Checkup

Making Rounds

Wireless Internet Access

Patients and guests of Mayo Clinic are now able to access free, high-speed, wireless Internet service on campus. Fact sheets explaining how to connect to the service are available at information desks around the clinic campus.

Second Phase of epilepsy Stimulator Trial Begins Enrollment

Mayo Clinic neurologists are now enrolling patients for the second phase of their responsive neurostimulator (RNS) clinical trial. The device, used to treat epilepsy that medication has been unable to control, constantly monitors the brain's electrical activity for seizure onset. If it detects something, it delivers mild electrical stimulations through electrodes placed in seizure hot spots. The goal is to stop seizures in their tracks. The first phase of the study enrolled 74 patients at 12 sites and looked at the overall performance and effectiveness of the implant. The second phase will further examine the safety and effectiveness of the device. For more information, call (904) 953-6847.

Volunteers Sought for Alzheimer's Disease Study

Mayo Clinic researchers are seeking healthy adults 75 years and older with no personal history of memory problems to participate in a clinical trial evaluating a blood test for Alzheimer's disease. Volunteers will have their blood drawn annually during the study period and will undergo an annual battery of memory and other cognitive function tests. The blood test measures the ratio of two forms of a protein that make up the senile plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. The test may someday be used to predict who is at risk of developing the disease, much like a cholesterol test can predict risk of heart disease. In the trial's initial phase, conducted in a smaller group of people, researchers found the blood test does predict some of the risk of developing Alzheimer's. They hope to corroborate their findings in a larger group of people. Those interested in participating may call (904) 953-2677 for more information.

Mayo Clinic Health Forum

The Mayo Clinic Health Forum offers educational seminars that provide medical information to our community. Mayo Clinic physicians share their expertise on a variety of health-related topics, and they are available after their presentations to answer questions one-on-one. The seminars are free, open to the public and usually held in Kinne Auditorium on the clinic campus.

Upcoming seminars include "Stroke Alert: What you need to know about stroke" Thursday, May 31, Kinne Auditorium, Cannaday Building, Mayo Clinic.

Simple Success

Classes for both programs are held at the St. Luke's Hospital campus. For class dates, times and other information, please call (904) 296-3733.

Diabetes program
This comprehensive outpatient program teaches diabetics how to manage their disease. Health-care professionals teach a series of four classes totaling 10 hours in a supportive, small-group environment. Insurance companies may cover the cost.

Weight control program
A registered dietitian and exercise physiologist teach this 12-week, comprehensive outpatient program. Emphasis is placed on lifestyle, exercise, attitudes and relationships and their effect on one's health.