New health center opens

SAN MARCOS -- North County Health Services, a non-profit community healthcare organization, recently opened the Grand Avenue Family Medicine center, which offers adult medicine, pediatrics, well child exams, obstetrics and gynecology, and family planning services.

"NCHS plans to meet the growing demand for affordable healthcare by adding additional medical offices such as Grand Avenue Family Medicine, and a new site in Oceanside later this year,"said Irma Cota, president and chief executive officer at NCHS, in a press release.

Associate Medical Director Jennifer Tuteur is the physician on site. Tuteur completed her residency at St. Paul Ramsey Department of Family and Community Medicine after graduating from University of Missouri School of Medicine and Yale University. She is a board-certified family physician and a board member of the Western Clinician Network, a group of community health center clinicians. Joining Dr. Tuteur are three certified nurse midwives.

Call (760) 736-8810. The Grand Avenue Family Medicine health center is at 727 W. San Marcos Blvd., Suite 112.

New chiropractic center opens Monday

VISTA -- Breath of Life Chiropractic center opens Monday at 161 Thunder Drive, Suite 104, under chiropractor Bill Davis, formerly of LaVerne. He is certified in National Upper Cervical Chiropractic (NUCCA) techniques. Call (760) 945-1345.

Free health classes offered

POWAY -- These free classes are offered at the Centre For Health Care, Pomerado Outpatient Pavilion, 15611 Pomerado Road. Reserve to (858) 613-8900, and press 6 for reservations:

- 10 a.m. Wednesday: "Diabetes: Blood Glucose Monitoring."

- 6 p.m. May 20, "Better Breathing Class" (for parents of children 18 and younger). Meal provided.

- 10 a.m. May 21, "The Role of Medications in Diabetic Control."

- 10:30 a.m. May 28, "Eye and Foot Care in Diabetic Control."

National Alliance on Mental Illness to meet

ESCONDIDO -- The North Inland chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, will hold its monthly educational meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kinesis, 474 W. Vermont Ave. Rose McLoughlin and George Savere of Job Options will speak. Call (760) 745-8381.

Center offers safety net for seniors

ENCINITAS -- Community Action to Reach the Elderly senior services (for disabled/senior Encinitas residents only) are available through the Encinitas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Project C.A.R.E. offers safety net services to those disabled/senior residents living alone or who just want an additional sense of security, including: Vial of Life, Gatekeeper, Postal Alert, Home Safety Check, You Are Not Alone and Are You Okay? Call (760) 943-2255.

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:

- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, 13504 Poway Road, Poway. Donors will get a voucher for a free meal up to $7 in value.

- 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. May 18, Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, 120 Stevens Avenue, Solana Beach. Donors will get a voucher for a free taco at Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill.

- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 24, Stater Brothers, 9909 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego.

- 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 26, Souplantation, 17210 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo. Donors will be awarded a voucher for a free meal pass to Souplantation.

- 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 27, UltraStar Flowerhill Cinemas, 2630 Via de la Valle, Del Mar. Donors will be awarded one movie pass, courtesy of UltraStar Cinemas.

- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 14, Vons & Subway, 13255 Black Mountain Road, San Diego. Donors will get a voucher for a free 6-inch Subway sandwich.

CPR, first aid class offered

ESCONDIDO -- Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to use an automated external defibrillator at a Save-A-Heart class from 6-9:30 p.m. May 15 at the Best Western Escondido Hotel, 1700 Seven Oaks Road.

Participants can also be certified in first aid and learn what to do for a drowning victim, how to treat for shock, immobilize fractures, treat burns and other medical emergencies.

Cost is $65. Information: (619) 445-4569, www.cprpros.com.

Free cooking classes aim to prevent cancer

4S RANCH -- A four-class cancer prevention and survival cooking course will be offered from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays now through May 22 at Jimbo's…Naturally, 4S Ranch, 10511 4S Commons Drive, Suite 155. Sponsored by the Cancer Project, the classes are free. Reserve to (858) 432-7755. The schedule:

Thursday: Planning Healthy Meals/Antioxidants and Phytochemicals

May 22: Immune-Boosting Foods/Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Parkinson's support group meets

SAN DIEGO -- The Parkinson's Resource Organization, a support group for caregivers, adult children and family members of those with Parkinson's disease, meets at 7 p.m. May 21 at Scripps Mende Well Being, 4305 La Jolla Village Drive. Free; but please reserve toll-free to (877) 775-4111.

