Free classes offered at health center

POWAY -- These classes are offered at the Centre For Health Care, Pomerado Hospital Campus, Pomerado Outpatient Pavilion, 15611 Pomerado Road, 4th Floor, Suite 400, unless otherwise noted. Call (858) 613-8900 and press 6 for reservations:

10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday: Diabetes: Eye Care

10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 24: Diabetes: Foot Care

Chakra balancing every first Saturday

CARLSBAD -- Lifeworks, 2555 Roosevelt St., offers reiki chakra balancing at 10 a.m. every first Saturday of the month. Mark your calendar, wear comfortable clothes, bring a blanket, a pillow and a friend! Cost is $10. Contact (760) 815-9462.

Henry's offers health-related events

Henry's Farmers Markets are offering "Ask the Doctor: B-12 vitamin shots," for $20; no reservations necessary. Find them from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Carlsbad store, 3243 Camino de los Coches (760-635-0625); 1:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Escondido store, 510 W. 13th Ave. (760-745-2141); from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Encinitas store, 1327 Encinitas Blvd. (760-633-4747); from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Poway store, 13536 Poway Road, (858-486-7851), and the same hours Friday at the Rancho Bernardo store, 15727 Bernardo Heights Parkway (858-385-1606).

Pomerado Hospital seeks volunteers

POWAY -- Pomerado Hospital is seeking volunteers to help in the convalescent center, drive the parking lot shuttle, push patients in wheelchairs, work in the gift shop, attend to families of patients in surgery, staff reception desks, and other interesting assignments. Call (858) 613-4659.

Clinical trials for cancer patients

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Pacific Oncology, affiliated with Premiere Oncology, has several clinical trials open to patients with most forms of cancer. Patients must qualify to enroll in studies. These trials are testing the newest medicines and provide patients access to cutting edge treatments. Call (760) 452-3340.

Heart expert, patients share info at event

LA JOLLA -- Chronic stress, depression and unhealthy lifestyle choices can seriously affect cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Dr. Mimi Guarneri, cardiologist and medical director of Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, will lead a presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Shaetzel Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla about the mysteries of the human heart. She'll also share excerpts from her best-selling book, "The Heart Speaks." Free. Call (800) SCRIPPS.

Family fitness fun walk being offered

OCEANSIDE -- Meet Carl Grubbs, gold medal Senior Olympian and fitness coach, during a free family fitness fun walk at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Oak Riparian Park, 4625 Lake Blvd. Grubbs will talk about how to improve upper body strength and flexibility while walking on a course set up for all ages and athletic abilities. Bring light hand weights, two 16-ounce water bottles and stretch bands. Leashed dogs welcome. Call (760) 941-1562 or e-mail carlalko9@sbcglobal.net.

Free seminar on heart attack signs, symptoms

CARLSBAD -- In honor of American Heart Month, Dr. James Garvey, emergency department physician at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, will present a free lecture at 5 p.m. Tuesday at The Crossings at Carlsbad about heart attack signs and symptoms. Marathon runner John Spangler, who had lifesaving cardiac surgery at Scripps Encinitas after running the Rock 'n Roll Marathon, will also be on hand. The Crossings is at 5800 The Crossings Drive. Call (800) SCRIPPS.

Free heart-care workshop Wednesday

CARLSBAD -- HealthWalk presents a free "Care of the Heart" workshop at 6 p.m. Wednesday at 5825 Avenida Encinas, Suite 111. This workshop is open to all interested in heart health, with the focus on effective prevention techniques, early warning signals and smart lifestyle choices. A heart-healthy meal will be sponsored and served by Cooking 4 Life, the Salad Master distributor. Register online to marketing@healthwalk.com or call (877) 255-4703.

Support groups for bipolar disorder

SAN DIEGO -- The California Bipolar Foundation offers these times, dates and locations for support groups for parents and caregivers of children and young adults affected by bipolar disorder. These meetings are free and confidential.

