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Health news and events around the valley, Nov. 5-11, 2015

Scholarship opportunity: High school and college students can be eligible to win a scholarship of up to $2,500 by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive. Registration is open through Nov. 15 to host drives between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, 2016. The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply around the winter holidays. Students who host a drive can be eligible to win a scholarship up to $2,500 for higher education and earn a gift card. A total of six scholarships will be awarded to students who host a blood drive collecting 25 blood donations or more. All students who collect at least 25 pints at their blood drive will receive a gift card to giftcertificates.com. Visit redcrossblood.org/leaderssavelives.

Autism Gala: The sixth annual Fashion for Autism Gala is planned from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Aria, 3730 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The theme of the evening is Bringing a Solution Into Focus. Featuring Porsche Design at Crystals, the fashion event celebrates community members leading the fight against autism and benefits the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation. To purchase tickets, call 702-564-2453, visit grantagiftautismfoundation.org or email events@grantagiftautismfoundation.org.

Heart and stroke walk and run: Billed as Oscar vs. Oscar, former Mayor and Host Committee Chairman for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Oscar Goodman and his son, Dr. Oscar B. Goodman Jr., have joined in a dual citywide challenge to knock out cardiovascular disease and stroke in support of the 24th annual Heart & Stroke Walk and Run, set for Nov. 7 at the Fremont Street Experience. The duo invites business leaders and physicians to accept the challenge by setting a personal fundraising goal of $2,500. The event includes a Kids Zone, free health screenings, live entertainment, food and more. Heart and stroke survivors can participate in a 1-mile survivor route and will receive special survivor T-shirts. Visit lasvegasheartwalk.org or call 702-789-4370.

Honor ride: The event opening ceremony is set for 8 a.m. Nov. 7 at the MGM Festival Lot, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The Honor Ride Las Vegas is a self-paced, non-competitive cycling event open to all veterans and the general public. The ride raises funds for Ride 2 Recovery, which provides physical and psychological rehabilitation programs for injured veterans, featuring cycling as its core activity. Three routes are planned at 20, 40 and 70 miles. Breakfast is to be provided pre-ride. The finish will include a festival-like atmosphere that includes lunch and music. Fees are $65 to $85 and include an event shirt, finishing medal, fully stocked rest stops, SAG support and lunch. There is no cost for injured veterans. For route information, visit ride2recovery.com.

Sports physicals: On Nov. 7, The LV Sportz Foundation, through the support of the Glen Lerner Gives Back program, is set to hold its quarterly free sports physical and heart screening event to provide local youth ages 10 to 18 with free comprehensive pre-participation physical evaluations (PPEs/Sports Physicals) and youth athlete heart screenings utilizing 12 Lead EKGs and 2D Limited Echocardiograms. Screenings are planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Institute of Medical Sonography, 3110 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite A-104. Space is limited. Interested parents must pre-register for the event at lvsportz.com/screening.

Medicine Ball: Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that provides the uninsured with access to preventative and comprehensive medical care, invites the public to attend the Seventh Annual Volunteers in Medicine Ball, set for 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The fundraiser is set to honor Donald D. Snyder, a philanthropic and community leader and presidential adviser for strategic initiatives at UNLV, the former chairman of the board and CEO of First Interstate Bank of Nevada, co-founder of Bank of Nevada and founding board chairman of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The event is set to include a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, dancing and a live auction in a Vintage Vegas theme. Proceeds raised will support VMSN's operations in Southern Nevada. Contact VMSN at 702-967-0530, ext. 207, or visit vmsn.org. 

