The Long Road Home
How to Navigate the first year of specialists after discharge
Preemie Magazine
July/August 2007
By Pamela Appea
Bridget Sabo, a mother of a preemie in Minneapolis, MN, said her 17-month-old son Anton, didn’t see “many” specialists in his first year after being discharged from a 49-day stay in the NICU. Like most preemie parent who have been a part of the specialist parade, “many” is a relative term.
The reality is, like many caretakers of preemie babies, Sabo and other family members shepherded her son to a parade of doctors and specialists in his first year. Anton, born at 30 weeks, was on oxygen during his NICU stay. After he left the hospital, Anton saw a pediatric cardiologist and a pediatric ophthalmologist for routine visits, as well as a cranial specialist for a temporary head condition.
In the early months, Anton had a mild case of gastro esophageal reflux disorder (more commonly known as GERD) and was on Prisolec, a medication to lessen the symptoms. Other specialists, including a nephrologist, also treated him during a hospital stay for a kidney infection. Although Anton is now a healthy and happy toddler, with no chronic medical conditions, he continues to attend physical therapy appointments that focus on his general gross motor abilities.
“Anton is unusual for a preemie in how fast he has grown. He started at 4 lbs., 6 oz. and now at 1 months actual, is in the top 80% for height and weight,” said Sabo. “It’s a bit frustrating because no one thinks he’s a preemie so they forget to give the benefit of those missed 2 ½ months.”
Looking back, Sabo believes the worst is behind them. There are, however, many mothers, fathers and other caretakers of preemies who experience significant frustration and anxiety. This is particularly true in the first year, when parents are trying to figure out what specialists they should see, when they should see them and how to juggle various appointments with everyday commitments.
Prioritize the Specialists
According to Dr. Cami Martin, director of research for the infant follow-up program at Harvard Medical School and an attending neonatologist at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, the logistics of making specialist appointments, multiple competing medical appointments, long travel times, and other issues—including figuring out what is covered by insurance and what is not—may seem to be overwhelming to many parents of preemies.
Martin’s colleague at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Pankaj Agrawal, an instructor in pediatrics and a specialist in Newborn Medicine, stated the earlier a preemie is born, the more likely they will have frequent across-the-board specialist visits.
“It all depends on the gestational age at birth. The risks are much higher, for example, for a baby born at 24 weeks versus one born at 32 weeks,” Agrawal said.
The list of conditions requiring additional attention from specialists is daunting. Some of these conditions include continued oxygen dependence, hydrocephalus (when excess fluid accumulates in the brain), brain bleeds, or retinopathy of prematurely (see related story p. 46.) As a general rule of thumb, parents with younger preemies who have experienced longer NICU stays should expect to see more specialists after discharge.
“To minimize the post-NICU experience, it is critical to include the involvement of an Early Intervention program for full assessment of motor, mental and behavioral milestones by a physical therapist and psychologist at regular intervals,” said Agrawal.
Martin, also the author of the academic text Neonatology Review, also felt developmental and behavioral issues are essential.
“It makes sense to prioritize. Parents may see a pulmonologist, a cardiologist, their pediatrician … but in the long run, developmental and behavioral appointments are just as important as the medical commitments,” said Martin. “Parents shouldn’t feel they have to wait before a developmental delay is recognized. They should be proactive in calling the Early Intervention office that services their community.”
Annual Considerations
Winter can be a challenging time for preemies who may get sick with colds or worse conditions like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
University of Chicago Hospitals pediatrician Dr. William “Corey” Jordan, who sees many preemies come into the emergency room at various hospitals throughout the Chicagoland area, said he sees many preemies return to the hospital after they’ve been discharged from the NICU.
“Some preemies suffer from infections such as RSV, which commonly affects neonates during the fall and winter seasons. Many will receive monthly Synergis shots to protect against RSV,” Jordan said.
Sabo’s son Anton was lucky in that he only had a few mild colds. A feat she credits to breastfeeding and having a “lock-down” on his exposure to germs and viruses during his first few Minnesota winters.
Other Conditions
Jordan added that in addition to RSV and other issues, simple things may be taken for granted with healthy infants [that] may be more difficult for a preemie. For example, feeding, as well as sucking and swallowing coordination, can pose difficulties that could lead to a problem with weight gain. “Adequate nutrition is necessary for preemies to continue their neurological development.”
Preemies’ weight and nutritional intake should be carefully monitored by parents and the child’s pediatrician. In the case of reflux, failure to thrive, failure to gain weight and basic developmental issues may be compromised if parents don’t seek professional help.
In the case of gastrointestinal (GI) issues, like GERD, Dr. Ben Gold, professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology, director of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Emory University in Atlanta, explained that all physicians involved in the management and care of preemies should exercise a multidisciplinary approach.
“If the preemie had gastrointestinal problems in the newborn nursery, particularly those that required a GI consult in the nursery, the baby should be followed regularly by a gastroenterologist,” Gold said.
It’s up to a specialist to work hand-in-hand with parents and the pediatrician to see if the prescribed medicines are working well, he said.
The Power of Time
Many parents, including the Sabos, are relieved to find as their preemie grows, they will likely outgrow reflux and other related GI problems.
Likewise, preemie parents may find the majority of non-routine medical specialist visits will begin to taper off after their baby reaches 12 months. However, other parents of preemies who were born smaller and stayed in the hospital longer may find the specialist parade doesn’t taper until after 2 to 3 years.
Sabo’s son is case in point, as the family pediatrician no longer adjusts Anton’s age to account for his prematurity.
“I would encourage parents to make sure all their questions are answered to their satisfaction and to push for another specialist consult with someone if they aren’t comfortable,” Sabo said. “Thankfully, we have a lot fewer issues now that he is older.”
In hindsight, most preemie parents believe it wasn’t so bad. Just take a deep breath, ask lots of questions and get the best care for your preemie.
A Crash Course in Specialists
Your preemie might see one or more of these specialists in the first year post-NICU.
A pediatric cardiologist evaluates and treats hearts and heart disease. Most preemies without previously diagnosed or suspected heart conditions don’t typically require a routine visit.
A pediatric gastroenterologist specializes in conditions of gastrointestinal (GI) track, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas and the gall bladder. For example, a gastroenterologist may treat digestive issues including GERD. If your child has a serious gastro-intestinal disorder, expect to see your GI track specialists frequently in the first year, and perhaps beyond.
A pediatric pulmonologist specializes in respiratory/breathing disorders, including asthma. If your child has serious asthma or respiratory issues, you may end up seeing your child’s pediatric pulmonologist as often as is needed, particularly during the winter months or the spring allergy season.
A pediatric ophthalmologist specializes in eye care and diseases of the eye. Expect to see your ophthalmologist at least one time for a routine visit. If problems such as retinopathy of [the eye] are discovered, your visits will drastically increase.
A pediatric dentist is what it sounds like—a dentist for kids. It’s recommended that your child see a pediatric dentist by 12 months, even if your preemie doesn’t have any teeth yet.
A speech and language therapist evaluates and treats communication disorders and swallowing problems that may be linked. If your child is evaluated and diagnosed with a speech/language delay, you may have weekly visits to your speech/language therapist.
A pediatric physiotherapist/physical therapist treats gross motor delays or disorders. As is the case with speech/language therapy, therapists may recommend that your schedule weekly visits for your child if your child is diagnosed with low muscle tone or is not meeting age appropriate targets for head control crawling and/or walking.
Originally published July/August 2007
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
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Published: February 12, 2007 - 10:51 am
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Published: February 12, 2007 - 10:51 am
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Treating GERD with medications
Previously Appeared in Online Health Website for Children
Summer 2006
Treating GERD with medications
By Pamela Appea
Pediatric gastroenterologists may not be able to agree how many GERD cases there are in the pediatric population, but many agree that GERD is on the rise among both boys and girls from ages 0-17.
But regardless of when GERD starts or when it is diagnosed, pharmacological treatment can and should be available to even the youngest GERD patients.
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease in infant children may be difficult to treat for a variety of reasons. Firstly, parents of infants may assume that GERD is colic or simply resign themselves to crying, excessive vomiting and extreme discomfort before they actually seek treatment from a physician.
Secondly, once the child has visited a pediatrician, it may take some time before GERD sufferers are referred to a specialist and received a formal diagnosis. Pediatricians usually want to rule out other factors for vomiting, including allergic reactions to food and/or formula, adverse reactions to second-hand cigarette smoke.
Thirdly, some parents chose to delay seeing a specialist or getting the GERD tests done since they may cause the child discomfort, require fasting and the procedures often feature tubes that go into your nose, down your throat into your esophagus.
Once a pediatric gastroenterologist meets with the child (and his/her parents), it may take some time to find the right medication and the right dosage of medication to effectively treat the GER. Some medications work better than others; there is still more research that needs to be done on pediatric GERD medications as there have been few to no pediatric clinical trials for most FDA-approved GERD medications.
Many doctors agree that young children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and GERD benefit from lifestyle changes, before and/or after prescribing GERD medications. Physicians characterize children with GER as “happy spitters.” But GERD suffers frequently refuse food, fail to gain an adequate amount of weight and they are irritable or sad the majority of the time.
Some of physician-recommended lifestyle changes for babies, infants and older children include thickening formula (for infants), more frequent, smaller feedings or meals and upright positioning after feeding or eating.
But even the youngest of GERD suffers should be able to get effective pharmacological-based treatment, as there a number of medications available on the market that are suitable for pediatric populations.
A pediatric gastroenterologist will consider a number of factors when prescribing medications, including the weight of the child, the severity of the GERD and avoiding other medications that may not have appeared to be as effective in the past.
As Dr. Ben Gold, Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology Director, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Emory, explains, there are a number of different classes of medications that are available for pediatric GERD sufferers. Antacids over the counters medicine, including Maalox. Tums and Rolaids are typically used for the mildest version of esophageal discomfort.
Acid reducers, Histamine 2 receptor blockers, also known as H2 blockers and the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the three main classes of medications used to treat GERD.
Ranitidine, an acid-reducer, more commonly known as Zantac is frequently prescribed for children.
The stronger PPI medications for more severe GERD cases, said Dr. Gold, are very effective.
Lansoprazole (also known as Prevacid) is suitable for ages 1-17; Omeprazole (also known as Prilosec) is suitable for children ages 2-16; and Esomeprazole (also known as Nexium) are some examples of medications suitable for older children ages 12-17, according to Dr. Gold. Some adult GERD medications, including many PPIs have not yet been approved for use in younger children. .
“When it comes to symptom resolution and disease resolution of GERD, PPIs are superior to acid blockers,” Dr. Gold said. He noted, however, that many PPIs have significant side effects. Depending on the dose and the specific medication, these side effects may include abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, lightheadedness, headache and rash.
Some other studies have found that prescribing drugs like Prilosec for pediatric patients, might mean they could face risks of pancreatitis and/or liver problems.
Many doctors like Dr, Gold stress the importance of taking a conservative approach, and not prescribing stronger medications than necessary, especially if a child has a milder version of GER or GERD.
Physicians typically prescribe a medication to see if it will work, assessing the child to see if the GERD symptoms have improved or not after about two weeks.
Then the pediatric gastroenterologist will consider a stronger dosage or a different medication altogether.
The North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hematology and Nutrition released guidelines in 2001 for appropriate medication usage among children with GERD.
In some instances, typically the most extreme cases of pediatric and adolescent GERD, a pediatric gastroenterologist may recommend corrective surgery. These typically are minimally invasive procedures.
One of the more common procedures to treat GERD or reflex is called Nissen fundoplication. This procedure wraps the top part of the stomach around the bottom part of the esophagus creating a collar. Once this procedure has been completed, the collar around the esophagus effectively prevents reflux from occurring.
But as Dr. Gold states, there is a common misperception that surgery is the last resort. He often recommends surgery for patients who have “experienced moderate success” with GERD medications, but who want surgery for a variety of different reasons. Patients, Dr. Gold, may get tired of taking multiple medications and/or continue to have mild to moderate symptoms of reflux.