- Rancho Santa Fe: Meets 10 a.m.-noon the third Wednesday. Reserve to muffwalk@aol.com.

- Poway: 10 a .m.-noon the second Thursday. Reserve to ksheffres@cox.net.

- Carmel Valley: Meets 6-8 p.m. the first Tuesday. Reserve to lisa.weinreb@sdcda.org.

Events focus on women's hormones

SAN DIEGO -- LaVita Compounding Pharmacy, the Soul Shine Wellness Network, Dr. Judith Rubin and the Tango Wine Company are hosting a series of events titled "Wine, Women and Hormones" starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Soul Shine, 1217 Camino Del Mar. Visit www.soulshine.com. Reserve to (858) 793-1907 or reply to rsvp@soulshine.com.

Seminar set on bloodless surgery

OCEANSIDE -- The Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center hosts a seminar about bloodless alternatives for surgical procedures from 2-3 p.m. Saturday at 200 N. El Camino Real (Clubhouse No. 1), Oceanside. Jorge Martinez, manager of the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Center at Sharp Chula Vista, will discuss the benefits of bloodless surgery and the importance of completing an advance health care directive. If you have a directive, please bring it with you. Bring a friend and receive a gift! Register to (800) 427-8277) or visit www.sharp.com/chulavista.

Bloodmobile visits coming up

The San Diego Blood Bank bloodmobile is making these regional stops to receive blood donations from the public. Anyone who is at least 17 years old, in good health and weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to give blood. A good meal is recommended before donation:

- Blood donors at any San Diego Blood Bank donor center during February will be awarded a coupon for a $20 discount for Arena Seating at Circus Vargas performances in San Diego County during February and March. Several Circus Vargas performances are planned, including Mira Mesa, National City, Del Mar and El Cajon.

Stop-smoking program set to start Feb. 23

OCEANSIDE -- Tri-City Hospital is sponsoring a six-session Smoking Cessation Program starting Feb. 23 at the Cardiac Wellness Center. The foundation will pick up most of the cost, which brings the fee to $60. Sessions are 90 minutes and start at 6:30 p.m. weekday evenings. The Feb. 23 meeting is for introduction and sign-up. Participants should not plan to stop smoking until March 3. Call (760) 940-3092 or e-mail duvel@sbcglobal.net (put "Smoking Cessation Program" in subject line).

Graybill acquires new radiology equipment

NORTH COUNTY -- Graybill Medical Group, with offices in Escondido, Fallbrook and San Marcos, has installed new state of the art digital radiology equipment, including ultrasound, mammography and Dexascan. The new system makes Graybill the first in Escondido with full field digital radiography.

New health center in San Marcos

SAN MARCOS -- Palomar Pomerado Health has opened a corporate health center at 120 Craven Road, Suite 207. The center offers these services: international travel medicine, workers' compensation injury care, new-hire physicals, annual health evaluations, drug and alcohol screening and immunization programs. The center is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Call (760) 510-7374.

Sculpture program for disabled needs sponsors

CARLSBAD -- The Lynn Forbes School of Sculpture is beginning a new program, "Creating Hope with Sculpture" for people with Parkinson's and people with certain mild mental disabilities. Sponsors are needed to meet demand. The program is an all-inclusive 12- to 14-week training course to complete a gallery-ready sculpture that is then fired and finished with a realistic bronze-like patina. Finished sculptures will be displayed at New Village Arts Theater Gallery, and some pieces will be in a silent auction. The nonprofit fiscal partner is Partnerships With Industries, and sponsors include: the Leichtag Family Foundation, Gina McBride Financial Planning, and Thelma Balbes (a student and Parkinson's leader). Sponsorships are $300 per person for the entire program. People who qualify without a sponsor may enroll at the same fee in person or online at www.sculptureschool.net (see "Sponsored Programs"), or call (949) 444-1926. The school is at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 102, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Seminar focuses on talking to children about loss

OCEANSIDE -- The Elizabeth Hospice Center for Compassionate Care will offer an educational workshop on talking with your children about grief and loss from 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 24 at 2111 Geneva St., Suite 100. Free. Register to (760) 737-2050.

