11-21 Health briefs

The Edmond Sun

November 20, 2008 11:12 pm

— Maternal fetal medicine specialist joins OU Physicians
Edmond resident Dr. Marvin Williams Jr. has established his medical practice with OU Physicians Prenatal Diagnostic Center. Williams is a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are obstetricians who completed additional training in the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care of complicated pregnancies.
Williams completed a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, where he also completed his obstetrics-gynecology residency. He earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Oklahoma State College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa, and his undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma. He graduated from Douglas High School.
Williams served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Medical Corps, and earned the Bronze Star in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V. He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine and the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine.
Nearly 20 percent of Americans suffer PTSD after leaving the ICU
About 20 percent of patients checking out of hospital intensive care units suffer post traumatic stress disorder, according to a new study from General Hospital Psychiatry. Patients who experience or witness life-threatening events are at risk for PTSD, as are those who have anxiety or depression before entering the intensive care ward.
“Four million people visit an intensive care unit each year in the United States,” said Dr. Michael Lindsay Maidt, family physician with Generations Healthcare.
Treating PTSD early is especially important for the elderly; left untreated, the disorder can impair recovery from medical conditions according to the National Center for PTSD. Because being in the ICU means a person is in critical condition in an environment that is constantly bright and noisy, the experience is similar to being in a war zone — where PTSD is most commonly attributed. Symptoms of the disorder can include nightmares, trouble sleeping and re-experiencing trauma as flashbacks, reports the General Hospital Psychiatry study.
Generations Healthcare recommends talking to a physician for more information about the disorder or its symptoms. For more information about Generations Healthcare, call 877-280-2990 or visit www.generationshealthcare.cc.
Turning Point conference on deck at UCO
“Moving Prevention Upstream” is the theme for the 11th annual Turning Point winter conference sponsored by the Oklahoma Turning Point Council and the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition. The conference will be Dec. 10-11 in the Nigh University Center at the University of Central Oklahoma. Sessions will begin Dec. 10 at 8 a.m.
Topics will cover the state’s leading health issues that impact the quality of life for all Oklahomans and will feature special youth and community messages.
Keynote speaker for the conference is Dr. Diane Allensworth, associate director for education in the Division of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances, National Health Marketing Center.
The conference will include public health exhibits and activities.
Advance registration of $35 is available until Dec. 1 for the two-day event. The cost increases to $50 at the door. To register online, visit www.okturningpoint.org/ or download the registration form and mail it to: Public Health Institute of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 60926, Oklahoma City, OK 73146-0926. Contributions are tax deductible and checks or money orders should be made payable to the Public Health Institute of Oklahoma.