Summer 2006
Treating GERD with medications
By Pamela Appea
Pediatric gastroenterologists may not be able to agree how many GERD cases there are in the pediatric population, but many agree that GERD is on the rise among both boys and girls from ages 0-17.
But regardless of when GERD starts or when it is diagnosed, pharmacological treatment can and should be available to even the youngest GERD patients.
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease in infant children may be difficult to treat for a variety of reasons. Firstly, parents of infants may assume that GERD is colic or simply resign themselves to crying, excessive vomiting and extreme discomfort before they actually seek treatment from a physician.
Secondly, once the child has visited a pediatrician, it may take some time before GERD sufferers are referred to a specialist and received a formal diagnosis. Pediatricians usually want to rule out other factors for vomiting, including allergic reactions to food and/or formula, adverse reactions to second-hand cigarette smoke.
Thirdly, some parents chose to delay seeing a specialist or getting the GERD tests done since they may cause the child discomfort, require fasting and the procedures often feature tubes that go into your nose, down your throat into your esophagus.
Once a pediatric gastroenterologist meets with the child (and his/her parents), it may take some time to find the right medication and the right dosage of medication to effectively treat the GER. Some medications work better than others; there is still more research that needs to be done on pediatric GERD medications as there have been few to no pediatric clinical trials for most FDA-approved GERD medications.
Many doctors agree that young children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and GERD benefit from lifestyle changes, before and/or after prescribing GERD medications. Physicians characterize children with GER as “happy spitters.” But GERD suffers frequently refuse food, fail to gain an adequate amount of weight and they are irritable or sad the majority of the time.
Some of physician-recommended lifestyle changes for babies, infants and older children include thickening formula (for infants), more frequent, smaller feedings or meals and upright positioning after feeding or eating.
But even the youngest of GERD suffers should be able to get effective pharmacological-based treatment, as there a number of medications available on the market that are suitable for pediatric populations.
A pediatric gastroenterologist will consider a number of factors when prescribing medications, including the weight of the child, the severity of the GERD and avoiding other medications that may not have appeared to be as effective in the past.
As Dr. Ben Gold, Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology Director, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Emory, explains, there are a number of different classes of medications that are available for pediatric GERD sufferers. Antacids over the counters medicine, including Maalox. Tums and Rolaids are typically used for the mildest version of esophageal discomfort.
Acid reducers, Histamine 2 receptor blockers, also known as H2 blockers and the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the three main classes of medications used to treat GERD.
Ranitidine, an acid-reducer, more commonly known as Zantac is frequently prescribed for children.
The stronger PPI medications for more severe GERD cases, said Dr. Gold, are very effective.
Lansoprazole (also known as Prevacid) is suitable for ages 1-17; Omeprazole (also known as Prilosec) is suitable for children ages 2-16; and Esomeprazole (also known as Nexium) are some examples of medications suitable for older children ages 12-17, according to Dr. Gold. Some adult GERD medications, including many PPIs have not yet been approved for use in younger children. .
“When it comes to symptom resolution and disease resolution of GERD, PPIs are superior to acid blockers,” Dr. Gold said. He noted, however, that many PPIs have significant side effects. Depending on the dose and the specific medication, these side effects may include abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, lightheadedness, headache and rash.
Some other studies have found that prescribing drugs like Prilosec for pediatric patients, might mean they could face risks of pancreatitis and/or liver problems.
Many doctors like Dr, Gold stress the importance of taking a conservative approach, and not prescribing stronger medications than necessary, especially if a child has a milder version of GER or GERD.
Physicians typically prescribe a medication to see if it will work, assessing the child to see if the GERD symptoms have improved or not after about two weeks.
Then the pediatric gastroenterologist will consider a stronger dosage or a different medication altogether.
The North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hematology and Nutrition released guidelines in 2001 for appropriate medication usage among children with GERD.
In some instances, typically the most extreme cases of pediatric and adolescent GERD, a pediatric gastroenterologist may recommend corrective surgery. These typically are minimally invasive procedures.
One of the more common procedures to treat GERD or reflex is called Nissen fundoplication. This procedure wraps the top part of the stomach around the bottom part of the esophagus creating a collar. Once this procedure has been completed, the collar around the esophagus effectively prevents reflux from occurring.
But as Dr. Gold states, there is a common misperception that surgery is the last resort. He often recommends surgery for patients who have “experienced moderate success” with GERD medications, but who want surgery for a variety of different reasons. Patients, Dr. Gold, may get tired of taking multiple medications and/or continue to have mild to moderate symptoms of reflux.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Nonprofit CEO wants to expand talent showcase, Crain's New York Business
Nonprofit CEO wants to expand talent showcase
CRAIN'S
by Pamela Appea
April 2006
Ian Gerard, the chief executive of Gen Art, throws parties for a living.
Sure, the former corporate lawyer must balance 70-plus-hour work weeks, constant traveling and negotiating for corporate sponsors to help produce more than 100 events a year for the nonprofit that helps brings exposure to young and up-and-coming fashion designers, musicians and other artists get exposure.
But Mr. Gerard, 37, makes it all look easy.
In January, though sleep deprived, he sat in his office sipping diet cola and calmly musing about his quest for the perfect work-life balance. Just 15 hours earlier he had been in Utah overseeing a celebrity-studded Sundance party for 1,200 at Legacy Lodge Park Resort, co-sponsored with Starbucks and MySpace.com.
"Ian was out for two hours in the 15-degree weather in his shirtsleeves working the door at Sundance. How many CEOs do you know who would do that?" said Charles Sommer, a friend from Mr. Gerard’s law school days and founder of Doubleagent.com, which offers online advice to men about dating, relationships and style.
As a self-described non-insider, his goal is to find new talent and bring it into the open. "Virtually all of our events are open to the public. We open our events to art enthusiasts, film enthusiasts, music enthusiasts," Mr. Gerard said. "That’s very rare, especially in invite-only cities like New York or Los Angeles."
He co-founded Gen Art in 1993 with brother Stefan and Melissa Neuman, a prominent third-generation Manhattan art collector. Armed with a $5,000 loan from their parents, the brothers and Ms. Neuman corralled a team of volunteers to get the labor of love started.
"Every day has highs and lows and you need to brush off the lows and move on," Mr. Gerard said, crediting the dozens of staffers on Gen Art’s team for helping the non-profit succeed.
The dedication seems to be paying off. The company was among the first to showcase the work of Hollywood designer and P. Diddy confidante Zac Posen. Manhattan-based fashion designer Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss is another longtime fan.
Gen Art has built a wide base of corporate sponsors, and exclusive partnerships for events and it sells tickets and memberships. This year the company should generate revenue of about $5 million, Mr. Gerard said.
Gen Art will open a sixth location in the U.S., or perhaps its first international office, in either Toronto or London this year, Mr. Gerard said. Plans call for a bigger online presence and more events spread over a wider area.
"People want to know what the next generation of talent will be," Mr. Gerard said. "That’s what I want to provide."
NAME: Ian Gerard AGE: 37
RESUME: CEO and co-founder of Gen Art.
Real estate lawyer at Latham & Watkins and at Kalkines, Arky, Zali & Bernstein
EDUCATION: New York University School of Law, Vassar College
TASK: Expanding Gen Art’s online presence with a new Web magazine called Gen Art Pulse (http://www.genartpulse.com/) that covers film, art, music, travel, fashion and design. Developing more events over a wider area.
PERSONAL: Born and raised on Upper East Side. Single, lives in Greenwich Village
HOBBIES: Walking whenever he gets a chance and traveling to Spain and Portugal, Scandinavia and Caribbean Islands.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Expecting times two or three or four
Expecting times two or three or four
Clinic Cares for women pregnant with twins or more
By Pamela Appea
Barbara Luke is a firm advocate of bed rest. At least that’s what she prescribes for women expecting twins, triplets or quadruplets.
Luke, a nutritionists and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan, founded her 4-year-old clinic to provide personal care and specialized treatment for women expecting multiple babies. The clinic helps to meet a growing need.
Statistics from the National Center for Health show that there were more than 110,000 multiple births in the United States in 1997.
“It’s a huge rise in the last 10-15 years,” Luke said.
Luke, 49, said her method gets results.
Women who go to her clinic have babies that are born later, heavier and healthier than those of mothers who don’t get such counseling, she said.
Luke hopes to reach even more women with her recently published book, “When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads” which she co-authored with Tamara Eberlein, a New York mother of twins. Luke’s patients quickly find out that their pregnancies are different from what she calls a singleton pregnancy.
Kristi L. K. Mawby, 31, who lives in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan first went to see Luke when she was eight weeks pregnant back in 1996. The rules laid down by Luke at Mawby’s first appointment were intimidating, Mawby said.
“First you will gain lots of weight,” she recalled Luke saying. “I was hoping not to. Second you will eat protein, red meat, until its coming out of your ears; third was all of the vitamin supplements; fourth you will rest. You will stop working; you will be lazy and gestate.”
“Maybe I was in denial of what a twin pregnancy was about,” Mawby continued.
“At first I thought, “You’ve got to be kidding. It’s not that bad.”
But as Mawby learned more about twin pregnancies, she began to see Luke’s advice as sound. Put on bed rest for eight weeks, Mawby later delivered at 38 ½ weeks. Her twins, a boy and a girl, will be 3 in May.
Although multiple births have become more common, Luke said. many people don’t seem to understand the risks involved, including low-birth weight, learning disabilities and other long-term effects if babies are born prematurely.
Good nutrition and proper care help to significantly reduce these risks, she said. Many expectant mothers of multiples, Luke said, are guilty of not taking care of themselves or continuing a high-paced lifestyle at work and home. And the main detrimental result of not slowing down is the risk of premature delivery, Luke said.
Part of her job as a nutritionist, coach and advocate for women expecting multiples, she said, is to get mothers to relax and take the time to gestate. A multiples pregnancy is different physically, Luke said. Women get larger faster than if they are pregnant with one child.
For example, a woman expecting triplets who is 24 weeks pregnant may look like a woman pregnant with a singleton at 36 weeks, Luke writes in her book.
At first many mothers of multiples are determined to work until their ninth moth, not always realizing that their children may be born a few weeks early and that working can cause stress related problems on the pregnancy. That’s why early on, Luke counsels her patients on the importance of scheduling time off from work well in advance.
Ann Seifart of Jackson took Luke’s advice to heart when she found out she was pregnant with quadruplets in 1996. Seifart, now 46, took off work from her dental hygienist job when she was four months pregnant. Her quadruplets were born at 31 weeks and, though small, all thrived.
“I took things one step at a time,” said Seifart.
“I had success and unfortunately there are women who haven’t.”
Tim Johnson, chair of the OB/GYN clinic at the University of Michigan, said Luke’s clinic and research on multiples is an effective part of the [University of Michigan’s] multidisciplinary effort.
A woman’s regular check-appointment may only be 15 minutes, Johnson said.So that’s why it’s important that a team of nurse-midwives, nutritionists, social workers and other health care providers supplement the prenatal care women expecting multiple babies receive, Johnson said.
“You can imagine why patients love Dr. Luke. The doctors love her and the hospital loves her. Having healthier babies is good for everybody,” Johnson said.
At a patient’s first visit to her clinic, Luke puts the emphasis on nutrition, particularly during the first trimester. The early weeks—the first 13 to 14 weeks— of the pregnancy are the most crucial.“That’s really when the major organs are formed,” Luke said.
“The risks of birth defects are greatest during that period.”Luke finds patients often get unhelpful advice, such as, “Try not to gain too much weight,” from family members and others. Luke’s advice is to eat as much as possible during a multiples pregnancy.
One of her biggest battles, Luke said, is convincing women that during such a pregnancy is not the time to watch her weight.Luke has counseled mothers of 150 sets of twins, a dozen sets of triplets and Seifert, the mother of the quadruplets.
Despite the long hours, Luke said she can’t imagine doing any other type of work.“I really love what I do,” she said. “I realize admire my patients. The women have tremendous strengths.”
And the best thing for the nutritional health expert, she said, is hearing from former patients months or years afterwards about their children.“It’s a vote of confidence that we’re doing it right,” Luke said.
