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"Let's Talk RA (rheumatoid arthritis)" Town Hall meeting

by Sharon Adams

Tue, Feb 27, 2007, 01:33 PM

Editors: The speakers are available for interviews. Scroll down for the info.

The Arthritis Foundation today announced that it will host a free “Let’s Talk RA” Town Hall meeting at Dallas’ Cityplace Conference Center, located at 2711 North Haskell, on Monday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. The open forum will feature John H. Klippel, M.D., national president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, and Dallas-based rheumatologist Alex Limanni, M.D. of the Arthritis Centers of Texas. David Winter, M.D., affiliated with Baylor University Medial Center and WFAA-TV medical correspondent, will serve as event moderator. People living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their caregivers are invited to participate in a discussion about the importance of improved physician-patient communication, disease management and making better lifestyle choices. Attendees will have an opportunity to get answers to their questions about communicating with their physician from these local and national medical experts during the Q&A portion of the meeting.

A survey conducted on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation found that nearly 70 percent of people being treated for RA still experience stiffness, fatigue or pain on a daily basis. [i]

In addition, unlike many other diseases, there is no one specific diagnostic test for rheumatoid arthritis, so clearly describing symptoms to a physician is important for proper care. [ii] The Let’s Talk RA campaign, sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, is a national education and awareness campaign designed to improve communication between people who live with RA and their rheumatologists. The campaign also includes a free communication guide.

“Rheumatologists need to have a clear understanding of exactly how rheumatoid arthritis is affecting an individual’s daily activities in order to provide the best possible care. The key to this understanding is effective communication,” said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. Dr. Klippel also is a rheumatologist. “Let’s Talk RA provides people living with rheumatoid arthritis with tools designed to facilitate effective and specific communication about their condition with their doctors.”

To register for “Let’s Talk RA”, please call (214) 826-4361 or visit www.arthritis.org/LTRA/ltra_landing.html.

Let’s Talk RA Communication Guide

The Let’s Talk RA communication guide was designed by the Arthritis Foundation with input from rheumatologists to help those with RA prepare for each doctor visit. The guide offers practical tips, including what information to take notes on and types of questions to ask the doctor. Tips to facilitate the dialogue on treatment plan options and modifiable lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise also are included. The free communication guide is available from the Arthritis Foundation’s Web site, http://www.arthritis.org or by calling 1-800-568-4045.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a, chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the lining of the joints (or synovium), causing joint damage with chronic pain, stiffness and swelling. [iii] RA causes limited range of motion and decreased function as a result of affected joints losing their shape and alignment. 3

RA affects more than 2 million people in the United States and is more common in women, who account for 70 percent of patients diagnosed with RA. 3

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s number-one cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has 46 chapters and 150 community service points located throughout the country.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-568-4045 or www.arthritis.org .

For more information on the Let’s Talk RA campaign or to schedule an interview with Alex Limanni, M.D., contact Karol Wilson, K. Wilson Communications, at 214-363-8428 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it To schedule an interview with Arthritis Foundation president and CEO John H. Klippel, M.D, please contact Joyce Harvey, 404-786-1616, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

###

References

1 Ruderman, p. 15, Fig. 2

[ii] Rindfleish, JA & Muller, D, pg. 5, para 1, pg.6, para 1

[iii] American College of Rheumatology Web site. Rheumatoid arthritis. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/ra_new.asp?aud=pat#3 Accessed November 29, 2006.

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COMFORT FOOD: MACARONI AND CHEESE

by Sandra Lewis

Thu, Feb 22, 2007, 12:59 PM

As comfort food and cheese goes it doesn't get any better than macaroni and cheese.

I've been on the hunt this past year for the ultimate macaroni and cheese recipe excluding the boxed stuff.

I've tried several recipes on my quest, some with this and that special cheese; one recipe had three special cheeses.

I settled on this recipe even though I wouldn't describe it as the ultimate; it's a simple cheddar cheese recipe, but my girls get happy every time I make it.

And that makes me happy.

It takes no longer to assemble this than it does the boxed stuff and while it bakes you can prepare the rest of your dinner.

Like any other bad habit, please tell me you'll give up your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese addiction (or any other brand of boxed macaroni and cheese). Kraft introduced its macaroni and cheese product at a time when the country was rationing dairy products. How much real cheese do you think is in that packet of orange powder?

My oldest daughter, Ariel, whipped out the meal pictured below - baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, green peas spiced with butter and cayenne (I know it sounds crazy, but it was good!), and garlic bread.

Total comfort.

I could use some comfort right about now.

