Valleywide Health News, Nov. 20-26, 2014

FREE COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR PLANNED NOV. 22

Nonprofit Rising Asian Pacific Americans Coalition for Diversity plans to host a free Community Health & Wellness Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at the RAPACD Cultural Center and Isla Vegas Studio inside Lorenzi Park, 3339 W. Washington Lane. Services are set to include adult well screenings, pediatric well checks, nutritionist assessments, glucose screenings, BMI checks, foot screenings, vision screenings, free massage, flu shots, dental screenings and insurance sign up. Refreshments, face painting and cultural entertainment also are planned.

For more information on RAPACD, visit rapacd.com/cultural-center.html.

FREE MEMORY SCREENINGS PLANNED AT CLEVELAND CLINIC NOV. 20

Free memory screenings are planned at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 20. No appointment is necessary, and screenings are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM RECOGNIZED FOR LGBT HEALTH CARE EQUALITY

All five Valley Health System hospitals have been recognized as a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. This is the second year the Las Vegas health system hospitals have received the honor.

The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2014, an annual survey encouraging equal care for LGBT Americans, which recognizes health care institutions.

Centennial Hills, Desert Springs, Spring Valley, Summerlin and Valley hospitals earned top marks in meeting nondiscrimination and training criteria that demonstrate their commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2014, visit hrc.org/hei.

CHILDREN’S SPECIALTY CENTER GETS ST. BALDRICK’S GRANT

The Children’s Specialty Center of Nevada, 3121 S. Maryland Parkway, a nonprofit pediatric cancer outpatient treatment facility, received a $245,000 grant from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to further expand the Specialty Center’s Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic for childhood cancer survivors. The funds also will help incorporate the Children’s Oncology Group’s Long-Term Follow Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers, considered the most comprehensive guidelines available.

Long-Term Follow-Up clinics are considered essential for all childhood cancer survivors, no matter where or how long ago treatment was given. Specific treatments that saved the lives of childhood cancer patients can have side effects many years after treatment is finished. The clinic helps educate patients and their families on the importance of continued health screenings and the possible side effects, or late effects, that could come about based on their specific treatment.

For more information, call 702-732-3330. Patients who were treated at other facilities are welcome. Those without medical insurance or the ability to pay for the office visit are also encouraged to call. The clinic provides access to a board-certified pediatric hematology oncology provider, a social worker, a neuropsychologist, a nurse coordinator and a physical therapist.

In addition, the St. Baldrick’s funding will initiate a special pediatric cancer registry program to expand the amount of information collected on childhood cancer patients in Nevada, providing a more comprehensive picture of pediatric cancer patients, their treatments and any trends affecting this particular population.

For more information, visit cure4thekids.org.

SUPERHERO 5K AND 1 MILE RACE RAISES FUNDS FOR CANDLELIGHTERS

The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada raised $196,000 through its annual Candlelighters Shine for a Superhero 5K and 1 Mile Race, held Sept. 13 at Exploration Peak Park in Mountain’s Edge. Participants dressed as superheroes for the race, which featured 82 teams, 41 of them formed by families of a child who has received help from the foundation. Funds raised will support those affected by childhood cancer and educate the public regarding the impact cancer has on children and their families in the community.

For more information, visit candlelightersnv.org.

LEARN ABOUT THE HOLIDAY BLUES

The Holly Daze open house event, a presentation on seasonal affective disorder and holiday blues with Stephanie Glover, MA, is set from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Southwest Medical Associates Lifestyle Center-West, 8670 W. Cheyenne Ave., Suite 105.

To RSVP, call 855-606-1425.

CHRONIC LUNG CONDITION GROUP TO MEET

O2 On the Go, a support group for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is slated to meet from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 21 at the H2U MountainView Office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114.

Meetings are set for the third Friday of every month. For more information, call 702-233-5474.

EDUCATION SESSION PLANNED ON BREASTFEEDING CHALLENGES

The Southern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition plans to host an education session on infant facial issues that create challenges for breastfeeding from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22 at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extention’s Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road.

