Health news and events around the valley, Sept. 17-23, 2015

Southern Nevada Women's History Project luncheon to feature UNLV planning dean

Dr. Barbara Atkinson, planning dean for the UNLV School of Medicine, is set to talk about the new medical school and its potential impact on the community at 12:40 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Las Vegas Country Club, 300 Joe W. Brown Drive, during the Southern Nevada Women's History Project luncheon. A social hour is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $26. To RSVP, call 702-897-8551.

Las Vegas Sands to Build 200,000 Hygiene Kits with Clean the World

The Las Vegas Sands Global Hygiene Build with Clean the World is planned from noon to 6 p.m. in three shifts Sept. 26 at Las Vegas Sand, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

On Sept. 26, 4,000-plus volunteers and team members in Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, Singapore and Macao are set to work around the clock and across the globe to aim for a Guinness World Record while getting much-needed hygiene supplies to people in need. Las Vegas Sands Corp. and international nonprofit Clean the World invite the Las Vegas community to join The Venetian and The Palazzo team members on Sept. 26 in a 24-hour global volunteer effort to build 200,000 hygiene kits to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations worldwide.

Volunteers can sign up for shifts during the following times: 12-2 p.m.; 2-4 p.m.; and 4-6 p.m. Interested community volunteers can sign up at vegasctw2015.eventbrite.com.

Each hygiene kit includes soap that was collected from Clean the World's hospitality partners, including LVS properties around the world, and then recycled through Clean the World's soap sanitation and processing equipment. Other amenities in the kit include shampoo, conditioner, a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Visit sandscares.sands.com.

Cleveland Clinic announces new neurology hires

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville Ave., recently announced that neurology specialists Carrie M. Hersh and Brent R. Bluett joined the Cleveland Clinic Mellen Program for Multiple Sclerosis at the clinic and the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program, respectively.

Hersh completed her training in adult neurology and neuroimmunology at Cleveland Clinic main campus. In addition to patient care, she will specialize in a type of MS research that compares the effectiveness of medications based on the actual experiences of patients.

Bluett received his training at Touro University's Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and returned to Las Vegas to join the center after completing a Movement Disorders fellowship at the University of California, San Diego. Bluett has specialized training in the use of botulinum toxin injections for treatment of dystonia, including those patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.

Cleveland Clinic, UNLV receive $11.1 million grantto fund Center of Biomedical Research Excellence

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville Ave., and UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, were recently awarded an $11.1 million grant from the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to fund a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence.

The five-year funding commitment is the first COBRE grant awarded in Southern Nevada and will fund three resource cores and three research projects related to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

The first initiative, led by UNLV's Dr. Jefferson W. Kinney, will assess novel models of AD with particular attention to the role of the immune system. The second project, led by Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health's Dr. Ryan R. Walsh, will advance understanding of PD, and cognitive impairment in PD, through neuroimaging and neuropsychology. The final project, led by Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health's Dr. Sarah Banks, will use neuropsychology, combined with imaging techniques, to understand AD, PD and their commonalities. A clinical core to provide patients for the projects will be led by Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health's Dr. Kate Zhong. UNLV's Supercomputer Center (directed by Dr. Joseph Lombardo) will provide database and statistical support.

This COBRE grant is slated as a five-year funding process with more than $2 million to be awarded each year and can be renewed.

Visit clevelandclinic.org/brainhealth or unlv.edu.

HealthCare Partners Nevada acquires Internal Medicine Associates

HealthCare Partners Nevada, a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners and a physician-run network of primary, specialty and urgent care providers in Southern Nevada, recently announced the organization has acquired Internal Medicine Associates, a group of primary care providers with three locations in Southern Nevada.

Effective Sept. 1, all IMA physicians will operate in conjunction with HealthCare Partners Nevada, providing an extended network of providers to community members in Southern Nevada. Although the acquisition will result in a new name and brand for IMA, the practice's nine primary care providers in Southern Nevada will continue to operate as normal. Patients will continue to have access to their IMA providers at the organization's existing locations. Visit hcpnv.com.

