Lopez W, MD, Enubuzor H, MD, and Schlussel Y, PhD
SVCMC, Jamaica, New York

Introduction:  Advances in preventive medicine have significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with heart disease and stroke. Despite these improvements, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for American over the age of 65. 20 million persons over 65 have elevated LDL cholesterol, DM or HTN. Cardiovascular disease is associated with a number of modifiable risk factors, including elevated cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, obesity and DM. Studies examining the role of diet and lifestyle modification show benefits including reduction in mortality, sudden death, cost of drugs and coronary procedures. Dietary evaluation and counseling to incorporate regular physical activity is recommended to prevent coronary heart disease, hypertension, obesity and diabetes.
Objective:  To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among urban elderly  for which nutritional therapy is recommended,
Setting & Methods:  A cross-sectional survey of 64 low-income urban residents over the age of 65 participating in a federally-funded nutritional assistance program in Jamaica, Queens NY. This program provides food supplementation to participants monthly.
Participants:  72% of respondents were female, 53% were married.14% were smokers.
Results:  Risk factors identified included: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. 67% had morbid conditions: 13% DM, 56% HTN, 39% hypercholesterolemia, 14% CAD and 17% obese.  19% had more than one comorbid condition. While 81% thought that diet helps control cholesterol, and 72% believed it was important to have a balanced diet, only 22% had seen a dietician.  70% engaged in regular exercise, but only 38% on a daily basis.  Of those who exercise, 48% did so for at least 30 minutes.
Conclusion:  The urban elderly are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.  Although patients are aware of their risk factors, they do not actively seek nutritional intervention to help them reduce their risk, and could do more to improve lifestyle characteristics.
Interventions:  From the data gathered, we intend to develop an educational intervention regarding the importance of nutritional guidelines and physician follow up.

Introduction:  Alcohol abuse and dependence are the most common substance-related disorders and the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Driving accidents, violence and suicide from alcohol are the leading causes of death among American youth. Alcohol use is associated with school failure and poor judgment, which may put teens at risk for accidents, violence, unplanned and unsafe sex and suicide. Half of all sexual assault and date rape cases involve alcohol. 25% of children < 18 in the U.S. are exposed to alcohol abuse or dependence in the family. 32.2% of students nationwide had first drunk alcohol before age 13. Young people that use alcohol at an earlier age are more likely to use alcohol heavily later in life, have alcohol-related problems, abuse other drugs and to get into trouble with the law. 
Objective:  1) to determine the level of alcohol exposure and to assess knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol. 2) to design an educational and interactive program to educate these children on the negative impact of alcohol.  A post intervention survey will be administered.
Research Design:   a longitudinal survey of sixth grade students.  Established risk factors for alcohol awareness were analyzed. Means, percentages and correlations are presented.
Setting: an elementary school in the area of highest poverty in Queens, New York. 
Participants: 58 Students in the 6^th grade, whose average age was was 11.6(+.83).  58 students completed the survey; 41% were male.  Their average academic level was 2.8 (B-). 
Results:  Students spend considerably more time on average watching TV (8 hrs/wk) than doing homework (1.8 hrs/wk)  or reading (2.6 hrs/wk).  33% of the students had tried alcohol, at the average age of 9.  While only 4% had ever gotten drunk, 42% had family members that drink.  More than 90% of students were aware of the dangers of drunk driving, and health effects of alcohol on stomach, liver, and cancer.  Trying alcohol at young age was related to reporting being in a fistfight in the past (r=0.50; p<0.01). 
Conclusion:  Students are aware about the dangers of alcohol. 
Intervention:  Early exposure in the home, influence of media, and the potential for aggressive behavior among students who tried alcohol, will be taken into consideration when designing an educational intervention program for adolescents.