Valleywide Health News, Sept. 11-17, 2014

UNLV SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR EXERCISE BOOT CAMP

The Department of Physical Therapy at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, is seeking participants for a research study that involves an eight-week exercise boot camp.

Participants must be 50 or older and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The study will examine the effects of exercise for individuals with the disease. Participants will be monitored for up to six months after the boot camp, which includes a free balance assessment, heart rate monitor, physical assessment, bone density test and $50 for completing the program.

Camps are planned three to four times with 90-minute sessions at two locations. Enrollment periods are planned for Sept. 11-13 and Sept. 25-27.

For more information, call Merrill Landers, principal investigator, at 702-895-1377.

BONE MARROW MATCHES SOUGHT

The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation seeks the community’s help to find bone marrow matches for critically ill children in Southern Nevada during its ninth annual bone marrow drive, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Zappos corporate office, 400 E. Stewart Ave.

Adults are invited to join the free national bone marrow registry. The foundation is in need of Hispanic, African American, Asian and Pacific Islander donors, as more than 80 percent of the multi-race community can’t find a match because very few are in the national registry.

Donating involves a swab of cheek cells, with no needles or blood draws involved. Potential donors, between the 18 and 40 who meet the health guidelines, can visit marrow.org to complete a brief health questionnaire and consent form to be listed on the registry.

For those who are unable to join the donor registry, the foundation will accept monetary donations to cover the cost of the transplants.

For more information, call 702-735-8434 or visit nvccf.org.

FREE WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY INFORMATIONAL SEMINARS PLANNED

Anyone considering weight loss surgery, including gastric sleeve, lap band or gastric bypass, or who would simply like to learn more about the various surgeries is invited to attend an upcoming seminar presented by Dr. Jim Atkinson or Dr. Darren Soong. Seminars are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 and 16 and 10 a.m. Sept. 27 at the Surgical Weight Control Center, 3802 Meadows Lane.

To register, call 702-313-8446.

BETTER BREATHERS SUPPORT GROUP TO MEET SEPT. 11

A Better Breathers Support Group, for people living with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer or other chronic lung conditions, is set to meet from 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at Southwest Medical Associates Lifestyle Center-West, 8680 W. Cheyenne Ave.

Family and friends are welcome to come in support of their loved one. Meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month. To RSVP, call 702-677-3056.

LOU RUVO CENTER TO HOST BUTTERFLY RELEASE

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville Ave., is scheduled to host a butterfly release from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 12 in The Garden. The event will commemorate the center’s accomplishments and promise to continue the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.

NATIONAL MEDICARE EDUCATION WEEK SET FOR SEPT. 15-21

Educational events are planned as part of National Medicare Education Week, set for Sept. 15-21. This annual observance begins one month before the start of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, Oct. 15-Dec. 7, when people can make changes to their coverage.

During the week, UnitedHealthcare plans to host educational events where local representatives will address people’s top Medicare questions and be available to speak one-on-one. Events are scheduled for 3 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St.; and 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20 at the Desert Vista Community Center, 10360 Sun City Blvd., in Sun City Summerlin.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. To RSVP, visit nmew.com and click on “Attend an Event,” or call 877-228-4557.

SPEAKER TO ADDRESS AGING WITH DIGNITY

The Temple Beth Sholom Active Adults group plans to host Dr. Lisa Rosenberg, a certified geriatrician at Touro University, at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the temple, 10700 Havenwood Lane. Her topic will be Aging with Dignity. The program is open to the community.

For more information, call 702-735-0414 or 702-233-3785.

MILES OF PILLOWCASE SMILES EVENT SET AT HARD ROCK CAFE

For the fifth consecutive year, the Hard Rock Cafe is partnering with ConKerr Cancer for the Miles of Pillowcase Smiles event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16. The public is invited to join ConKerr Cancer volunteers at the Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas, 3771 Las Vegas Blvd. South, to create pillowcases to contribute to the national campaign, which aims to create more than 44,000 pillowcases (20 miles) during September, each one representing a child currently in treatment.

The mission of ConKerr Cancer is to provide a bright, cheery pillowcase to all youngsters in treatment for cancer or dealing with any other serious medical issues. They get to choose a case, use it in the hospital and bring it home after treatment. Each visit to the hospital warrants a new case.

Pillowcase materials will be provided, but additional material donations are appreciated.

For more information, call 702-733-7625. For more information on ConKerr Cancer, visit conkerrcancer.org.

FREE SEMINAR TO TEACH SENIORS ABOUT HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES

The West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., plans a free Senior Law Series seminar from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 17.

The seminar is titled Health Care Directives and You. After the session, participants can meet with an attorney for 15 minutes.

For more information or to register, call 702-507-3964.