Anti-aging expo coming in February

SAN DIEGO -- The Anti-Aging & Healthy Living Expo will be held at the San Diego Convention Center the weekend of Feb. 27 to March 1, bringing together local experts of conventional and complementary medicine, green product manufacturers, nutritional counselors, spas and medi-spas, and skin-care and aesthetics professionals. Hours are 1-8 p.m. Feb. 27; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 28 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 1. More than 100 local industry professionals will provide live demonstrations and cutting-edge seminars throughout the weekend. Free and discounted products and services will be available. The convention center is at 111 W. Harbor Drive. Admission is $8. For booth and sponsor information, call (949) 266-4689. Visit www.antiagingexpos.com.

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Exercise class offered thrice 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 and Fridays to strengthen major muscle groups and educate about the benefits of exercise, health and fitness. The class meets in the Great Hall of the church, 2001 El Camino Real at Fire Mountain Road. Call (760) 757-3560.

Weekly exercise classes offered

SOLANA BEACH -- The A Better Life Group is sponsoring free exercise classes for men and women from 8 to 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 1036 Solana Drive. Attendees listen to classical music while getting in shape and sharing fellowship. Call (858) 481-0813.

Parkinson's, seniors' sculpture classes

CARLSBAD -- The ongoing special sculpture class developed for seniors age 55 and older and those with Parkinson's disease is held at 10 a.m. Mondays at the Lynn Forbes School of Sculpture, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 102. The 2 1/2-hour classes feature setup and methods geared for seniors and those with Parkinson's. Wheelchairs welcome. Cost is $15 per session, plus materials. Call (949) 444-1926.

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.

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VCC offers immunizations

Worried about measles? You can avoid many diseases including measles by getting immunized. Low-cost or no-cost immunizations for children and low-cost immunizations for adults are available daily at the Vista Community Clinic on a walk-in basis. Vaccinations available include: measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, polio, diphtheria, varicella, HPV, hepatitis B, Tuberculosis test, etc. Call (760) 631-5000 or visit www.vistacommunityclinic.org.

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.

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.

Affordable medications through Vista clinic

VISTA -- Vista Community Clinic's Patient Assistance Program is designed to help low income patients receive medications they could otherwise not afford. To qualify for help, you must be enrolled in care with a VCC physician, be uninsured, be a resident and able to provide proof of low income either through 1040 tax form and/or current month pay stubs. Interested persons must make an appointment with a physician at the clinic. Annual $30 application/enrollment fee. Medications are shipped to the home at no charge. Call (760) 631-5000.

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 low-cost immunizations for kids

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.

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:

- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Prevention Programs: Learn about substance abuse issues that affect the local community, public health initiatives that work, and what local citizens can do to get involved in combating these problems.

- Breast Health Education Program: Learn about breast health issues, mammograms, free services offered to target populations, special event schedules.

- Junior REACH and Project REACH: Learn about REACH after school programs for at-risk youths in Vista and Oceanside, challenges facing today's youth, and REACH success stories.

Contact Betsy Heightman at (760) 631-5000, Ext. 1139 to request a speaker.

Anger management classes return

OCEANSIDE -- A Superior Court-approved 12-week anger-management program is offered from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays, designed to assist individuals who have difficulty managing angry feelings and behaviors. The program's goal is to teach appropriate expressions of anger and to reduce violent and self-destructive behaviors. This co-ed group meets weekly for 60 minutes. Enrollment is "open," with individuals welcome to join at any time. Cost is $60 enrollment fee (including workbook) and $20 session fee. Proof of enrollment and completion certificates are provided. Contact Pacific Coast Counseling at (760) 439-1124.

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.

Send your health news

Please send your health news to yourhealth@nctimes.com, or mail to Laura Groch, Health Editor, North County Times, 207 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Escondido, CA 92025.