Health news and events around the valley, March 3-9, 2016

Humana open houses: The two Humana Guidance Centers in Las Vegas are planning two open houses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 and 1:45 to 4:45 p.m. March 9 at 1000 N. Green Valley Parkway, Suite 720, and 8885 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 140, respectively. They are set to include health and wellness information, activity demonstrations and refreshments. Call the Henderson center at 702-269-5200 or the Summerlin center at 702-380- 6170.

Multicultural luncheon: Nathan Adelson Hospice is planning its 12th Annual Multicultural Luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 8 at The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. The theme this year is Imagining Life … A Crescendo to the End. The keynote speaker, Dr. BJ Miller, is set to address the importance of encouraging families to start the conversation about what they want at the end of life. The luncheon's goal is to unite people from various cultures and faiths. Tickets are $75 per person or $700 for a table of 10. Sponsorships are also available. Call Stephanie Forbes at Nathan Adelson Hospice at 702-938-3910 or visit nah.org.

Medical students arrive from Spain: Nevada Donor Network announced two medical school students from Barcelona, Spain, have arrived for a three week internship program. The students, Karen Torres and Isabel Caicedo, are seeking an International Masters Degree in Donation and Transplantation of Organs, Tissue and Cells from the Universitat de Barcelona. While in Las Vegas, they will assist and learn from NDN's teams during all aspects of the donation process, including donor referrals, clinical donor evaluation, brain death assessment, donor care and the surgical recovery of organs, tissues and corneas intended for transplantation. NDN is a uniquely positioned location for the students to learn from because not all of the US Organ Procurement Organizations have an HLA testing laboratory, recover tissue and distribute corneas for transplantation. Visit nvdonor.org.

Wireless heart monitoring: MountainView Hospital now offers patients a new miniaturized, wireless monitoring sensor to manage heart failure. The CardioMEMS HF System is the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitoring device that has been proven to significantly reduce hospital admissions when used by physicians to manage heart failure. The CardioMEMS HF System features a sensor that is implanted in the pulmonary artery during a nonsurgical procedure to directly measure PA pressure. Increased PA pressures appear before weight and blood pressure changes, which are often used as indirect measures of worsening heart failure. The new system allows patients to transmit daily sensor readings from their homes to their health care providers allowing for personalized and proactive management to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization. Visit heartfailureanswers.com or call 702-562-5658.

New Red Rock Fertility Center: Red Rock Fertility Center announced the recent opening of its new 12,800-square-foot facility at 9120 W. Russell Road. Visit redrockfertility.com.

Trivia Challenge Night: The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation invites adults 21 or older to its night of snacks and raffles to compete against friends, family and business associates at the 14th Trivia Challenge Night Planes, Trains and Automobiles at 6 p.m. March 12 at Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall's Live Theatre, 5111 Boulder Highway. Tickets are $30 per person or $300 per table of 10. Doors open at 5 p.m. The winner of the trivia challenge will receive a trophy and be crowned 2016's Most Valuable Brain. Participants are encouraged to bring a gift basket for the raffle. For each basket donated, guests will receive 10 complimentary raffle tickets. A $30 minimum value is preferred for basket donations. Proceeds from this event support the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation's programs. Call 702-735-8434 or visit nvccf.org.

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' aim is 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:

March 17: Role Reversal, Caring for our Aging Parents, featuring Dr. Lisa Rosenberg

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

Register for each event at speakers.roseman.edu or call 702-802-2872.

Easter Walk & Roll: The eighth annual event to benefit Easter Seals Nevada is set for 8 a.m. March 26 at Lorenzi Park, 3343 W. Washington Ave. Participants, including community leaders, honorary ambassadors and celebrities, will participate in a 1/2-mile walk to raise awareness of Easter Seals Nevada's programs, which help the 8,000 Nevada residents living with disabilities. Registration is $35 for adults and $20 for kids, seniors, military and virtual walkers. After the walk, an Easter Carnival is set to start at 10 a.m. and include games, entertainment, concessions, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, Easter egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny and other family-friendly activities. Food trucks, vendors and live performances are also planned. Vvisit events.eastersealsnevada.org/walknroll.

