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VISN 2: Veterans' Wellness, Fall 2011
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Fall 2011
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COPD Research
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 Gene Research Update
VA Western New York Healthcare
System in Buffalo and Stratton VA
Medical Center in Albany are still
looking for volunteers to participate
in the Million Veteran Program
(MVP). MVP is an important partnership
between VA and Veterans
to better understand how genes
affect health and illness. The goal
of this ongoing national study is to
improve health care for all Veterans.
Participation is voluntary and will
not affect Veterans’ access to health
care or benefits. As of October 1,
Buffalo has enrolled 522 Veterans,
who donated blood, and Albany
has enrolled 226 Veterans. To
participate, call 1-866-441-6075.
Update on Lower
Back Pain Studies
Two controlled trials of
chronic lower back pain
have just been completed
at Rochester VA Outpatient
Clinic. They were first reported
in the fall 2010 issue of Veterans’
Wellness.
The results from the first trial
may predict the most appropriate
treatments for chronic lower
back pain. There were 376 Veterans
who showed interest in this
study and 78 participated.
The second study investigated
the role of chiropractic care in
older adults with chronic lower
back pain. There were 1,049
Veterans who showed interest in
this study and 136 participated.
Thanks to all who participated
in these studies. The results will
be announced in a future issue
of Veterans’ Wellness.
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| Vijay Kumar, Ph.D.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) is one
long name for two conditions:
chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Both are serious conditions that get
worse with time, blocking airways
with swelling and mucus.
COPD is the third-leading cause
of death in Americans and the only
one of the leading causes in which
mortality is increasing. A research
report published in September
showed that the lifetime risk of
developing COPD is about one in
four. These odds are higher than
the chances of developing cancer
or heart disease.
Who Gets COPD?
Smoking is blamed for up to nine
of 10 deaths from COPD. Being
overexposed to chemicals at work
or other pollutants can also be a risk
factor. COPD often develops slowly,
taking your breath away before you
realize it. Eventually, activities such
as walking and cleaning the house
become too strenuous.
We Want to Help
VA Western New
York Healthcare
System in Buffalo is involved in two
COPD research projects. The first one
focuses on understanding why COPD
patients are more at risk for lung
infections than the rest of the population.
The other one is investigating
the link between the body’s immune
responses and infections.
The goal of these COPD research
projects is to develop new diagnostic
tools, vaccines, and medications to
prevent and treat these infections.
Attention, Buffalo-Area Veterans
If you have COPD, chronic bronchitis,
or emphysema; are at least
30 years old; and are either a
smoker or ex-smoker, you may
qualify for one of these research
projects. Participants will be reimbursed
for their time and travel.
If you live within the Buffalo area
and are interested in this study,
please call 716-862-8570 for more
information.
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Fall 2011
Golden Age Games |
TeleMOVE! |
Eating Habits
Vet Options |
Ask the Experts |
Hospice Care
COPD Research |
Visually Impaired |
Readership |
Fall Recipe
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