*Copyright 2000 by Pamela Appea for The Ann Arbor News.
Clinic Cares for women pregnant with twins or more
By Pamela Appea
Barbara Luke is a firm advocate of bed rest. At least that’s what she prescribes for women expecting twins, triplets or quadruplets.
Luke, a nutritionists and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan, founded her 4-year-old clinic to provide personal care and specialized treatment for women expecting multiple babies. The clinic helps to meet a growing need.
Statistics from the National Center for Health show that there were more than 110,000 multiple births in the United States in 1997.
“It’s a huge rise in the last 10-15 years,” Luke said.
Luke, 49, said her method gets results.
Women who go to her clinic have babies that are born later, heavier and healthier than those of mothers who don’t get such counseling, she said.
Luke hopes to reach even more women with her recently published book, “When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads” which she co-authored with Tamara Eberlein, a New York mother of twins. Luke’s patients quickly find out that their pregnancies are different from what she calls a singleton pregnancy.
Kristi L. K. Mawby, 31, who lives in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan first went to see Luke when she was eight weeks pregnant back in 1996. The rules laid down by Luke at Mawby’s first appointment were intimidating, Mawby said.
“First you will gain lots of weight,” she recalled Luke saying. “I was hoping not to. Second you will eat protein, red meat, until its coming out of your ears; third was all of the vitamin supplements; fourth you will rest. You will stop working; you will be lazy and gestate.”
“Maybe I was in denial of what a twin pregnancy was about,” Mawby continued.
“At first I thought, “You’ve got to be kidding. It’s not that bad.”
But as Mawby learned more about twin pregnancies, she began to see Luke’s advice as sound. Put on bed rest for eight weeks, Mawby later delivered at 38 ½ weeks. Her twins, a boy and a girl, will be 3 in May.
Although multiple births have become more common, Luke said. many people don’t seem to understand the risks involved, including low-birth weight, learning disabilities and other long-term effects if babies are born prematurely.
Good nutrition and proper care help to significantly reduce these risks, she said. Many expectant mothers of multiples, Luke said, are guilty of not taking care of themselves or continuing a high-paced lifestyle at work and home. And the main detrimental result of not slowing down is the risk of premature delivery, Luke said.
Part of her job as a nutritionist, coach and advocate for women expecting multiples, she said, is to get mothers to relax and take the time to gestate. A multiples pregnancy is different physically, Luke said. Women get larger faster than if they are pregnant with one child.
For example, a woman expecting triplets who is 24 weeks pregnant may look like a woman pregnant with a singleton at 36 weeks, Luke writes in her book.
At first many mothers of multiples are determined to work until their ninth moth, not always realizing that their children may be born a few weeks early and that working can cause stress related problems on the pregnancy. That’s why early on, Luke counsels her patients on the importance of scheduling time off from work well in advance.
Ann Seifart of Jackson took Luke’s advice to heart when she found out she was pregnant with quadruplets in 1996. Seifart, now 46, took off work from her dental hygienist job when she was four months pregnant. Her quadruplets were born at 31 weeks and, though small, all thrived.
“I took things one step at a time,” said Seifart.
“I had success and unfortunately there are women who haven’t.”
Tim Johnson, chair of the OB/GYN clinic at the University of Michigan, said Luke’s clinic and research on multiples is an effective part of the [University of Michigan’s] multidisciplinary effort.
A woman’s regular check-appointment may only be 15 minutes, Johnson said.So that’s why it’s important that a team of nurse-midwives, nutritionists, social workers and other health care providers supplement the prenatal care women expecting multiple babies receive, Johnson said.
“You can imagine why patients love Dr. Luke. The doctors love her and the hospital loves her. Having healthier babies is good for everybody,” Johnson said.
At a patient’s first visit to her clinic, Luke puts the emphasis on nutrition, particularly during the first trimester. The early weeks—the first 13 to 14 weeks— of the pregnancy are the most crucial.“That’s really when the major organs are formed,” Luke said.
“The risks of birth defects are greatest during that period.”Luke finds patients often get unhelpful advice, such as, “Try not to gain too much weight,” from family members and others. Luke’s advice is to eat as much as possible during a multiples pregnancy.
One of her biggest battles, Luke said, is convincing women that during such a pregnancy is not the time to watch her weight.Luke has counseled mothers of 150 sets of twins, a dozen sets of triplets and Seifert, the mother of the quadruplets.
Despite the long hours, Luke said she can’t imagine doing any other type of work.“I really love what I do,” she said. “I realize admire my patients. The women have tremendous strengths.”
And the best thing for the nutritional health expert, she said, is hearing from former patients months or years afterwards about their children.“It’s a vote of confidence that we’re doing it right,” Luke said.
*Copyright 2000 by Pamela Appea for The Ann Arbor News.
Growing concerns about inhaled steroids? Asthma Magazine
Growing concerns about inhaled steroids?
ASTHMA MAGAZINE
By Pamela Appea
Starting your child on inhaled corticosteroids, asthma and allergy experts say, can be one of the most important steps in helping your child better manage his or her persistent asthma.
However, in 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to require inhaled corticosteroids, commonly referred to as steroids, to bear a label stating that kids who take the drug may experience delayed growth. Although parents may be concerned about giving their children these drugs, pediatric asthma and allergy specialists say this concern is unwarranted.
Allergy and asthma experts have found it challenging enough to get their young patients--around 5 million U.S. children have asthma--to use inhaled corticosteroids on a daily basis as recommended by national experts.So with the FDA-mandated labeling change, many experts fear parents are discouraged from choosing to give their children this medicine.
"There is a lot of steroid phobia," says Michael Blaiss, MD, vice president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and clinical professor of pediatrics and medicine at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.
Some older studies have shown that, when kids take these corticosteroids, they may experience a slowed rate of growth. The FDA thinks it is still unclear as to whether inhaled corticosteroids pose any long-term risks to a child's final height. These and other questions about corticosteroids are enough to make a parent ask: Are inhaled corticosteroids necessary? Among most pediatric asthma and allergy experts, the answer is a resounding yes.
Asthma experts say the first step is to know what inhaled corticosteroids are. For example, Blaiss explains that the steroids some athletes take to increase performance are in an entirely different class of medication than corticosteroids used for asthma.
When parents hear the doctor say inhaled steroids will be part of their child's asthma treatment, they may negatively associate that medicine with the kind of steroids athletes use.Parents often don't understand the difference and are afraid for no reason, Blaiss says.
"Estrogen is a steroid, yet there is no fear about taking estrogen," says William Berger, MD, president-elect of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California in Irvine.
Taking their inhaled steroids may help children with asthma live fuller lives, he emphasizes, which is why it's important for parents to take their child's asthma seriously. It's important to understand the long-term benefits of inhaled corticosteroids, just as a diabetes patient knows that continuous treatment and medical care are essential.
How inhaled corticosteroids work.Inhaled corticosteroids, delivered through a small asthma inhaler (either a traditional metered dose inhaler or a newer dry powder inhaler), reduce and prevent swelling and inflammation in the bronchi, the airways of the lungs.
Specialists will prescribe specific medications so that kids can have better relief for long-term control of asthma symptoms.
Corticosteroids also come in a nasal inhaler preparation for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Inhaled corticosteroids are preventive medicines.
They do not work like quick-relief inhalers and will not stop or relieve symptoms for a child in the middle of an asthma attack. They must be taken on a daily, long-term basis to be effective.
What research shows:Recent studies, including two published reports in The New England Journal of Medicine, found the definitive benefits of inhaled corticosteroids far outweigh the risks. Although children in the study did measure about 0.4 inches shorter than children on nonsteroid drugs after the first year of treatment, the researchers found that this growth lag disappeared in the following years.
So, as Finegold points out, the kids caught up and suffered no permanent loss from their adult height.
In addition, research from the Childhood Asthma Management Program funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute showed inhaled corticosteroids provided superior asthma control.
Compared with children on placebo, kids treated with corticosteroids had: 45% fewer urgent care visits 43% hospitalizations 45% less use of oral corticosteroids (used to treat severe exacerbations) 30% fewer days in which additional asthma medication was needed 22% more episode-free days.
Parents can take steps to ensure their child takes inhaled corticosteroids as safely as possible to minimize side effects. When taking these medicines with a traditional inhaler, it is important for the child to use a spacer attached to the inhaler. This device allows more medicine to be breathed into the lungs and less to end up in the mouth and throat, where it is swallowed and produces more systemic side effects. It is also important for the child to rinse, gargle, and spit after taking this medicine.
The focus on the inhaled steroid debate, Berger says, has approached the issue from the wrong angle."
Untreated asthma really hurts a child early growth," he says, a fact that physicians have known for years. Kids will be smaller and weaker if they don't take medications they need, he says.
Also, specialists most often prescribe inhaled corticosteroids to kids who have developed a moderate-to-severe chronic form of asthma, which means the asthma episodes are frequent, debilitating, and affecting quality of life. Most kids do extremely well when given low dosages of inhaled corticosteroids and regular check-ups.
"Five thousand people die from asthma every year," Berger says, including many children.
The best way parents should show their concern is to take the disease seriously and get their kids the treatment they need. Asthma specialists agree that research from the past 25 years has shown inhaled corticosteroids effectively help kids control asthma and lead a productive life in school, on the playground, at home, and beyond.
"These are lifesaving drugs," Berger emphasizes."As with all medications, there are some risks. However, the risks are minimal compared with the benefits."Guidelines to help your child use his or her medications.
Always give medicines as prescribed by your child's doctor.
Do not use medicines after the expiration date on the package.
Have your child rinse and gargle with water after each use to limit the amount of medication
that enters the body by being swallowed. This activity reduces the likelihood of side effects.
Keep medications out of the reach of children.
Understand that it may take a few weeks for these medicines to begin to work.
Using a spacer can help more medicine reach the lungs and less to collect in the mouth and throat, where it will be swallowed.
Source: The Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati
Copyright 2002 by Pamela Appea for Asthma Magazine.
Reprint orders: Mosby, Inc., 11830 Westline Industrial Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146-3318; phone (314) 453-4350. Reprint no. 78/1/123558doi:10.1067/mas.2002.123558.http://www2.us.elsevierhealth.com/scripts/om.dll/serve?action=searchDB&searchDBfor=art&artType=full&id=a123558
ASTHMA MAGAZINE
By Pamela Appea
Starting your child on inhaled corticosteroids, asthma and allergy experts say, can be one of the most important steps in helping your child better manage his or her persistent asthma.
However, in 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to require inhaled corticosteroids, commonly referred to as steroids, to bear a label stating that kids who take the drug may experience delayed growth. Although parents may be concerned about giving their children these drugs, pediatric asthma and allergy specialists say this concern is unwarranted.
Allergy and asthma experts have found it challenging enough to get their young patients--around 5 million U.S. children have asthma--to use inhaled corticosteroids on a daily basis as recommended by national experts.So with the FDA-mandated labeling change, many experts fear parents are discouraged from choosing to give their children this medicine.
"There is a lot of steroid phobia," says Michael Blaiss, MD, vice president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and clinical professor of pediatrics and medicine at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.
Some older studies have shown that, when kids take these corticosteroids, they may experience a slowed rate of growth. The FDA thinks it is still unclear as to whether inhaled corticosteroids pose any long-term risks to a child's final height. These and other questions about corticosteroids are enough to make a parent ask: Are inhaled corticosteroids necessary? Among most pediatric asthma and allergy experts, the answer is a resounding yes.
Asthma experts say the first step is to know what inhaled corticosteroids are. For example, Blaiss explains that the steroids some athletes take to increase performance are in an entirely different class of medication than corticosteroids used for asthma.
When parents hear the doctor say inhaled steroids will be part of their child's asthma treatment, they may negatively associate that medicine with the kind of steroids athletes use.Parents often don't understand the difference and are afraid for no reason, Blaiss says.
"Estrogen is a steroid, yet there is no fear about taking estrogen," says William Berger, MD, president-elect of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California in Irvine.
