Health Briefs: Pain study seeks volunteers
By: North County Times - | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- The Chronic Pain Study at UC San Diego and the San Diego Veterans Administration are seeking volunteers for a research study comparing two non-medication treatments for any type of pain that has ;lasted at least six montyhs. These treatments are intended as complementary to existing pain treatments. Free evaluation, no-cost treatment, and monetary compensation offered to participants. Contact (858) 552-8585, Ext. 2904. All calls are confidential.
Community health fair
CARLSBAD ---- The Cardiovascular Disease Foundation will host its fifth Annual 5K Run/Walk For Life and Free Community Health Fair from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. today to help local residents learn how to prevent, treat and diagnose cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Check-in and walk registration at 8 a.m.; aerobic warm-up at 8:30 a.m.; 5K run/walk starts at 9 a.m. Face painting and activities for children, too. The fair is at Magee Park, 258 Beech Ave.
Volunteer training for TIP
CARLSBAD ---- TIP is holding a volunteer training academy in Carlsbad starting Thursday and running through March 10. The academy costs $45 per person and is a 50-hour training on weeknights and weekends. No experience necessary. Must be at least 16 and have automobile transportation, insurance, and a cell phone. We are looking for adults and teens who are available for either day or night shifts. For a complete schedule of training times and volunteer requirements, call (760) 931-2104 or visit www.tipsandiego.org.
Free meds for uninsured diabetic seniors
NORTH COUNTY ---- Vista Community Clinic is enrolling diabetic seniors (age 50 plus) in the ALL program. Funded through a grant from Kaiser Permanente, the program provides to uninsured patients a free medication combination (Asprin, Lisinopril, and Lovastatin) that reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. To be eligible, patients must be diagnosed with diabetes and be at least 50 years of age. Prospective patients can have been prescribed one or two of the drugs, but not all three for more than three months. Prospective patients must schedule a visit with the Vista Community Clinic to determine eligibility. Insured and uninsured patients both eligible, but medication is free only to the uninsured and only through prescription. Call (760) 631-5000 or visit www.vistacommunityclinic.org.
Free Alzheimer's seminar Tuesday
ENCINITAS ---- "Dementia: Creating a Positive Environment" is presented by Veronika Glenn, director of Education & Training, Southern Caregiver Resource Center, from noon-2 p.m. Tuesday at Somerford Place Alzheimer's Assisted Living, 1350 S. El Camino Real. Two Free Continuing Education Units for RNs, LVNs, CNAs, LCSWs and MFCCs. Reserve to (760) 479-1818. Free lunch.
Vista support group meets Thursdays
VISTA ---- The Vista Caregivers Support Group affiliated with the Alzheimers Association meets from 1:30-3:30 p.m. every Thursday at Acadia Place, 1080 Acadia Ave. Call Carol at (760) 727-9089 or e-mail Harry at keyboard@sbcglobal.net.
Healthy Woman Ladies' Night out
FALLBROOK ---- The February Healthy Woman Ladies Night Out Event will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Regency Fallbrook, 609 E. Elder St. Dr. Rafael Rosado of the Fallbrook Hospital will present "Dance to the Beat of Your Heart." Wear dance shoes and learn how to move to your favorite music. Free; food, fun and door prizes. Reserve to (760) 731-8432 or http://www.fallbrookhospital.com.
Prostate cancer seminar set
SAN DIEGO ---- To learn more about the latest state-of-the-art prostate cancer treatments, men, their spouses and loved ones are encouraged to attend a free, informational seminar from 6:30-9 p.m. March 4 at Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion. It's presented by urologist Ronald MacIntyre, M.D., and radiation oncologist Geoffrey Weinstein, M.D. Reserve to (800) 82-SHARP (800-827-4277) or visit www.sharp.com/classes. The pavilion is at 3075 Health Center Drive.
Pregnancy clinic changes name
ESCONDIDO ---- Alternatives Pregnancy Care Clinic at 257 E. Second Ave. has changed its name to Alternatives Womens Center. The medical clinic provides professional medical service and education on abortion and pregnancy. Services include pregnancy tests, limited obstetrical ultrasounds and education in pregnancy and infant care. Women are also directed to other needed community resources. All services are free. Walk-ins welcome, or call (760) 741-9796.
Volunteers sought for diet study
SAN DIEGO ---- Nutrition experts at the Moores UC San Diego Cancer Center are seeking overweight women to participate in The FAB (Food, Attitudes and Body) Study analyzing the effectiveness of commercial diet programs. UCSD is coordinating the multi-center study which will include a total of 440 participants. The team is looking for motivated women who need to lose weight. Participants must be: 18 years or older, overweight (BMI between 25 and 40), able to participate in physical activity, and willing and able to participate in individualized counseling and attend clinic visits over a two-year period. Contact the Project Coordinator at (858) 822-6162.