Health and happiness yogic workshop

ENCINITAS -- The Art of Living Foundation hosts a Health and Happiness Workshop from Wednesday through Saturday. The instructor is Rishi Nityapragya, a Yogic saint from India who was personally instructed by Sri Sri Pandit Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation. Learn to maintain inner beauty and peace despite the uncertainties and challenges of life. Cost is $125. The course is offered at the Grauer School, 1500 S. El Camino Real. Call (866) 626-5373 or visit artoflivingsd.org/rishi.

Naranon family group meeting Thursday

ESCONDIDO -- Naranon is a free nonprofit support group for family members and loved ones of drug addicts. The group meets between 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Serenity House, 123 S. Elm St. Call Don at (760) 729.5850.

Neurologist to speak to caregivers group

VISTA -- The Vista Caregivers Support Group affiliated with the Alzheimers Association meets at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Acadia Place, 1080 Acadia Ave. Guest speaker will be Dr. Michael Lobatz, neurologist, medical director of rehabilitation at Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas, on dementia and Alzheimers disease. Call Carol at (760) 727-9089 or e-mail Harry at keyboard@sbcglobal.net.

Mended Hearts group meets Saturday

ESCONDIDO -- North County Mended Hearts meets at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Education Classroom at Palomar Hospital with guest speaker Carl Grubbs, a Senior Olympics Gold Medalist. He'll speak on "Improving Your Quality of Life with Exercise." Mended Hearts Inc., is a national non-profit organization affiliated with the American Heart Association. Call (619) 477-7703.

Parkinson's group to hear speaker

VISTA -- North County Parkinson's Support Group meets 10 a.m.â€" noon Wednesday at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, Brengle Terrace Park, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Bonnie Teder speaks on "MUSIC Rx -- Just What the 'Doctor' Ordered." Hear about new applications of music therapy for people with Parkinson's, and an update on the Tremble Clefs, an ongoing therapeutic singing group. Care and share time. Call (760) 940-2763.

Alzheimer's group to meet Tuesday

SAN MARCOS -- The Alzheimer's Support Group meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Silvergate San Marcos Retirement Residence, 1550 Security Place. Call (760) 744-4484. For more on Alzheimer's support, call the Alzheimer's Association of San Diego at (800) 272-3900.

Doctor speaks to prostate cancer group

LA JOLLA -- The Informed Prostate Cancer Support Group will have cardiologist Dr. Mimi Guarneri speak at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Moores Cancer Center. Guarneri is founder and medicial director of Scripps Center of Integrative Medicine. Call (760) 749-4560.

Borderline personality disorder group meets

OCEANSIDE -- TARA, the Treatment and Research Advancements Association for Borderline Personality Disorder, hosts a support/psychoeducation group for family members at 6:30 p.m. May 21 at Tri City Medical Center, 4002 Vista Way. Use Main Entrance, proceed to lower level classrooms. The symptoms, treatment and prognosis of Borderline Personality Disorder will be examined. Call Sandy Boone at (760) 729-5748.

Cancer Survivor's Day events set in June

LA JOLLA -- Scripps Cancer Center will host two free events in La Jolla for cancer survivors, their families and the community as part of the 21st annual National Cancer Survivor's Day celebrations. From 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 5 there will be a celebration at the Schaetzel Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, 9888 Genesee Ave. Hospital physicians, staff, patients and survivors will be on hand to hear special presentations and share reflections and survivor stories. Browse exhibit booths and enjoy refreshments. Registration is not required. Free parking.

Also, "A Celebration of Life" will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 22 at the Valerie Timken Amphitheater at Scripps Green Hospital. The event will include inspirational survivor stories and will explore the evolving treatment of stem cell transplantation. Refreshments will follow at a reception at the hospital's Anderson Outpatient Pavilion at 10666 N. Torrey Pines Road. Reserve by June 17 to (858) 554-8533. Free parking.

