Health news and events around the valley, April 14-20, 2016

Alzheimer’s partnership: Affinity Gaming announced a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and has dedicated to contribute at least $100,000 in 2016 to the organization. The company’s Southern Nevada properties, including Silver Sevens, Primm Valley Resort & Casino, Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino, and Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino, will partner with the local Desert Southwest Chapter Southern Nevada Region to collectively contribute at least $60,000. Visit affinitygaming.com.

Lung association partnership: In partnership with the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, the American Lung Association in Nevada is working with local organizations, such as Southern Nevada Health Services, veterans services and The Salvation Army, to help the approximately 78 residents of the behavioral health community in Nevada who are current smokers quit through tobacco cessation services such as Freedom From Smoking. The association’s quit smoking program is offered in-person, online and by phone and includes content on building a quit plan, medications that can aid quitting smoking, lifestyle changes that support quitting smoking, how to manage stress and how to overcome relapse and become smoke-free for good. Call the association’s toll-free Lung Helpline at 800-586-4872 or visit Lung.org/ffs.

Employers recognized: The American Heart Association recognized five Las Vegas employers with the Fit-Friendly Worksite Award for implementing criteria outlined by the association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture. Recipients are: Weight Watchers of Las Vegas Inc. (Platinum Level); city of Henderson (Gold Level); CSAA Insurance Exchange (Gold Level); ZAPPOS.com Inc. and its affiliates (Gold Level); and city of Las Vegas (Gold Level). Contact the American Heart Association Las Vegas office at 702-789-4370 or visit ffc.heart.org.

Ladybug Ball: The Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation is planning the seventh annual Ladybug Ball at 6 p.m. April 30 at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd. The event will honor Ledcor Group for its contributions to helping families with visual impairments throughout the Las Vegas Valley. During the hosted cocktail reception, guests will be invited to visit mixologist booths where they can try smells and sounds coordinating with each booth’s specialty cocktail. Individual tickets are available for $300 or $3,000 for a table of 10. Visit nvblindchildren.org.

Health Seminar: How to Make the Most of Your Medical Appointment, presented by Marcy Holloway, PA-C., is planned from 1 to 2 p.m. April 14 at Southwest Medical Associates Lifestyle Center — East, 5820 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 100. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP by calling 855-606-1424.

CPR Saturday: Learn how to save a life and become certified in American Red Cross Adult/Child CPR/AED during the event, planned from 8 a.m. to noon April 16 at the Las Vegas Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road. There is a $20 fee. Register by April 14. Visit bit.ly/1QFxj8I.

Klip It for Kidz: Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, in partnership with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, is set to hold the eighth annual fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16 in the center park at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Professional stylists are set to shave participants’ heads for summer or cut hair donations to make wigs for children. The community can participate by raising pledges, shaving or cutting hair. Participants must be willing to cut a minimum of 8 inches to donate. Individuals may set their own fundraising goals and collect pledges for NCCF. Visit nvccf.org or call 702-735-8434.

Tea party fundraiser for childhood cancer: The public is invited to an afternoon of tea, sandwiches and cakes as Cure 4 The Kids Foundation presents a Mad Hatter tea party from noon to 4 p.m. April 16 in the Palms Room at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The theme of the fundraising event is based on the Lewis Carroll classic story “Alice in Wonderland” and will raise funds for the Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic for Childhood Cancer Survivors. Tickets are $150. Visit survivor.auction-bid.org. To sponsor, call Dawn Marie Pavuk at 702-732-0952.

AIDS Walk Las Vegas: The event is planned at 8 p.m. April 17 at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Children and pets are welcome. Visit afanlv.org.

Surgical seminar for knee/hip pain: The free seminar is planned from 6 to 7 p.m. April 19 in the Administration Boardroom at Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive. Dr. Ronald Hillock, orthopedic surgeon, is set to discuss various 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. Register by calling 702-388-4888 or visiting valleyhealthsystem.com/events.

Surgical Solutions for Erectile Dysfunction: The seminar is planned from noon to 1 p.m. April 19 at Summerlin Hospital Conference Center, 657 N. Town Center. Urologist Dr. Sheldon Freedman is to discuss outpatient surgical solutions. To register, call 702-388-4888.

Bariatric seminars: The seminars are set from 10 a.m. to noon April 9 and 6 to 8 p.m. April 20 at MountainView Hospital, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, in the lobby classroom. Learn about bariatric weight loss surgery. RSVP by calling 702-233-5474 or visiting mountainview-hospital.com.