Taking their inhaled steroids may help children with asthma live fuller lives, he emphasizes, which is why it's important for parents to take their child's asthma seriously. It's important to understand the long-term benefits of inhaled corticosteroids, just as a diabetes patient knows that continuous treatment and medical care are essential.
How inhaled corticosteroids work.Inhaled corticosteroids, delivered through a small asthma inhaler (either a traditional metered dose inhaler or a newer dry powder inhaler), reduce and prevent swelling and inflammation in the bronchi, the airways of the lungs.
Specialists will prescribe specific medications so that kids can have better relief for long-term control of asthma symptoms.
Corticosteroids also come in a nasal inhaler preparation for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Inhaled corticosteroids are preventive medicines.
They do not work like quick-relief inhalers and will not stop or relieve symptoms for a child in the middle of an asthma attack. They must be taken on a daily, long-term basis to be effective.
What research shows:Recent studies, including two published reports in The New England Journal of Medicine, found the definitive benefits of inhaled corticosteroids far outweigh the risks. Although children in the study did measure about 0.4 inches shorter than children on nonsteroid drugs after the first year of treatment, the researchers found that this growth lag disappeared in the following years.
So, as Finegold points out, the kids caught up and suffered no permanent loss from their adult height.
In addition, research from the Childhood Asthma Management Program funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute showed inhaled corticosteroids provided superior asthma control.
Compared with children on placebo, kids treated with corticosteroids had: 45% fewer urgent care visits 43% hospitalizations 45% less use of oral corticosteroids (used to treat severe exacerbations) 30% fewer days in which additional asthma medication was needed 22% more episode-free days.
Parents can take steps to ensure their child takes inhaled corticosteroids as safely as possible to minimize side effects. When taking these medicines with a traditional inhaler, it is important for the child to use a spacer attached to the inhaler. This device allows more medicine to be breathed into the lungs and less to end up in the mouth and throat, where it is swallowed and produces more systemic side effects. It is also important for the child to rinse, gargle, and spit after taking this medicine.
The focus on the inhaled steroid debate, Berger says, has approached the issue from the wrong angle."
Untreated asthma really hurts a child early growth," he says, a fact that physicians have known for years. Kids will be smaller and weaker if they don't take medications they need, he says.
Also, specialists most often prescribe inhaled corticosteroids to kids who have developed a moderate-to-severe chronic form of asthma, which means the asthma episodes are frequent, debilitating, and affecting quality of life. Most kids do extremely well when given low dosages of inhaled corticosteroids and regular check-ups.
"Five thousand people die from asthma every year," Berger says, including many children.
The best way parents should show their concern is to take the disease seriously and get their kids the treatment they need. Asthma specialists agree that research from the past 25 years has shown inhaled corticosteroids effectively help kids control asthma and lead a productive life in school, on the playground, at home, and beyond.
"These are lifesaving drugs," Berger emphasizes."As with all medications, there are some risks. However, the risks are minimal compared with the benefits."Guidelines to help your child use his or her medications.
Always give medicines as prescribed by your child's doctor.
Do not use medicines after the expiration date on the package.
Have your child rinse and gargle with water after each use to limit the amount of medication
that enters the body by being swallowed. This activity reduces the likelihood of side effects.
Keep medications out of the reach of children.
Understand that it may take a few weeks for these medicines to begin to work.
Using a spacer can help more medicine reach the lungs and less to collect in the mouth and throat, where it will be swallowed.
Source: The Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati
Copyright 2002 by Pamela Appea for Asthma Magazine.
Reprint orders: Mosby, Inc., 11830 Westline Industrial Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146-3318; phone (314) 453-4350. Reprint no. 78/1/123558doi:10.1067/mas.2002.123558.http://www2.us.elsevierhealth.com/scripts/om.dll/serve?action=searchDB&searchDBfor=art&artType=full&id=a123558
Rural Poor, Uninsured Are Half the Visitors to Health Centers, Community Health Funding Report
Rural Poor, Uninsured Are Half the Visitors to Health Centers
Expanding community-health centers to make it easier for patients to visit their doctors would strengthen the U.S. health-care safety network and enhance continuity of health care for medically underserved individuals and families, a new study indicates.
Primary-care visits by uninsured or Medicaid-insured patients accounted for 65% of visits to community health centers and 43% to hospital outpatient departments, says the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In 1998, about 33 million adults in the United States ages 18 to 64 lacked health insurance and benefits.
The study also shows most patients using HHS-supported health centers are racial or ethnic minorities, people with Medicaid or no health insurance and people living in rural areas, says Dr. Claude Earle Fox, HRSA administrator.
HRSA invests $4.6 billion annually as the main HHS agency in charge of improving health care access for uninsured individuals and families in the United States.
Uninsured individuals say they cannot see a doctor when necessary because of the cost and are less likely to get routine physicals. The report shows long-term uninsured adults often were unable to see a health-care practitioner for cancer screenings, cardiovascular risk-reduction and diabetes care, though they may be at a higher risk of developing chronic disease or other health problems.
“Continuity of care is the heart and soul of wellness for patients, particularly with chronic conditions. Continuos and timely treatment can curb complicated , costly procedures down the road,” says Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston, HRSA associate administrator for primary care and assistant surgeon general.
Christopher Forrest and Ellen-Marie Whelan are the lead authors of the study, Primary Care Safety-Net Providers in the United States: a Comparison of Community Health Centers, Hospital Outpatient Departments and Physician Offices.
Info: HRSA, http://www.hrsa.gov;/ http://jama.ama-assn.org/.
Community Health Funding Report
October 27, 2000
Expanding community-health centers to make it easier for patients to visit their doctors would strengthen the U.S. health-care safety network and enhance continuity of health care for medically underserved individuals and families, a new study indicates.
Primary-care visits by uninsured or Medicaid-insured patients accounted for 65% of visits to community health centers and 43% to hospital outpatient departments, says the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In 1998, about 33 million adults in the United States ages 18 to 64 lacked health insurance and benefits.
The study also shows most patients using HHS-supported health centers are racial or ethnic minorities, people with Medicaid or no health insurance and people living in rural areas, says Dr. Claude Earle Fox, HRSA administrator.
HRSA invests $4.6 billion annually as the main HHS agency in charge of improving health care access for uninsured individuals and families in the United States.
Uninsured individuals say they cannot see a doctor when necessary because of the cost and are less likely to get routine physicals. The report shows long-term uninsured adults often were unable to see a health-care practitioner for cancer screenings, cardiovascular risk-reduction and diabetes care, though they may be at a higher risk of developing chronic disease or other health problems.
“Continuity of care is the heart and soul of wellness for patients, particularly with chronic conditions. Continuos and timely treatment can curb complicated , costly procedures down the road,” says Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston, HRSA associate administrator for primary care and assistant surgeon general.
Christopher Forrest and Ellen-Marie Whelan are the lead authors of the study, Primary Care Safety-Net Providers in the United States: a Comparison of Community Health Centers, Hospital Outpatient Departments and Physician Offices.
Info: HRSA, http://www.hrsa.gov;/ http://jama.ama-assn.org/.
Community Health Funding Report
October 27, 2000
Kids Learn to Break Cycle of Addiction
Kids Learn to Break Cycle of Addiction
New York—Many children end up homeless because of parental substance abuse; studies show these kids are themselves at high risk of drug or alcohol dependency.
The Dallas-based nonprofit Rainbow Days works to break this cycle by giving homeless and nonhomeless kids individualized life-skills training and support in their schools, communities and homes, Cathy Brown, Rainbow Day’s executive director, tells attendees at an Institute for Children and Poverty conference.
Rainbow Days’ Family Connection program works with kids in small groups to help them deal with decision-making, family, friends and school. Each group gives kids age-appropriate ways to deal with substance-abuse issues.
Program participants also enroll in short-term university camps, summer camps and art groups, where they develop life skills and a strong conviction against using drugs or alcohol. Parents and guardians can participate.
Part of Rainbow Day’s strategy is giving children community-service obligations. Brown says people come to her, asking incredulously, “You have homeless children doing community service?” Brown’s reply: “You bet.” Over 32,000 children and youth have enrolled in Rainbow Days-sponsored programs since its inception, Sandi McFarland, a training administrative specialist tells CYF.
How Rainbow Days got started
After coming to terms with her own alcoholism 19 years ago, Brown realized that her young daughter was also at risk. Using her experience as a teacher and counselor, Brown started working with a small group of children, including her daughter, affected by parental addiction. Rainbow Days became incorporated in 1982.
Soon after, Brown began working with children at a Dallas shelter. Since then, Rainbow Days has spread to homeless shelters across the city.
The program has been honored by the federal Housing & Urban Development Dept.
Some 80% of Rainbow Days’ $2.5 million operating budget comes from federal grants; the rest comes from sources such as the Texas Commission on Alcohol & Drugs, the Texas Criminal Division and the United Way.
Info: Brown, 214/887-0726; www.rdikids.org.
Written by Pamela Appea
Children & Youth Funding Report
Community Development Publications
April 18, 2001
New York—Many children end up homeless because of parental substance abuse; studies show these kids are themselves at high risk of drug or alcohol dependency.
The Dallas-based nonprofit Rainbow Days works to break this cycle by giving homeless and nonhomeless kids individualized life-skills training and support in their schools, communities and homes, Cathy Brown, Rainbow Day’s executive director, tells attendees at an Institute for Children and Poverty conference.
Rainbow Days’ Family Connection program works with kids in small groups to help them deal with decision-making, family, friends and school. Each group gives kids age-appropriate ways to deal with substance-abuse issues.
Program participants also enroll in short-term university camps, summer camps and art groups, where they develop life skills and a strong conviction against using drugs or alcohol. Parents and guardians can participate.
Part of Rainbow Day’s strategy is giving children community-service obligations. Brown says people come to her, asking incredulously, “You have homeless children doing community service?” Brown’s reply: “You bet.” Over 32,000 children and youth have enrolled in Rainbow Days-sponsored programs since its inception, Sandi McFarland, a training administrative specialist tells CYF.
How Rainbow Days got started
After coming to terms with her own alcoholism 19 years ago, Brown realized that her young daughter was also at risk. Using her experience as a teacher and counselor, Brown started working with a small group of children, including her daughter, affected by parental addiction. Rainbow Days became incorporated in 1982.
Soon after, Brown began working with children at a Dallas shelter. Since then, Rainbow Days has spread to homeless shelters across the city.
The program has been honored by the federal Housing & Urban Development Dept.
Some 80% of Rainbow Days’ $2.5 million operating budget comes from federal grants; the rest comes from sources such as the Texas Commission on Alcohol & Drugs, the Texas Criminal Division and the United Way.
Info: Brown, 214/887-0726; www.rdikids.org.
Written by Pamela Appea
Children & Youth Funding Report
Community Development Publications
April 18, 2001
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Martino Atangana and the African Blue Note
Martino Atangana and the African Blue Note
Amandla Newspaper
By Pamela Appea
If you thought the African music scene in New York was close to dead, think again.
Martino Atangana and the African Blue note, a five-member band, have been playing regularly in New York over the past decade. The band's music, a delicious blend of soukous from Cameroon, Nigerian juju music and Ghanaian highlife, among other musical styles, offers something for everyone.
Lead member of the African Blue note, Martino Atangana, a native of Cameroon, has been a musician since the 1970s. Atangana has lived and worked as a musician spanning three continents in almost three decades. While living in Paris in the 1980s and early 1990s, Atangana's music appeared on Paul Simon's 1990 album, The Rhythm of the Saints.
Atangana has also toured with Jean-Luc Ponty from 1991 to 1993, collaborating with two of Ponty's albums, Tchokola and No Absolute Time.
Today, Atangana lives and works in New York.
In addition to Martino Atangana, Azouhouni Adou (keyboards/vocals); Lawrence Flavius (drums); Mamadou Ba (Bass); and Todd Horton ( trumpet/flugelhorn) are all talented veteran musicians.
All of the members of the group are all veterans of international musical tours with everyone from Fela Kuti to Harry Belafonte to the Spin Doctors. They have also performed at Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Museum for African Art, New Jersey Performing Art Center (NJPAC), and countless other venues in the New York/New Jersey areas.
