Donna is one of our Research Coordinators at Clinical Trials, Inc. She is a Registered Nurse and Certified Clinical Research Coordinator. She has been working in research for almost 20 years and has been working for Dr. Biton for almost 15 of those 20. Although she has several areas of experience, she primarily focuses on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's trials at our center as well as any in-patient type study.
I am happy to have Donna as a new contributor to this blog. Please share this with your friends and family who may have questions about research or the areas we specialize in (Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MD & Diabetic Neuropathy).
-Lauren
Monday, November 25, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
With that said, as we start a new year we do it with some new staff.
Shannon Hichens is our new office manager
Meredith Baskin is our new nurse/research coordinator
We are excited to have them as a part of our team!
Staff as pictured above (left to right): front row - Mary Davis, Lauren Landers; second row - Betty Ussery, Teri Walters, Judy Summers, Suzanne Rodgers, Meredith Baskin; third row - Brenda Spann, Ruth Mattingly, Shannon Hichens, Brenda Harder, Kelly Threlkeld, Donna Hemphill, Dr. Victor Biton; back row - Mark Franks, Barbara Schwerman, Dusty Holderfield, Kimberly Hagar, & Denise Davis
Please let us know if there are topics you would like discussed on this blog. Otherwise, I will talk about stuff that I THINK you would be interested in.
That is all for now, but I will be back soon!
Lauren
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Plans for 2012...
So we've started a new year...2012!!! Did you make any resolutions? Honestly, I was tired of making resolutions that never would stick, so this year I just made a more general resolution. To be more concious of my overall health.
What am I doing....well I'm trying to eat better and even though I'm still going to have a burger or ice cream every now and again I think portion control is key. Everything in moderation :) I've also started a exercise program....or boot camp. Unfortunately, I am one of those people that cannot motivate to get a good workout done at home or at the gym. I need others around me, pushing me to do more.
We tend, has humans, to do better in a group setting and I have found this true for myself. Don't get me wrong I am a very independant person who enjoys their "me" time probably because I'm an only child :) But this boot camp thing really motivates me, but I'm also a very competitive person!
We all have family history of health problems and some of us have already started having problems of our own. My wake up call was my daughter. She just turned 2 and I want to be around to see her grow up and into hopefully and happy responsible adult. We also had health screenings done at work for our health insurance and although I passed as low risk at this time, it brought to light some areas for concern which can be changed now with eating right and exercise.
I wish you all the best in your endeavors for 2012 and don't forget that if you have a loved one with a health issue like Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Diabetic Neuropathy pain or MS - We have studies that could possibly help. Of course there is no quarantee because it is research and everything is still investigational but I believe it is better to have HOPE. Remember there are no quarantees in LIFE.
What am I doing....well I'm trying to eat better and even though I'm still going to have a burger or ice cream every now and again I think portion control is key. Everything in moderation :) I've also started a exercise program....or boot camp. Unfortunately, I am one of those people that cannot motivate to get a good workout done at home or at the gym. I need others around me, pushing me to do more.
We tend, has humans, to do better in a group setting and I have found this true for myself. Don't get me wrong I am a very independant person who enjoys their "me" time probably because I'm an only child :) But this boot camp thing really motivates me, but I'm also a very competitive person!
We all have family history of health problems and some of us have already started having problems of our own. My wake up call was my daughter. She just turned 2 and I want to be around to see her grow up and into hopefully and happy responsible adult. We also had health screenings done at work for our health insurance and although I passed as low risk at this time, it brought to light some areas for concern which can be changed now with eating right and exercise.
I wish you all the best in your endeavors for 2012 and don't forget that if you have a loved one with a health issue like Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Diabetic Neuropathy pain or MS - We have studies that could possibly help. Of course there is no quarantee because it is research and everything is still investigational but I believe it is better to have HOPE. Remember there are no quarantees in LIFE.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Seizure First Aid
Education about Epilepy and Seizures is very important. Most people do not understand the disease and what we do not understand, we sometimes are affraid of. It is important to know what to do in any emergency situation. We have CPR classes, fire drills, etc. But what would you do if someone at a restaurant, grocery store or church had a seizure? Would you know what to do?
