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CANCER SCREENING OVERLOOKED

Primary care providers do not screen all patients eligible for colorectal cancer screening, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to a new UCLA study. Researchers at the Jonsson Cancer Center found that four factors contributed to doctors not screening patients for the disease. There were misperceptions about how effective colorectal screening tests are. Providers forgot when to screen patients, and patients, unaware they were eligible for the tests, didn’t request them. There was also inadequate financial reimbursement for the screening procedures. “These barriers represent a clear target for health plans, provider organizations and individual physicians to create interventions designed to increase screening in current clinical practice,” said Gareth Dulai, an assistant professor of medicine and the study’s lead author. Beginning at age 50, patients should ask their doctor about screening.

SUMMER IN THE CITY

Busy this summer, but your kids won’t be? Send them on a daily adventure to UCLA Recreation Summer Camps right here on campus. Kids ages 3-17 can participate in a variety of summer programs that provide excellent educational and leisure opportunities. Activities are age-appropriate and range from arts and crafts, music, sports, swim lessons, wild science, theatrical productions, travel to the Marina Aquatic Center, backpacking and more. All programs are run by carefully selected staff members who are positive role models trained to emphasize a child’s personal development while working in a safe group environment. For program and registration information, visit www.recreation.ucla.edu/summercamps.

MED CENTER AMBASSADORS

A rewarding, new volunteer opportunity awaits those who want to provide compassion by escorting patients and family members within the UCLA Medical Center. Under the Department of Volunteer Services, volunteers will serve as guides to visitors, answering questions and acting as concierges when needed. “Our patients receive excellent medical care, and our ambassadors can add to their experience by providing relief and comfort to both patients and visitors,” said Kathy Sipes, director of volunteer services for UCLA Healthcare. To qualify, volunteers must attend a training session, be able to volunteer four hours a week and have a pleasant, outgoing personality. Volunteers, who will wear uniforms provided by the hospital, will be required to walk about the hospital and push a wheelchair if needed. To learn more about becoming a medical center ambassador, call (310) 825-6002.

RETIRE WISELY

The University Credit Union will host a workshop today to help participants concentrate on strategies to make retirement a success. It will be given twice, once at noon at the Faculty Center and again at 6 p.m. at the University Credit Union, 1500 S. Sepulveda Blvd. To retire successfully, employees should create a comprehensive retirement income plan that includes their financial objectives and takes into account potential obstacles, such as inflation. The workshop, “Retire with Confidence,” will address these goals. To RSVP: Call (310) 477-6628, ext. 1 or go to www.ucu.org.