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to within normal limits "is the greatest challenge in preventive medicine today," he said. Patient response to hypertension treatment is notably better in a hospital setting than in "scatter sites," he noted. At the Harlem Hospital hypertensive unit, 405 patients were treated last year, and made a total of 2,492 visits. Compliance with physicians' instructions was "excellent," he said. Hypertension was controlled in more than 90% of cases. In CONTRAST, of 4,200 people screened at "scatter sites" in a hypertension-identification program, 32-35% of those screened were recognized as hypertensives, but only 8% complied with instructions for long-term therapy, Dr. Williams said. Hormonal profiling simplifies treatment, and for an increasing number of patients, "permits long-term therapy with a single agent," said John H. Laragh, MD, professor of medicine, Columbia U. College of Physicians and Surgeons. Profiling, combined with the patient's subsequent drug responses, "exposes a role for abnormal renin secretion in the causation of a major fraction of hypertensive disease," Dr. Laragh said. Renin acts on plasma proteins to produce angiotensin, which in turn initiates renal hypertension through blood-vessel constriction. A "PROFILE" is constructed from a renin sodium index, consisting of measurements of plasma renin, urinary sodium, and urinary aldosterone. From this, renin levels, degrees of treatment risk, and proper drug selection can be assessed. Studies indicate that hypertension patients with low renin levels are relatively protected from coronary occlusion and stroke - complications which high-renin-level patients are especially prone to develop, Dr. Laragh said. Poor blacks, like other poor people, often hesitate to seek medical care early, and thus hypertension "is far advanced when they do," said NMA President Rann. The VD rate is "rising among all people," he noted, and narcotics addiction "is not getting better." Most crimes in cities such as his home, Charlotte, N.C., "and in the ghetto are related to drugs," Dr. Rann said. "A lot of kids have the idea that it (addiction) can't happen to them, and they take a chance on it." 79th Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly National Medical Association Fairmont-Roosevelt Hotel and Rivergate Exhibition Center New Orleans, Louisiana July 28-August 1, 1974 SOCIAL PROGRAM 7-10 p.m. EARLY ARRIVALS PARTY AND PAST PRESIDENTS RECEPTION Food - Creole Buffet Drinks - Punch, Beer, Wine, Cash Bar Cost - approximately $6.00 per person 10-12:00 p.m. Free to visit French Quarter MONDAY, JULY 29, 1974 7:30 p.m. Get Acquainted Harbor Cruise Aboard the Steamer President Dr. Joseph Labat (2200 capacity 7:15 p.m. Boarding Shuttle Buses to Boat Fairmont and Marriott Hotels 7:30 - 7:45 Boarding Steamer President 8:00 p.m. Boat Leaves Dock Entertainment Food - Hot and Cold hors d'oeuvres Drinks - Punch, Soft Drinks, Cash bar Decorations TUESDAY, JULY 30, 1974 8:00 p.m. PUBLIC WELCOME MEETING - Dr. Joseph Braud Greetings and Invitation to City of New Orleans Grand Ballroom - Fairmont Roosevelt Hotel 8:00 p.m. OPENING CEREMONIES Presiding: R. H. TImpton, M.D. General Chairman Invocation: Rev. W. P. Green Central Congregational Church, New Orleans Musical Selection. Dillard University Choir Introduction and Welcome - Mayor or Gov. Introduction of Platform Guests Musical Selection: Leah Chase Introduction 9:00 p.m. PUBLIC WELCOME ADDRESS - Rev. Jesse Jackson Operation PUSH - Chicago, Illinois Musical Selections: Dillard University Choir 9:45 p.m. Announcements Musical Selection: Leah Chase 10:00 p.m. Benediction 10:00 p.m. Free for Visiting French Quarter, Private Parties, etc. WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 1974 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. MARDI GRAS CABARET (Costumes) Dr. Ernest Cherrie, Jr. Location - Fairmont Roosevelt Hotel - New Ballroom or International and Grand Ballrooms Music - Band - Marching and Carnival Bands Decorations 11:30 p.m. ENTERTAINMENT Marching Band Indians, Vocalists, etc. 2nd Line Food - Buffet, horsd'oeuvres Drinks - Punch, Cash Bar, Setups Attendance - 3000 Guests THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 1974 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. PRESIDENT'S BALL Dr. C. H. Bowers Location - Fairmont Roosevelt International Room Attire - Formal Attendance - 1000 Band - William Houston with organ and vocalist Refreshments - Snacks Drinks - Punch, Setups or Cash Bar 103