The class, designed for health care professionals, is $50, which includes lunch and continuing education credits.

To register, visit snvbreastfeeding.org.

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SEMINARS SET

A free weight loss surgery informational seminar is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 22 at the Surgical Weight Control Center, 3802 Meadows Lane. Anyone considering weight loss surgery, including gastric sleeve, lapband or gastric bypass, or who would simply like to learn more about the various surgeries, is invited to attend.

To register, call 702-313-8446.

NEVADA CHILDHOOD CANCER FOUNDATION PLANS GALA FOR NOV. 22

The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation plans to present its 21st annual Profiles of Courage Dinner Gala and auction at 6 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

During the event, the foundation plans to honor several “heroes,” children in foundation programs, for their strength and courage, along with presenting other awards. Proceeds are set to benefit the foundation’s Project ARK (Aids & Resources for Kids), the psychological, emotional, educational and financial support services for families of children with cancer and life-threatening illnesses, as well as the foundation’s adult services program, The Caring Place, which provides healing arts and wellness programs for adults touched by cancer.

Tickets are $250. For tickets, call 702-735-8434 or visit nvccf.org.

ART IN THE AFTERNOON PROGRAM SET FOR ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville Ave., plans to offer its Art in the Afternoon program for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders and their family and caregivers from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Nov. 24.

To register, call 702-483-6055.

PRESENTATION TO COVER FEMALE PELVIC DISORDERS

The presentation Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery — Incontinence and Pelvic Prolapse: What You Need To Know is set from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Southwest Medical Associates Lifestyle Center-West, 8670 W. Cheyenne Ave., Suite 105. The speaker is set to be Dr. Sarah R. Ryan, discussing incontinence and pelvic disorders among older adults.

To RSVP, call 855-606-1425.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP TO MEET AT TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

A bereavement group plans to meet at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 26 at Temple Beth Sholom, 10700 Havenwood Lane.

The meetings are open to the community, and coffee is served.

For more information, email vegasrita1@aol.com or call 702-596-4321.

HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS DIABETES MANAGEMENT CLASSES

As part of National Diabetes Month, the Southern Nevada Health District and its community partners are offering education and self-management classes and support for people with diabetes and their families, as well as programs that can help people lower their risk of developing diabetes.

For information, contact the health district’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at 702-759-1270 or visit gethealthyclarkcounty.org or the Spanish-language site vivasaludable.org.

UMC PLANS THREE-PART CHILDBIRTH CLASS IN DECEMBER

University Medical Center has planned a three-part Childbirth Class at 1120 Shadow Lane from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18. This class is designed to teach parents about the birth process, including breathing techniques, comfort measures and relaxation.

You should complete your childbirth class in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. The class is free for patients delivering at UMC; for all others there is $35 fee.

To register, call 702-383-2229 or visit umcsn.com.

MEDICARE ENROLLMENT OPEN THROUGH DEC. 7

Seniors who would like to review and possibly change their Medicare health and prescription drug coverage for 2015 can do so through Dec. 7, when the Medicare Open Enrollment period closes.

Medicare coverage options and costs change annually, so enrollees are encouraged to review options. Seniors who are happy with their coverage do not need to do anything.

Open enrollment selections can be made at medicare.gov. If you enroll in or make changes to your plan during the annual open enrollment period, new coverage will begin Jan. 1. You should continue to pay premiums for your old coverage through Dec. 31.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides information, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries in Nevada through a statewide network of volunteers offering free, one-on-one assistance and counseling about problems seniors encounter regarding Medicare, supplemental health insurance and long-term care.

For more information, call 800-307-4444 or 702-486-3478, or visit nvaging.net/ship/ship_main.htm.

FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE

The Southern Nevada Health District is offering flu vaccine clinics. The cost of the shot is $40; the high-dose vaccine for people 65 or older is $56.

For more information or locations, visit snhd.info, or contact the immunization clinic at 702-759-0850.

