Syndrome X

1 04 2008

Syndrome X describes a cluster of abnormalities that owe their resistance largely to a high intake of refined CHO, especially in those who are generally predisposed.  The features of Syndrome X include mildly to moderately impaired glucose tolerance, increased insulin levels due to insulin resistance, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, hypertension and upper body obesity.  The underlying metabolic factor is elevated insulin levels, which results from a high intake of refined CHO coupled with insulin resistance.  Other terms that describe this syndrome are Metabolic Cardiovascular Risk Syndrome, Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Resistance Syndrome and Atherothrombogenic Syndrome.  Syndrome X has persisted and has become the most accepted term.  This is a condition that exists due to poor dietary and lifestyle choices.





Avandia

1 04 2008

In May, the New England Journal of Medicine linked the diabetic drug rosiglitazine (Avandia, Avandamet & Avandaryl) to heart attacks and heart related deaths.  The FDA on Nov. 14th, modified its black box warning to include information about potential increased risk for heart attacks.  The FDA warning is confusing however and provides no useful guidance to patients or physicians.  The new warning it is felt, should be revised to clearly note that using this drug carries serious risks.  Some entities have taken it upon themselves to prevent people from using this drug.

After conducting its own review in October 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs removed rosiglitazone from the list of drugs its doctors may prescribe, concluding that “for some patients rosiglitazone may not afford the same margin of safety as alternative drug therapies”.

In November, Health Canada, the Canadian equivalent of the FDA, issued broad restrictions on the use of rosiglitazone.  It is no longer approved as a single treatment for diabetes or for use in combination with sulfonylureas (except for patients unable to take Metformin).  Neither is it approved for patients taking insulin or for patients diagnosed with either past or current heart failure, even if it is mild.  Health Canada advises patients to talk about the benefits and risks of continuing therapy, especially those with Heart Disease or at high risk for heart attack or heart failure.

It is felt that the FDA needs to ban this drug from the US market because there is not evidence of any beneficial clinical outcome for this drug and instead growing evidence of unique risks in multiple organ systems.  US citizens at risk from heart attack and failure should not take this drug.  Until the FDA takes appropriate steps to inform the American public about its dangers, Health Canada remains the sole source of this vital information.





Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator

15 12 2007

The Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, a national affiliate of the world-renowned Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, offers comprehensive treatment to individuals in the tri-state area with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has awarded the Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at West Penn its prestigious three-year Certificate of Recognition for the Center’s Diabetes Self-Management Program. Through this program, patients are provided state-of-the-art information and the skills necessary for self-management of diabetes. The Center’s certified diabetes educators also offer additional services for patients and families. We seek a registered dietitian to assess, plan and implement diabetes education for patients and families. This position works collaboratively with physicians, assists with blood glucose management, and provides continuing education to health care professionals in the community. Candidates must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills in a classroom teaching environment; have experience in diabetes education; and be a PA licensed LDN.  CDE is also required. We offer a competitive salary and flexible benefits package. For consideration, please visit our website at jobs.wpahs.org . Equal Opportunity Employer





Health Promotion Diabetes Educator

10 12 2007

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is nationally recognized as a provider of state-of-the-art, progressive health care services. UPMC is western Pennsylvania’s largest private employer and one of the largest medical centers in the nation. Year after year, UPMC is ranked for excellence by U.S. News & World Report.

UPMC Health Plan is seeking a health promotion diabetes educator for our downtown Pittsburgh location. The health promotion diabetes educator serves within the Health Plan’s Health Promotion Department as a consultant to the customer or employer. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: educating employers to the benefits of health promotion for large commercial accounts; managing and developing health promotion programs specifically related to nutrition and weight management; developing health promotion strategies that integrate with the workplace culture of the employer; and assisting in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of workplace health promotion programs.

Candidates must be certified diabetes educators (CDE), registered dietitians, registered nurses, or have a master’s degree in a health-related field such as: health promotion, public health, nutrition, exercise physiology, health education, or social work. Two years of experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating disease prevention and health promotion programs and one year of experience in business, sales, or marketing are also required. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to assist in the performance of minimally invasive and non-invasive clinical measures, proven administrative abilities, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a team environment with minimal supervision. An intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint as well as motivation to learn operations of new software to support program documentation and data collection is also necessary. Knowledge and experience supporting health behavior change utilizing motivational interviewing strategies is preferred. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certified or CHES eligible also desired.

UPMC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package along with a strong growth-oriented working environment. We offer challenging projects and training to help ensure your success

We welcome you to apply at www.upmc.com by following these steps; click Careers at UPMC, Start My Job Search, and follow the link to continue to search and apply for openings. Select Advanced Search and enter 1025501 in the job opening ID field.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.





Care Manager Preventionist

10 12 2007

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is nationally recognized as a provider of state-of-the-art, progressive health care services. UPMC is western Pennsylvania’s largest private employer and one of the largest medical centers in the nation. Year after year, UPMC is ranked for excellence by U.S. News & World Report.

UPMC Health Plan is seeking a care manager preventionist for our downtown Pittsburgh location. This individual ensures continuity and coordination of care for Health Plan members with a focus on prevention and education for early diagnosis of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and/or chronic illnesses and complex medical needs. The care manager preventionist participates in activities that include education, care services, and consultation for health management and prevention. This individual also provides individualized and group education for persons who are UPMC Health Plan members, their families and other interested caregivers.

This position requires the ability travel between the Health Plan and other facilities/provider offices, and the ability to work various hours/days. The incumbent will participate in the American Diabetes Association recognition process, community programs, activities and screenings. In addition, this individual will assist in the development and review of training materials for staff, other UPMC Health Plan Departments and network providers. Requirements include: a combination of five years of experience in clinical, utilization management, home care, discharge planning, patient education and/or case management. A valid Pennsylvania RN license and a bachelor’s degree in nursing are also required. Case manager certification or diabetes educator (CDE) certification are highly preferred. Screening Preventionist Training and Certification, Lifestyle Preventionist Training and Certification, Comprehensive Preventionist Certification, and DPSC Certification I & II are highly preferred.

UPMC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package along with a strong growth-oriented working environment. We offer challenging projects and training to help ensure your success.

We welcome you to apply at www.upmc.com by following these steps; click Careers at UPMC, Start My Job Search, and follow the link to continue to search and apply for openings. Select Advanced Search and enter1026366 in the job opening ID field.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.