Martino Atangana and the African Blue Note perform regularly at the Zinc Bar in downtown New York on Houston every month. Their next gig will be on August 26th.
http://www.amandlanewspaper.com/html_pages/artcultainment.html
Originally published August 18, 2005
Amandla Newspaper
By Pamela Appea
If you thought the African music scene in New York was close to dead, think again.
Martino Atangana and the African Blue note, a five-member band, have been playing regularly in New York over the past decade. The band's music, a delicious blend of soukous from Cameroon, Nigerian juju music and Ghanaian highlife, among other musical styles, offers something for everyone.
Lead member of the African Blue note, Martino Atangana, a native of Cameroon, has been a musician since the 1970s. Atangana has lived and worked as a musician spanning three continents in almost three decades. While living in Paris in the 1980s and early 1990s, Atangana's music appeared on Paul Simon's 1990 album, The Rhythm of the Saints.
Atangana has also toured with Jean-Luc Ponty from 1991 to 1993, collaborating with two of Ponty's albums, Tchokola and No Absolute Time.
Today, Atangana lives and works in New York.
In addition to Martino Atangana, Azouhouni Adou (keyboards/vocals); Lawrence Flavius (drums); Mamadou Ba (Bass); and Todd Horton ( trumpet/flugelhorn) are all talented veteran musicians.
All of the members of the group are all veterans of international musical tours with everyone from Fela Kuti to Harry Belafonte to the Spin Doctors. They have also performed at Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Museum for African Art, New Jersey Performing Art Center (NJPAC), and countless other venues in the New York/New Jersey areas.
Martino Atangana and the African Blue Note perform regularly at the Zinc Bar in downtown New York on Houston every month. Their next gig will be on August 26th.
http://www.amandlanewspaper.com/html_pages/artcultainment.html
Originally published August 18, 2005
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Gossip Blog on American Idol Column-KPTV Fox 12 Oregon TV Website
Fox 12-Oregon
KPTV
By Pamela Appea
Gossip Blog on American Idol Column
And Then There Were Four (Who is Going Home.)
Originally Published April 30, 2003
I was really shocked when Ruben ended up in the bottom two on Wednesday night. What happened?
To quote Simon (who along with Randy and Paula was utterly shocked), ‘This is a singing competition people.’
It’s hard to eliminate people, and Joshua, however cute he may be, is not as strong as a singer as Ruben. Anyone can tell you that. So Trenyce was the one to go. She took it well. Someone said Ruben was taking his audience for granted. I disagree. I think he isn’t and he is a great, an amazing singer. He looked really worried before Ryan pulled him out of the general group.
**
I just watched American Idol and I am still thinking—wow!
Everyone Ruben, Clay, Trenyce, Kimberley and Joshua were truly good, better than good in a mostly 10 out of 10 kind of way. Still I get a feeling, a strong feeling, that this season’s winner will be a man (a Southern man, sorry Josh!)
So, on Tuesday night, we all got to hear the American Idol finalists sing not just one—but two—songs. I suppose the show producers wanted to start off with a bank, which is why the producers chose the lively 60s songs to go on first, and the quieter, gentler crooning tunes of Neil Sadaka came second. And of course, all of the singers needed a rest break. I would have arranged it so that the Sadaka songs came on first, and the more energetic 1960s came on second, so we could have ended with a bank, but Nigel and his crew didn’t call and consult me.
Do I mention the guest judge was the one, and only Neil Sadaka.
And I suppose the fact that I haven’t heard of him before shows that I need to do some serious music and entertainment cramming. (I do know the 1970s song they played during the introductory clip. As for all the other songs, blame it on a generation gap.) Neil Sadaka is a gentlemen, and I like his positive spirit. He wasn’t quite a Paula, but almost.
Now, let’s get the bad news out the way! All of the judges are ganging up on my Joshua—and that is so unfair! It seems totally unrelated, but Joshua is the only non-Southerner left, like I said already in a previous column.
Simon came right out and said Joshua wasn’t good enough. It was what the other judges didn’t say that was telling. And poor Joshua’s wife looked kind of sad at times too. Was it just me or did they keep on zooming in on Josh’s wife—more than usual?
To his credit, Joshua did do a good job at being a crooner (parts 1950s, part county, part Josh) when he sang the “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” song and then the more upbeat “Bad Blood.” (It’s hard for Joshua to look truly pissed off when he’s singing, as he seems like a pretty low-key guy.) I’ll give my Joshua an 8 or 9 out of 10 (as I am as bad as, if not worse than, Paula) for both songs, but that just wasn’t good enough for the majority of the judges.
Ruben started out with “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Simon was quick to say that the outfit was kind of interesting in a shiny way. Well, actually, I thought the outfit was interesting in a shiny kind of way. Simon didn’t think the outfit was shiny or interesting. He said he gave the outfit a 2 (although he also became the show’s resident expert in drag show apparel when evaluating Trenyce.)
Moving on, Randy thought Ruben was great saying, “You sound like a winner.” Neil said, “I don’t ever get nervous” when Ruben comes on. I am like Neil. Sometimes I do worry whether an American Idol contestant will sing well (like Trenyce or Joshua) although Neil was too much of a gentleman to name names.) Then Ruben picked up the Neil Sadaka song “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” Paula said “stellar,” and Simon said, “absolutely sensational.”
Kimberley Locke sang “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and the Neil Sadaka song “Where the Boys Are.” Randy said “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” was “Good” and Neil said she was “ear delicious.” For the second song, Neil told Kimberley “You did me proud.” And Simon, of all people, told Kimberley, “You’ve raised the bar.” Kimberley looked and sounded great to me and her look is becoming almost diva-ish.
Clay’s songs got a lot of praise—from everyone. For the first song, Clay picked the right song for his voice, “Build me Up, Butter Cup.” (You should probably remember this song from the Something about Mary movie.) Clay danced! (Didn’t you see that Paula?) And he seemed to be having fun in a way that almost approximated Ruben. All in all, Clay did an amazing job. Clay got his highest praise from Neil who told him, “I would kill to produce your first CD.”
But for the second song, “Solitaire,” Clay looked a little sleepy. Did Clay take a nap between the other singers? Or maybe he didn’t have Trenyce’s olive oil to wake him up? Who knows? Anyway, Paula said Clay showed a “vulnerable” side during his “Solitaire” performance (the second song), while Simon said, “You lost some of the facial things.” (Trust Simon to focus on something when he can’t think of anything else to say.
So, let’s sum up. Clay and Ruben are still on top. They were both in top form on Tuesday night and didn’t waver.
If the show is going to continue to rate the bottom three, I guess Joshua, Trenyce and Kimberley Locke will end up there. Not to Ryan: at this point, you guys really shouldn’t call it bottom three. But, that’s just me.
As for other fun and quirky things about Tuesday’s show …
Rickey was happily part of the audience, wearing sunglasses because?
Trenyce looks like a toothpick in the second outfit she wore. You need a little more meat on your bones Trenyce! I’m surprised the olive oil shots aren’t packing on the pounds.
Tia and Tamara (from the show Sister Sister) are definite American Idol groupies these days.
What else?
Ryan had jokes up his sleeve all night, calling Ruben “Big Boy,” changing the music when introducing Simon and picking that bright lime green (I think that was the color. All I know is that my eyes were overcome by the brightness) shirt for Tuesday’s show. Ryan you can’t blame the fashion stylist for everything. I am sure you must own some of these interesting shirts you like to wear!
Tune in on Wednesday night to see who’a going to get voted off!
Originally Published April 30, 2003
KPTV
By Pamela Appea
Gossip Blog on American Idol Column
And Then There Were Four (Who is Going Home.)
Originally Published April 30, 2003
I was really shocked when Ruben ended up in the bottom two on Wednesday night. What happened?
To quote Simon (who along with Randy and Paula was utterly shocked), ‘This is a singing competition people.’
It’s hard to eliminate people, and Joshua, however cute he may be, is not as strong as a singer as Ruben. Anyone can tell you that. So Trenyce was the one to go. She took it well. Someone said Ruben was taking his audience for granted. I disagree. I think he isn’t and he is a great, an amazing singer. He looked really worried before Ryan pulled him out of the general group.
**
I just watched American Idol and I am still thinking—wow!
Everyone Ruben, Clay, Trenyce, Kimberley and Joshua were truly good, better than good in a mostly 10 out of 10 kind of way. Still I get a feeling, a strong feeling, that this season’s winner will be a man (a Southern man, sorry Josh!)
So, on Tuesday night, we all got to hear the American Idol finalists sing not just one—but two—songs. I suppose the show producers wanted to start off with a bank, which is why the producers chose the lively 60s songs to go on first, and the quieter, gentler crooning tunes of Neil Sadaka came second. And of course, all of the singers needed a rest break. I would have arranged it so that the Sadaka songs came on first, and the more energetic 1960s came on second, so we could have ended with a bank, but Nigel and his crew didn’t call and consult me.
Do I mention the guest judge was the one, and only Neil Sadaka.
And I suppose the fact that I haven’t heard of him before shows that I need to do some serious music and entertainment cramming. (I do know the 1970s song they played during the introductory clip. As for all the other songs, blame it on a generation gap.) Neil Sadaka is a gentlemen, and I like his positive spirit. He wasn’t quite a Paula, but almost.
Now, let’s get the bad news out the way! All of the judges are ganging up on my Joshua—and that is so unfair! It seems totally unrelated, but Joshua is the only non-Southerner left, like I said already in a previous column.
Simon came right out and said Joshua wasn’t good enough. It was what the other judges didn’t say that was telling. And poor Joshua’s wife looked kind of sad at times too. Was it just me or did they keep on zooming in on Josh’s wife—more than usual?
To his credit, Joshua did do a good job at being a crooner (parts 1950s, part county, part Josh) when he sang the “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” song and then the more upbeat “Bad Blood.” (It’s hard for Joshua to look truly pissed off when he’s singing, as he seems like a pretty low-key guy.) I’ll give my Joshua an 8 or 9 out of 10 (as I am as bad as, if not worse than, Paula) for both songs, but that just wasn’t good enough for the majority of the judges.
Ruben started out with “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Simon was quick to say that the outfit was kind of interesting in a shiny way. Well, actually, I thought the outfit was interesting in a shiny kind of way. Simon didn’t think the outfit was shiny or interesting. He said he gave the outfit a 2 (although he also became the show’s resident expert in drag show apparel when evaluating Trenyce.)
Moving on, Randy thought Ruben was great saying, “You sound like a winner.” Neil said, “I don’t ever get nervous” when Ruben comes on. I am like Neil. Sometimes I do worry whether an American Idol contestant will sing well (like Trenyce or Joshua) although Neil was too much of a gentleman to name names.) Then Ruben picked up the Neil Sadaka song “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” Paula said “stellar,” and Simon said, “absolutely sensational.”
Kimberley Locke sang “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and the Neil Sadaka song “Where the Boys Are.” Randy said “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” was “Good” and Neil said she was “ear delicious.” For the second song, Neil told Kimberley “You did me proud.” And Simon, of all people, told Kimberley, “You’ve raised the bar.” Kimberley looked and sounded great to me and her look is becoming almost diva-ish.
Clay’s songs got a lot of praise—from everyone. For the first song, Clay picked the right song for his voice, “Build me Up, Butter Cup.” (You should probably remember this song from the Something about Mary movie.) Clay danced! (Didn’t you see that Paula?) And he seemed to be having fun in a way that almost approximated Ruben. All in all, Clay did an amazing job. Clay got his highest praise from Neil who told him, “I would kill to produce your first CD.”
But for the second song, “Solitaire,” Clay looked a little sleepy. Did Clay take a nap between the other singers? Or maybe he didn’t have Trenyce’s olive oil to wake him up? Who knows? Anyway, Paula said Clay showed a “vulnerable” side during his “Solitaire” performance (the second song), while Simon said, “You lost some of the facial things.” (Trust Simon to focus on something when he can’t think of anything else to say.
So, let’s sum up. Clay and Ruben are still on top. They were both in top form on Tuesday night and didn’t waver.
