Bell Addictive Diseases Chair Established
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 8, 2006) −John and Jessica Bell are
well-known and respected in the horse breeding industry as the owners of Jonabell Farm.
Established in 1946, Jonabell has produced more than 200 stakes winners and 14 champion
thoroughbreds. The Bells sold the 859-acre farm to Darley Stud of England several years
ago.
Jessica Bell made the initial gift of $250,000 in honor of her husband to endow the Bell Addictive Diseases Chair. His friends and admirers quickly lent their support to the cause. The chair is now endowed with $1.4 million, including matching Kentucky Research Challenge Trust Fund dollars. The Bells hope to educate doctors on the diseases of alcoholism and drug addiction.
"Doctors are notoriously ill-informed about alcoholism," Mrs. Bell said. "So many think it's a moral issue. You either decide to drink or not. But it is a disease. The best way to attack the problem is to educate doctors."
Physicians, she says, must learn to recognize the symptoms of alcoholism and addiction and not rely solely on the patient to be forthcoming or completely honest about their problems. Physicians and loved ones should look for:
Jessica Bell made the initial gift of $250,000 in honor of her husband to endow the Bell Addictive Diseases Chair. His friends and admirers quickly lent their support to the cause. The chair is now endowed with $1.4 million, including matching Kentucky Research Challenge Trust Fund dollars. The Bells hope to educate doctors on the diseases of alcoholism and drug addiction.
"Doctors are notoriously ill-informed about alcoholism," Mrs. Bell said. "So many think it's a moral issue. You either decide to drink or not. But it is a disease. The best way to attack the problem is to educate doctors."
Physicians, she says, must learn to recognize the symptoms of alcoholism and addiction and not rely solely on the patient to be forthcoming or completely honest about their problems. Physicians and loved ones should look for:
- Changes in behavior. Loss of interest in family, friends, work and social activities.
- Making excuses for drinking or using drugs. Lying about or hiding use of drugs and alcohol.
- Physical symptoms of alcohol abuse may include abdominal pain, nausea, numbness in arms and legs, bloodshot eyes and a red, puffy face.
The search for the
inaugural Bell Alcohol and Addictions Chair is now underway. The chair will be charged with
developing a research and education program aimed at medical students, residents and community
physicians. It is a collaborative venture between the University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Department of Family and Community Medicine and the UK Center on Drug and Alcohol
Research.
"This is an incredible opportunity for the College of Medicine to take a leadership role in the education of medical students and other health professional students in the issues and problems of substance abuse," said Dr. Samuel Matheny, chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. "We are all aware this is a major health issue for Kentucky. This will help enhance awareness for physicians to provide assistance and interventions for patients and families in Kentucky."
"This is an incredible opportunity for the College of Medicine to take a leadership role in the education of medical students and other health professional students in the issues and problems of substance abuse," said Dr. Samuel Matheny, chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. "We are all aware this is a major health issue for Kentucky. This will help enhance awareness for physicians to provide assistance and interventions for patients and families in Kentucky."