Medicare seminar is March 10
OCEANSIDE ---- A free 2008 Workshop on Medicare Advantage Options will be from 1-2:30 p.m. March 10 at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane. This workshop is designed to provide seniors with facts about the new Medicare Advantage Plan options for 2008. Deadline for enrollment ends March 31. Information will be presented by Nick Salerno Jr. from STAG (Senior Transitional Advisory Group). Salerno is one of San Diego's leading authorities on Medicare coverage and is the owner of SSIS, an independent agency specializing in the Medicare field since 1982. Learn about the new Medicare options so you can make educated decisions regarding your health care coverage. Call (760) 435-5250.
Free lectures on nutrition, cancer
LA JOLLA ---- These free lectures on nutrition and cancer will be presented by Moores UC San Diego Cancer Center nutrition expert Vicki Newman, R.D. The lectures, for patients and family members, will take place at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Room 2007. Reserve to (858) 822-2236 or healthyeating@ucsd.edu:
10:30-noon March 11: Fighting Cancer With Your Fork."
1:30-3 p.m. March 17: "Nutrition Solutions for Common Challenges During Treatment."
Fibromyalgia support group meets
POWAY ---- The Poway Information/Support Group meets from 1-3 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month in the Pomerado Outpatient Pavilion in the education classroom. Call (858) 679-7383.
Bariatric seminar for March 13
ENCINITAS ---- Marriage and family therapist Sherry Collier offers "Considering the Emotional Aspects of Bariatric Surgery" at 6 p.m. March 13 at the San Diego County Library, Cardiff Branch, 2081 Newcastle Ave. This free seminar is for patients or those who may be considering the gastric surgery. Reserve to (760) 445-3415 or e-mail sherrymft@yahoo.com.
Free counseling to wildfire survivors
SAN DIEGO ---- Hope Counseling Center, an outreach of Hope United Methodist Church in Rancho Bernardo, is offering free counseling services to wildfire survivors provided by licensed psychotherapists. The center is offering a treatment known as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a short-term treatment that can reduce trauma symptoms effectively. For information on other types of counseling offered by Hope Counseling Center on a standard fee basis, go to: www.Hope-Counseling-Center.com or call (858) 673-1450. The Center is in the RB Medical Dental Building, 16766 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 208.
Cancer center offers free lecture
SAN DIEGO ---- The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center offers a free presentation, "Get Off Your Butt & Stop Colon Cancer Now!" from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 11 in the Royston Family Auditorium at the non-profit cancer center, 10905 Road to the Cure, San Diego. Seating is limited. Reserve to Leslie Greve at lgreve@skcc.org or call 858-450-5990, Ext. 243.
Scoliosis support group meeting
SAN DIEGO ---- The San Diego Chapter of the Scoliosis Association meets at 2 p.m. March 15 in Room 113 at the Medical Offices Building next to Children's Hospital, 3030 Children's Way. Dr. Burt Yaszay speaks on "Fusion-less treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis." Reserve to sdscoliosis@yahoo.com or call (619) 825-9332.
Eating disorders study opens
SAN DIEGO ---- As part of the largest study of its kind ever conducted, a team from the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Program will begin enrolling families of adolescent anorexic patients in a trial to determine the type of family treatment plan most effective in fighting the disease. The trial will also look at the effectiveness of fluoxetine (Prozac) in combination with family therapy in a random sampling of the patients with anorexia. The study is likely to provide much-needed guidance to clinicians in the treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa, a life-threatening disorder that affects 1 in 200 adolescents in this country. UCSD will recruit 40 local families who have an adolescent between ages 12 and 18 with anorexia to participate. Visit eatingdisorders.ucsd.edu or the study Web site at anorexiastudy.stanford.edu. To participate, contact the UCSD Eating Disorder Research Program at (858) 366-2525 or e-mail to edresearch@ucsd.edu.
Ride 4 AIDS coming April 13
SAN DIEGO ---- The fifth annual Ride 4 AIDS will take place from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. April 13, co-sponsored by the UC San Diego AIDS Research Institute and Being Alive San Diego. Ready-to-go cyclists can choose from a 10-, 20- or a 50-mile ride. The rides accommodate family, recreational and competitive cyclists. Proceeds will benefit HIV/AIDS research and education at UCSD and HIV/AIDS service programs at Being Alive San Diego. Admission is $30 (10-mile), $35 (25-mile), and $40 (50-mile). Visit www.ride4aids.net.
MS walk gearing up for April 19
CARLSBAD ---- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Pacific South Coast Chapter, based in Carlsbad, hosts its 15th annual San Diego County Credit Union Walk MS 2008 on April 19 at LEGOLAND. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. About 4,000 people are expected to walk a 1.5-mile route inside the LEGOLANDĘ California theme park. There is no charge to be a walker, but walkers are encouraged to solicit sponsors and raise at least $25. Registration is open at www.mswalk.com, or phone (800) 344-4867.
Volunteers sought for MS group
CARLSBAD ---- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Pacific South Coast Chapter is looking for volunteers to serve on its government relations committee who will help track legislative, judicial and regulatory issues at the local, state and federal level, and communicate with lawmakers regarding proposed changes in policy. Contact Valerie Koss at (760) 448-8432, or valerie.koss@mspacific.org.