If the show is going to continue to rate the bottom three, I guess Joshua, Trenyce and Kimberley Locke will end up there. Not to Ryan: at this point, you guys really shouldn’t call it bottom three. But, that’s just me.
As for other fun and quirky things about Tuesday’s show …
Rickey was happily part of the audience, wearing sunglasses because?
Trenyce looks like a toothpick in the second outfit she wore. You need a little more meat on your bones Trenyce! I’m surprised the olive oil shots aren’t packing on the pounds.
Tia and Tamara (from the show Sister Sister) are definite American Idol groupies these days.
What else?
Ryan had jokes up his sleeve all night, calling Ruben “Big Boy,” changing the music when introducing Simon and picking that bright lime green (I think that was the color. All I know is that my eyes were overcome by the brightness) shirt for Tuesday’s show. Ryan you can’t blame the fashion stylist for everything. I am sure you must own some of these interesting shirts you like to wear!
Tune in on Wednesday night to see who’a going to get voted off!
Originally Published April 30, 2003
Gossip Blog on American Idol Column, And Then There Were Four (Who is Going Home.)-- Fox 12-Oregon KPTV
Fox 12-Oregon
KPTV
By Pamela Appea
Gossip Blog on American Idol Column
And Then There Were Four (Who is Going Home.)
Originally Published April 30, 2003
I was really shocked when Ruben ended up in the bottom two on Wednesday night. What happened?
To quote Simon (who along with Randy and Paula was utterly shocked), ‘This is a singing competition people.’
It’s hard to eliminate people, and Joshua, however cute he may be, is not as strong as a singer as Ruben. Anyone can tell you that. So Trenyce was the one to go. She took it well. Someone said Ruben was taking his audience for granted. I disagree. I think he isn’t and he is a great, an amazing singer. He looked really worried before Ryan pulled him out of the general group.
**
I just watched American Idol and I am still thinking—wow!
Everyone Ruben, Clay, Trenyce, Kimberley and Joshua were truly good, better than good in a mostly 10 out of 10 kind of way. Still I get a feeling, a strong feeling, that this season’s winner will be a man (a Southern man, sorry Josh!)
So, on Tuesday night, we all got to hear the American Idol finalists sing not just one—but two—songs. I suppose the show producers wanted to start off with a bank, which is why the producers chose the lively 60s songs to go on first, and the quieter, gentler crooning tunes of Neil Sadaka came second. And of course, all of the singers needed a rest break. I would have arranged it so that the Sadaka songs came on first, and the more energetic 1960s came on second, so we could have ended with a bank, but Nigel and his crew didn’t call and consult me.
Do I mention the guest judge was the one, and only Neil Sadaka.
And I suppose the fact that I haven’t heard of him before shows that I need to do some serious music and entertainment cramming. (I do know the 1970s song they played during the introductory clip. As for all the other songs, blame it on a generation gap.) Neil Sadaka is a gentlemen, and I like his positive spirit. He wasn’t quite a Paula, but almost.
Now, let’s get the bad news out the way! All of the judges are ganging up on my Joshua—and that is so unfair! It seems totally unrelated, but Joshua is the only non-Southerner left, like I said already in a previous column.
Simon came right out and said Joshua wasn’t good enough. It was what the other judges didn’t say that was telling. And poor Joshua’s wife looked kind of sad at times too. Was it just me or did they keep on zooming in on Josh’s wife—more than usual?
To his credit, Joshua did do a good job at being a crooner (parts 1950s, part county, part Josh) when he sang the “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” song and then the more upbeat “Bad Blood.” (It’s hard for Joshua to look truly pissed off when he’s singing, as he seems like a pretty low-key guy.) I’ll give my Joshua an 8 or 9 out of 10 (as I am as bad as, if not worse than, Paula) for both songs, but that just wasn’t good enough for the majority of the judges.
Ruben started out with “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Simon was quick to say that the outfit was kind of interesting in a shiny way. Well, actually, I thought the outfit was interesting in a shiny kind of way. Simon didn’t think the outfit was shiny or interesting. He said he gave the outfit a 2 (although he also became the show’s resident expert in drag show apparel when evaluating Trenyce.)
Moving on, Randy thought Ruben was great saying, “You sound like a winner.” Neil said, “I don’t ever get nervous” when Ruben comes on. I am like Neil. Sometimes I do worry whether an American Idol contestant will sing well (like Trenyce or Joshua) although Neil was too much of a gentleman to name names.) Then Ruben picked up the Neil Sadaka song “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” Paula said “stellar,” and Simon said, “absolutely sensational.”
Kimberley Locke sang “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and the Neil Sadaka song “Where the Boys Are.” Randy said “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” was “Good” and Neil said she was “ear delicious.” For the second song, Neil told Kimberley “You did me proud.” And Simon, of all people, told Kimberley, “You’ve raised the bar.” Kimberley looked and sounded great to me and her look is becoming almost diva-ish.
Clay’s songs got a lot of praise—from everyone. For the first song, Clay picked the right song for his voice, “Build me Up, Butter Cup.” (You should probably remember this song from the Something about Mary movie.) Clay danced! (Didn’t you see that Paula?) And he seemed to be having fun in a way that almost approximated Ruben. All in all, Clay did an amazing job. Clay got his highest praise from Neil who told him, “I would kill to produce your first CD.”
But for the second song, “Solitaire,” Clay looked a little sleepy. Did Clay take a nap between the other singers? Or maybe he didn’t have Trenyce’s olive oil to wake him up? Who knows? Anyway, Paula said Clay showed a “vulnerable” side during his “Solitaire” performance (the second song), while Simon said, “You lost some of the facial things.” (Trust Simon to focus on something when he can’t think of anything else to say.
So, let’s sum up. Clay and Ruben are still on top. They were both in top form on Tuesday night and didn’t waver.
If the show is going to continue to rate the bottom three, I guess Joshua, Trenyce and Kimberley Locke will end up there. Not to Ryan: at this point, you guys really shouldn’t call it bottom three. But, that’s just me.
As for other fun and quirky things about Tuesday’s show …
Rickey was happily part of the audience, wearing sunglasses because?
Trenyce looks like a toothpick in the second outfit she wore. You need a little more meat on your bones Trenyce! I’m surprised the olive oil shots aren’t packing on the pounds.
Tia and Tamara (from the show Sister Sister) are definite American Idol groupies these days.
What else?
Ryan had jokes up his sleeve all night, calling Ruben “Big Boy,” changing the music when introducing Simon and picking that bright lime green (I think that was the color. All I know is that my eyes were overcome by the brightness) shirt for Tuesday’s show. Ryan you can’t blame the fashion stylist for everything. I am sure you must own some of these interesting shirts you like to wear!
Tune in on Wednesday night to see who’a going to get voted off!
Originally Published April 30, 2003
KPTV
By Pamela Appea
Gossip Blog on American Idol Column
And Then There Were Four (Who is Going Home.)
Originally Published April 30, 2003
I was really shocked when Ruben ended up in the bottom two on Wednesday night. What happened?
To quote Simon (who along with Randy and Paula was utterly shocked), ‘This is a singing competition people.’
It’s hard to eliminate people, and Joshua, however cute he may be, is not as strong as a singer as Ruben. Anyone can tell you that. So Trenyce was the one to go. She took it well. Someone said Ruben was taking his audience for granted. I disagree. I think he isn’t and he is a great, an amazing singer. He looked really worried before Ryan pulled him out of the general group.
**
I just watched American Idol and I am still thinking—wow!
Everyone Ruben, Clay, Trenyce, Kimberley and Joshua were truly good, better than good in a mostly 10 out of 10 kind of way. Still I get a feeling, a strong feeling, that this season’s winner will be a man (a Southern man, sorry Josh!)
So, on Tuesday night, we all got to hear the American Idol finalists sing not just one—but two—songs. I suppose the show producers wanted to start off with a bank, which is why the producers chose the lively 60s songs to go on first, and the quieter, gentler crooning tunes of Neil Sadaka came second. And of course, all of the singers needed a rest break. I would have arranged it so that the Sadaka songs came on first, and the more energetic 1960s came on second, so we could have ended with a bank, but Nigel and his crew didn’t call and consult me.
Do I mention the guest judge was the one, and only Neil Sadaka.
And I suppose the fact that I haven’t heard of him before shows that I need to do some serious music and entertainment cramming. (I do know the 1970s song they played during the introductory clip. As for all the other songs, blame it on a generation gap.) Neil Sadaka is a gentlemen, and I like his positive spirit. He wasn’t quite a Paula, but almost.
Now, let’s get the bad news out the way! All of the judges are ganging up on my Joshua—and that is so unfair! It seems totally unrelated, but Joshua is the only non-Southerner left, like I said already in a previous column.
Simon came right out and said Joshua wasn’t good enough. It was what the other judges didn’t say that was telling. And poor Joshua’s wife looked kind of sad at times too. Was it just me or did they keep on zooming in on Josh’s wife—more than usual?
To his credit, Joshua did do a good job at being a crooner (parts 1950s, part county, part Josh) when he sang the “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” song and then the more upbeat “Bad Blood.” (It’s hard for Joshua to look truly pissed off when he’s singing, as he seems like a pretty low-key guy.) I’ll give my Joshua an 8 or 9 out of 10 (as I am as bad as, if not worse than, Paula) for both songs, but that just wasn’t good enough for the majority of the judges.
Ruben started out with “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Simon was quick to say that the outfit was kind of interesting in a shiny way. Well, actually, I thought the outfit was interesting in a shiny kind of way. Simon didn’t think the outfit was shiny or interesting. He said he gave the outfit a 2 (although he also became the show’s resident expert in drag show apparel when evaluating Trenyce.)
Moving on, Randy thought Ruben was great saying, “You sound like a winner.” Neil said, “I don’t ever get nervous” when Ruben comes on. I am like Neil. Sometimes I do worry whether an American Idol contestant will sing well (like Trenyce or Joshua) although Neil was too much of a gentleman to name names.) Then Ruben picked up the Neil Sadaka song “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” Paula said “stellar,” and Simon said, “absolutely sensational.”
Kimberley Locke sang “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and the Neil Sadaka song “Where the Boys Are.” Randy said “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” was “Good” and Neil said she was “ear delicious.” For the second song, Neil told Kimberley “You did me proud.” And Simon, of all people, told Kimberley, “You’ve raised the bar.” Kimberley looked and sounded great to me and her look is becoming almost diva-ish.
Clay’s songs got a lot of praise—from everyone. For the first song, Clay picked the right song for his voice, “Build me Up, Butter Cup.” (You should probably remember this song from the Something about Mary movie.) Clay danced! (Didn’t you see that Paula?) And he seemed to be having fun in a way that almost approximated Ruben. All in all, Clay did an amazing job. Clay got his highest praise from Neil who told him, “I would kill to produce your first CD.”
But for the second song, “Solitaire,” Clay looked a little sleepy. Did Clay take a nap between the other singers? Or maybe he didn’t have Trenyce’s olive oil to wake him up? Who knows? Anyway, Paula said Clay showed a “vulnerable” side during his “Solitaire” performance (the second song), while Simon said, “You lost some of the facial things.” (Trust Simon to focus on something when he can’t think of anything else to say.
So, let’s sum up. Clay and Ruben are still on top. They were both in top form on Tuesday night and didn’t waver.
If the show is going to continue to rate the bottom three, I guess Joshua, Trenyce and Kimberley Locke will end up there. Not to Ryan: at this point, you guys really shouldn’t call it bottom three. But, that’s just me.
As for other fun and quirky things about Tuesday’s show …
Rickey was happily part of the audience, wearing sunglasses because?
Trenyce looks like a toothpick in the second outfit she wore. You need a little more meat on your bones Trenyce! I’m surprised the olive oil shots aren’t packing on the pounds.
Tia and Tamara (from the show Sister Sister) are definite American Idol groupies these days.
What else?
Ryan had jokes up his sleeve all night, calling Ruben “Big Boy,” changing the music when introducing Simon and picking that bright lime green (I think that was the color. All I know is that my eyes were overcome by the brightness) shirt for Tuesday’s show. Ryan you can’t blame the fashion stylist for everything. I am sure you must own some of these interesting shirts you like to wear!