HUMANA GUIDANCE CENTER PLANS FLU SHOTS

Flu shots are set to be offered from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 17 at Humana Guidance Center-Summerlin, 8975 W. Charleston Blvd.

Proof of insurance is required at time of service. All insurances are accepted, and flu shots are free with insurance. No cash, checks or credit cards will be accepted. No preregistration required. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, call 702-380-6170.

SEMINAR TO COVER GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

A seminar discussing a new procedure to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease is planned for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in conference rooms one and two at Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center, 6900 N. Durango Drive. Dr. Pankaj K. Bhatnagar plans to discuss the transoral incisionless fundoplication procedure, which offers a less invasive restoration of the anti-reflux barrier.

For more information, visit centennialhillshospital.com/hospital-services/gastroenterology. To register for the seminar, call 702-388-4888.

PULMONARY GROUP SET TO MEET SEPT. 19

O2 On the Go, a support group for people with pulmonary disease, is slated to meet from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 19 at the H2U MountainView Office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114.

It is scheduled to meet the third Friday of every month. For more information, call 702-233-5474.

HEART AND STROKE CONFERENCE PLANNED FOR SEPT. 19

The fifth annual Heart and Stroke Conference is planned from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. The conference provides an interactive and collaborative forum for the heart and stroke community to learn from successes and challenges, engage in discussion and identify opportunities for collaboration.

SUMMERLIN HOSPITAL TO HOST 10-YEAR NICU REUNION SEPT. 20

The Summerlin Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Reunion — Celebrating 10 Years of Care is planned from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 at the Summerlin Hospital Healing Garden, 657 N. Town Center Drive.

All former NICU patients and their families are invited to attend the annual reunion, which reunites patients, families and caregivers. Refreshments and special activities are planned.

To register, call 702-388-4888.

SEMINAR TO EXPLORE SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR KNEE AND HIP PAIN

A seminar for surgical options for knee and hip pain is planned for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23 in conference rooms one and two at Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center, 6900 N. Durango Drive. Dr. Mark Rosen is scheduled to discuss options for coping with knee and hip pain, with special attention to procedures for partial knee resurfacing and total hip replacement utilizing the specialized MAKOplasty technology available only at Centennial Hills Hospital.

For more information, visit centennialhillshospital.com and click on “Hospital Services.” To register for the seminar, call 702-388-4888.

ENTERTAINER TO PERFORM SEPT. 25 AT SOLUTIONS RECOVERY WELLNESS CAMPUS

Comedian and entertainer Mark Lundholm is scheduled to perform his show, “Addicted,” from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 25 at Solutions Recovery Wellness Campus, 2975 S. Rainbow Blvd.

Fresh out of rehab, he began participating in a 20-minute comedy routine at San Quentin State Prison in California. He attracted worldwide attention including Showtime Comedy, which gave him a television comedy special.

Tickets are $20 at addicted-too.eventbrite.com.

For more information on Solutions Recovery, visit solutions-recovery.com or call 855-708-6995.

HEALTHY KIDS FESTIVAL SLATED FOR SEPT. 27 AT PARADISE PARK

In celebration of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the third annual Healthy Kids Festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at Paradise Park, 4775 McLeod Drive. The free festival is sponsored by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s All 4 Kids Program and Clark County Parks and Recreation Department.

The event provides children and their families with information about healthy eating and healthy activity choices while raising awareness about childhood obesity issues. Parents and families can enjoy activities and healthy eating demonstrations, music and entertainment, sports exhibitions and games.

For more information, call 702-948-5942 or email all_4_kids@unce.unr.edu.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP TO MEET OCT. 1 AT TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

A bereavement group plans to meet at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 1 at Temple Beth Sholom, 10700 Havenwood Lane. Future dates are slated for Oct. 15 and 29 and Nov. 12 and 26.

Meetings are open to the public, and coffee is served.

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

MARCH OF DIMES PLANS WOMEN’S HEALTH SYMPOSIUM NOV. 8

The March of Dimes: 2014 Women’s Health Symposium is planned for 8 a.m. Nov. 8 at The Innevation Center, 6795 Edmond St. It aims to educate healthcare providers and community leaders on identifying women who are at risk for preterm birth, manage women at risk for preterm birth and decrease the adverse outcomes associated with preterm birth.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/n8hvdyd.

HOSPICE RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Nathan Adelson Hospice, Southern Nevada’s largest nonprofit hospice, has been recognized nationally as one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare for 2014 by Modern Healthcare, a nationwide weekly health care business news publication. The hospice is to be recognized at an awards gala on Oct. 23 in Chicago. This is the third time the hospice has received this recognition.

For more information on the hopsice, visit nah.org.

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.