Scripps to be part of bariatric device study

Bariatric specialists at Scripps Clinic are part of a national study of a neuromodulation device that may assist obese patients. The study, called EMPOWER, is evaluating a technique called VBLOC that blocks impulses from the vagus nerve, commonly known to control communication between the brain and stomach. Benefits include results without altering the anatomy as many bariatric surgeries do, so there are fewer risks, side effects and no need to alter diet. EMPOWER is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the VBLOC Therapy after 12 months of use in obese patients. To qualify for the study, patients must be 18 years of age or older, with a body mass index (BMI) between 35 and 45. To learn more, visit www.EMPOWERstudy.com or call (866) 97-VBLOC (866-978-2562).

Camp H.O.P.E. deadline approaching

CARLSBAD -- Hospice of the North Coast's Hope Bereavement Center will hold its 11th Annual Camp H.O.P.E. June 6-8 at Green Oak Ranch in Vista. Applications are being accepted through May 16. Camp H.O.P.E. is a weekend retreat for children ages 7 and older and their families who have recently experienced the death of a parent, child or other relative or close friend. The camp offers a special combination of fun recreational activities and supportive therapeutic art or sharing activities to assist participants to build trust and develop good coping skills as well as to build friendships with people who have had similar experiences. Cost is $35 for the reservation fee. All other costs are covered by donations and grants by various community organizations.

Information: (760) 431-4100; http://www.hospicenorthcoast.org.

Cancer program offered at church

ENCINITAS -- A program on early detection of cancer is offered by the Senior Alumni, University of Notre Dame Club of San Diego County from 7-9 p.m. May 22 at the St. Elizabeth Seton Parish Center. Dr. Michele Carpenter, a breast cancer surgeon, and Lynn Larkin Flanagan, an 11-year breast cancer survivor, will discuss breast cancer. Dr. Michael Kosty, an oncologist at Scripps Hospital and Thomas Alexander, an 8-year survivor of prostate cancer, will discuss prostate cancer. Free. Call (858) 481-6330.

Cardiovascular disease foundation sets fundraiser

CARLSBAD -- The Cardiovascular Disease Foundation hosts its third annual Wine Tasting by the Sea & Silent Auction from 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 6 at Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, 6400 Surfside Lane. Register at www.cvdf.org or call (760) 730-1471. Reservations required.

Program offered on ADD/ADHD

CARLSBAD -- The Genesis Center offers a nine-session training program for families and kids to help improve ADD/ADHD, autism, social interaction and academic performance. The HEROES Training Program is dedicated to finding the "hero" in every child. To attend a free seminar explaining the program, please call (760) 720-2384.

Volunteers sought for brain-tumor study

LOS ANGELES -- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is seeking patients with recurrent, malignant brain tumors (gliomas) for a clinical trial of a virus that attacks brain cancer cells. A common, naturally occurring virus that attacks cancer cells but appears to be harmless to normal cells is being studied as a possible treatment for the gliomas. Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are among a few in the United States evaluating this experimental therapy. Patients will receive a single treatment of a drug called Reolysin, infused over 72 hours and directed into the tumor under sophisticated guidance. Expected length of hospital stay is about five days, and patients' progress will be followed for at least 12 weeks. Call (800) CEDARS-1 or visit www.csmc.edu under "Clinical Trials."

Cancer survivors' event held June 8

SAN DIEGO -- Celebration of Life, sponsored by Cancer Survivorship: San Diego! will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 8 at Bloch Cancer Survivors Park, 4100 N. Harbor Drive. Free information will be offered on cancer treatment, prevention and support. Event includes a health fair, cancer screenings, survivors' stories and family activities. Visit www.cancersurvivorshipsd.com.

Wheelchair tennis event set for June

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Business Clubs of America will hold its second annual charity event, a wheelchair tennis tournament and luau, at Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma on June 20-21. More than 50 disabled/wheelchair-bound professional, semi-professional and recreational athletes from throughout California are expected to participate. This year, representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records have been invited to sanction the event as the largest wheelchair tennis tournament in the world. The event features two days of tournament play (final match takes place on June 21), tennis clinics with guest coaches, entertainment, live and silent auctions and other family-friendly activities. Proceeds will go toward sports recreation and wellness programs, as well as equipment to enhance mobility and exercise ability. Learn more at www.wheelchairtennisandluau.com, or call (888) 738-7808.

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.

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.

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. The class meets in the Great Hall of the church, 2001 El Camino Real at Fire Mountain Road. Call (760) 757-3560.

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.

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.

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:

n 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.

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

n 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.

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.

Anger management classes back

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.