FREE DIABETIC FOOT SCREENINGS PLANNED

Smith’s, the Las Vegas Summerlin Lions Club and the nonprofit Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention (LEAP) Alliance have teamed up to offer free foot screenings, which are simple and painless, to help prevent diabetes-related foot amputation.

The preventative screening program is being offered at two Smith’s locations: 2211 N. Rampart Blvd. and 8555 W. Sahara Ave. To make an appointment, call 702-765-5793.

Free foot screening also is being offered by appointment at the Summerlin Hospital Medical Building, 673 N. Town Center Drive, Suite 400, provided by the Summerlin Lions Club medical team.

To schedule a screening, call 702-765-5793 and specify the appointment is for a free foot screening.

LOU RUVO CENTER OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS, SERVICES

Free multiple sclerosis counseling services are offered at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville Ave. Individual, couple and family therapy are available to address a range of issues related to mood, adjustment to diagnosis, relationships and care giving. Also, a multiple sclerosis support group is scheduled to meet from noon to 1 p.m. the first Thursday of every month for adult family members of individuals with MS. For more information, call 702-483-6006 or email fairchj@ccf.org.

A Huntington’s disease support group is scheduled to meet from noon to 1 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month. The group is for gene-positive individuals (asymptomatic and early stage) and adult family members. For more information, call 702-483-6035 or email municd@ccf.org.

A memory loss caregiver support group is scheduled to meet from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. Wednesdays. The group is for adult family members who provide care and/or support for loved ones with memory loss and is facilitated by Dr. Donna Munic-Miller. For more information, call 702-483-6035 or email municd@ccf.org.

A Parkinson’s disease support group is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month. The group is for early-stage individuals and adult family members who provide care and/or support for loved ones with Parkinson’s disease. Separate groups meet at the same time. Phone screening for new early-stage participants is required. For more information, call 702-483-6054 or email cliffoj@ccf.org.

For more information on programs and services, visit keepmemoryalive.org/socialservices.

FIBROMYALGIA FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCES TEEN PROGRAM

The Fibromyalgia Friends Support Group of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit based in Henderson, has announced the initiation of a teen program to educate and provide support for middle, high school and college-age teenagers with fibromyalgia.

The program will take place monthly via Google Hangouts from 7 to 8 p.m. the second Thursday of each month. Ten people will be able to join each meeting each month. For instructions about how to participate, visit fmfriends.org. and click on “Teen Meetings.”

WALK WITH A DOC PLANNED FOR THIRD THURSDAYS AT LORENZI PARK

University Medical Center plans to host free Walk With A Doc events at 7 a.m. the third Thursday of each month at Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave. Participants are asked to meet at the tennis courts.

The program emphasizes 150 minutes of exercise as a way to become healthier and for people to be better informed about their health. Each walk will open with a three- to five-minute health talk followed by a 30- to 45-minute walk. During the walk, a physician who is the featured speaker will answer general health questions.

For more information, umcsn.com.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP HOSTS WEEKLY MEETINGS

GriefShare, a national program for those dealing with loss, meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Canyon Ridge Christian Church, 6200 W. Lone Mountain Road. Weekly meetings include showings and discussion. For more information, call the group at 702-481-5833.

SENIOR GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP MEETS BIMONTHLY

A grief support group for seniors is set to meet the second and fourth Fridays of the month at 9 a.m. at the Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive.

For more information, call 702-229-1702.

HOSPITAL OFFERS CLASSES

Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive, plans classes for new parents that include Baby Basics 1 & 2, Birth Basics, The Birth Plan Workshop, Breastfeeding Basics, Infant CPR, Infant Massage, Meditations for Healthy Pregnancy and Birth, Natural Birth Methods, Planned Cesarean Birth, Prepared Childbirth Education, Twins/Multiples Preparation Class and Fit4MOM Stroller Strides Family Fun Workout.

Summerlin Hospital also offers free support groups: Cesarean Birth Support Group; Multiples Support Group; Infant Loss Bereavement Support Group; and Parent & Caregiver Support Group for Special Needs Children.

To register at least three weeks in advance for classes, call 702-233-7103.