Fighting Inflammation with Food

The Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food are investigating the effect of consuming a range of
anti-inflammatory food compounds on inflammatory markers in the blood. These include the many polyphenols, antioxidants and fibres present in the foods we eat.

What will it involve? 

·         The study will go for 5 weeks and will require 4 visits to the Monash University BASE facility in Notting Hill.

·         On three visits you will be provided with a meal and have a series of blood samples taken.

·         Upon completion you will receive:

1)      A free nutrition consultation with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD);

2)      A free body composition analysis using a DXA scan valued at $100;

3)      A free copy of the Monash University e-book ’Using Food as Medicine: Fighting Inflammation’. 

If you are a male over the age of 50 or a post-menopausal female, go ahead and take our screening questionnaire via https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e8oZdpX5VNVxpkN

Or scan:

For further information, please contact Stephanie Cowan

Phone: (03) 9902 4272

Mobile: 04 2274 1116

Email: stephanie.cowan@monash.edu

HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MRI BRAIN SCANS

Project title: A longitudinal Neuroimaging Study of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Phenotypes

We are seeking a group of healthy volunteers to participate in a MRI brain imaging research study in MND.

Why is the study being done? This is a MRI brain imaging project which aims to track brain changes using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner and symptoms in participants with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) over one year compared to healthy participants.
What does it involve? If you consent to being involved in the study, as a healthy participant you will be assessed at one visit to check your general health status and suitability to have a MRI scan. If you meet this criteria, you will have 2 MRI brain scans (50 mins each scan) done on 2 separate occasions.

If you are interested in participating, you can contact the Principal Investigator -Dr Chua and her research team at Calvary Healthcare Bethlehem 9595 3355 or phyllis.chua@monash.edu

The RAPID-Plus Trial

The Monash Health Aged Psychiatry Academic Unit is looking for volunteers to join the RAPID-plus

trial, a study testing a new approach to treating depressive symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s Disease and their carers.

This six-month study aims to test a novel intervention designed to improve the mood and quality of life of people with memory concerns and those who care for them. The intervention is called ‘cognitive bias modification’ or CBM. CBM is an easy to use computer-based intervention that aims to break the vicious cycle of negative thoughts contributing to negative feelings.

If you, or someone you know would be interested in participating, or for more information, please contact:

Rhoda Lai – Phone: 03 9265 7610, Email: Rhoda.Lai@monashhealth.org

Tell us your thoughts on egg freezing!

Researchers at Monash University want to investigate women and men's views, knowledge of and interest in egg freezing. The data collected from this study will provide valuable information and insights for health care providers and policy makers.

People between the ages of 18-60 are invited to complete the survey. While many of the questions relate to egg freezing and women’s reproductive options we are interested in the views of both men and women and your thoughts about the future of this technology.

Survey is here.  

Are you concerned about your cholesterol levels? Could you take a daily supplement?

Contact Margaret to find out more

Email: margaret.murray@monash.edu

Phone: 9902 4199

Or follow the link to our online screening survey:

https://tinyurl.com/MonashSeaweed

Do you work at night? We need your help to understand when is the best time to eat.

Are you concerned about your cholesterol levels?

Can seaweed supplementation reduce cardiovascular disease?

Blood donors needed for research

The Rheumatology Research Group are looking for healthy volunteers (14 in total) willing to donate blood for a project on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), run by Jim Harris. 

If you are able to assist, please contact Nadia Deen at 0424840279 or nadia.deen@monsah.edu

HOW YOU CAN HELP PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST KILLERS

Do you have a family history of heart disease? Would you like to know how to reduce your risk of this potentially deadly disease? One of Australia’s leading medical research organisations, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, is calling on people aged 40-70 years to take part in an innovative research study that aims to advance the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.

Baker Institute, which has its headquarters in Melbourne adjacent to The Alfred Hospital, is Australia’s first multidisciplinary institute dedicated to reducing death and disability caused by cardiovascular disease, diabetes and related disorders.

Institute Director and cardiologist, Professor Tom Marwick is investigating the use of coronary scanning to identify people in high-risk groups before they develop serious symptoms. He is leading a national, multicentre study, entitled the CAUGHT-CAD study, of over 700 people who haven’t experienced a cardiovascular event themselves, but have immediate family members or relatives who have had a heart attack, stent or surgery. The aim is to find the disease in the early stages, before it narrows the arteries, and initiate treatment to stop it progressing.

You may be eligible for a free coronary scan if you are;

Ø  Between 40-70 years of age

Ø  Have an immediate family member (parent or sibling) who has had a heart attack, stent or bypass surgery under the age of 60, or non-immediate family member (grandparent, uncle or aunt) under the age of 50

Ø  Do not take cholesterol lowering medication (statin drug)

Professor Marwick says the CAUGHT-CAD study will show for the first time whether the process of coronary scanning can help to identify people among whom treatment might change the natural history of heart disease.

For more information about the study, please contact Jo Harris on 03 8532 1511 or baker.CAUGHT@bakeridi.edu.au

$100 gift for participants in diabetes clinical trial

We are looking for individuals with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes (diet-controlled or on Metformin) aged 18 to 70 years to participate in a clinical trial at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton. The study will involve around 5 visits over a period of 14 weeks. You get a free assessment of your diabetes and cardiovascular risk and $100 visa card or gift card of your choice as a token of appreciation. If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to contact Josphin Johnson at 03-85722629 or email: med-carnosineir@monash.edu for further information. 

Are you:

• A pre-diabetic OR have type 2 diabetes (diet-controlled or taking Metformin only)
• Aged between 18 and 70 years
• Someone with no significant weight change in the last 6 months or have no intention to lose weight in the next 3 months
• Not taking other regular medications
• Someone with no significant diseases that require treatment
• A non-smoker, non-drug user, non-high alcohol intake
• Not lactating, pregnant or planning to be in next 4-6 months
• Living in Melbourne

What is in it for you?