Light the Night Walk: The Southern Nevada chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's annual Light The Night Walk is planned at 5 p.m. Nov. 7 at 899 Fremont St. The walk is held in more than 200 communities across the country and features teams of co-workers, families and friends walking together in twilight holding illuminated lanterns — white for survivors, red for supporters and gold to remember loved ones lost. The Walk, which commemorates lives touched by blood cancers, is a fundraiser to support blood cancer research for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. The event will include music, refreshments and family activities. Registration is set to open at 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to raise at least $100 to become Champions for Cures and receive an illuminated lantern. Those who raise $1,000 or more join the Bright Lights Club and receive a special long-sleeve shirt and access to the VIP area at the walk. And unique in Las Vegas, all those who raise $1,864 or more are part of the Club 1864 (named for the year Nevada became a state) and receive all Champions for Cures and Bright Lights Club benefits, plus VIP parking. Individuals and teams can register for the walk at lightthenight.org/snv.

Free Medicare 101 Seminar: Participants can discover the ABCs of Medicare benefits, including important enrollment and lock-in dates; enrollment and eligibility requirements; and tools to choose the best option from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 11 at Southwest Medical Associates Lifestyle Center — East, 5820 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 100. Free refreshments are planned. Space is limited. Reserve a seat by calling 855-861-8277.

Health benefits fair: The National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association Lake Mead District Henderson Chapter No. 2031 is set to host its annual Health Benefits Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive. Attendees can learn about many insurance organizations, long term care, assisted living and healthy living agencies. Federal employees, active and retired, are invited. Contact Verena Briley Hudson at 702-998-6757 or verenajo@otmail.com.

Lung Force Walk: The American Lung Association in Nevada — Las Vegas is set to hold its annual Lung Force Walk at 10 a.m. Nov. 14 at Kellogg-Zaher Park, 7901 Washington Ave. Presented by Kindred Hospital Las Vegas, the walk raises funds for those who suffer from lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung diseases. The event is open to the public and is set to include jump houses, contests, a Survivor Stride Walk for those affected by lung diseases and the Lung Force Walk as well as a Breathe Deeper and Mission Area where walkers can receive health and wellness information and additional health screenings. Everyone is welcomed to participate including families, children in strollers, dogs and dog-walkers and lung cancer survivors. This year, 400 to 500 walkers are expected to attend. To register, visit lungforce.org/walk or call 702-431-6333.

Bariatric seminar: The free seminar is set from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 14 at MountainView Hospital, 3100 N. Tenaya Way. Learn about bariatric (weight loss) surgery, the different types and steps toward making this life change. Registration is required two business days prior. Call 702-233-5474 or visit mountainview-hospital.com.

MountainView Lunch & Learn: The GME Continuity Clinic and Heart Failure Clinic is set from noon to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at H2U, Suite 114, 3150 N. Tenaya Way. The guest physician is Ali Rahimi, director of internal medicine, for an informational program on the GME Continuity Clinic and Heart Failure Clinic. The Heart Failure Clinic will be the first of its kind in Las Vegas to serve the community's needs in preventing readmissions and increasing access to preventative heart failure treatments, while focusing on patient education and maximizing pharmacological treatments. Following the presentation will be a question-and-answer session with Dr. Rahimi. Registration is required two business days prior. Call 702-233-5474 or visit mountainview-hospital.com.

Diabetes and Nutrition: The class is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at MountainView Hospital's 1 South Conference Room, 3100 N. Tenaya Way. Expect a discussion about the role nutrition plays in diabetes management. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required two business days prior. Call 702-233-5474 or visit mountainview-hospital.com.

Boot Cancer results: Las Vegas Fit Body Boot Camp announced it raised more than $2,000 from the Boot Cancer weekly fundraiser boot camp sessions held every Saturday in August and September. A $10 minimum donation per participant was collected over the two months, and all proceeds went to Susan G. Komen Southern Nevada.

WestCare opening: A grand opening event and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new WestCare Community Triage/Community Involvement Center was held Oct. 28. The 22,000-square-foot facility is set to provide a variety of services, including: mental health services; prevention education; outreach; outpatient counseling; substance abuse outpatient treatment; and assessment intake at 323 N. Maryland Parkway. Visit westcare.com.

Walk with a Doc events scheduled: Free Walk with a Doc events are planned at 8 a.m. the third Thursday of the month at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Upcoming event topics are Nov. 19, Eating Healthily; and Dec. 17, Coping with Psychiatry. Visit umcsn.com.

