Prescription meds can be dangerous for seniors

A rising incidence of drug abuse is occurring among the nation’s elderly—but they’re not buying crack on the street corner. The problem lies in how many prescription and over-the-counter medications they consume and how those interact. Polypharmacology—the use of multiple drugs—is at the top of a list of concerns the U of L Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine is tackling through a new education program involving doctors, physician organizations, hospitals, nurses and U of L medical students and residents.

Dunk a prof at A&S’s centennial picnic

The College of Arts and Sciences’ annual fall picnic on Wednesday, Aug. 30 features a “dunk the professors” booth, free merchandise and food served by A&S faculty and staff. Mid day (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) and evening (4:30-6:30 p.m.) activities welcome students and alumni back to campus and kick off the A&S Centennial Celebration. Join us at the Belknap Campus Quad (in front of the old Ekstrom Library entrance) and learn about plans for the Centennial celebration, see new additions on campus, visit with your favorite professors and meet current A&S students.

Professor attends Olympic academy for educators

She worked the 2004 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Athens. In July U of L sport administration professor Mary Hums returned to Greece for the International Olympic Academy Educators Session. She was one of just 60 scholars the International Olympic Committee selected from thousands of applicants to attend the weeklong academy in Olympia, home of the ancient Olympic Games.

Join the team for pancakes and football practice

The first 2,000 Cardinal football fans to show up this Saturday, Aug. 5, for Fan Day can eat pancakes with the team. After the 8 a.m. breakfast, head coach Bobby Petrino will speak and players will sign autographs. The first four football practices, Aug. 4-7, are open to the public. The open practices are Friday at 3 p.m.; Saturday at 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday and Monday at 10 a.m. Times are tentative. Call 502-852-6581 to verify practice times.

Four-STAR dinner helps kids with autism

Recent alumni rose to the Challenge

Thanks to loyal support from our 1996-2005 graduates, U of L advanced to second place in 2006 Kentucky Challenge (up from last year's fourth place)—and brought in more than $309,000 for U of L academics. The Challenge pits Kentucky’s public universities against each other to see which can attract the highest percentage of giving among alumni 10 years out. Our new goal? To beat WKU win the 2007 Challenge!

Score a pint for U of L and increase blood supplies

The U of L Alumni Association is challenging alumni to give blood and help alleviate Kentucky's blood supply shortage. All who donate blood on Tuesday, Aug. 22, noon-7 p.m. at Executive West Hotel in Louisville will receive a U of L vs. UK t-shirt and the chance to win two tickets to the U of L vs. UK game Sept. 3. If you can't make it, be sure to donate at your local blood bank in August. For info call 502-540-7000.