Most importantly, have someone call 911 and then assist the person seizing. The main goal is to keep them from getting hurt during the seizure. Try to turn them on their side and wait for them to stop seizing.
Dr. Oz recently addressed this and here is the link with some more tips!
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/seizure-first-aid
Most importantly, have someone call 911 and then assist the person seizing. The main goal is to keep them from getting hurt during the seizure. Try to turn them on their side and wait for them to stop seizing.
Dr. Oz recently addressed this and here is the link with some more tips!
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/seizure-first-aid
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Donating to Causes
Do you donate to any causes? CTI and AEP stay involved with several Non-Profits in our Community including but not limited to: Alzheimer's Arkansas, Arkansas Parkinson's Association, American Diabetes Association - Arkansas Chapter, Epilepsy Education Association of Arkansas, PEACE and others.
We encourage people to search out these organizations and give what you can whether it is money, time or in-kind goods. These organizations provide much needed services. Looking for a support group - these are the people to contact!
My background is actually Non-Profit, so I have some professional experience in that field and it is HARD WORK. Most of these people do not get paid great and work well over 40 hours per week, including nights and weekends. Let me tell you they don't do it for the money, but for the CAUSE.
There are definitely many worthwhile organizations out there. Find something you are passionate about and get involved. I work full-time, mother and wife and I still find time to volunteer. I'm not saying it's easy but it's important to me and I want my daughter to learn how important it is as well.
Here are some websites for the above mentioned organizations. I hope you get involved TODAY!
http://www.alzark.org/
http://www.diabetes.org/
http://www.epilepsyarkansas.org/
http://www.arparkinson.org/
http://www.peaceinark.com/
We encourage people to search out these organizations and give what you can whether it is money, time or in-kind goods. These organizations provide much needed services. Looking for a support group - these are the people to contact!
My background is actually Non-Profit, so I have some professional experience in that field and it is HARD WORK. Most of these people do not get paid great and work well over 40 hours per week, including nights and weekends. Let me tell you they don't do it for the money, but for the CAUSE.
There are definitely many worthwhile organizations out there. Find something you are passionate about and get involved. I work full-time, mother and wife and I still find time to volunteer. I'm not saying it's easy but it's important to me and I want my daughter to learn how important it is as well.
Here are some websites for the above mentioned organizations. I hope you get involved TODAY!
http://www.alzark.org/
http://www.diabetes.org/
http://www.epilepsyarkansas.org/
http://www.arparkinson.org/
http://www.peaceinark.com/
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Disabilities and Employment
Some stories about those with Epilepsy....
32-year-old "Robert," who does not want his real name used because it could jeopardize his chances of future employment, hasn't been so lucky -- and has been fired twice because of his epilepsy. The IT specialist, who lives in Toronto, once had a high-powered job and handled mergers of computer services for several major companies. But his life took a turn for the worse when he had his first seizure at the age of 23. He went on disability, but as soon as he came off it about a year later, he was offered a layoff package by his employer.About 30 per cent of people with seizures will be able to control them if they take the proper medications. So the average person with epilepsy is under control, drug control, and may never have another seizure
One of our friends on facebook made this commnet: This really hits home for me. I was a productive member of society practicing an actual trade and had been working in a professional environment since I was 15. I had to give it up prettymuch indefinitely at 25 and it's been very frustrating. I sort of don't know what to do with myself and I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Another personal experience: "My seizures became gradually more frequent. First every six months, then every three months, and, by the time I was in college, I was having seizures monthly. My epilepsy became harder to live with, but I got used to it– sort of. While I had the good fortune of never being teased, I still did not feel quite whole. My seizures are still not controlled, but I have an understanding and helpful family."
