and tests, remember the ABC’s that can get us through the year successfully.
1. Action.--Think about the following five words: You can make a difference. With action, we can bring about changes to make KU Medical Center a more stimulating and supportive place for students. We have the ability and resources to make it a more enjoyable, healthy, educational and efficient place for us, as well as for those who follow us. The sand volleyball courts, the All-School Carnival, and Worlds of Fun Day, not to mention many others, resulted from students’ initiativs.
What do you see missing here? What do you need to make your time here as a student better? Name it and change it. You, too, can make a difference. A good place to start is with student organizations. An array of student groups with governing, cultural, political and social agendas offer a forum for voices and support for action. Look for their meeting times in the Student Link page of Topics, on e-mails, or on bulletin boards. Get involved. Every student-led event needs a student to lead it.
2. Balance--Remember, especially during exam blocks, that academics are only part of our lives. Though academic good standing is integral to our existence as students at KUMC, the importance of our physical, social and mental well-being cannot be denied. During stressful times when school seems to take over life, remember that the Kirmayer Fitness Center, the Counseling Center, and the Wellness Center are here to help us maintain health and balance.
3. Camaraderie--We may be in different schools. We may graduate in different years. We come from varying backgrounds. But we share one thing: we are a team of students. We share the stress of deadlines, tests, and the squeeze on time and bank accounts. We need to support one another. I urge you to participate in all-school activities this year, such as the Carnival and Highway Cleanup. They are great opportunities to meet students from other schools.
If you have any questions, suggestions or comments please contact me by e-mail gcheng@kumc.edu or telephone (588-4686). I look forward to working with you this upcoming year.
Sincerely,
Gloria Cheng

Free tickets available for students

Free tickets, purchased by the Student Governing Council, will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis to currently enrolled KUMC students 7:30 - 9a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, in the Francisco Lounge in the Student Center.
Tickets to be distributed include the Kansas City Symphony, American Heartland Theatre, William Jewell College Fine Arts Program, Missouri Repertory Theatre, and KU Football. Students can receive only one pair of tickets. Tickets to the KU Football games can be used only by students and spouses of students. Cultural event tickets may be used by students and a guest. A schedule of performance dates has been sent to students and residents via e-mail and is posted on flyers around campus.

Classifieds

For Sale

For sale: Student bed with hutch. Trundle bed with head and foot boards. End tables and chest. Call 649-8477.

For sale: Chiefs tickets to the Sept. 20 Chiefs vs. San Diego game and the Nov. 29 Chiefs vs. Arizona game. Call 422-1831 after 6 p.m.

For sale: King-sized waterbed, with oak headboard and shelves, matching oak dresser and mirror, nightstand. Top of the line mattress. All for $395 firm. Call 648-3350.

For sale: Fuji Royale II 12-speed racing bike, $150. Also 3 mint condition Apple McIntosh Printers: Personal Laser Writer $325, Apple Color StyleWriter 2400, $200, and Apple Portable Color StyleWriter 2200, $225. Call Jaz, 262-6379.

For sale: 19-inch color TV with remote. Practically New! $100. Call 384-4784

For sale: Kenmore gas dryer, white, $80. White wood crib, $60. Diaper Genie, $10. Call 362-0432.

For sale: Brass single canopy bed; Italian Provincial wood coffee table; gold, 90-inch-long traditional couch; traditional living room chair. Good condition. Call Jo Ann, evenings, 373-4212.

For sale: Baldwin Acrosonic piano, mahogany case, recently tuned and appraised. Excellent condition. $1250. Call 531-5919.

For sale: China cabinet, black with brass trim ,lighted, with three shelves at the top and double doors with two shelves at bottom. $150 or best offer. Also, black and gold ‘etagere for $75. Call 334-2058 after 5 p.m.

For sale: 20-gallon aquarium. Includes light, pump, gravel, stand and miscellaneous accessories, $50.00. Call 468-4896.
Garage sale: 6933 Cottonwood, between Pflumm and Lackman in Shawnee, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 18 and 19. Appliances, wood-burning stove, sporting goods, furniture, clothes and lots more!

Automotive

For sale: 1946 Ford Pickup. All original; flat head V-8; great restoration project; asking $1,900 or best offer. Call Angie, 836-8333.

For sale: 1992 Mazda MPV, 6 cylinder, 3-liter engine, dual A/C, PS/PB, tan color, no rust, 96 m, mechanic records available- $8000. Call Alexis, 587-3454, after 6 p.m.

For sale: 1992 Burgundy Chevy Lumina 4 door sedan, 153,000 all highway miles. Good condition. Automatic with power seats, windows and doors; new radial tires, tilt wheel, cruise control, and stereo cassette Asking $3500. Call Fran, 381-3850.

Wanted

Wanted: Medela breast pump. Would prefer the “Pump-n-Style,” but any model would be considered. Call 942-6412.

Ride Wanted: Vicinity of Blue Ridge Cut-off and 40 Highway. Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call Larry, 353-2751, after 6 p.m.

Pets

Free: Mixed black lab/pointer spayed female dog. Sweet tempered, active 2 ? year old. Smart, learned commands quickly in obedience training. Allergies keep us from giving her enough attention. Dog house included. Call Carol, 541-1906.

Housing

For Sale: 3-bedroom, 2 bath home, $52,000. Walking distance to KUMC, central air conditioning, new carpet, off-street parking. Call 338-2822

Study Subjects

Reading study
Research participants aged 18-28 and 60-80 are needed for a reading study. Participants will earn $10 for travel and parking costs. Allow an hour for the session. Participants must be native English speakers and be able to read a newspaper at arm’s length. Glasses and contacts are acceptable. For information, call Tracy or Rae, ext. 7165.

Laser care for wounds
Research participants needed for a study into laser medicine to treat wounds that fail to heal or are slow to heal. Participants will receive laser treatments at no cost. For more information, call ext. 3146.

Migraine Attacks
Subjects with one to four clear-cut migraine attacks needed for placebo-controlled trial of non-toxic medication to be taken as a preventive for three months. Subjects must be aged 18-60, otherwise in good health, not subject to daily headache and willing to report by phone weekly. $25 compensation on completion. Call Ms. Adkins, ext. 6916.

Topics Information
Topics is the employee publication of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
It is published weekly by the office of Public Relations and Marketing. The deadline for submitting news briefs for consideration is noon on the Wednesday before they are to appear. For longer articles or features, contact the editor in advance.
Send story ideas to Leslie Champlin, acting editor, G114 Hospital, or e-mail: lchampli@ kumc.edu or call ext. 1602

Topics ad policy
Send or bring your ad to Topics, G114 KU Hospital, or fax to ext. 1225, or e-mail: lchampli@kumc.edu by noon Wednesday of the week before it is to run.
Ads run free of charge for employees, students and volunteers. For-sale ads are limited to three items. All ads must include the advertiser’s name and work extension (or medical student box number) for verification.
Only home phone numbers --- no pager numbers or KUMC extensions --- will be published. No ads for commercial services or pets for sale will be accepted. Ads will not be taken by telephone. Only one phone number per ad.
Ads may be a held a week if space is limited.

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