Volunteers sought for adult center
ENCINITAS ---- Glenner Alzheimer's Center in Encinitas is seeking volunteers and arts and crafts donations for its Alzheimer's day program. Please call (760) 635-1895 and ask for Dawn.
Clinic offers help with health insurance
Vista Community Clinic offers help to low-income families in need of health insurance by assisting with the applications for Healthy Families and Medi-Cal. The service is free, but an appointment is required. These documents will be required for the application process: copy of birth certificate; Social Security card; proof of income (example: pay stubs for the most recent month; employer's letter. If self- employed, bring copy IRS Form 1040, etc.). Call (760) 407-1220, Ext 126.
Free HIV/AIDS testing offered
SAN DIEGO ---- UC San Diego's Antiviral Research Center is offering free and confidential HIV testing to people who may have a very recent infection with HIV, the retrovirus that can lead to AIDS. The Early Test Program, offered with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, is a new test method that checks for the presence of the HIV virus, which can be detected within a week of infection. In contrast, a regular HIV test looks for antibodies in the blood, which can take three months or more to detect. Early detection of HIV and hepatitis C infection is also helpful since treatment options and outcomes may be very different depending on the stage of infection. The Early Test Program is offered at these sites in San Diego County:
Exercise class offered twice weekly
OCEANSIDE ---- First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside hosts a free Active Older Adults & Seniors exercise class twice weekly funded by the County of San Diego Aging & Independent Services. Classes are from 9-10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays to strengthen major muscle groups and educate about the benefits of exercise, health and fitness components. Instructor Gretchen Vurbeff is a FallProof Certified Balance and Mobility Instructor. The class meets in the Great Hall of the church at 2001 El Camino Real at Fire Mountain Road. Call (760) 757-3560.
Free health talks
CARLSBAD ---- Free talks on health, weight management, healthy lifestyles offered every second and fourth Tuesday in Carlsbad. Call Sharon at (858) 349-4452.
Bereavement groups
OCEANSIDE ---- First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside hosts a bereavement support group, "Picking Up the Pieces," from 2-3 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month in the Fireside Room of the church, 2001 El Camino Real. Call (760)757-3560.
Nicotine Anonymous meets
ENCINITAS ---- Nicotine Anonymous, a fellowship of people united in an effort to quit smoking and stay quit by using the 12-step program, meets at 5 p.m. Sundays at Seaside Church, 1613 Lake Drive. Call (760) 444-0582.
Volunteers sought for adult center
ENCINITAS ---- Glenner Alzheimer's Center in Encinitas is seeking volunteers and arts and crafts donations for its Alzheimer's day program. Please call (760) 635-1895 and ask for Dawn.
Neighborhood Healthcare offering immunizations
ESCONDIDO ---- Neighborhood Healthcare ---- Escondido, a nonprofit community health center, is offering walk-in immunizations at 460 N. Elm Street in Escondido from 1:30-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 2:30-4 p.m. Wednesdays. The clinic accepts a variety of insurances and provides services based on a sliding scale fee. Call (760) 737-2000.
VCC offers breast cancer support group
Vista Community Clinic's Breast Health Program offers a support group for breast cancer survivors and those in treatment. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Members of the group share experiences and resource information. Call (760) 407-1220 Ext. 167, or (760) 407-1220 Ext. 154.
Clinic offers INS healthcare exams
ESCONDIDO -- Neighborhood Healthcare offers INS medical exams, a requirement for anyone applying for legal residency or citizenship in the United States. Exams are available weekdays at the health center, by appointment only. The health center is at 460 N. Elm St., Escondido.
The exam costs $85 plus laboratory fees. Additional costs may vary, depending upon specific government requirements for type of application and country of origin.
Patients will also need to bring a government-issued photo ID and BCIS physical forms, which may be obtained online at www.bcis.gov/graphics/surgeonportal.htm, from INS or from their attorney.
For details or to make an appointment, call (760) 520-8100. Exams are also available weekdays by appointment at Neighborhood Healthcare ---- Pauma Valley, off Highway 76. Call (760) 742-9923 to make an appointment in Pauma Valley.
Speakers available from VCC
Vista Community Clinic provides guest speakers for group luncheons or meetings and provides health education booths for health fairs. The clinic speakers bureau can present a variety of health education topics such as:
Contact Betsy Heightman at (760) 631-5000, Ext. 1139 to request a speaker.
Clinical trial Web sites
Clinical trials recruit volunteers to test drugs and therapies. Many are held in and around our area. These Web sites list many clinical trials. Clinical trials have precise inclusion and exclusion rules, so when you find one that interests you, be sure to read the rules carefully:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/. Site of the National Institutes of Health.
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials. Site of the National Cancer Institute.
http://www.centerwatch.com/. This site partners with WebMD.com to list 42,000 trials.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/clinicaltrials.html. This site sponsored by Medline/National Library of Medicine explains what you should know about clinical trials.
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