32-year-old "Robert," who does not want his real name used because it could jeopardize his chances of future employment, hasn't been so lucky -- and has been fired twice because of his epilepsy. The IT specialist, who lives in Toronto, once had a high-powered job and handled mergers of computer services for several major companies. But his life took a turn for the worse when he had his first seizure at the age of 23. He went on disability, but as soon as he came off it about a year later, he was offered a layoff package by his employer.About 30 per cent of people with seizures will be able to control them if they take the proper medications. So the average person with epilepsy is under control, drug control, and may never have another seizure
One of our friends on facebook made this commnet: This really hits home for me. I was a productive member of society practicing an actual trade and had been working in a professional environment since I was 15. I had to give it up prettymuch indefinitely at 25 and it's been very frustrating. I sort of don't know what to do with myself and I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Another personal experience: "My seizures became gradually more frequent. First every six months, then every three months, and, by the time I was in college, I was having seizures monthly. My epilepsy became harder to live with, but I got used to it– sort of. While I had the good fortune of never being teased, I still did not feel quite whole. My seizures are still not controlled, but I have an understanding and helpful family."
- John G. Miers of Bethesda, MD
Married with 3 daughters and 1 grandson
Retired from a federal agency as the Office of Diversity and Employee Advocacy Programs Director.
We have recently heard news of more high profile people being diagnosed with disabiling and progressive diseases. For example, this week we found out that Pat Summitt, the Tennesse Lady Vols Basketball coach was diagnosed with dementia. Steve Kragthorpe, assistant football coach for the LSU Tigers was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's. How will this affect their jobs? As of now, they are both still in their current positions and plan to continue as long as they can.
Obviously, everyone's situation is different, but I think it is important to realize you are not alone. What is your story?
Obviously, everyone's situation is different, but I think it is important to realize you are not alone. What is your story?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Reasons to Participate in a Clinical Trial
Why do people participate in Clinical Trials?
-some people might do it because they may gain some benefit
(access to an investigational medication not available on the market)
-some people might do it for extra money
(the financial gain should never be significant enough to persuade someone to participate and cannot
be used when advertising per the FDA)
-some people might do it for benefiting science, helping others
Ultimately, people should volunteer for benefiting science. That blood pressure or diabetes pill you or a loved one takes wouldn't be available if others hadn't volunteered for a trial. This is true with any medication available today including Tylenol.
Would you participate in a trial just for research purposes...knowing you would gain no benefit other than possibly helping others?
We conduct many different types of drug studies but we specialize in Neurological diseases....Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS and Diabetic Neuropathy. Although some people are controlled with their Epilepsy medication, there are thousands of people still suffering with uncontrolled seizures even on medication. There is no cure for AD, PD, MS or DPN - so if I or someone I loved was suffering from a progressive disease for which there was no cure, I would consider a drug study. Research provides Hope to an individual. Will the study drug help? There is no way to know without the research and sadly most drugs do fail and never make it to market. But what we learn from those drugs that fail is what will eventually lead us to the CURE.
If you want to get involved in a clinical trial or find one in your area for a loved one, visit any of these sites.
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
http://www.centerwatch.com/
and of course our website for those in Arkansas
http://www.clinicaltrialsinc.com/
-some people might do it because they may gain some benefit
(access to an investigational medication not available on the market)
-some people might do it for extra money
(the financial gain should never be significant enough to persuade someone to participate and cannot
be used when advertising per the FDA)
-some people might do it for benefiting science, helping others
Ultimately, people should volunteer for benefiting science. That blood pressure or diabetes pill you or a loved one takes wouldn't be available if others hadn't volunteered for a trial. This is true with any medication available today including Tylenol.
Would you participate in a trial just for research purposes...knowing you would gain no benefit other than possibly helping others?
We conduct many different types of drug studies but we specialize in Neurological diseases....Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS and Diabetic Neuropathy. Although some people are controlled with their Epilepsy medication, there are thousands of people still suffering with uncontrolled seizures even on medication. There is no cure for AD, PD, MS or DPN - so if I or someone I loved was suffering from a progressive disease for which there was no cure, I would consider a drug study. Research provides Hope to an individual. Will the study drug help? There is no way to know without the research and sadly most drugs do fail and never make it to market. But what we learn from those drugs that fail is what will eventually lead us to the CURE.
If you want to get involved in a clinical trial or find one in your area for a loved one, visit any of these sites.
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
http://www.centerwatch.com/
and of course our website for those in Arkansas
http://www.clinicaltrialsinc.com/
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