Observances

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

MeSH turns 50

MeSH is the controlled vocabulary used by the National Library of Medicine to organize information in the health sciences; it is the underpinning of MEDLINE.

While first discussed at a symposium in 1947, the first volume of the printed subject headings was published in 1960. The last printed volume was issued in 2007, but the database (which is both alphabetical and hiearchical) continues to be available in electronic form as the MeSh browser.

NLM will offer a videocast on Thursday, November 18th from 1-2:30 (CST) by Robert Braude, PhD, entitled MeSH at 50 ÔÇô 50th Anniversary of Medical Subject Headings.

Featured Books X-Ray display

To celebrate the 115th anniversay of the invention of the X-ray, a new display is now available in the library. It features many books on radiology. These books are available for check out.

XRays Discovered 115 Years Ago

Check out the Google logo today. In recognizes that Wilhelm Conrad R?Ântgen (commonly spelled Roentgen) accidentally discovered “a new type of ray.” He won the Nobel Prize in 1901 for his discovery, but in physics not medicine.

Boolean Logic

We all use Boolean logic everyday when searching library databases or using a search engine (New Orleans Saints AND shirts). George Boole, the mathematician who established Boolean logic was born today (November 2nd) in 1815. His big breakthrough was that logic (which had previously been associated with philosophy) could instead be thought of mathematically.

What Vaccines do you need?

School is now in session for most states across the U.S. and right on time for National Immunization Awareness Month. The main goal is to increase awareness about immunizations which are very important because they can help protect yourself and others against life-threatening infections.

Throughout the U.S. there are?ástill some?ádeaths associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. Last year in Louisiana there was an?áincrease in reports of Hepatitis B and Pertussis (whooping cough)?áthan in 2008, which are two vaccine-preventable diseases. ?á

Not sure about what vaccines you might need? Check out the following link & take a brief quiz so that you can get a better idea of what you and your doctor should discuss on your next visit:

http://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultImmSched/

?áFor more information, please visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/default.htm

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/page.asp?ID=249&Detail=7428

Nat’l Hurricane Preparedness Week

If you take the time to educate yourself you are a few steps closer to being prepared. If you live in the New Orleans area preparedness is especially important in respect to Hurricanes.

May 23-29 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. Visit the official website to learn more and take action in order to protect yourself and others against hurricanes.

Arthritis Facts!

Arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability – Fact

Approximately 46 million people in America have been diagnosed with arthritis, and of them 300,000 are children. Arthritis is a group of?á conditions that affects joints as well as other parts of the body. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle by walking or doing some other type of exercise is recommended to improve conditions. Inactivity may cause arthritis patients to experience more pain. Nearly everyone over the age of 75 is affected by arthritis in at least one joint, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

The 3 most common types of arthritis are:

• Rheumatoid

• Juvenile

• Osteoarthritis

A few ways to keep moving are stationary cycling, walking and gardening.

For additional information visit:

http://www.arthritis.org/arthritis-awareness-month.php

Personal Archiving Day @ LoC

Personal Archiving day celebrates the first National Preservation Week (May 9-15). It is sponsored by the Library of Congress, the American Library Association, and partner organizations.

To learn more how to preserve your own digital materials and to sign for free digital preservation updates, visit
www.digitalpreservation.gov/news/events/presweek2010/
or
http://www.digitalpreservation.gov/you/

Happy Birthday LSU!

On Saturday, April 24th, Louisiana State University will celebrate its 150th birthday. The Baton Rouge Advocate has produced a special section in anticipation of the anniversary on Sunday, April 18th.

The LSU School of Medicine was part of the main campus in Baton Rouge (even though it was in New Orleans) from its inception in 1931 until the Medical Center became its own campus in 1965.

Donate Life Month

April is Donate Life Month!

Did you know that as of the beginning of April, 2010, there were 106,759 people on the waiting list to receive donated organs or tissues?

Each day, about 77 people receive organ transplants. However, 19 people die each day waiting for transplants that can’t take place because of the shortage of donated organs.

Signing up to become an organ and/or tissue donor is easy and very important.

You can save a life!

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The CDC states that “in 2007, approximately 794,000 children were confirmed by Child Protective Services as being abused or neglected.” Of that number, over 21,000 are in Louisiana. Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana is a state-wide, non-profit organization dedicated to preventing the abuse and neglect of our state’s children.

World Water Day

Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992, World Water Day (celebrated on March 22nd each year) the theme for this year’s day is “Clean Water for a Healthy World.”

Patient Safety Awareness

Sure, we all know it is important for doctors to provide safe and effective health care, but did you know patients play a part in safety as well?

March 7-13th is Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) which is a national campaign for bettering patient care on a personal level. The National Patient Safety Foundation provides information and materials on how to be the best patient you can be. The first step? Asking the right questions.

Find out more!

National Children’s Dental Health Month

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country.

In addition to National Children’s Dental Health Month, the ADA sponsors Give Kids a Smile day the first Friday of February. Give Kids A Smile was designed to provide education, preventative and restorative care to low-income children who do not have access to care.

The LSUHSC-NO School of Dentistry clinics in New Orleans and Baton Rouge will be celebrating Give Kids a Smile day with special guests and events.

So have a little fun and don’t forget to brush and floss!