Entire DCR Logo
Goblins, Ghouls, Ghosts and Gourds make for a great October at DCR!
In This Issue
Vegetable of the Month
Have you had a heart attack?
Hormone Highlight: Leptin
Help Wanted!
Support Groups at DCR
Nutrition Services
2nd Annual Open House
Do you suffer from Endometriosis?
Recipe Round Up
Do you have Multiple Sclerosis?
Do you have Type 2 Diabetes?

Quick Links

  
Find us on Facebook

Visit our blog

 Follow us on Twitter
 
 

Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
Vegetable of 
the Month: 
Pumpkin
 
 When we think of pumpkins, crisp weather, sweet desserts and Halloween all come to mind. Fall just wouldn't be the same without these round, bright orange squashes!  While pumpkins have grown in North America for thousands of years, pumpkins didn't become synonymous with Halloween until Irish immigrants brought the tradition of carving pumpkins to America. Pumpkins are members of the gourd family, which also includes cucumbers, zucchini, watermelons and cantaloupe. While pumpkins and squash share some of the same characteristics, pumpkins have stems that are more rigid and prickly, whereas squash stems are softer and rounder. 

Nutrition Information for 1 cup of canned pumpkin (no added salt):  
83 calories,  20g carbohydrates (7.1g fiber, 8.0g sugar), 0.70g total fat,  0mg cholesterol, 2.70g protein.  Complete nutrition facts available here.

 

Pumpkin is a good source of:  vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc and riboflavin (vitamin B2).
 
Healthy Recipes:

Kitchen 101:

  • Selection: There are pumpkins for carving Jack-O'-Lanterns and there are pumpkins for eating. When cooking with pumpkin, choose a sugar pumpkin (typically used in pumpkin pie) which is sweet with a creamier texture. These pumpkins are usually smaller and have a higher sugar content, which makes them ideal for cooking and baking. When picking a pumpkin to carve, you want a dense pumpkin that won't fall apart after carving. Tap the pumpkin and listen for a hollow sound. Choose a rounder pumpkin (as they are easier to carve) with a sturdy base.
  • Storage: For long-lasting pumpkins (about 3 months), store in a cool cellar or refrigerator. Pumpkins kept at room temperature will last about a month. Once cut, wrap pumpkin pieces and refrigerate for up to 5 days. 
  • Cooking: There are many ways to cook and prepare pumpkin, including baking, roasting, steaming and pureeing. Check out this quick guide for proper pumpkin cooking techniques. 

Did you know.... 

  • The name "Jack-O'-Lantern" comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack.
  • Halfmoon Bay is holding its 42nd annual Art & Pumpkin Festival on October 13th and 14th from 9am-5pm. Events include a pancake breakfast, costume contests, parades and a fun run. For more information, visit Pumpkinfest
Interested in Research Opportunities? 
Send an email to:  [email protected]

A Clinical Research Study for 

HEART ATTACK SURVIVORS

Heart attacks CAN strike twice.  

 

Learn about a local research study of an investigational drug for HEART ATTACK patients.

 

Compensation for time and travel may be available.

 

See if you qualify.

Call (925) 930-7267 or email: [email protected]

Hormone Highlight: Leptin

AKA:  the weight management hormone

Location:  Leptin is mostly located in white adipose tissue (fat cells) but can also be found in brown adipose tissue, the stomach, skeletal muscle, ovaries, the pituitary gland, bone marrow and the liver (1). 

Function(s):  Leptin helps to regulate and inhibit appetite, thus helping to maintain energy balance (2).  Whereas ghrelin is a fast-acting hormone involving short-term hunger cues, leptin's main focus is on long-term control of energy balance (3).  Without leptin, we have uncontrolled hunger, which can lead to obesity. 

Leptin levels are decreased by sleep apnea, short-term fasting, testosterone and estrogen imbalances, and exercise training. 

Perceived emotional stress, restful sleep (8-12 hours uninterrupted) and eating increases leptin production in normally healthy persons.

Leptin resistance occurs when too much leptin is released and remains circulating in the bloodstream.  In those with higher amounts of body fat, more leptin is secreted to help reduce hunger and eating, thus preventing excessive adipose (fat) tissue.  But over time, if the cells secrete too much leptin, your brain and body become resistant to its effects, meaning that your cells are pushing out leptin to help control your appetite, but you remain hungry and thus overeat.  This may explain why some obese people have high amounts of leptin in their bloodstream, yet remain obese (4). And surprisingly, severely restricting your calories will reduce the amount of leptin you secrete--it's your body's way of telling you to eat more when you need energy. 
 
