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Media Spotlight
During August 2004, 266 media placements about The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston reached a potential audience of about 96 million people, a 137 percent increase over the same month last year. The following is a sample of those media placements.
Dr. Ronald Portman says that high blood pressure is now afflicting “seemingly healthy” kids, in a report aired three times on KHOU TV, Aug. 2-3, and on the Houston Chronicle’s “Health & Medicine” Page, Aug. 12.
Drs. Eric Boerwinkle and James T.Willerson describe how vulnerable plaque research is changing cardiology’s view of 70 percent of heart attacks, Houston Chronicle, Aug. 3.
The “green” School of Nursing and Student Community Center is leading University of Texas efforts to conserve energy and reduce utility costs in new buildings, Houston Chronicle, Aug. 6.
Dr. Grant Fowler is performing “no-stitch” vasectomies that cut discomfort and recovery time for most patients, Houston Chronicle’s “Health and Medicine” Page, Aug. 19.
Drs. Franz S. F. Mong and Len Cleary, with first-year students Ashley R.Waghorn and Annamaria Macaluso, show that the Medical School’s gross anatomy lab is finally “back in business” three years after destruction by Tropical Storm Allison, Houston Chronicle, Aug. 19.
Dr. Fernando Moya says a mother’s invention – the “Zaky Glove,” which has the feel and smell of a mother’s hand – is an effective tool for comforting premature babies in the hospital, KTRK-TV, Aug. 23.
Dr. Kent Christopherson shows how molecular-level research improves blood cell creation in umbilical cord transfusions, Houston Chronicle’s new “Environment & Science” Page, Aug. 24.
As the first guest on the new KTRK-TV “Health Check Answers,” in which local viewers’ medical questions are answered, Dr. Adelaide Hebert explains: (1) that most chemicals in hair dye do not increase the risk of cancer, (2) that she is not aware of foods that help control psoriasis outbreaks, but new biologic drugs may help, and (3) that tattoos can be dangerous if badly applied, but are removable in safe ways, Aug. 25.
In a story carried nationwide by the Associated Press, Dr. Sue Day announces findings of a new report saying that poverty, lack of education and a paucity of government services makes the Lower Rio Grande Valley one of the unhealthiest areas in America, Houston Chronicle, Aug. 26.
Dermatologist Dr. Adelaide Hebert says that, when treating hyperhidrosis (excessive perspiration) via surgery, the operation to clip the nerve should not be considered reversible, KTRK-TV, Aug. 28.
Dr. Kristy Lillibridge says there are very few cases of West Nile virus in dogs and cats, but DEET in human mosquito spray can be toxic to pets, KPRC-TV, Aug. 30.