Health news and events around the valley, Feb. 4-10, 2016

Healthcare Happy Hour: Las Vegas HEALS is planning its next event for HEALS members and licensed physicians from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Red Rock Fertility, 9120 W. Russell Road. To register, visit tinyurl.com/lvhealsfebhappy.

Sunrise Mountain area student health care center: Clark County School District students in the Sunrise Mountain area will now have access to health care with the opening of the Foundation for Positively Kids’ school-based health care center at Bailey Middle School, 2500 N. Hollywood Blvd. The center will offer sick visits, well checks, sports physicals, immunizations and other pediatric medical services and is to be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to Clark County School District students who are 18 or younger, including younger siblings who reside in the same household or transient location of a student enrolled in the school district, and those in need of immunizations for enrollment. Families will be able to pay for services privately or through Medicaid and private insurance. Medicaid application assistance and referrals will also be available. Visit positivelykids.org.

Seven Hills expansion: Seven Hills Hospital, 3021 Horizon Ridge Parkway, is expanding inpatient capacity by an additional 40 beds in February. The capacity will increase to a total 134 beds and allow for an additional 1,800 annual hospital admissions. It will also create an additional 80 to 90 jobs. An open house is planned from 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 11.

American Heart Month: The Silver Sevens, 4100 Paradise Road, is set to kick off American Heart Month with a $5,000 donation to the American Heart Association. The hotel is also planning on lighting its marquee red for the month, donating proceeds from Red Dress pins sold in the gift shop to the American Heart Association, donating $1 to the association from the purchase of every glass of Dark Horse Red blend and Cabernet, Angry Orchard Hard Apple Cider, tomato bisque and grilled cheese, and red velvet cupcake. On National Wear Red Day, Feb. 5, Angry Orchard Hard Cider brand ambassadors are set to provide tastings and giveaways at Corona Cantina from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit affinitygaming.com.

My House Fitness opening: My House Fitness is set to open this month at at 9460 W. Flamingo Road. Interested job applicants can send their resume to lasvegas@myhousefitness.com. Visit myhousefitness.com.

National Heart Month: Ford Country, 300 Auto Mall Drive, is set to honor National Heart Month with a Heart to Art Fun Fair and Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 6. Busy Bee Art Studio is set to coordinate a Valentine making station where kids can make cards for servicemen and women. The United Blood Services Bloodmobile will be on site to accept blood donations. Ford Country will provide a free barbeque lunch and chocolate hearts for all attendees. Visit fordcountrylv.com.

Heart Healthy events: The free events are planned from 10 a.m. to noon through Feb. 15 at the following locations:

Feb. 4: Women and Heart Disease, Summerlin Hospital, 657 N. Town Center Drive.

Feb. 5: Heart health followed by Ask a Cardiologist lecture, Spring Valley Hospital, 5400 S. Rainbow Blvd. Blood pressure checks and education from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A lecture is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will include lunch. Registration is required for the lecture. To RSVP, call 702-388-4888.

St. Baldrick’s Lepre-Con: The St. Baldrick’s Foundation announces St. Baldrick’s Lepre-Con 2016, the inaugural gathering of the largest number of leprechauns in one place, presented by Sport Clips Haircuts, planned for Feb. 13 at Town Square Las Vegas. The event is set to include a 5k run/walk, a kids’ activity corner, live music, a beer garden and an Irish jig. Two local kids will be honored: Kaila Elder, 12, who just finished treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma; and Avery Driscoll, 12, who recently underwent brain surgery after learning her brain tumor had grown. All registered entrants will receive a leprechaun costume, including a hat, a beard and a T-shirt to comply with Guinness Book of World Record rules. For information on how to get involved, be a sponsor, or to register, visit Lepre-Con.org.

Black Monday event: Nonprofit There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation plans to host its third annual Black Monday event at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at The Salvation Army Chapel, 2900 Palomino Lane. The event is billed as part-memorial/part-celebration of life/part-fundraiser and will include presenters, professionals from the addiction field, and the constructing of a memorial wall of carnations. Dinner and a raffle are also planned. Visit tinhihlasvegas.info.