Fundraiser for foundation: A fundraiser for Sunrise Children's Foundation is planned for 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at the MGM Grand Conference Center, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The event is set to honor philanthropist Carolyn Sparks. Visit sunrisechildren.org.

Healthy holiday challenge: The Southern Nevada Health District's free, web-based program, the Get Healthy Holiday Challenge, is set to run through Jan. 1, 2016. The event offers a weekly challenge and tools to track progress during the 12-week period. Each week, an email health challenge will be distributed that provides tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle and tips to navigate the holiday party buffet table. The program also provides recipes and an interactive blog. Contact the Southern Nevada Health District's Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at 702-759-1270 or visit snhd.info or gethealthyclarkcounty.org.

Lung cancer screenings: Summerlin Hospital now offers low-dose computerized tomography lung scans for people who are considered high-risk for developing lung cancer. This includes adults ages 55 to 80 who have: smoked one pack every day for 30 years; smoked two packs every day for 15 years; or have continued smoking for 15 or more years. This non-invasive, outpatient procedure is covered by Medicare, and a physician's order is required. It is recommended to check with one's insurance company to ensure coverage of this screening. Visit lungcancerscreeningssaveslives.org to go through a series of questions to help determine if one meets the guidelines for the screening.

Trial participants sought: The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is recruiting participants for a new, multicenter Alzheimer's disease treatment trial, Rasagiline Rescue (R2), designed to determine if treatment with Rasagiline is associated with improved brain glucose metabolism and improvement in memory. Men and women 50 to 90 suffering from mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer's disease are needed to complete the free, six-month study. Other qualifications for trial participation include having a study partner willing and able to comply with required procedures and at least eight years of education. Call 855-568-7886 or contact Yolande Mucharbach at 702-685-7070 or muchary@ccf.org. For more information about the center and other ongoing trials, visit clevelandclinic.org/brainhealth.

Flu vaccines: The Southern Nevada Health District's flu vaccine clinics began Sept. 21 at all locations where patients can receive the injectable, quadrivalent flu vaccine. The cost of the vaccine is $41, and the trivalent high-dose vaccine for people 65 or older is $59. Contact the health district's immunization clinic at 702-759-0850 or visit snhd.info.

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; 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.

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.

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.

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, below. The locations include:

From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 5 at the GSA Public Buildings Service, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Enter code gsa.

From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at UNLV Alpha Phi Omega, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Enter code UNLV.

From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Red Rock Harley-Davidson, 2260 S. Rainbow Blvd. Enter code redrockharley.

From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at Calvary Chapel Spring Valley, 7175 W. Oquendo Road. Enter code calvarychapelsv.

From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at Sunrise Library, 5400 Harris Ave. Enter code sunriselibrary.

From 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 130 N. Pecos Road. Enter code STMore.

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

From 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 10 at Las Vegas Solari Hospice Care, 5550 S. Jones Blvd. Enter code SOLARI.

From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at UNLV St. Thomas Aquinas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Enter code UNLV.

From 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at VA Medical Center, 6900 N. Pecos Road. Enter code VAMed.

From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Healthcare Preparatory Institute, 5831 W. Craig Road. Enter code HEALTHCAREPREP.

From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at UNLV Circle K International, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Enter code UNLV.

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. Additionally, the Red Cross and Sport Clips Haircuts are teaming up through September. Those who donate blood or platelets during the month will receive a free haircut coupon valid through Nov. 8.

Las Vegas

From 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5 at Chamberlain College of Nursing, 9901 Covington Cross Drive.

From 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at Mountain Vista Ward, 1775 N. Christy Lane.

From 2:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at Sahara West Apartments, 2301 Redwood St.

From 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Nov. 10 at Department of Adult Education, 2701 E. St. Louis Ave.

From 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Nov. 12 at the College of Southern Nevada, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd.

Henderson

From 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Smith's, 10616 S. Eastern Ave.

North Las Vegas

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 6 at Smith's, 5564 Camino Al Norte.

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