Diabetes Overview and Medication Review: The seminar is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20 at MountainView Hospital, 3150 N. Tenaya Way. An overview, discussion and Q&A are planned. RSVP by calling 702-233-5474 or visiting mountainview-hospital.com.

Understanding Your Fertility: The discussion group is planned from 6 to 7 p.m. April 26 in Conference Room B at Spring Valley Hospital, 5400 S. Rainbow Blvd. Dr. Mark Severino of Sher Fertility Institute is set to discuss a variety of issues to help attendees better understand fertility, particularly regarding becoming pregnant. Registration is required. Call 702-388-4888 or visit valleyhealthsystem.com/events.

Bowling for cancer: A bowling fundraiser for ovarian cancer research is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. April 30 at the Suncoast Bowling Center, 9090 Alta Drive. The cost is $35 for those 12 or older and includes two games of bowling, shoes, raffles and food. Proceeds will be used toward treatments, research and medications for those facing ovarian cancer in Las Vegas. Email ayersentertainment@aol.com or call 702-473-0078.

Improving Women’s Health — Endometrial Ablations: The presentation is set from 6 to 7 p.m. May 4 in Conference Room B of Spring Valley Hospital, 5400 S. Rainbow Blvd. OB/GYN Dr. Steven Kramer is set to discuss signs and symptoms and treatment options. Registration is required. Call 702-388-4888. Visit valleyhealthsystem.com/events.

Neighborhood Health Series: Roseman University of Health Sciences launched its Neighborhood Health Series in January at the university’s Summerlin campus, 1 Breakthrough Way. The free monthly series aims to bring the community in to learn, share and collaborate with physicians, researchers and other health care practitioners on issues related to health and well-being. Sessions are planned from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the following dates:

April 14: High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol, A Pharmacists’ Perspective, featuring Dr. Ragini Bhakta

May 19: Depression, Research and Treatment, featuring Dr. Jeffrey Talbot

June 16: High Blood Pressure, New Thinking about the J-Curve, Prevention, Treatment and Research, featuring Dr. Bruce Morgenstern

EMG Blood Drives: Blood drives are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23, July 23 and Oct. 22 in the parking lot of Lakeside Business Suites, 2620 Regatta Drive, Suite. 102. Look for the United Blood Services bus. RSVP online at EMGcares.org or by phone at 702-823-4364.

Nevada Senior Services’ memory programs: A program for people experiencing early memory loss and their loved ones is scheduled to begin May 5 at Temple Sinai, 9001 Hillpointe Road. New Pathways Cafe is planned to meet 9 am to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays for 16 weeks. It is to begin with a cafe breakfast and includes mid-morning snacks in between programs. Senior services also initiated Connections, available Fridays at the Adult Day Care Center of Las Vegas, 901 N. Jones Blvd. New Pathways Café and Connections Programs have a nominal session charge, and financial assistance may be available to qualified applicants. Contact Marcy Cherek at 702-333-1546 or mcherek@nevadaseniorservices.org or visit nevadaseniorservices.org.

Power of Love gala: Keep Memory Alive’s 20th annual celebrity-featured event is planned to honor Tony Bennett for his 90th birthday this year on May 21. The gala includes performances, live auctions, wine and cocktails and cuisine by Wolfgang Puck and raises money for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Tickets are available at keepmemoryalive.org/pol.

Mobile Crisis Response Team: The Mobile Crisis Response Team is a state-funded organization providing community-based services for youths experiencing a mental health crisis, such as suicidal and/or homicidal behavior, acute psychosis, extreme parent/child conflict, difficulty adjusting to serious peer relationship issues such as bullying, or any other serious mental health problem. The organization aims to provide immediate crisis intervention while reducing the need for psychiatric hospitalization in Nevada youth. Visit KnowCrisis.com.

Portable health unit: UnitedHealthcare’s Health Plan of Nevada and Southwest Medical are launching Medicine on the Move, a portable doctor’s office that brings health care closer to people’s homes and workplaces. It offers patients a wide range of health care services, such as pediatric and primary care, immunizations, X-rays, mammographies, physicals and basic lab tests, and features two exam rooms, a laboratory for urinalysis and blood tests, a radiology lab, a lobby and a restroom. The mobile center is staffed by a provider, two licensed practical nurses, two medical assistants and a radiology technician. It is furnished with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and is designed to have a similar look and feel to traditional Southwest Medical clinics. The 45-foot-long clinic will travel to community centers, homeless shelters and churches. Medicine on the Move will also make regular visits to some businesses whose employees are enrolled in Health Plan of Nevada or Sierra Health and Life medical benefit plans. To view a calendar of the mobile clinic’s future locations, visit MedicineOnTheMoveNV.com. To schedule an appointment, call 800-382-0870.