As I write I'm at 36,000 feet somewhere over Utah on my way to San Francisco with a chronic sneezer and the loudest nose blower on the planet stationed in the row behind me. I can't get off this plane fast enough.

Maybe I'll search out some macaroni and cheese while I'm here.

Golden Brown Macaroni and Cheese
6 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
2 1/2 cups grated mild Cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
paprika, for the top

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan. In a 6-quart pot, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain. Return the macaroni to the pot and stir in the butter until melted. Add 2 cups of the cheddar cheese.

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs. Beat in the milk. Add the milk mixture to the pot with the macaroni. Stir until combined. Spoon into prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top. Dust with paprika. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until cheese has melted and the casserole is warm throughout.

Makes 5 to 6 servings as a side dish.

Sandra's Cooking Notes:
- I found this recipe on the Internet somewhere. The author is Mattie Wilson in a book called "Sylvia's Family Sould Food Cookbook." Thanks, Mattie.
- Sometimes I use sharp cheddar cheese for a different twist.

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Michael Bolton is featured entertainer at 2007 Curtain Call Gala

by Sharon Adams

Mon, Feb 19, 2007, 06:33 PM

Dallas Summer Musicals’ Curtain Call committee is pleased to welcome Michael Bolton, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer, as the featured entertainer for the 2007 Curtain Call gala, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas.

Bolton will perform songs from his new album, “Bolton Swings Sinatra: The Second Time Around.” Having dominated the pop charts through much of the 1990s, Bolton’s newest album, which features a big band sound, is a tribute to Frank Sinatra and includes some of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ most beloved hits such as “New York, New York,” “Night and Day,” “My Funny Valentine” and “Fly Me to the Moon.”

Having sold more than 53 million records, won multiple Grammy trophies for Best Male Vocalist and countless other honors, earned a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and sold out arenas worldwide, Bolton is considered one of the music industry’s most talented artists.

To purchase tickets for the Curtain Call event or to discuss underwriting opportunities, contact the Dallas Summer Musicals’ Development Office at 214-421-5678, extension 161.

Dallas Summer Musicals gratefully acknowledges Wells Fargo for underwriting the Announcement Party with a special thanks to Central Market and Parking Company of America.

Now celebrating its 67th season, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the largest producer of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, the second oldest summer theater organization in the United States, and the fifth largest non-profit theater company.

DSM has been entertaining North Texas audiences with the finest in live, musical theatre entertainment since 1941.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, call 214-421-5678 or visit www.dallassummermusicals.org

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A MEATLOAF TOAST TO A LEGENDARY LEG LAMP AND LOVABLE FAMILY

by Sandra Lewis

Mon, Feb 19, 2007, 02:40 AM

In the heart of Cleveland, OH, sits a non-descript house in an equally non-descript working-class neighborhood with a famous past and a legendary leg lamp lighting the front window.

It’s the house where the movie “A Christmas Story” was filmed.

After years of disrepair it’s been restored to its previous glory and is now open for tours. Next to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame it’s one of Cleveland’s biggest attractions. What else is there?

Since I would never travel to Cleveland for pleasure I was delighted to be summoned there even in the dead of winter for a weeklong series of business meetings; with a tour on my agenda I arrived at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on an earlier-than-usual flight and it happened to be a bitter cold Sunday afternoon.

Yes, frigid cold.

With a windchill of –25, it was the kind of cold that steals your breath when the wind whips your face, numbs your fingers and toes on a less than 20-yard walk to your rental car, and the kind that forces school closings lest little ones left to walk to school turn into human icicles by the time they arrive.

While most Clevelanders had chosen to wait out the caustic cold indoors I stuck to my mission. And although I did waver for a moment after experiencing the comfort of my hotel room, I set out again, quickly, lest the temptation of warmth overtook me.

With the help of my Hertz “Neverlost” (I never travel without it) I arrived at 3159 W. 11^th Street just after 2 pm.

And there it was.

Sitting just to the right of a “T” intersection with a backyard that overlooks a Cleveland steel mill, and with a neighborhood bar sitting catty-cornered across the street was the unmistakable house – home to a working class 1940s family with a pudgy-cheeked, spectacled little boy, “Ralphie” who desires the ultimate Christmas gift – a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun. “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

I parked the car, braved the biting cold once more, paid $5 for the tour, and browsed through the movie memorabilia in the “museum” across the street while I waited.

At the appointed time the house was unlocked and I (being the only person on the 2:30 pm tour) entered.