Walk with a Doc events planned monthly

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 Sept. 17, Prostate Health; Oct. 15 Breast Health; Nov. 19, Eating Healthily; and Dec. 17, Coping with Psychiatry. Visit umcsn.com.

Educational Medicare events scheduled

As part of National Medicare Education week, Medicare beneficiaries are invited to participate in educational events through Sept. 21. This annual observance begins one month before the start of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

During the events, local UnitedHealthcare representatives and a Walgreens pharmacist will address people's questions. Events are planned for 10 a.m. Sept. 21 at the Sunrise Ballroom at Siena Summerlin, 10525 Siena Monte Ave., and 3 p.m. Sept. 21 at Buckman's Grill at the Revere Golf Club, 2600 Hampton Road. The events are free, but registration is requested.

To RSVP, visit nmew.com and click on "Attend an Event" or call 800-379-1208. Visit medicaremadeclear.com.

Balance, memory screenings offered at Cleveland Clinic

In recognition of National Fall Prevention Day on Sept. 23, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville Ave., invites the public to participate in a free balance and memory screening from 1 to 4 p.m. All participants in these confidential screenings will have the opportunity to have their balance assessed by the center's physical and occupational therapists, and a memory assessment performed by the center's research team. While these screenings do not provide participants with a specific diagnosis, they will be able to indicate if the individual should pursue further medical evaluation.

Additionally, participants evaluated as having a high risk of falling will be provided with an assessment form they can present to their primary care physician and offered the chance to partake in a free, seven-week educational program called Stepping On, which is designed to reduce fall-risk. This multi-faceted program, which is set to take place at the center in October, utilizes cognitive behavioral learning in a small group setting. Stepping On includes a home follow-up visit, a three-month booster session and has proven to reduce falls in older adults by 31 percent.

Online registration is required for this event at keepmemoryalive.org/Screen15.

Last health and fitness seminar planned at Desert Vista

Health and fitness seminars were planned through September at the Desert Vista Community Center, 10360 Sun City Blvd. The last seminar is Staying Ahead with Immunizations at noon Sept. 24. Eric Van Meter, PharmD. from Safeway, is set to speak on what new vaccines are recommended, about travel and vaccination, and other advancements in the field.

Addiction treatment center accepting applications for art contests

Local addiction treatment center Solutions Recovery Inc. is accepting applications for two art contests to highlight the 12 steps of recovery. The paintings are to be featured in the organization's Wellness Campus publication and be officially presented during an unveiling ceremony at Solutions Recovery's 10-year anniversary event, scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 24.

Solutions Recovery will select 12 contestants total, with six artists participating in each of the contests. Each artist will be tasked with painting a mural portraying one of the 12 steps of recovery on an outdoor wall at the Solutions Recovery Wellness Campus, 2975 S. Rainbow Blvd. Artists will pick their recovery step on a first-come, first-served basis, and they are free to interpret their step however they choose, using any painting style they prefer.

Each contest will provide a $500 prize to the painter of the winning mural and a $150 prize for the second-place mural. Artwork will be judged on originality, design and significance to the specific step.

To apply, email Jessica Kantor at jkantor@solutions-recovery.com.

Tyler Robinson Foundation plans A World Without Cancer concert and gala

The Tyler Robinson Foundation is planning the 2015 Imagine A World Without Cancer Acoustic Concert & Gala event at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Four Seasons Las Vegas, 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The foundation is a Utah-based nonprofit founded by band Imagine Dragons and the Robinson family to honor its son, Tyler, who died of cancer at 17.

For sponsors, a VIP meet-and-greet is planned at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $750 per person. The $5,000 sponsorship package is sold out; $10,000 level and above are still available. For sponsorships, visit trf.org, email email christine@trf.org or call 385-282-5240.

Healthy Kids Festival planned for Sept. 26

During Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the fourth annual Healthy Kids Festival is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 26 at Paradise Park, 4775 McLeod Drive. The festival is sponsored by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's All 4 Kids Program and Clark County Parks and Recreation Department. The free event provides young children and their families with information about healthy eating and healthy activity choices while raising awareness about childhood obesity issues. Parents and families can engage in a day of activities and healthy eating demonstrations, music and entertainment, games, sports exhibitions and sign-ups, dance, Zumba, and more.

