Does cola increase osteoporosis risk in women?
Recently researchers showed that cola, and not other carbonated soft drinks, is associated with significantly low bone mineral density (BMD) and a higher risk for osteoporosis in women. The study found a link only among women who regularly drink cola, not men. To found out more about this study, along with analysis of it from an osteoporosis expert at Yale-New Haven Hospital, read the women’s health He@lthLINK online at www.ynhh.org or call 203.688.2000 or toll-free, 888.700.6543, for a copy.

YNHH patients to benefit from new linear accelerator
Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH) has recently installed a new Varian Trilogy linear accelerator, the most powerful, versatile cancer treatment technology available. The first unit of its kind in the greater New Haven area, this accelerator is equipped with image-guided radiotherapy, a new type of radiation treatment that permits higher doses to be targeted directly to the tumor, sparing the nearby healthy tissue. This capability enhances the accuracy of radiation treatment for various malignancies including prostate, lung and breast cancer, because these types of tumors often shift in location. For a Healthy Facts sheet that describes YNHH’s new Varian Trilogy linear accelerator, or for a referral to a radiation oncologist, call 203.688.2000 or toll-free, 888.700.6543.

Do you suffer from facial pain?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a severely painful facial condition in which people may experience sharp, electric shock-like pain to the cheeks, jaw, teeth, gums and lips. On Thursday, June 7, from 6:30-8 p.m., Kenneth Vives, M.D. and Jonathan Knisely, M.D., will discuss the signs and symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia; as well as gamma knife radiosurgery and its advantages as a treatment for this condition. The lecture will be held at Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center in Guilford and light refreshments will be served. To register, call 203.688.2000 or toll-free, 888.700.6543; or visit www.ynhh.org and click on “Online Class Registration.”

Helping regain hearing and balance
More than 30 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, a commonly undiagnosed and under-treated condition that can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life. New advances in surgical techniques and hearing devices have allowed many more patients to reverse the social isolation and frustration that hearing loss can cause. The Hearing and Balance Program in the Yale Physicians Building provides accurate diagnosis and treatment of hearing, dizziness and balance disorders for children and adults. Its comprehensive services are conveniently located under one roof. For a brochure that describes the program, or for a referral to an ear, nose and throat physician, call 203.688.2000 or toll-free, 888.700.6543.

Consider yourself asked
Yale-New Haven Hospital, the largest user of blood in Connecticut, is holding two blood drives in June: Wednesday, June 6 from 7 a.m.-5:45 p.m., and Thursday, June 7 from 7- 11:45 a.m. Both will be held in the East Pavilion Cafeteria special events area. Summer blood drives are particularly important because the need for blood increases in the summer. Some people say they’ve never given blood because they’ve never been asked. Consider yourself asked! For an appointment, or for more information, please call 203.688.7436.

National Men’s Health Week is in June
You know the mileage on your car, but have you checked your blood pressure lately? What about your cholesterol? The Men’s Health Enrichment Program, a new outreach initiative at Yale-New Haven Hospital, is marking Men’s Health Week (June 11-17) by urging men throughout greater New Haven to find out where they stand health-wise and begin taking steps to take control of their health. Men who want to learn more about what to do can read Yale-New Haven Hospital’s Healthy Facts sheet, “Steps Men Can Take to Stay Healthy.” For a copy, call 203.688.2000 or toll-free, 888.700.6543.

Shoreline Medical Center kicks off art exhibit
Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center in Guilford will host a reception for the opening of its second annual art exhibit on Thursday, June 14, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The exhibit, on display in the medical center’s hallways and public spaces through January 2008, will feature oil paintings and photographs from area artists who include: Alfonso Bisceglia, Andrea Brucella, Penrhyn Cook, Gerald Freedman, M.D., Roberta Friedman and Hank Paper. For information about the reception and exhibit, call 203.688.2000 or toll-free, 888.700.6543.

Billing questions?
YNHH offers financial counseling to patients and families. Spanish-speaking counselors are available. Additionally, Monday evening sessions are scheduled once a month - the next two are 5 to 7 p.m. June 18 and July 16. To make an appointment with a financial counselor, call 203.688.2046.

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All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.