School of Medicine

Tips for kicking the butts.The Great American Smokeout — the day each November the American Cancer Society encourages smokers to say “no thanks” to cigarettes for 24 hours — helps many people recognize how dangerous smoking is and how much they really want to quit, says a psychologist at Washington University in St. Louis who is an expert on helping people gain control of personal habits.

Abdominal fat reduction with DHEA useIn a six-month study of elderly people, researchers at the School of Medicine found that the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) significantly reduced abdominal fat and improved insulin action. This finding suggests that DHEA may be able to counter the increase in abdominal fat and accompanying increased risk for diabetes that very often occurs as we grow older.

Getting an annual mammogram is recommended for healthy women beginning at age 40, and it could be even more important for women between 40 and 50. In the following Post-Dispatch article, Barbara Monsees, professor of radiology and head of the breast imaging section at Siteman Cancer Center, notes that breast cancer can be more aggressive among patients in that age group.

A comparison of the genetic codes of a type of algae, a weed and humans has led researchers to a gene linked to a human illness. More medical articles

In the midst of the growing epidemic of obesity, a group of researchers at the School of Medicine has dived into the human gene pool to look for solutions. The group recently identified genetic variations unique to obese men and are now embarking on a wider search to find additional genes linked to obesity.

However, dietary changes did not seem to prevent mice from developing some cognitive deficits associated with age. More medical articles

Courtesy PhotoSteve Warner and his team compete in the 2004 Olympics; they finished ninth in the second finals race.As a member of a lightweight four team, the medical student competed for the U.S. rowing squad in the 2004 Olympic Games.

H. influenzae infection is a common cause of respiratory tract disease and is sometimes responsible for cases of childhood bacterial meningitis.

He said the most important health-care issues are cost-related, and the industry is pressured by a growing aging demographic and increased regulation.

The change will bring the School of Medicine holiday schedule in synchrony with the rest of the University.