Instantly I felt a kinship with Ralphie who upon receiving his Little Orphan Annie Decoder Pin was immediately overjoyed and then, after he feverishly decoded his first secret and very important message from Annie, "Drink More Ovaltine!”, was utterly disappointed.

My tour guide explained that only the outside house shots were filmed here, a movie soundstage was used for the inside scenes. This subtle detail is not explained anywhere on the website nor prior to paying for the tour.

I won’t repeat Ralphie’s not-appropriate-for-printing-sentiment at his disappointment with Annie although it was similar to my own as I stood inside a house that could have been any other home in Cleveland.

But all was not lost.

The house had been remodeled to reflect the 1940s style and the leg lamp (“It’s a major award!”) was sitting in the front window.

I did have my photo snapped with the famous lamp, but the pictures did not turn out as backlight from the picture window totally blacked me out, and the reflection on the glass window made the leg lamp invisible in the picture taken on the front porch.

But I am happy for having made the effort and it was an adventure that will make for interesting cocktail conversation (and not too shabby fodder for a blog entry either).

So in honor of a delightful fictional family, a little boy’s dream, an illustrious leg lamp, and Ralphie’s little brother, Randy, who hates meatloaf (“How do the piggies go, Randy?!”), I've shared my favorite meatloaf recipe below.

Sometimes little kids just don’t know what’s good for them.

This is comfort food at its best.

Sandy’s Meatloaf
2 lbs. ground beef
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onions
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup ketchup, divided
1/2 cup spicy brown mustard
1/4 cup dried bread crumbs
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
5 slices bacon

Make the meatloaf: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place beef, onions, red bell pepper, green bell peppers, 1/4 cup ketchup, spicy brown mustard, bread crumbs, eggs, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme in large bowl; toss gently with your hands. Be careful not to overmix – it should be soft but hold its shape. Transfer meat to a baking pan, shape into a 10x5-inch loaf and set aside.

Combine remaining ketchup, remaining Worcestershire, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl and stir until combined. Brush the meat loaf with 3 tablespoons of the ketchup mixture. Place the bacon width-wise over the top of the meat loaf and cover with remaining glaze. Bake for 15 minutes, reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake until an internal temperature of 160 degrees is reached – about 40 more minutes. Remove from oven and allow the meat loaf to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Slice into 1 1/4 inch thick pieces and serve warm.

Sandra’s Cooking Notes:
*This is my own version of meatloaf – I’ve taken two of my favorite recipes and combined my favorite flavors out of each. I loved it. My girls have never been fans of meatloaf so their opinion does not count. Sometimes kids just don’t know what’s good for them!
*I always bake my meatloaf in a bread pan because it's easy. No shaping required. Just pack it in and bake it.

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Pro Football Players Alumni Association Launches - Mayor Miller to speak at Julia Sweeney's

by Sharon Adams

Thu, Feb 15, 2007, 02:23 PM

Mayor Laura Miller to speak at Julia Sweeney's Talk Series
Friday, February 16th - Noon
Park Cities Club
5956 Sherry Lane
17th Floor
Parking is under the building

At this time, no specific topic is announced. Luncheon is optional at an added cost.
Benefiting American Foundation for the Blind.
For more information contact Julia Sweeney at 214.559.4140 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pro Football Players Alumni Association Launches in Dallas with President’s Day Luncheon

The Monday, February 19th luncheon features keynote speaker and former NFL player Wade Manning
At the luncheon, experts, athletes, and medical professionals will share information on obtaining adequate insurance and ongoing research for players needs for general medical monitoring and care.
Some who have stepped up as partners and luncheon sponsors include Hall of Fame Mortgage led by Randal McClanahan and Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett and Hall of Fame corner Mel Renfro.
The luncheon will be emceed by Scott Murray and feature keynote speaker and former NFL player Wade Manning will give a first hand account of the need for providing assistance and will be joined by Mel Renfro. Information will be made available of how you or your business can become a member of the PFPAA and how you can support these players who made the game what it is today. For sponsorship information, please contact Belita Nelson at 972-713-1240.
Noon at Carina’s Restaurant (2900 McKinney Avenue, formerly America’s) in Dallas’ Uptown District.

For every member or person referred through the PFPAA, Hall of Fame Mortgage will donate $250 to make more care available to the players that have made pro football what it is today.
By reservation only.
PFPAA website for reservations/contact information:
http://www.pfpaa.org/info/

Read the press release:
http://www.socialwhirl.com/SWPFPAA.htm
Note to readers: Each Monday morning a new event will be published here. If you would like to submit your events, contact Sharon Adams at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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