Tune in on Wednesday night to see who’a going to get voted off!
Originally Published April 30, 2003
Friday, April 18, 2003
Are There Secrets on Your Hard Drive?
Are There Secrets on Your Hard Drive?
Content written by Pamela Appea for KPTM-Fox 42
Originally posted April 18, 2003
You may have heard recent warnings about protecting your private information when either selling or dumping your computer. It could be as risky as throwing away your wallet, with all your credit cards and personal IDs inside.
Is there a foolproof way to make sure that data disappears? Your may have wanted to do this to your computer at one time or another. But it may actually be a good idea if you’re about to replace it with a bigger, better model.
“Your personal data is at risk when somebody resells a machine,” said Mark McLaughlin, an expert with Computer Forensics International.
Just ask Todd Baitsholts. He has an old computer he wants to give away to charity. First, he reformats the hard drive, and then he reinstalls Windows. “We hope to erase all the data. And not have it accessible to anyone,” Todd says.
That should do it, right?
To find out, Todd agrees to let computer expert Kevin Kranz take a look at the machine. Here’s what Kevin found.
“These are all the directories; I was able to get information from,” said Kevin. “These are old invoices, financial data, a treasure trove for someone who might have identity theft on their mind.
It took me about 35 to 40 minutes to get this data,” said Kranz. The list of recovered files takes up pages and pages.
“It is suprising that they were able to get this much information off of there,” said Todd. And Mark McLaughlin says, “Well, a file is never really deleted until it’s overwritten. And that’s a very fundamental issue in computer forensics.
Todd wasn’t the only one at risk.
McLaughlin tested eight hard drives purchased at a second hand store about the country, “We found some unbelievable things. Credit card numbers. Social security numbers of celebrities, of Oscar-winning actors,” said McLaughlin.
But, there is a way to give yourself peace of mind. One person to call is Jitendra Suthar. Suthar’s business takes in hundreds of old computers every month around Omaha. His technicians will get rid of all of your sensitive information for you. But he knows not all computer re-sellers will take time to do this, unless you’ve specifically told them to.
Suthar owns Computer Renaissance in Omaha. “Whoever you are giving it to, either take an agreement from them that they will do it, or like a lot of companies do, they will do it before they hand it off. And on an individual basis, like you know, my home computer or anything like that, I would do it myself before I let it go,” Suthar said.
Even as this graveyard for government computers, KPTM selected three discarded hard drives at random and had them tested. Guess what? There’s undeleted data galore. So how can you protect your data? Reformatting it doesn’t do it? It makes the file inactive. But the file contents are still there,” said Mark McLaughlin. And while erasing data magnetically helps scramble the files, even it is not foolproof.
“What they should do first, is wipe the drive,” said McLaughlin. You can buy software that scans the disc and bit by bit overwrites the old data. In other words, the program replaces the important stuff with frivolous numbers.
But, this process takes time, in fact it can take anywhere from three to 20 passes. “And when you overwrite it so many times, it’s unrecoverable,” said Mark. The software costs about $40. But the best method for making that data disappear, according to McLaughlin, is both free and easy.
“What I recommend is taking the drive out of the machine and taking a drill and running a drill through it several times,” said Mark. “You can use a drill or a hammer—whatever it takes to physically destroy the drive.”
Content written by Pamela Appea for KPTM-Fox 42
Originally posted April 18, 2003
You may have heard recent warnings about protecting your private information when either selling or dumping your computer. It could be as risky as throwing away your wallet, with all your credit cards and personal IDs inside.
Is there a foolproof way to make sure that data disappears? Your may have wanted to do this to your computer at one time or another. But it may actually be a good idea if you’re about to replace it with a bigger, better model.
“Your personal data is at risk when somebody resells a machine,” said Mark McLaughlin, an expert with Computer Forensics International.
Just ask Todd Baitsholts. He has an old computer he wants to give away to charity. First, he reformats the hard drive, and then he reinstalls Windows. “We hope to erase all the data. And not have it accessible to anyone,” Todd says.
That should do it, right?
To find out, Todd agrees to let computer expert Kevin Kranz take a look at the machine. Here’s what Kevin found.
“These are all the directories; I was able to get information from,” said Kevin. “These are old invoices, financial data, a treasure trove for someone who might have identity theft on their mind.
It took me about 35 to 40 minutes to get this data,” said Kranz. The list of recovered files takes up pages and pages.
“It is suprising that they were able to get this much information off of there,” said Todd. And Mark McLaughlin says, “Well, a file is never really deleted until it’s overwritten. And that’s a very fundamental issue in computer forensics.
Todd wasn’t the only one at risk.
McLaughlin tested eight hard drives purchased at a second hand store about the country, “We found some unbelievable things. Credit card numbers. Social security numbers of celebrities, of Oscar-winning actors,” said McLaughlin.
But, there is a way to give yourself peace of mind. One person to call is Jitendra Suthar. Suthar’s business takes in hundreds of old computers every month around Omaha. His technicians will get rid of all of your sensitive information for you. But he knows not all computer re-sellers will take time to do this, unless you’ve specifically told them to.
Suthar owns Computer Renaissance in Omaha. “Whoever you are giving it to, either take an agreement from them that they will do it, or like a lot of companies do, they will do it before they hand it off. And on an individual basis, like you know, my home computer or anything like that, I would do it myself before I let it go,” Suthar said.
Even as this graveyard for government computers, KPTM selected three discarded hard drives at random and had them tested. Guess what? There’s undeleted data galore. So how can you protect your data? Reformatting it doesn’t do it? It makes the file inactive. But the file contents are still there,” said Mark McLaughlin. And while erasing data magnetically helps scramble the files, even it is not foolproof.
“What they should do first, is wipe the drive,” said McLaughlin. You can buy software that scans the disc and bit by bit overwrites the old data. In other words, the program replaces the important stuff with frivolous numbers.
But, this process takes time, in fact it can take anywhere from three to 20 passes. “And when you overwrite it so many times, it’s unrecoverable,” said Mark. The software costs about $40. But the best method for making that data disappear, according to McLaughlin, is both free and easy.
“What I recommend is taking the drive out of the machine and taking a drill and running a drill through it several times,” said Mark. “You can use a drill or a hammer—whatever it takes to physically destroy the drive.”
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
Internet Helps Kids Keep in Touch with Parents Overseas
Internet Helps Kids Keep in Touch with Parents Overseas
KPTM-Fox 42
Content Edited by Pamela Appea for KPTM-FOX 42’s Website.
March 25, 2003
Sending letters and packages to our troops overseas used to be the only way [to] stay in touch.
And it could often take weeks to reach to the other side.
But now, thanks for the Internet, military families can write and send messages almost instantaneously.
For military children, this helps with the waiting and praying of a parent’s safe return. Having a parent in the military is the norm here at St. Matthew’s.
Third-grader Jaimie Malone has both her father and her stepfather based overseas. And Jaimie’s mother is on active duty.
“We’re trying to keep up, but we can’t. That’s why my grandma is coming to help us,” said Jaimie Malone, a military kid.
Seventh grader Amy Holdcroft is also in a similar situation. Her sister has been on a Navy ship for 2 months now. “We sent her a care package and she didn’t get it until three weeks later,” Amy said.
Keeping in touch isn’t each, but military kids deal with this almost every day, even though it still is hard, sometimes.
“We never get used to us,” said Susan Simmons, another student at St. Matthews.
Amy’s family used e-mail almost every day so they write her sister.
“At dinner time we talk about what she wrote. She writes different letters for each of us, and we always talk about how we miss her,” Amy says.
Amy and Jaimie, and many, many other military kids will continue to wait and pray for their family member’s safe return.
But until then, Jaimie Malone sends this message: “Be safe and we love you guys.”
Content from TV Broadcast originally posted on KPTM’s Website www.kptm.com on March 25, 2003
KPTM-Fox 42
Content Edited by Pamela Appea for KPTM-FOX 42’s Website.
March 25, 2003
Sending letters and packages to our troops overseas used to be the only way [to] stay in touch.
And it could often take weeks to reach to the other side.
But now, thanks for the Internet, military families can write and send messages almost instantaneously.
For military children, this helps with the waiting and praying of a parent’s safe return. Having a parent in the military is the norm here at St. Matthew’s.
Third-grader Jaimie Malone has both her father and her stepfather based overseas. And Jaimie’s mother is on active duty.
“We’re trying to keep up, but we can’t. That’s why my grandma is coming to help us,” said Jaimie Malone, a military kid.
Seventh grader Amy Holdcroft is also in a similar situation. Her sister has been on a Navy ship for 2 months now. “We sent her a care package and she didn’t get it until three weeks later,” Amy said.
Keeping in touch isn’t each, but military kids deal with this almost every day, even though it still is hard, sometimes.
“We never get used to us,” said Susan Simmons, another student at St. Matthews.
Amy’s family used e-mail almost every day so they write her sister.
“At dinner time we talk about what she wrote. She writes different letters for each of us, and we always talk about how we miss her,” Amy says.
Amy and Jaimie, and many, many other military kids will continue to wait and pray for their family member’s safe return.
But until then, Jaimie Malone sends this message: “Be safe and we love you guys.”
Content from TV Broadcast originally posted on KPTM’s Website www.kptm.com on March 25, 2003
Can Stress Make You Sick?
Can Stress Make You Sick?
KPTM-Fox 42
Content Edited by Pamela Appea for KPTM-FOX 42’s Website.
Being stressed out is no fun, as most will agree.
But stress can also be unhealthy.
Growing scientific evidence shows too much negative stress in our lives can actually lead to a cold—or event the flu.
And with more than 50 % of American adults saying they’re highly stressed out most all the time. That’s a lot of tissues.
Whether managing her own company, rushing her daughter to piano lessons or whipping up a family meal at home, Donna Abood faces mountains of stress.
“It’s amazing, it really is, how many balls you juggle,” Abood said. “It’s a juggling act doctors say has taken a toll on Diana Abood’s health, at one point even triggering pneumonia. “The doctor took that real seriously and says, you know Donna, you’re just going too fast, too far. And you’ve broken your immune system down,” said Abood.
Mounting scientific evidence now points to a real connection between stress and catching colds, flus and other infections.
“People under high levels of stress are generally over twice as likely to get sick when they’re exposed to a cold virus,” said Dr. Sheldon Cohen, of Carnegie Mellon University.
Dr. Cohen has pioneered research into stress and sickness, and has found chronic stress can be especially devastating to your immune system.
One key trigger is troubled relationships.
People with enduring problems with their friends or with their family were more likely to develop a cold, reported Dr. Cohen.
But the biggest cold producer is workplace stress. Studies show it can actually make you five times more likely to get sick.
Why is that?
People that have high levels of job stress have lower levels of certain antibodies that are associated with effectively fighting off colds and the flu and other types of infections, said Dr. John Schaubroeck of Drexel University.
Dr. Schaubroeck led a recent survey of over 200 working men and women.
He found stress caused by things like low confidence and lack of control can knock you out. So what do you do if you’re all stressed out from dealing with your job, fighting with traffic or family concerns? Well, experts say one of the best things you can possible do to make yourself feel better is to have a simple attitude adjustment.
Sometimes it’s just about really refocusing and saying again, look at the big picture here. Is this worth my time and energy?
“We spend too much time dwelling on the past, things that we can’t change. Too much time worrying about the future, things that haven’t happened yet, and not enough time focusing on the here and now,” said Sarah Moeller Swan, an education consultant for Best Care.
Strategies by which he we can counteract the harmful effects of stress strategies like relaxation response perfected by renowed researchers at the Mind & Body Medical Institute.
“When one sits quietly, focuses on their breathing, repeats a word, a sound, a prayer, a phrase. These steps are quite useful in dealing with stress,” said Dr. Herbert Benson of the Mind & Body Medical Institute.
John Goddard sought relief for his stress, which he says got so bad, it landed him in the hospital.
“I was under stress all the time. So I was sick all the time,” said John Goddard of the constant stress that he faced.