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.

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.

Alzheimer's study: 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 slowdown the progression of symptoms in early AD. Men and women ages 50 to 85 years of age 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 Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health call 702-483-6000, or contact Monica Guerra at 702-701-7893. For more information about Cleveland Clinic and other ongoing trials, visit ClevelandClinic.org/clinicaltrials.

Autism treatment under Medicaid: The Center for Autism and Related Disorders is now providing treatment to Medicaid beneficiaries who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Beginning Jan. 1, Medicaid is covering autism treatment in Nevada. Autism treatment using applied behavior analysis is key to providing effective treatment for individuals with ASD. More than 1,800 low-income children in the state will be able to access ABA. Families who are in need are encouraged to call the center to start the intake process. The center also accepts private insurance. Call 702-778-4500.

Ongoing health events:

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 seminars: Free seminars on weight loss surgery are planned at the Surgical Weight Control Center, 3802 Meadows Lane, and for surgical options for knee or hip pain at Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive. For a list of weight loss seminars, visit surgicalweightcontrolcenter.com/seminars. Register by calling 702-313-8446.

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.

Flu shots still available: The Southern Nevada Health District reported its first flu-related deaths in Clark County for the 2015-16 season of two males, each older than 60. The Health District reminds Southern Nevadans that flu season typically peaks in January and February, and there is still time to receive a flu vaccine. Informational awareness campaign InFLUence Others: Get Vaccinated urges Nevadans to get influenza vaccines and offers tips at its website. According to a recent op-ed by Amerigroup's medical director, Dr. Richard Roberts and Heidi Parker, executive director of Immunize Nevada, the flu affects up to 60 million people each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now advise that all people 6 months or older receive an annual influenza vaccination. Visit influencenevada.org. For more information, call 702-759-0850 or visit southernnevadahealthdistrict.org or cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.

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.

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 meets second, third Thursdays: 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 set to meet monthly: 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 planning monthly meetings: 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. The locations include:

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 3 at Pima Medical Institute, 3333 E. Flamingo Road. Enter code pimamedical.

From 9 a.m. to noon March. 3 and 4 at Scientific Games, 6601 S. Bermuda Road. Enter code scientificgames.

From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 3 at UNLV Army ROTC, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Enter code UNLV.

From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 5 at Calvary Chapel Spring Valley, 7175 W. Oquendo Road. Enter code calvarychapelsv.

From 9 a.m. to noon March 6 at Green Valley Presbyterian Church, 1798 Wigwam Parkway. Enter code gvpresbyterian.

From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 6 at Christ the King Catholic Community, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive. Enter code ctkcc.

From 1 to 5 p.m. March 8 at UNLV LDS Las Vegas Institute of Religion, 1095 University Road. Enter code UNLV.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 9 at UNLV Alpha Phi Omega, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Enter code UNLV.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 9 at the College of Southern Nevada, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. Enter code CSNCheyenne.

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 pre-donation 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 3:30 p.m. March 3 at Water Street District Business Association, 240 S. Water St., Annex Building - Farmers Market.

From 2 to 8:30 p.m. March 3 at Somerset Academy, 50 N. Stephanie St.

From 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. March 4 at Whole Foods, 8855 W. Charleston Blvd.

From 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. March 5 at Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging, 2767 N. Tenaya Way.

From 7:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at St. Christopher, 1840 N. Bruce St.

From 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6 at Whole Foods, 7250 W. Lake Mead Blvd.

From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 7 at Home Depot, 1030 Sunset Road.

From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 8 at Camping World, 13175 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

From 2 to 7 p.m. March 8 at American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, 1771 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 206B.