Welcome from the new ISHIB President

Greetings, ISHIB members and friends! I am proud to be the new president of an organization with a long-standing commitment to eliminate health disparities in ethnic populations around the world. As Dr. Flack's successor, I have great responsibility to live up to, but I am up for the challenge. My 14-year involvement with ISHIB has afforded me the opportunity to experience firsthand the growth of the organization through cutting-edge continuing education programs and scientific research.

With the help of our board members, staff, supporters, and members we will accomplish the following goals:

• Build on our legacy of providing current, relevant scientific programs
• Seek new and inclusive ways to engage membership
• Strengthen our relationships with our current corporate partners and develop new ones

We have an exciting 2 years ahead of us. In the upcoming months, we will roll out new programs such as the Hypertension Best Practices Program, updated ISHIB Guidelines with associated regional programs, online continuing education programs, and the Hypertension Fellowship Training Program, with the support of corporate partners and members.

In addition to these new programs, ISHIB must live up to the standard of hosting a state-of-the-art, annual scientific congress. ISHIB has hosted its Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference in wonderful cities throughout the United States and the world. We are proud to announce San Juan, Puerto Rico as the host city for ISHIB2005. Equally exciting, ISHIB will also celebrate its 20th year as a professional medical society in Atlanta, Georgia in 2006.

As we move forward, our immediate focus is you--our members. Over the next few months, we will call on you to participate on one of our scientific councils, membership committees, community committees, and to assist in developing new educational materials. Most importantly, we are looking for ambassadors of ISHIB to get involved in our “Get-A-Member” membership recruitment campaign. More information will be on our website and sent via email in the upcoming weeks.

We have a promising future ahead of us and I look forward to joining with you in our commitment to improving the health care and life expectancy of ethnic populations around the world!

Charles L. Curry, MD, FACC
President
ISHIB

Farewell from Immediate Past President

I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve ISHIB in the capacity of president over the last several years. It was a highly satisfying growth experience for me both personally and professionally.

ISHIB is a tremendous organization that has logged exceptional accomplishments in the fight against hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases. I can personally attest that there is a wealth of talent in the staff, board, and members of the organization. I remain deeply committed to working with the new ISHIB president, Dr. Charles Curry, the board, and members as ISHIB undertakes exciting new innovative challenges against hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases on behalf of African Americans, other ethnic minorities, and all persons at risk for or affected by these conditions.

2004-2006 ISHIB Board of Trustees

President (new elect)
Charles L. Curry, MD, FACC
Howard University College of Medicine
Washington, DC

Vice President
Janice Douglas, MD
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Cleveland, OH

Secretary/Treasurer (new elect)
Shawna Nesbitt, MD, MS
University of Texas Southwestern Medical
Dallas, TX

Immediate Past President
John M. Flack, MD, MPH, FAHA
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Detroit, MI

Lifetime Honorary Trustees

W. Dallas Hall, MD, MACP
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

James W. Reed, MD, MACP, FACE
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA

Elijah Saunders, MD, FACC, FACP
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD

Board Members

Albert G. B. Amoah, MD, PhD, FRCPE, FWACP
University of Ghana Medical School
Accra, Ghana

George A. Bakris, MD, FACP, FACCP, FAHA
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, IL

C. Alicia Georges, EdD, RN, FAAN
Lehman College
Bronx, NY

Clarence E. Grim, MD, FACP, FACC (new elect)
Medical College of Wisconsin & Shared Care Research & Education Consulting, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI

Sandra A. Harris-Hooker, PhD (new elect)
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA

Kenneth A. Jamerson, MD
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

Keith C. Norris, MD (new elect)
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science
Los Angeles, CA

C. Venkata S. Ram, MD, MACP, FACC
Texas Blood Pressure Institute
Dallas, TX

James R. Sowers, MD, FACP, FACE
University of Missouri – Columbia
Center for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health
Columbia, MO

Jackson T. Wright, Jr., MD, PhD, FACP
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Cleveland, OH

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August 2004 officially marks my first year as chief executive officer of ISHIB. I was privileged during this time to work alongside Dr. John Flack as president. The leadership of Dr. Flack has helped stabilize the organization during a time of transition. This leadership was evident in the successful delivery of the ISHIB2004 conference held in Detroit. Additionally, Dr. Flack has been instrumental in assisting in the development of new programs and initiatives that are focused on the expansion of service offerings of the organization. Dr. Charles Curry has been a member of ISHIB for more than 14 years and a board member since 1990. His dedication, leadership, and years of commitment to ISHIB and its mission make him a prime candidate as president. We look forward to working with Dr. Curry as we continue to fulfill the mission of ISHIB.

Please congratulate our newest board officers and trustees! They will work closely with ISHIB to continue to provide you with quality programs and tools to assist you with your goals. These individuals have shown leadership within the organization at various levels, and we are anticipating their future work with the organization. We would also like to acknowledge those board members who have completed their terms and moved on to new opportunities: Drs. Keith C. Ferdinand, Eddie L. Greene, and Shiriki K. Kumanyika. A sincere thanks to these individuals for their commitment to our organization.