Call 702-940-5437 or email all_4_kids@unce.unr.edu. Register online at eventbrite.com.

Fall health fair returning to flu and shot clinic

The 23rd annual Fall Health Fair & Flu Shot Clinic is planned from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 26 at the Desert Vista Community Center, 10360 Sun City Blvd. Participants can speak with local health and wellness businesses as they share information on services available to the community. Local hospitals, physical therapists, home health care agencies, government agencies that assist the elderly, balance specialists, chiropractors, diabetes educators, and numerous other companies and services are set to be on hand.

Flu shots (regular and high dose available) and pneumonia shots (Pneumovax and Prevnar) are set to be provided from 8 a.m. to noon. Most insurances will be accepted. Vaccinations will be provided by the Pharmacy at Albertsons. Visit suncity-summerlin.com/AboutArea/scscai_home_about.html.

Program fosters communication, discussion for those with cognitive impairment

Art in the Afternoon, a new program that fosters stimulating conversation, creative thinking and stimulates distant memories among individuals experiencing cognitive impairment and their caregivers, is free and open to anyone with memory loss. An RSVP is requested. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The next session is set for Sept. 28. RSVP by emailing louruvosocialserv@ccf.org or calling 702-483-6055.

Healthy walking seminar planned

Tina Encheva, Realtor and continuing education UNLV teacher, is set to direct workshops on the Secrets of Natural Walking from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at 3585 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 203. Email tinae@realtyonelv.com.

Valley Health System Offers $55 Mammogram Special in October

The Valley Health System is offering $55 screening mammograms weekdays in October. A physician's order is required and should be brought to the appointment. Results will be mailed to the insurance. Insurance will not be billed.

Call 702-369-7710 to make an appointment at: Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive; Spring Valley Hospital, 5400 S. Rainbow Blvd.; or Summerlin Hospital, 657 N. Town Center Drive.

Better Breathers Club plans meetings

The American Lung Association in Nevada invites persons with lung health disease, their loved ones and caregivers to a Better Breathers Club meetings.

Meetings are planned at the following locations and times each month:

Second Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m. in the conference room at Centennial Hills Hospital; 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.

Las Vegas HEALS announces new, renewing members

Founded in 2002, Las Vegas HEALS (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Leadership in Southern Nevada) is a nonprofit, membership-based association whose mission is to foster strategic alliances in the health care community, collaborating on workforce issues, and being a proactive force for legislative initiatives to improve access and the delivery of quality health care.

New and renewing members for the month of August include: Advanced Manual Therapy Institute, Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, American Cancer Society, Blossom Bariatrics, Cragin & Pike Insurance, Cox Communications, HealthCare Partners of Nevada, Las Ventanas, Silver State Medical Travel Group, The Korte Company and Touro University.

Visit lasvegasheals.org.

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 specific to the location, listed below. The locations include:

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 17 for Boulder City Community at the Alumni Walk at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Enter code bouldercity.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17 at Diamond Resorts International, 10600 W. Charleston Blvd. and 1450 Center Crossing Road. Enter code diamondresorts.

From 7 a.m. to noon Sept. 17 at Southwest Career and Technical Academy, 7050 Shelbourne Ave. Enter code swcta.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at Jokers Wild, 920 N. Boulder Highway. Enter code jokerswild.

From 10 a.m to 1 p.m. Sept. 19 at Nehemiah Ministries, 3606 N. Rancho Drive. Enter code nehemiah.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave. Enter code saharawest.

From 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Redrock Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10550 Alta Drive. Enter code redrocklds.

From 11 a.m to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at UNLV Association of Pre-Health Professionals, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Enter code unlv.

From 6 to 10 a.m. Sept. 23 at Tronox, 8000 W. Lake Mead Parkway. Enter code tronoxlv.

From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 24 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.

Upcoming donation opportunities are:

Las Vegas

From 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the School of Massage Therapy, 2381 E. Windmill Lane.

North Las Vegas

From 12:45 to 5 p.m. Sept. 19 at Pal's Place Care, 1755 W. Alexander Road.