It's possible that certain components of our diet, such as lectins and fructose, may contribute to leptin resistance, but research is still under review.
Help Wanted! Temporary position at DCR!

Diablo Clinical Research is currently seeking a computer savvy individual to assist with a database management project. 

The ideal candidate will have a general knowledge of computers and is familiar with prescription
medications and their uses. Hours are very flexible. This is a temporary position. Pay is $9/hour. 
 
For more information, please contact Ava Paulazzo at (925) 930-7267 x 201 or send an email to: [email protected]

New in November! Medical Condition Support Groups

Starting in November, Diablo Clinical Research will be offering monthly support group meetings for individuals with various medical conditions. It is a great opportunity to share your personal experiences, listen to others with similar medical conditions give their thoughts and helpful hints, and to potentially learn something new.

Support groups will meet once a month at our office and are free of charge. Light snacks will be provided. 

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining a support group, please contact us with your name, contact information and which medical condition(s) you are most interested.
 
For more information, please call (925) 930-7267 x 244 or email [email protected]
Advancing Health Newsletter
October 2012
Nutrition Services at DCR 
While many of our research studies involve potential medications or medical devices, Diablo Clinical Research stresses the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including what we eat.  Diet plays a huge role in many medical conditions and following a healthy eating pattern and exercise regimen are just as important as taking your medication. 
 
In order to help our patients and the local community achieve their health goals and to help improve quality of life, Diablo Clinical Research is expanding its nutrition outreach program. Of course, individuals who participate in certain research studies will continue to receive complimentary nutrition expertise as part of their study experience.  
 

(Please note: all stated prices are out-of-pocket costs, as we do not currently bill through insurance.)

 

Nutrition Counseling:  Confused about calcium? Lost about leafy greens? Questions about quinoa? A Registered Dietitian (RD) can answer all these questions and more in a nutrition consultation. Our RD will meet with you to review your eating habits, exercise regimen, medical history, blood work and medications. Emphasis is on permanent behavior changes using medical nutrition therapy (MNT). It's all a part of small steps towards a healthier you! As a service to the community, Diablo Clinical Research's nutrition consultations are specially priced: 

  • 1 hour counseling session: $50
  • Package of five 1 hour sessions:  $225 ( $25 savings)

Group Talks/Lectures/ Speaking Engagements:  Our Registered Dietitian will discuss a particular nutrition topic (such as diabetes, healthy eating for seniors, food allergies, etc.) and provide relevant nutrition handouts. Participants are encouraged to come prepared with questions, as each topic discussion will include a Question & Answer session at the end.

  • Non-profit, community based organizations: scaled fee depending on organization and event (i.e. a lecture at a senior health fair)
  • For-profit, corporations: $100-$200/hour depending on group size

Nutrition-related lab work:  When meeting with our Registered Dietitian, it is highly recommend that you either bring in your most recent lab work, or have these services performed at our facility.  Our Registered Dietitian will interpret your lab work and explain how diet and activity affect these numbers.

Meal Planning & Grocery Store trips:  Cooking, planning meals throughout the week and knowing which items to purchase at a grocery store can seem overwhelming and daunting. Let our Registered Dietitian take out some of the guess work!

  • Meal/ Menu Planning:  Great for those who feel comfortable going down the grocery aisles, but may need some help in bringing the food to the table.  Our Registered Dietitian will meet with you to discuss your food preferences, any food allergies or  intolerances, budget and overall lifestyle.
    • 1 hour dietary review session + 2 weeks of meal plans (3 meals, snacks, desserts):  $125
    • 1 hour dietary review session + 4 weeks of meal plans (3 meals, snacks, desserts): $200 ($50 savings)
  • Grocery Store Trips: Perfect for those who may need assistance in deciphering the nutrition content (including numbers AND ingredients) of their favorite foods. The trip will focus on selecting 'natural' (little to no artificial ingredients, colors, chemicals) foods, while learning how to choose 'healthier' prepackaged food products. Previous experience with understanding the Nutrition Facts label is helpful, but not required. Handouts will be provided.  
    • 1 hour trip to the store of your choice: $50; visits can be prorated (i.e. $75 for a 1.5 hour tour)

 For more information about the above services, please contact our Registered Dietitian at (925) 930-7267 x 244 or send an email to [email protected]. 