This month’s issue of the ISHIB Insider includes findings from a study published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association (see article below) that reported almost a third of American adults have hypertension. This report sends another wake-up call to the crisis we face in the growing number of people with hypertension. In addition to our professional education programs, ISHIB will address these issues by strengthening relations with current partners and affiliates and by collaborating with government and non-health related community organizations in developing culturally sensitive educational tools and programs that reach the lay population.

September Events:

September is Cholesterol Education Month--please view the National Cholesterol Education Program website for more information. Another important event happening this month is “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day” on Sept 21st. We encourage you to work in your local areas with this important event.

In October, ISHIB will launch its new website. In addition to the new look, the website will feature up-to-date content in an easy-to-navigate format, announcements about our 2005 conference in Puerto Rico, and members-only site with a new provider locator service.

We thank you for joining us in the fight against hypertension and hope that you will take the opportunity to renew your membership or join ISHIB today!

Sincerely,
Christopher T. Fitzpatrick

I would like to echo past President John Flack in stating that ISHIB2004 was an "unqualified success!" Our success is not possible without the support of ISHIB members. It is only because of you that ISHIB has been and continues to be a great source to people who share core values to eliminate hypertension and cardiovascular disease in our communities.

A special thank you to the participants of the 2005 Membership Committee: Janet Cadogan, New York State Nurses Association, Brooklyn, NY; Johnnie L. Early, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH; Brent M. Egan, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC; Temple Robinson, Tallahassee, FL; Allen C. Small, Queens Long Island Medical Group, Flushing, NY; and Ellen Pinkrah, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Orange, NJ. These individuals have been instrumental in assisting ISHIB with formulating new and more inclusive ideas to improve membership services in 2005. We appreciate their enthusiasm and input. If you are interested in joining the Membership Committee, please contact ISHIB at member@ishib.org.

In October, ISHIB will launch the "Get-A-Member" campaign, in which we will mobilize our members to enlist colleagues and friends in the work of the organization. Your efforts at exceptional recruitment will be recognized at our annual conference in Puerto Rico. Our goal is to increase our membership by 20% in the year 2005. If you have not renewed your membership, now is the time. Please be on the lookout for improved membership services features, including free registry in our provider locator service and access to our members-only website that is scheduled to launch early October! This portion of our website will include a member directory, announcement bulletin board, and much more.

I look forward to working with you in the upcoming year!

With many thanks,

David C. Dillon
Program Manager

Upcoming Events

ISHIB 20th Annual Conference Location Announced

ISHIB2005 will convene in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Please be on the lookout for additional information.

ISHIB Regional Symposium Series Coming to Philadelphia!

On Saturday, September 25, 2004 ISHIB presents its FREE regional symposium series program: Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity in African American Patients: Therapeutic and Practical Approaches.

The goal of this series is to address the use of specific pharmacologic therapy in ethnic populations for all cardiovascular-related conditions (e.g., stroke, diabetes, lipid disorders, renal disease) and other health disparities as they affect all ethnic populations. Register now for the FREE continuing education program in Philadelphia to convene September 25th. Up to 3.5 CME (0.35 CEU/CE) may be received for completing this activity. Download program information here.

National Women’s Health & Fitness Day – September 24, 2004

Family Health & Fitness Day- September 27, 2004

Joint Interests in Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation and Pfizer
present Treating the African American Patient: Health Disparities and Arthritis CME program.

Wednesday, September 29, 2004, 6:00-9:30 p.m.

Location: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, Harborside D Ballroom
700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, Md.

Enrollment is limited, and reservations are required. RSVP to BVK at 1.800.574.0039, ext. 18 or e-mail Jen Villaloboz at jenniferv@bvk.com. A confirmation packet will be sent to you after your registration. Please RSVP by September 22nd.

CDC announces the opening of the “2004–2005 Flu Gallery”

The gallery is a place on the web where you can view and download all of this season’s influenza education materials, including posters, flyers, and brochures for the following audiences:

• Healthcare providers
• Seniors
• Pregnant women
• Parents of 6- to 23-month-olds and other kids at high risk
• People 18 or older with high-risk conditions

Most materials are in English and Spanish. Please visit the gallery for more information.

Get Tough on Angina

Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)

Learn how to:

• Organize small support groups for patients living with angina
• Utilize the “Get Tough on Angina” script, slide presentation and handout materials
• Conduct a series of four consecutive educational classes for patients, spouses, and/or significant others 

Webcast/Teleconference Sessions (1.2 CE Credits):

• Thursday, September 30, 2004,
  12–1 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, October 13, 2004,
  12–1 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, October 20, 2004,
  12–1 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, October 27, 2004,
  12–1 p.m. ET
• Thursday, November 4, 2004,
  12–1 p.m. ET

To register for this free educational seminar and to learn more about the Get Tough on Angina training sessions, please visit www.pcna.net. If you would like to order a free copy prior to receiving your “How To” kit, you can call 866.488.1212 or visit www.lifeheart.com.