• $100 visa card or gift card of your choice as a token of appreciation
• Free Diabetes and Cardiovascular risk assessment
• Free body fat and muscle assessment (around $200 value)
• Free Fibroscan to assess condition of your liver
• Free routine blood tests
• Free cognitive tests

This study involves around 4-6 visits over a period of approximately 14 weeks and takes place at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. Medical certificates can be provided when needed.
For further information, or to take part, please contact Josphin Johnson @ 0385722629 or Email: med-carnosineir@monash.edu
(This study has approval from the Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee–Project Number 16061A).

$300 FOR PARTICIPATION IN A CARNOSINE (ORAL SUPPLEMENT) TRIAL

Carnosine an over-the-counter food supplement, has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation, increase insulin sensitivity and then delay the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in several animal studies. Human data also suggest that carnosine supplementation may have metabolic benefits in reducing cardiometabolic risk. 

We are conducting a clinical trial and need your help!


ARE YOU:

ü  Aged between 18 and 60 years

ü  Overweight (BMI 25-40) but otherwise healthy

ü  Not on regular medications or supplements

ü  A non-smoker

ü  Non-diabetic

ü  Living in Melbourne

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

ü  $ 300 VISA gift card as a token of appreciation

ü  Free medical review with diabetes and cardiovascular risk assessment

ü  Free body fat assessment and muscle assessment (around $200 value)

ü  Free routine blood tests

ü  Free Fibroscan to assess your liver

ü  Free cognitive tests

For further information, or to take part, please contact: Josphin Johnson at Tel: 03 8572 2629 or e mail: med-carnosineir@monash.edu   

This study involves 7 visits in total and takes place at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton.

Medical certificates can be provided when needed. You would be contributing to important research in the field of diabetes!

The main aim of this study is to determine whether carnosine supplementation in healthy overweight and obese individuals can improve insulin secretion and/or insulin resistance by decreasing chronic inflammation. 

(This study has approval from the Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee–Project Number 16061A).

STRUGGLING WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, STRESS, TRAUMA, ANGER, PAIN OR OTHER PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES? CONSIDER JOINING A MiCBT RESEARCH TRIAL

Mindfulness Integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT) aims to help people find new ways to deal with psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, attention issues. It involves groups of about 10-15 people attending one 2-hour session per week for 8 weeks. The MiCBT program teaches skills in managing mind-wandering and emotions, awareness of thinking processes, body sensations and self-compassion. Mindfulness meditation practices are central to the program.

The project involves comparing usual treatment with MiCBT. All participants will be offered the MiCBT program; one group will be offered the program first and the remaining participants (the control group) will be offered the MiCBT around eight months later, at the end of the project.

To participate you need to be:

–  Aged between 18-75 years;

–  Interested in taking part in this treatment trial

–  Willing to get a referral from your GP (no Mental Health Care Plan required)

–  Interested in making a contribution to mental health research

–  Willing to engage with daily mindfulness practice

–  Fluent in english

If you are interested in participating then please take this brochure along to your treating doctor or healthcare professional to discuss.

Your treating doctor or healthcare professional can refer you to the project by contacting:

Sarah Francis

M: 0409 669 688

E: sefra3@student.monash.edu

or downloading referral information form:  melbournemindfulnes.com

Participants needed to take part in a diabetes clinical trial

ARE YOU:

ü  A pre-diabetic OR have type 2 diabetes (diet-controlled or taking Metformin only)

ü  Aged between 18 and 70 years

ü  Someone with no significant weight change in the last 6 months or have no intention to lose weight in the next 3 months

ü  Not taking other regular medications

ü  Someone with no significant diseases that require treatment

ü  A non-smoker, non-drug user, non-high alcohol intake

ü  Not lactating, pregnant or planning to be in next 4-6 months

ü  Living in Melbourne

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

ü  $100 visa card or gift card of your choice as a token of appreciation

ü  Free diabetes and cardiovascular risk assessment

ü  Free body fat and muscle assessment (around $200 value)

ü  Free Fibroscan to assess condition of your liver

ü  Free routine blood tests

ü  Free cognitive tests

This study involves up to 5 visits over a period of approximately 14 weeks and takes place at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. Medical certificates can be provided when needed.

For further information, or to take part, please contact Josphin Johnson @ 0385722629 or Email: med-carnosineir@monash.edu

(This study has approval from the Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee–Project Number 16061A).

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED TO TAKE PART IN A DIABETES CLINICAL TRIAL

 ARE YOU:

• A pre-diabetic OR have type 2 diabetes (diet-controlled or taking Metformin only)
• Aged between 18 and 70 years
• Someone with no significant weight change in the last 6 months or have no intention to lose weight in the next 3 months
• Not taking other regular medications
• Someone with no significant diseases that require treatment
• A non-smoker, non-drug user, non-high alcohol intake
• Not lactating, pregnant or planning to be in next 4-6 months
• Living in Melbourne

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

     $100 visa card or gift card of your choice as a token of appreciation
 Free Diabetes and Cardiovascular risk assessment
 Free body fat and muscle assessment (around $200 value)
 Free Fibroscan to assess condition of your liver
 Free routine blood tests
 Free cognitive tests

 This study involves up to 5 visits over a period of approximately 14 weeks and takes place at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. Medical certificates can be provided when needed.

For further information, or to take part, please contact Josphin Johnson @ 0385722629 or Email: med-carnosineir@monash.edu

(This study has approval from the Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee–Project Number 16061A).