Click here for updated health information as of 5 February 2015
Were you working during the era when smoking was permitted in the cabin? Studies are underway at Dartmouth College – Geisel School of Medicine – to chronicle FA health patterns and to study interventions that are hoped to improve the health and quality of life for cabin crew. They are recruiting healthy FA volunteers as well as those with respiratory and associated health problems to participate. Your involvement helps to shine light on health issues shared by many other FAs. Participation and results are kept confidential. There are no charges to participate in any of these studies.
There are two primary ways to participate:
1) Contact Dr. Mardi Crane-Godreau if you would like to be considered being screened to participate in an interventional study. Two studies that are currently funded include a meditative movement (Qigong) to improve breathing, posture and to reduce vulnerability to infection. Flight attendants with suspected lung problems are especially needed to help us determine which of many already tested exercises are most successful for flight attendants and which ones they believe that they would actually do on a long term basis. A second study will monitor Vitamin D levels to determine its impact on lung health. Call or write to Dr. Crane-Godreau at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Please remember to leave/send your contact information. Mardi.Crane@Dartmouth.EDU. To leave a message call the office phone 603 653-9970.
2) No matter where you live or how long you were a FA, you can also help right now by taking part in the FA Work and Health History project. It is on a secure web site at www.FAHealth.org/dart. The data are secure and your privacy is protected. As many FAs as possible are needed to participate in this, including those who are retired and those who are still flying.
Screenings are currently being conducted in NYC, the Boston area, NH, CT and VT. However, they expect to need FAs from other parts of the U.S. to participate in studies in late 2015 or 2016. Now is the time to contact us to indicate your interest. Call or write to Dr. Crane-Godreau at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. The email address is Mardi.Crane@Dartmouth.EDU. To leave a phone message call 603 653-9970. Please remember to leave your contact information.
These studies are funded, or otherwise supported by the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute. ZRT Laboratory, the American Academy of Pediatrics and Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth.
Additional information about these projects can be found at www.FAHealth.Org/dart and about Mardi Crane-Godreau and Peter Payne and their team at www.fahealth.org/team.