 

Cooking Classes

Starting in November 2012, Diablo Clinical Research will be participating in a joint collaboration with Pans on Fire, a cookware store that offers a variety of cooking classes for all ages.  During cooking classes, our Registered Dietitian will assist with food demos, provide nutrition facts for class recipes, and provide handouts on healthy eating. Cooking classes are held at the store, located at 3059 Hopyard Road, Suite J-K, Pleasanton, CA 94588.  Please contact Linda from Pans on Fire at (925) 600-7267 for additional information about cooking classes. 

 

Save the date! Open House at DCR!
Open House October 2012

 Hope to see you there! 

Feeling the pain caused by endometriosis? 
See if you may qualify for the Violet Petal Study--a medical research study for women with moderate to severe pain caused by endometriosis.

Endometriosis.
Pain. It's a part of everyone's life--both men and women. But there is a unique type of pain that only women can know. It throbs. It aches. It goes on and on. It's the pain associated with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus--the endometrium--is found elsewhere in the body. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and many women with the condition are often misdiagnosed or aren't diagnosed at all. This makes it difficult to determine the actual number of endometriosis cases.  For those with symptoms, the most common is pelvic pain--painful periods, pain during intercourse, and painful bowel movements.  A woman may also suffer pain in the abdomen and lower back.  

Right now research is underway to test a new oral investigational medication for moderate to severe pain caused by endometrosis.

About the study.
To qualify you must:
  • Be a woman age 18 to 49
  • Have been surgically diagnosed with endometriosis in the last seven years
Each individual will be evaluated to determine her Violet Petal Study participation eligibility. If you qualify, you'll receive the investigational medication, study-related medical exams, and laboratory services at no charge. You may also be reimbursed for travel and other expenses.  

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication for the management of moderate to severe endometriosis-associated pain and other endometriosis-related symptoms.

Visit www.VioletPetalStudy.com to learn more.

To see if you may qualify for this research opportunity, please call (925) 930-7267 or send an email to [email protected]

Recipe Roundup:  

Batty Brown Rice Pumpkin Risotto 

 
Recipe adapted from Healthy Seasonal Recipes
 
Ingredients:
  • 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups short grain brown rice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium broth, such as chicken or vegetable
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 3/4 cups pureed cooked pumpkin, or 1 15-ounce can canned pumpkin
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage leaves, plus whole leaves for garnish
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup finely shredded Pecorino Romano cheese, divided
Directions:
  1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add garlic and shallot and cook, stirring often until softened and just beginning to brown, 1 to 3 minutes.  Stir in rice and cook, stirring until the rice grains start to get translucent in spots, about 2 minutes.
  2. Stir in wine and cook, stirring often until the wine has mostly evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes.  Stir in broth, nutmeg, salt and pepper, increase heat to high and bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer undisturbed until most of the liquid has been absorbed, 30 minutes.
  3. Stir in pumpkin, sage and cinnamon and cook, stirring often until the mixture is thickened and the rice is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.  Remove from heat, stir in 3/4 cup Romano cheese, cover and let sit 5 minutes off the heat to thicken further.  Serve sprinkled with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese, more freshly ground pepper and sage leaves for garnish. 

Makes 6 servings (about 3/4 cup each.) Active cooking time: 30 minutes. Total Time: 1 hour

Estimated Nutrition Facts per serving:  140 calories, 10g carbohydrates (2g fiber, 3.5g sugar), 7g fat (3g saturated, 3g monounsaturated, 0.5g polyunsaturated), 16 mg cholesterol, 7g protein, 225mg sodium, 228mg potassium
New study for Multiple Sclerosis
Call (925) 930-7267
Novartis MS study October 2012 (revised)
Type 2 Diabetes Study

We are currently conducting a research study of an investigational medication for type 2 diabetes.  If you meet the following criteria, you may qualify to participate in this clinical research study.

You are:
  • between the ages of 18 and 70 years old
  • diagnosed with diabetes
  • being treated with diet and exercise, or metformin
Qualified participants may receive at no cost:
  • study-related medication
  • study-related laboratory testing
  • study-related ECGs and physical examinations
  • glucometers and testing supplies
For more information, please call (925) 930-7267 or send an email to [email protected]


Love healthy cooking? MORE recipes are available on our website at  http://diabloclinical.com/subcat_studyvolunteers_health.php
And don't forget to check out our blog,  http://diabloclinicalresearch.wordpress.com/, for health,nutrition & fitness articles!