Masthead for PlaneTalk Newsletter
PlaneTree's website
February 2013
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
.
Everybody Knows Somebody
     "Eating disorders are complex and life-threatening illnesses - not choices," noted the chair of the local Eating Disorders Resource Center (EDRC), Kathleen Davidson Juvet. Up to 24 million Americans are affected by anorexia, bulimia, bingeing, and other disordered eating behaviors.
     Three local organizations - the EDRC, Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), and PlaneTree - will collaborate in calling attention to these serious conditions during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, February 24 to March 2.
     Highlights of the week will include two talks by experts. "When a diet is more than just a diet: Learn to spot symptoms of an eating disorder" will be presented at the Cupertino Library on Wednesday, February 27 at 7 p.m. Milpitas Library will host "Are you a teen worried about someone you know? Come learn about eating disorders" on Thursday, February 28 at 4 p.m.
EDRC logo      Informational displays created by EDRC volunteers will be featured throughout the week in SCCLD's seven community libraries and PlaneTree Health Information Center. This fact sheet will be one of many valuable handouts for patrons to take home.
     SCCLD is also promoting EDRC's fourth annual "Every Body's Beautiful" contest, urging its high school and middle school library users to submit essays on self-esteem and body image. Six cash prizes totaling $1,200 will be distributed. Last year almost 200 students from 25 schools participated.
     Juvet said the goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to "reduce the stigma and misunderstandings around eating disorders and improve access to treatment and resources."

 

News You Can Use 
  
Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses
     If a loved one has a severe mental illness, communicating and maintaining a positive relationship with that individual can be difficult. You may find a path to better Cover of book, interactions using the techniques and information in a recent pair of videos (a 9-minute summary and 77-minute talk). They feature Xavier Amodor, a psychiatrist, the brother of someone who had schizophrenia, and the author of one of our favorite mental health books, I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help.
  
Scholarships for Cancer Survivors
Mortarboard cap and diploma       Do you know a young cancer survivor who is in or starting college? California's American Cancer Society offers need-based stipends.
  
High Blood Pressure
     ConsumerReports.org provides free access to an excellent article on high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension).Blood pressure cuff  Information about the extent to which various lifestyle changes may improve blood pressure readings and about selecting an appropriate medication is included. ConsumerReports.org also has free, detailed reviews of HBP drugs.
     If you are having trouble bringing your hypertension under control, you may want to discuss the information in this New York Times article with your physician.
     If your doctor wants you to measure your blood pressure at home, this report may be of interest.
  
Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease
Two PET scan brain images     If you have heard about a new scanning technology that detects the amyloid plaques caused by Alzheimer's disease, you may be wondering whether a member of your family should be tested. Learn about experts' doubts regarding the value of this expensive procedure.
  
Are cancer screening tests always good to have?
Sign reading       Consumer Reports magazine cautions readers to cast a critical eye at cancer screening tests, listing 8 tests to avoid, 3 to get, and 5 questions to ask your doctor before any cancer screening exam. If you would like a free print copy of the article, email us your street address, including your zip code, using the subject line "Cancer Screening." Or look for the March 2013 issue in your public library.

  
Raspberry Ketones
Raspberries on the vine       We were recently asked about a product which has been widely promoted as a weight-loss aid since being recommended by Mehmet Oz, M.D., on his daily television show. Does research on raspberry ketones live up to the hype? Read on.
In This Issue
News You Can Use
Lectures & Classes
"Caregivers Count" Conference
Mandarin Health Talks
   

    These free, public lectures will be offered from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons by PlaneTree and the S. Ku Foundation. All will be presented in Mandarin by South Bay physicians; print materials in Traditional Chinese and English will also be provided.

"Preventive screenings in digestive diseases" by Andy Yu, M.D. ● March 24, Quinlan Community Center

.

"New Treaments for Common Eye Conditions in Seniors" by Timothy Wang, M.D. ● April 21, Cupertino Community Hall

.

"Acne prevention and treatment: how to have a clear complexion" by George Hsieh, M.D. ● May 5, Quinlan Community Center

  
Please!
Forward using this link, 
NOT your email program.

 
Was this newsletter forwarded to you?
Join Our Mailing List
 
Lectures & Classes
Colored tiles 
The following events are free to the public and offered by a variety of organizations.
.  
Yoga and Guided Imagery for cancer patients ● Saturday, Feb. 23 (Mountain View)
.
Kids and Teens with Mental Illness ● 6-session class for parents begins Saturday, Feb. 23 (San Jose)
.
Parenting Kids with ADHD ● 7-session class begins Sunday, March 3 (Los Altos)
.
Healthy Fast Food ● Wednesday, March 6 (Fremont)
.
Mindful Eating ● March 12 (Palo Alto)
.
Toilet Training ● Tuesday, March 12 (Mountain View)
.
Car Seat Safety ● Wednesday, March 13 (San Jose)  
"Caregivers Count" Conference
logo for the Aging Services Collaborative 
Saturday, April 13
    Family and friends who care for aging loved ones find tremendous benefit in this free, annual conference, sponsored by the Aging Services Collaborative. Save the date now, then check the ASC website in March to make your reservation and see the agenda. This one-day event will be held in the City of Santa Clara.
  
.
 
.
. ..