Online health challenge: The Southern Nevada Health District is launching its annual 10-in-10 Challenge, the online program that helps participants both cut and burn more calories. Participants can sign up for the free program on the Get Healthy Clark County website at GetHealthyClarkCounty.org. The program is also available in Spanish at VivaSaludable.org. Call the Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at 702-759-1270.

Trials and other volunteer-oriented information:

Shingles clinical trial: The FV-100 shingles clinical trial has several sites in Las Vegas and is currently enrolling to test a potential treatment for shingles that could prevent long-lasting post-herpetic neuralgia pain for patients who are able to recognize the early signs of the disease and receive treatment within 72 hours of the first signs/symptoms of shingles. Patients must meet the following criteria to prequalify for the study: be 50 or older; able to receive the first dose of study medication within 72 hours (3 days) of a possible shingles rash appearing; have not received the shingles vaccine; history of no more than two episodes of shingles; and the onset of shingles must not be on face, eyes, or mouth. Visit GotShingles.com. The website allows for a ZIP code search to find participating physicians in your area.

Patient and Family Advisory Council: HealthInsight Nevada is creating a Patient and Family Advisory Council to help better understand the health care system from the patient’s viewpoint. Patients, families and caregivers participating in the council will share their personal stories and health care experiences. HealthInsight Nevada is recruiting members from many different backgrounds from all regions of Nevada. Contact Gina Pirozzi at gpirozzi@healthinsight.org or 702-933-7326.

Alzheimer’s study: The Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health are recruiting participants for their new, multicenter Alzheimer’s disease treatment trial EMERGE. The main purpose of the study is to determine if the experimental drug B11B037 can slow down the progression of symptoms in early AD. Men and women 50 to 85 diagnosed with AD and experiencing mild cognitive impairment with common symptoms, such as memory loss, are needed to complete the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Additional study requirements include having a Clinical Dementia Rating-Global score of 0.5, a positive amyloid Position Emission Tomography scan and a reliable caregiver. Study participants will visit their respective trial sites to receive monthly injections during the course of the 78-week trial. The severity of dementia and changes in functional and cognitive impairment in participants will be measured and compared to evaluate the drug’s ability in slowing the progression of AD. Tests and assessments to monitor participants’ health include the completion of several interviews and questionnaires to measure how they are thinking, feeling and performing in everyday activities; physical examinations; Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans; PET (positron emission tomography); and measurements of vital signs. Call 216-445-9009. To enroll at Lou Ruvo, call 702-483-6000, or contact Monica Guerra at 702-701-7893. For more information about ongoing trials, visit ClevelandClinic.org/clinicaltrials.

Ongoing health events and blood drives:

Southern Nevada Health District app: The Walk Around Nevada app is a free, online program that helps participants increase physical activity by virtually logging 1,442 miles as they walk around the state. It can be downloaded through the Apple store for iOS devices or from Google Play for Android. Visit gethealthyclarkcounty.org or SNHD.info/apps.

Free blood pressure screenings: The screenings are scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the MountainView Hospital Medical Office Building, H2U, Suite 114, 3150 N. Tenaya Way. Registration is required. Call 702-233-5474 or visit mountainview-hospital.com.

MS Stretch & Flex: The events are planned for 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at the MountainView Hospital Medical Office Building, H2U, Suite 114, 3150 N. Tenaya Way. This class is free for people with multiple sclerosis and current members of H2U. There is a $5 fee for others. Registration is required. Call 702-233-5474 or visit mountainview-hospital.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group: The group is set to meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive. Email don@donrosiew@gmail.com or terikoehler@gmail.com.

Cervical Cancer Support Group: The group is set to meet at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive, and is facilitated by Branda Kent, Nevada Chapter leader for the Cervical Cancer Coalition. For upcoming meeting information, call Ginger Fidel, Summerlin Hospital Oncology Program coordinator, at 702-233-7751.

