Valleywide Health News, Sept. 18-24, 2014

BRAIN TUMOR SUPPORT GROUP TO MEET

Brain tumor survivors and caregivers are invited to the monthly Las Vegas Brain Tumor Support Group meeting, scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at 3108 Plaza de Rosa.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Todd Sain at 702-374-8727 or toddsain@gmail.com.

MEDICARE INFORMATION SESSION SET FOR SEPT. 18

A free Medicare information session is planned from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd.

Topics will include beneficiaries, deductibles, claims, fraud and self-management of chronic diseases.

For more information, call 702-507-3964.

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS SET

Free blood pressure screenings are scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the H2U MountainView office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114.

For more information, visit sunrisehealthinfo.com.

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.

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 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.

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.

FREE BALANCE SCREENINGS PLANNED FOR SENIORS

Physical therapists and other health care personnel plan to offer free balance screenings for senior citizens through Nevada Goes Falls Free. Free balance training classes will be offered to anyone whose balance is below recommended levels. People with severe balance problems will be referred to a physician.

Screenings are planned for Sun City Anthem residents only from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 in Sun City Anthem at 2250 Hampton Road (702-614-5800), and for Sun City Summerlin residents only from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 22 in Sun City Summerlin at 10360 Sun City Blvd. (702-363-1486). Clinics open to the public are planned from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W Bonneville Ave. (702-263-9797), and from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 6 at Humana-Green Valley, 1000 N. Green Valley Parkway (call 702-269-5200 to register).

For more information about Nevada Goes Falls Free, visit tinyurl.com/lxgo553.

HEALTHINSIGHT ANNOUNCES QUALITY AWARDS

MountainView Hospital, 3100 N. Tenaya Way, and Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center, 9300 W. Sunset Road, were among the 2014 HealthInsight Quality Award recipients.

HealthInsight is a private, community-based nonprofit dedicated to improving health and health care in Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. The awards recognized high performance in quality care measures and patient satisfaction.

For more information about HealthInsight, visit healthinsight.org.

NATIONAL MEDICARE EDUCATION WEEK SET THROUGH SEPT. 21

Educational events are planned as part of National Medicare Education Week, set through Sept. 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. An event is scheduled for 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.

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.

CLASS SET FOR THOSE WITH NEWBORNS

A class for new parents, What to Expect When You are Done Expecting, is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Mark Howard Classroom at MountainView Hospital, 3100 N. Tenaya Way.

Participants should bring a doll or stuffed animal that approximates the size of a newborn to practice swaddling, diaper changing and other aspects of newborn care.

The class will provide information on how to care for a newborn as well as caring for the mother after delivery or the fourth trimester, along with how to quiet a crying baby, install car seats and helping Mom get needed rest.

The cost is $25, and registration is required by calling 702-233-5300 at least 48 hours in advance.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD PLANS SEPT. 25 BENEFIT

Light of the World Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc. plans to host its second annual silent auction from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at The Sparklings, 8310 S. Rainbow Blvd. Admission is free.

For more information, visit lightoftheworldnv.org.

LECTURE TO FOCUS ON STRESS REDUCTION

University Medical Center plans a lecture about stress reduction from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 25 at the Family Resource Center, 1120 Shadow Lane. For more information, visit umcsn.com.

FREE SEMINAR TO FOCUS ON PROSTATE CARE

Dr. David Ludlow of Urology Specialists of Nevada plans to present a free health seminar especially for older adults titled How Well Do You Know Your Prostate? from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Southwest Medical Senior Lifestyle Center-West, 8670 W. Cheyenne Ave., Suite 105.

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Those attending can learn what a prostate is, what constitutes a healthy prostate, changes in the prostate that occur with age and signs of prostate cancer.

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 is planned for Sept. 25-27.

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

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.

FREE WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR 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 a seminar scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 27 at the Surgical Weight Control Center, 3802 Meadows Lane.

To register, call 702-313-8446.

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP TO MEET SEPT. 29

A bariatric support group plans to meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29 in the Mark Howard Classroom at MountainView Hospital, 3100 N. Tenaya Way. For more information, visit sunrisehealthinfo.com.

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.

LECTURE TO ADDRESS HAVING GOOD AND BAD POSTURE

The West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd, plans a free lecture on posture awareness from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 4.

Attendees can learn how postural deviations can cause pain and how to utilize correct posture.

For more information, call 702-507-3964 or visit lvccld.org.

WEEKLY CLASSES TO TEACH PARENTS AND CHILDREN ABOUT HEALTHY EATING

University Medical Center plans a free parenting education workshop series for children ages 3-5 and their parents at the Family Resource Center, 1120 Shadow Lane.

The goal of the seven-week Little Books/Little Cooks program is to teach healthy eating and nutrition. Sessions are set for 1:30 to 3 p.m. Mondays through Oct. 27.

For more information, visit umcsn.com or call 702-383-2000.

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.

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.