Neighborhood Health Series: Roseman University of Health Sciences launched its Neighborhood Health Series Jan. 21 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 healthcare practitioners on issues related to health and well-being. The scheduled, planned through June 2016, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. includes:

Feb. 18: Understanding Drug Addiction in Our Families and Community, featuring Dr. Jeffrey Talbot

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.

Kickin’ it for Cartwheel: The kickball tournament, hosted by the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, is planned at 8 a.m. Feb. 20, at Arroyo Grande Sports Complex, 298 N. Arroyo Grande Blvd. All proceeds are to benefit Camp Cartwheel, a supervised and overnight camp experience for children diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. Groups, companies and individuals, ages 15 or older, are invited to register a team (by Feb. 15) and compete in the kickball tournament. Teams must consist of a minimum of 10 people ($250 team registration fee) and a maximum of 12 people ($300 team registration fee) with an equal number of men and women team members. Each participant who registers will receive a Kickin’ it for Cartwheel T-shirt. Awards will be given for first, second and third place performing teams in the tournament with a special award for the most creative team uniform. Call 702-735-8434 or visit nvccf.org.

Free seminars: Free seminars on weight loss surgery or on surgical options for knee or hip pain are planned at Surgical Weight Control Center, 3802 Meadows Lane, or Centennial Hills Hospital, 6900 N. Durango Drive, respectively. For a list of weight loss seminars, visit surgicalweightcontrolcenter.com/seminars. Register by calling 702-313-8446. For surgical options for knee or hip pain, an event is planned from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 22. Register by calling 702-388-4888.

Walk with the Heart of a Child: The Children’s Heart Foundation invites all Las Vegans to participate in the 13th annual Walk with the Heart of a Child at 7 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Fashion Show mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Registration, entertainment, raffles and a Kids Zone start at 7 a.m. with the walk beginning at 8 a.m. Fees are $25 for adults and $15 for virtual walkers (those who cannot attend the event or physically participate), active-duty military, students and seniors. To register, visit walkwithheart.kintera.org/chfn.

Reagan Memory Support Suites: Las Ventanas at Summerlin, a nonprofit continuing care active adult community, recently unveiled the Ronald Reagan Memory Support Suites, to be staffed around the clock and be home to individuals afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The suites offer a home environment with staff and residents eating and cooking together, doing simple chores, and engaging in life-affirming, interesting activities to fill each day. Visit lasventanaslv.com.

New medical community site: The city of Las Vegas and members of the Las Vegas Medical District’s key anchors recently announced the launch of a new medical community website to give the public a look at the partnerships and collaborations happening within the district, research and breakthroughs, honors and awards. The new website contains maps and links to health care organizations within the district. In February, the group is planning to send out its first newsletter. To sign up and stay connected, visit lasvegasmedicaldistrict.com.

Ongoing health events:

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 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 4 at the College of Southern Nevada, 700 College Drive. Enter code CSNHenderson.

From 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 6 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints South Stake, 7885 W. Robindale Road. Enter code LDSRobindale.

From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Sunrise Library, 5400 Harris Ave. Enter code sunriselibrary.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Alexander Library, 1755 W. Alexander Road. Enter code alexanderlib.

From 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 8 at Willow Springs YSA Ward, 4500 Pennwood Ave. Enter code willowspringsysa.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 9 at UNLV Alpha Epsilon Delta, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Enter code UNLV.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 10 at UNLV Alpha Epsilon Delta, 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. 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 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at Chamberlain College of Nursing — Covington Cross, 9901 Covington Cross Drive.

From 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Nevada Hand, 295 E. Warm Springs, Suite 101.

From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Lowe’s, 7751 N. El Capitan Way.

From 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Feb. 6 at Green Valley Range, 175 Cassia Way.

From 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Crystal Cove Apartments at the Lakes, 3309 Sky Country Lane.

From 11:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Feb. 8 at Associated Builders and Contractors, 5070 Arville St.

From noon to 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at The Art Institute of Las Vegas, 2350 Corporate Circle.