Diabetes care in a predominantly Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander outpatient population.

Purpose: Racial differences in diabetes care and outcomes, particularly among African Americans and Hispanics, have been well-recognized. The goal of this study was to evaluate the quality of diabetes care, using nationally recognized standards of care, in a multispecialty, hospital-based clinic that cares for a predominantly Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population.

Methods: We identified patients with a new primary or secondary diagnosis of diabetes during a visit (baseline visit) between January 2005 and June 2006 at the Queen Emma Clinics.

Surfing as a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Objective: To compare the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in surfers versus nonsurfers who participate in other sports activities based on the hypothesis that paddling in the prone position on hard surfboard surfaces leads to increased intra-abdominal pressure and GERD.

Study Design: A questionnaire survey using a modified Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale.

Setting: Data obtained from surfers and nonsurfer athletes on the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii.

Survey of acute mountain sickness on Mauna Kea.

Although thousands of people ascend 4205 m to visit the summit of Mauna Kea each year, there has been no information on the rate of altitude illness triggered by such visits. Two surveys were used: one for tourists driving up to the summit and the other for summit astronomy workers staying at lodging facilities at intermediate altitude. The surveys included the standardized Lake Louise Self-report Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Questionnaire that, when scored, gave the Lake Louise Symptoms Score (LLSS).

Traditional kava beverage consumption and liver function tests in a predominantly Tongan population in Hawaii.

Purpose: To determine the effects of traditionally prepared kava beverages on the liver function tests of regular kava beverage consumers in a population of Tongan and non-Tongan residents of Hawaii (Oahu).

Methods: The liver function tests of 31 healthy adult kava drinkers were compared against a control group of 31 healthy adult non-kava drinkers. Subjects were recruited from the general population, a kava bar, and Tongan kava drinking circles.

Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled comparison of ginkgo biloba and acetazolamide for prevention of acute mountain sickness among Himalayan trekkers: the prevention of high altitude illness trial (PHAIT).

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of ginkgo biloba, acetazolamide, and their combination as prophylaxis against acute mountain sickness.

Design: Prospective, double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial.

Setting: Approach to Mount Everest base camp in the Nepal Himalayas at 4280 m or 4358 m and study end point at 4928 m during October and November 2002.

Ginkgo biloba for the prevention of severe acute mountain sickness (AMS) starting one day before rapid ascent.

Previous studies suggest that 5 days of prophylactic ginkgo decreases the incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) during gradual ascent. This trial was designed to determine if ginkgo is an effective prophylactic agent if begun 1 day prior to rapid ascent. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 26 participants residing at sea level received ginkgo (60 mg TID) or placebo starting 24 h before ascending Mauna Kea, Hawaii.