Goddard said practicing the relaxation response helped turn things around.
“Through these wonderful techniques that that I’ve learned, I’ve stopped being sick.”
In Donna Abood’s case, she says taking vitamins every day and working out three times a week has helped keep her colds at bay.
“That little bit makes a world of difference in my life and how I feel today,” said Abood.
Research has also been done on the affects of stress on more serious illnesses.
The results have shown a connection to things like depression, high blood pressure, heart problems. And, ongoing stress could even possibly lead to some types of cancers.
Content from TV Broadcast originally posted on KPTM’s Website www.kptm.com on March 25, 2003
KPTM-Fox 42
Content Edited by Pamela Appea for KPTM-FOX 42’s Website.
Being stressed out is no fun, as most will agree.
But stress can also be unhealthy.
Growing scientific evidence shows too much negative stress in our lives can actually lead to a cold—or event the flu.
And with more than 50 % of American adults saying they’re highly stressed out most all the time. That’s a lot of tissues.
Whether managing her own company, rushing her daughter to piano lessons or whipping up a family meal at home, Donna Abood faces mountains of stress.
“It’s amazing, it really is, how many balls you juggle,” Abood said. “It’s a juggling act doctors say has taken a toll on Diana Abood’s health, at one point even triggering pneumonia. “The doctor took that real seriously and says, you know Donna, you’re just going too fast, too far. And you’ve broken your immune system down,” said Abood.
Mounting scientific evidence now points to a real connection between stress and catching colds, flus and other infections.
“People under high levels of stress are generally over twice as likely to get sick when they’re exposed to a cold virus,” said Dr. Sheldon Cohen, of Carnegie Mellon University.
Dr. Cohen has pioneered research into stress and sickness, and has found chronic stress can be especially devastating to your immune system.
One key trigger is troubled relationships.
People with enduring problems with their friends or with their family were more likely to develop a cold, reported Dr. Cohen.
But the biggest cold producer is workplace stress. Studies show it can actually make you five times more likely to get sick.
Why is that?
People that have high levels of job stress have lower levels of certain antibodies that are associated with effectively fighting off colds and the flu and other types of infections, said Dr. John Schaubroeck of Drexel University.
Dr. Schaubroeck led a recent survey of over 200 working men and women.
He found stress caused by things like low confidence and lack of control can knock you out. So what do you do if you’re all stressed out from dealing with your job, fighting with traffic or family concerns? Well, experts say one of the best things you can possible do to make yourself feel better is to have a simple attitude adjustment.
Sometimes it’s just about really refocusing and saying again, look at the big picture here. Is this worth my time and energy?
“We spend too much time dwelling on the past, things that we can’t change. Too much time worrying about the future, things that haven’t happened yet, and not enough time focusing on the here and now,” said Sarah Moeller Swan, an education consultant for Best Care.
Strategies by which he we can counteract the harmful effects of stress strategies like relaxation response perfected by renowed researchers at the Mind & Body Medical Institute.
“When one sits quietly, focuses on their breathing, repeats a word, a sound, a prayer, a phrase. These steps are quite useful in dealing with stress,” said Dr. Herbert Benson of the Mind & Body Medical Institute.
John Goddard sought relief for his stress, which he says got so bad, it landed him in the hospital.
“I was under stress all the time. So I was sick all the time,” said John Goddard of the constant stress that he faced.
Goddard said practicing the relaxation response helped turn things around.
“Through these wonderful techniques that that I’ve learned, I’ve stopped being sick.”
In Donna Abood’s case, she says taking vitamins every day and working out three times a week has helped keep her colds at bay.
“That little bit makes a world of difference in my life and how I feel today,” said Abood.
Research has also been done on the affects of stress on more serious illnesses.
The results have shown a connection to things like depression, high blood pressure, heart problems. And, ongoing stress could even possibly lead to some types of cancers.
Content from TV Broadcast originally posted on KPTM’s Website www.kptm.com on March 25, 2003
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Gulf War Vet Talks about Life Near Iraq
Gulf War Vet Talks about Life Near Iraq
Website Content edited by Pamela Appea for KPTM-Fox 42’s Website
Originally posted March 19, 2003
Twelve years ago, this week, a Nebraska soldier arrived home from serving on the front lines in Iraq. Felipe Sanchez talked to KPTM about what he saw then and what many of our soldiers can expect to see now.
“When they show the soldiers training, in the wind storms, I feel that I know what they’re going through as far as missing home and missing their loves ones,” said Felipe Sanchez, a Gulf War Veteran.
“I can imagine how it was when I went through. Those tense hours of waiting, then hearing we’re finally going on,” Felipe Sanchez recalls.
Felipe was near Baghdad at the height of Operation Desert Storm. He lived in tents and traveled by tanks. Every morning, he would wake up to the sound of U.S. helicopters flying training missions overhead.
Felipe said he never once had to fire on the enemy. Surprisingly, Felipe says Iraqi soldiers were usually eager to surrender. The fact was, that most of these soldiers were no older than 16.
“It was so sad to see them coming out of the woodwork. Skinny kids with no shoes on even. You never think that’s what we’re going after.”
But perhaps Felipe remembers finding leaflets in Iraq. U.S. planes today drop similar propaganda urging Iraqi soldiers to surrender. “They would drop them on Iraq. They said, ‘soldiers,’ we’re going to be in your area. We want you to surrender, think of your family. We’re not here to battle, we’re here to surrender.”
Felipe also encountered many civilians, who were not overtly unfriendly to U.S. soldiers.
“They were really nice to us. It surprised us. We thought they’d be hateful, but there also many tense moments as a soldier,” Felipe remembers.
On more than one occasion, Felipe wrote his last will and testament, after receiving so-called “suicide orders.’
“We were given, I think, a total of four orders that we’d be dropping in on Iraqi positions on the Iraqi Republican Army. And they had heavy artillery at the time. We were told one in four of us would probably survive if we went in. But, lucky for us, orders were changed, Felipe said.
Felipe survived eight months in and around Iraq. On the day he learned the war was over, he inscribed “road to Baghdad” in the hard Iraqi sand.
Felipe envisions a similar ending for soldiers this time around, “I have so much confidence in the guys, in their equipment. It’s so much better than what we had, and we went through fairly quickly and easily.”
Felipe also had some interesting personal advice for military families who are looking to send care packages to soldiers near and around Iraq.
Felipe said what we and other soldiers wanted and appreciated weren’t the boxes of chocolates—which mostly arrived melted. Instead, he says to send more practical items like baby wipes, surgical masks and Q-Tips to help keep off the desert dust.
Website Content edited by Pamela Appea for KPTM-Fox 42’s Website
Originally posted March 19, 2003
Twelve years ago, this week, a Nebraska soldier arrived home from serving on the front lines in Iraq. Felipe Sanchez talked to KPTM about what he saw then and what many of our soldiers can expect to see now.
“When they show the soldiers training, in the wind storms, I feel that I know what they’re going through as far as missing home and missing their loves ones,” said Felipe Sanchez, a Gulf War Veteran.
“I can imagine how it was when I went through. Those tense hours of waiting, then hearing we’re finally going on,” Felipe Sanchez recalls.
Felipe was near Baghdad at the height of Operation Desert Storm. He lived in tents and traveled by tanks. Every morning, he would wake up to the sound of U.S. helicopters flying training missions overhead.
Felipe said he never once had to fire on the enemy. Surprisingly, Felipe says Iraqi soldiers were usually eager to surrender. The fact was, that most of these soldiers were no older than 16.
“It was so sad to see them coming out of the woodwork. Skinny kids with no shoes on even. You never think that’s what we’re going after.”
But perhaps Felipe remembers finding leaflets in Iraq. U.S. planes today drop similar propaganda urging Iraqi soldiers to surrender. “They would drop them on Iraq. They said, ‘soldiers,’ we’re going to be in your area. We want you to surrender, think of your family. We’re not here to battle, we’re here to surrender.”
Felipe also encountered many civilians, who were not overtly unfriendly to U.S. soldiers.
“They were really nice to us. It surprised us. We thought they’d be hateful, but there also many tense moments as a soldier,” Felipe remembers.
On more than one occasion, Felipe wrote his last will and testament, after receiving so-called “suicide orders.’
“We were given, I think, a total of four orders that we’d be dropping in on Iraqi positions on the Iraqi Republican Army. And they had heavy artillery at the time. We were told one in four of us would probably survive if we went in. But, lucky for us, orders were changed, Felipe said.
Felipe survived eight months in and around Iraq. On the day he learned the war was over, he inscribed “road to Baghdad” in the hard Iraqi sand.
Felipe envisions a similar ending for soldiers this time around, “I have so much confidence in the guys, in their equipment. It’s so much better than what we had, and we went through fairly quickly and easily.”
Felipe also had some interesting personal advice for military families who are looking to send care packages to soldiers near and around Iraq.
Felipe said what we and other soldiers wanted and appreciated weren’t the boxes of chocolates—which mostly arrived melted. Instead, he says to send more practical items like baby wipes, surgical masks and Q-Tips to help keep off the desert dust.
Fighting Mold, Allergies in Your Home-Content Edited by Pamela Appea for KPTM-Fox 42
Fighting Mold, Allergies in Your Home
Content Edited by Pamela Appea for KPTM-Fox 42
Originally posted March 19, 2003
With spring right around the corner, allergy sufferers are bracing for a tolerable season.
But now, there could be another culprit right under your nose—mold in your home.
Even if your house looks clean, as long as your home comes in contact with moisture, it’s a candidate for mold.
And sometimes, those levels could be high enough to trigger allergies and even asthma attacks.
“I know that when I’m around it, it really bothers me and I try to stay away from it,” said Rhonda Dryden, an allergy sufferer.
That ‘it’ – is mold.
According to a study out of the University of Arizona, mold can be found in places you never really think of—like front doors and window sills.
In a number of tested homes, refrigerator seals were problematic. But how much is too much?
“Usually when it becomes a health concern is when it’s widespread, greater than 100 square feet of mold growth. I mean, significant mold growth where you walk in and where the normal person could walk in and say, wow there’s a problem here,” said Bob Arritt, an industrial hygiene director.
When specialists inspect homes for mold, this air test takes an actual sample from the room. The spores collect on the dish and then in about a week, you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
“Mold is opportunistic. I mean there are certain types of mold that can basically live anywhere,” Arrit emphasized.
Arrit adds, “The longer you ignore the problem, the better chance you’ll have a mold issue.
Mold has become such a liability that some insurance companies have stated they’ll only cover it if you ask for it. Experts say it is normal to have mold issues in your home. But instead of taking the news personally, much more rides on the structural integrity of your home.
Content Edited by Pamela Appea for KPTM-Fox 42
Originally posted March 19, 2003
With spring right around the corner, allergy sufferers are bracing for a tolerable season.
But now, there could be another culprit right under your nose—mold in your home.
Even if your house looks clean, as long as your home comes in contact with moisture, it’s a candidate for mold.
And sometimes, those levels could be high enough to trigger allergies and even asthma attacks.
“I know that when I’m around it, it really bothers me and I try to stay away from it,” said Rhonda Dryden, an allergy sufferer.
That ‘it’ – is mold.
According to a study out of the University of Arizona, mold can be found in places you never really think of—like front doors and window sills.
In a number of tested homes, refrigerator seals were problematic. But how much is too much?
“Usually when it becomes a health concern is when it’s widespread, greater than 100 square feet of mold growth. I mean, significant mold growth where you walk in and where the normal person could walk in and say, wow there’s a problem here,” said Bob Arritt, an industrial hygiene director.
When specialists inspect homes for mold, this air test takes an actual sample from the room. The spores collect on the dish and then in about a week, you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
“Mold is opportunistic. I mean there are certain types of mold that can basically live anywhere,” Arrit emphasized.
Arrit adds, “The longer you ignore the problem, the better chance you’ll have a mold issue.
Mold has become such a liability that some insurance companies have stated they’ll only cover it if you ask for it. Experts say it is normal to have mold issues in your home. But instead of taking the news personally, much more rides on the structural integrity of your home.
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