Space is limited so sign up today!

The number of adults in the United States with high blood pressure increased 30% over the last decade (from 1988–1994 to 1999–2000), according to a study published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.

The study found that at least 65 million Americans have hypertension, defined as blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, using blood-pressure lowering medications, or having been told at least twice by a physician or other health professional that they had high blood pressure (medical history). By that definition, almost a third of U.S. adults have hypertension.

“The bottom line is that the estimated number of adults with high blood pressure has increased,” said Larry E. Fields, MD, lead author of the study and senior executive advisor to the assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The findings came from an analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the 1999–2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) IV, which included 4,531 people. The study was limited to people at least 18 years old.  The new estimate is much higher compared to the previous NHANES report (16,351 participants from 1988–1994) that estimated at least 50 million U.S. adults had high blood pressure.

Fields and his associates estimated that 59.2 million people had hypertension on the basis of blood pressure measurements or prescriptions for blood pressure medication.  More than 6 million people had high blood pressure based on their medical history, resulting in an estimated total of 65.2 million hypertensive adults.

The 1999–2000 survey shows that 28.7% of women and 28.3% of men have high blood pressure. When prevalence was divided along racial/ethnic categories, non-Hispanic black Americans have the highest prevalence at 38.8%. High blood pressure is prevalent in 28.7% of the Mexican-American population, and in 27.2% of the non-Hispanic white population.

The study did not specifically examine potential reasons for the increased prevalence of high blood pressure. However, the investigators cited the aging of the U.S. population and the growing proportion of overweight and obese Americans as potential major contributors.  Older age, excess weight, and lack of physical activity all increase the risk of hypertension.

Fields LE, Vicki L. Burt, ScM, R.N.; Jeffery A. Cutler, M.D., M.P.H.; Edward J. Roccella, Ph.D., M.P.H.; Paul Sorlie, Ph.D.; and Jeffery Hughes, M.P.H.. The Burden of Adult Hypertension in the United States 1999 to 2000, A Rising Tide. Hypertension; 2004; 44:1-7.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) is pleased to present the 2004 National Cholesterol Education Month kit. This year's Cholesterol Month kit contains a variety of materials that will assist you in bringing information on cholesterol lowering into your community, program, or practice. Cholesterol Month is a good time to recharge your cholesterol education activities.

Cholesterol Month 2004 extends the theme, "Know your cholesterol numbers, know your risk." This theme emphasizes two of the main thrusts of the cholesterol guidelines: the importance of having your cholesterol measured and knowing your risk of developing heart disease. Research has clearly shown that lowering cholesterol can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

In July 2004, the NCEP published a paper entitled Implications of Recent Clinical Trials for the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines, which updates some elements of the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) cholesterol guidelines released in 2001. The ATP III update has been endorsed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the American Heart Association, and the American College of Cardiology. Based on a review of five clinical trials of cholesterol-lowering statin treatment that were conducted since the release of ATP III, the update offers options for more intensive cholesterol-lowering treatment for people at high risk for heart disease.

To receive your kit, log on to http://hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/cholmonth/chol_kit.htm.

The "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day” campaign is designed to reduce health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minorities by encouraging individuals to go to a doctor or health professional for a health screening.

Joining with Secretary Thompson to lead the effort for the third year is Chairperson Tom Joyner, nationally syndicated radio personality and host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Designated as September 21, 2004, "Take a Loved One To The Doctor Day" will rally minority consumers to visit a doctor, nurse, or other health professional or make an appointment to see a health professional. The campaign is part of "Closing the Health Gap," an ongoing campaign partnership that combines HHS's medical expertise with the broadcast resources of ABC Radio Networks and the efforts of hundreds of national and community-based organizations.

"Take a Loved One To The Doctor Day" is designed to encourage minority communities to become more involved in their health care and health choices by working with local organizations and ABC Radio Networks's 240 urban affiliates to help set up appointments with healthcare professionals and to accompany them on visits to the doctor. The campaign also focuses on linking the government's extensive health information resources directly to minority consumers to help put knowledge to better use.

"We must be willing to take the lead in the health matters that affects us and those we love and it can begin with a visit to the doctor," Tom Joyner said. "We can each play a role in making our health a priority in our lives. As national chairperson, I am honored to play a role in helping to spread the message of good health across the country."

HHS has made eliminating health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minority populations a critical goal of Healthy People 2010 and one of Secretary Thompson's priorities for the department.

HHS has set up a toll-free number and website for people interested in "Closing the Health Gap" and "Take a Loved One To The Doctor Day" campaign information and materials, including a tool kit to help communities organize local health events. The number is 1.800.444.6472, and the website is www.healthgap.omhrc.gov.

We want to provide a useful and informative newsletter to you on a monthly basis. So we would like to hear from you with suggestions and ideas for improving our newsletter. Please send all comments and ideas to insider@ishib.org.