Walk with a UMC Doc: Free Walk with a UMC Doc events are planned at 9:30 a.m. the third Thursday of the month at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Visit umcsn.com.

Free STD testing available: Free weekly STD screenings are available at the Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada and the Richard Steele Boxing Facility. Visit snhd.info/sexual-health-clinic. Free testing is also available from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Aid for AIDS of Nevada offices, 1120 Almond Tree Lane. No appointments are necessary, and anyone 13 or older will be tested. Visit afanlv.org.

Better Breathers Club plans meetings: The American Lung Association in Nevada invites those with lung health disease, their loved ones and caregivers to a Better Breathers Club meetings planned at the following locations and times each month:

Second Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m. in the conference room at Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive; RSVP by calling 702-835-9898.

Last Fridays, 3 to 4 p.m. at Prestige Care at Mira Loma, 2520 Wigwam Parkway; 702-431-6348.

First Thursdays, 1 to 2 p.m. at St. Rose Women’s Care and Outreach Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway; 702-616-4910.

First Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., United in Hope: Lung Cancer Survivors Support Group, at Kindred Hospital Las Vegas, 2250 E. Flamingo Road; at 702-353-2039 or lysa71@cox.net.

Fibromyalgia group meetings: The Fibromyalgia Friends Support Group of Southern Nevada is scheduled to meet during lunch and evening sessions the second and third Thursday of the month. Lunch meetings are set from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fiesta Henderson buffet, 777 W. Lake Mead Parkway. Evening meetings are planned from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Barbara Greenspun Women’s Care Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Suite 180. Visit fmfriends.org.

Breast cancer empowerment group: A free Breast Cancer Empowerment/Support Group is set to meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive. Topics vary and include guest speakers, resources and open discussion with the goal of helping to empower and support women. RSVP by calling 702-233-7155.

Stroke support group: The Stroke Support Group is set to meet at various times monthly:

From 3 to 4 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive, 702-233-7061.

From 3 to 4 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive, 702-629-1309.

From 10 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of the month at the South Magna Conference Center, south of the Desert Springs Hospital main entrance, 2075 E. Flamingo Road, 702-369-7560. Recommended parking is off Bruce Street. Lunch is provided.

From 10 to 11:30 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month on the fourth floor of Valley Hospital, 620 Shadow Lane. Call 702-388-8441 or 702-388-4619. Light refreshments will be served.

From 2 to 3:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month on the fourth floor in the acute rehabilitation unit in the dining room at Valley Hospital, 620 Shadow Lane. Call 702-388-8441 or 702-388-4619. Light refreshments will be served.

Cardiac support group meetings:

At 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month in the cafeteria at Desert Springs Hospital, 2075 E. Flamingo Road. Call 702-369-7560.

From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month in Conference Room B at Spring Valley Hospital, 5400 S. Rainbow Blvd. RSVP by calling 702-388-4888. This support group provides peer-to-peer patient support and education including meeting others living with heart disease, learning how to live with heart disease and having your questions answered by knowledgeable staff members.

At 10:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month in Classroom 1A at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 657 N. Town Center Drive. RSVP by calling 702-233-7470. Topics vary and include guest speakers, resources and open discussion by helping those with cardiac issues continue their recovery, provide education and encourage ongoing exercise.

Bloodmobile drives planned across valley: UBS Bloodmobile drives are planned at multiple times and locations around the valley. Call 702-233-9620 or visit unitedbloodservices.org and enter the code, if available.

American Red Cross blood drives scheduled around the valley: The American Red Cross encourages residents to donate. Blood drives are planned continually across the valley. All blood types are needed, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, on a regular basis. To schedule a donation appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767. Recently, Red Cross announced a new RapidPass program, which allows donors to complete predonation reading and health history questions online on the day of their donation using a computer at home or work, reducing the time spent at blood drives by approximately 15 minutes.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 15 at Greyhound Station, 200 S. Main St.

From 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. April 16 at Word of Life Christian Center, 3520 N. Buffalo Drive.

From 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. April 16 at Shadow Hills Church, 7811 Vegas Drive.

From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 16 at Sunrise Library, 5400 E. Harris Ave.

From 8 to 11:15 a.m. April 17 at Our Lady of Las Vegas, 3050 Alta Drive.

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19 at Student Center, Nevada State College School of Nursing, 1125 Nevada State Drive.

From 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 at Kaplan College, 3535 W. Sahara Ave.