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Clinical Trials - A Crucial Component to Medical Advancements
By Gloria DeWalt
There is a widely held misconception about participation in clinical research that has been perpetuated by the movie industry and uninformed naysayers alike - rooted in fear of the unknown. But what those interested in learning more about, or participating in clinical trials, (more appropriately called medical research), should realize is that without its existence treatments for both acute and chronic conditions, not to mention breakthrough cures, would fail to exist. This would force those diagnosed with illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia and various types of aggressive cancers to accept defeat against their infirmities. And while there is ample praise for the wonder drugs that have helped countless patients people often fail to realize that none of those drugs would exist today without clinical trials.
There are conjured images of participants in clinical trials being treated no better that guinea pigs. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Before a drug can be administered to human subjects it must be scrutinized extensively and pass several tests while studied in the laboratory and then in animals. Moreover before reaching the initial phase of eligibility to be given to humans there is thorough investigation from review boards and ethics committees that hold the regard for partakers in the highest regard.
As one of the leading facilities dedicated to turning patient hope into a reality, California Clinical Trials (CCT), founded in 1986 has unfailingly, through extensive commitment in developing new therapies, remained an instrumental figure in delivering effective treatments such as: Aricept, Imitrex, Paxel and Prozac. Located throughout southern California in Paramount, Culver City and Glendale, CCT addresses the needs of a diverse patient demographic. Much of their success in medical research is due in part to the outstanding staff that remains equally committed to both the comfort and safety of the patient as well as to skillfully analyzing data. While many clinical trial facilities regard large sample sizes as the sole mode of determining treatment efficacy, CCT accounts for participant demographics such as race, gender and age in addition to sample size. In fact, CCT is one of the first medical research facilities to pursue ethnic related studies, an area that is becoming increasingly relevant as medical science learns more about the link between genetics and culture on health. And with the completion of their new building located on the Glendale Adventist Medical Center campus, the research that CCT is committed to providing can reach a larger clientele.
Aside from the chance to provide a legacy of hope for future generations there are numerous advantages to volunteering in medical research. While there already exists an extensive list of medications already available to treat a range of disorders, there is an even longer list of illnesses without adequate treatments such as Parkinson's disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). Thus access to potential treatments not yet available to the public are crucial not only for future sufferers but patients currently hoping to see progress in treatment of their condition. Perhaps another advantage to participating in clinical research is the access it provides the uninsured and others with limited means. All volunteers are provided access, free of charge, to an exceptional medical staff that closely monitors their comfort and safety. Compensation is also available to volunteers at the completion of their study.
Those concerned about privacy or excessive time restraints need not worry. Participant information is kept completely confidential and while the time commitments required varies among studies, those required for inpatient stays are afforded extensive luxuries such as free internet, recreation facilities, film showings, and several other amenities more reminiscent of vacation getaway. Those with flexible schedules or individuals working from home are often able to adhere to their normal schedule. Some of the current studies include areas such as: healthy individuals and those with insomnia, migraines, schizophrenia and memory loss. For more information call 1-888-CC-TRIAL (1-888-228-7425) or visit www.cctstudy.com.
Awaken your Senses through Meditation
By Carol E. McMahon, Ph.D.
If you feel you are "awake," try these self-tests. They may open your eyes to a surprise.
Enlightenment is a state of full awareness. While most people feel fully aware, everyday awareness is quite low. Measure yours here.
(1) Can You See What's Before Your Eyes?
Look at the face of a clock. Both the minute and hour hands are moving. Odds are you can't see them move. It's easy to see the fast movement of the second hand. This requires little awareness. Seeing the slower hands move takes deeper awareness.
(2) Have You Seen Spots?
When you watch a movie, do you notice spots flashing periodically at the corners of the screen? These spots signal projectionists to switch reels. They are most easily seen in old, black-and-white films.
Once you see them you'll be amazed you ever missed them.
(3) Do You Crave Drugs or Alcohol?
If so you are pleasure-impaired. With low awareness our eyes are not open to beauty; our senses aren't open to pleasure, and when pleasure is low, we need to get high.
The more aware you become, the less pleasure-impaired you are. When fully aware, life gratifies fully; being alive is a natural high and alcohol feels like the depressant it is. It actually takes the edge off your happiness.
(4) Can You Smell the Flowers?
Recall the last time you were in a room with flowers. Ask yourself this: If you had you not seen the flowers, would you have known they were there by the fragrance?
We need the capacity to smell the flowers. We need awareness.
(5) Is There "Nothing but Memories?"
Someone said: "Our memories are all we have and all we are."
Do you agree?
Agreement suggests extremely low awareness. If memories are all you have and all you are, you're living exclusively in your head. You're missing the present: the vibrant "now."
Awareness is far more gratifying than thoughts. As awareness grows, memories become a smaller part of what you have and what you are. You reclaim your birthright.
(6) Are You a Compulsive Reader?
Find an "o" on this page and focus on it. Can you attend to the "o" without reading the words around it?
If you can't help reading the words, can you at least keep from being carried away by their meaning?
Compulsive reading means your mansion of awareness has an out-of-control tenant who has taken over and shut you out.
(7) Can You Make a Clean Break?
Recite in imagination "Mary had a little lamb," but stop short before "lamb."
Does the word "lamb" sound in your head loud and clear?
Build awareness and you regain control. You can easily stop a thought mid-sentence. With full awareness you can stop a word mid-syllable. When you can say: "Mary had a little lamb," without the "lamb," your noisy tenant is subdued.
These tests point to what you're missing, and also to what you'll gain from awareness. With awareness you'll run smoothly on all cylinders. Your eyes will open to beauty; your senses to pleasure; your mind to truth and your heart to love. Enlightenment is nothing apart from full awareness. It is your birthright, and you can reclaim it more easily than you think. Discover how in Straight Line Meditation: How to Restore Awareness and Why You Need To by Carol E. McMahon, Ph.D. with Master Deac Cataldo.
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