Parkinson's group to meet in Encinitas

ENCINITAS -- The North County Parkinson's Support Group hosts its monthly meeting from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Topic will be "Living with Parkinson's Disease." Call (760) 940-2763.

Caregivers group to begin meeting Wednesday

ESCONDIDO -- The Elizabeth Hospice offers a free, ongoing support group for caregivers from 5:30-7 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month, starting Wednesday, at the Center for Compassionate Care, 930 Canterbury Place. Finding time for positive, nurturing conversations with others in similar circumstances can help caregivers cope with their emotions. Call (760) 737-2050 and visit www.elizabethhospice.org to learn about other hospice care programs.

Free workshop on digestion

ENCINITAS -- The nonprofit Foundation for Wellness Professionals will have a free workshop at 7 p.m. Thursday at the San Diego County Credit Union, 501 N. El Camino Real. The seminar will discuss how to improve digestion and immune systems. Speaker is Peggy Raikes. Register to (760) 942-8100.

Hearing loss association meets in Escondido

ESCONDIDO -- The Hearing Loss Association of Escondido will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Joslyn senior center auditorium, 210 Park Ave. The Canine Companions for Independence will bring a hearing dog and demonstrate the benefits for the hard of hearing. There will be a 50-50 drawing and refreshments. Call (760) 745-5408.

Celiac group to meet in San Diego

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance Support Group will meet at 2:45 p.m. Saturday at Rady Children's Hospital, 3020 Children's Way, in the A & B Dining Room Conference Room. Rhiana Glor from Healthy Creations will speak on "Organic Meals Made Easy." People with celiac disease/gluten intolerance cannot eat wheat, barley or rye and must maintain a gluten-free diet. Call (858) 278-1413, or visit www.glutenfreeinsd.com. There will be attendee-provided gluten-free snacks.

Parkinson's group to meet in Vista

VISTA -- The North County Parkinson's Support Group meets at 10 a.m. Jan. 14 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Topic is issues facing those living with Parkinson's disease. Call (760) 940-2763.

Educational workshop for long distance caregivers

ESCONDIDO -- The Elizabeth Hospice offers a free educational workshop from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 17 for those who provide long-distance caregiving. It will be at the Center for Compassionate Care, 930 Canterbury Place. Learn tools to help overcome distance and stay connected with loved ones to help them cope. Register to (760) 737-2050.

Pediatrician discusses asthma in children

POWAY -- Palomar Pomerado Health pediatrician Nathan Rendler will host a free interactive discussion on intervention and treatment of asthma and related allergies in children from 6-7 p.m. Jan. 20 in Meeting Room E at Pomerado Hospital, 15615 Pomerado Road. Asthma reportedly is the most common illness among children and accounts for most pediatric hospital visits. Register for the discussion at (800) 628-2880.

Stop-smoking program starts in January

OCEANSIDE -- Tri-City Medical Center is sponsoring a six-session Smoking Cessation Program starting Jan. 20 at the Cardiac Wellness Center. The foundation will pick up most of the cost, which brings the fee down to $60. This includes all materials. Sessions are 90 minutes and start at 6:30 p.m. weekday evenings. The Jan. 20 meeting is for introduction and sign-up. Participants should not plan to stop smoking until Jan. 27. Call (760) 940-3092 or e-mail: duvel@sbcglobal.net (put Smoking Cessation Program in the subject line).

Last day for free health 'tune-up' at Scripps Health Pit Stop

SAN DIEGO -- Sunday is the last day for visitors to the San Diego International Auto Show to receive a free health tune-up at the Scripps Health Pit Stop, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the San Diego Convention Center. Located at the south end of the show's main exhibit hall, the Scripps Health Pit Stop will offer services including chair massages, blood pressure screenings, body fat analyses, $25 flu shots and diabetes risk assessments. Guests can also receive a free Scripps mini-first-aid kit and see how to do CPR and use a defibrillator during demonstrations. Call (800) SCRIPPS.

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. Tuesday, Biomed Realty Trust, 17190 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo.

- 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, UltraStar Flowerhill Cinemas, 2630 Via de la Valle, Del Mar. Donors will be awarded one movie pass courtesy of UltraStar Cinemas.

- 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Baja Fresh, 194 El Camino Real Boulevard, Encinitas. Donors will get a chicken burrito and a sports drink, courtesy of Baja Fresh Encinitas.

- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Poway Healthcare Center, 15632 Pomerado Road, Poway.

- 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 10, Westwood Club, 17394 West Bernardo Drive, Rancho Bernardo.

- 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 13, hosted by the city of Encinitas, 505 S. Vulcan Ave., Encinitas.

- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 14, hosted by the city of Poway, 13325 Civic Center Drive, Poway.

- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 15, Scripps Clinic, 15004 Innovation Drive, Rancho Bernardo.

- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 17, hosted by Vons & Subway, 13255 Black Mountain Road, Rancho Penasquitos. All donors will get a voucher for a free 6-inch sandwich, courtesy of Subway.

Flu shots offered

Flu shots are offered at these sites:

- The Muscular Dystrophy Association, in partnership with Walgreens, is offering flu shots to people who have any of the more than 40 diseases it covers. Find your nearest Walgreens flu clinic by visiting Walgreens.com/flu or calling (800) FLU-9950 (800-358-9950). Shots also may be obtained at many of the 225 clinics in MDA's nationwide network. Call (800) 572-1717 or visit www.mda.org.

- Albertsons offers FluMist nasal spray immunizations at its in-store pharmacies, as well as the traditional flu vaccine, by appointment or walk-in during regular pharmacy hours. Call (800) 783-0458 or visit your nearby pharmacy.

- Vons is offering flu vaccines now through February 2009, or while supplies last, on a walk-in basis at in-store pharmacies, and others will be conducting scheduled flu vaccine clinics. Visit www.vons.com/flu or contact a Vons pharmacy. Medicare Plan B participants not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan will receive the flu vaccines free.

- Palomar Pomerado Health is offering flu shots at various locations to persons 18 years and older. Cost is $15 per person, payable by cash or check. PPH will bill Medicare for individuals who have straight Medicare, Medicare with supplement, or Tricare for Life. Participants must bring their Medicare card to the clinic. A complete list of clinics is online at www.pph.org.

- MinuteClinic centers inside select CVS/pharmacy stores will provide flu shots daily on a walk-in basis during regular MinuteClinic hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.minuteclinic.com.

Scripps Web site gets redesign for mobile units

SAN DIEGO -- Scripps Health has launched a new version of its public Web site that is tailored for viewing on personal mobile communication devices, offering consumers a convenient way to get important health information while they're on the go. Consumers who log on to www.scripps.org on their mobile devices will automatically be redirected to the new Web site, which is designed to work with mobile units. The mobile site offers an abbreviated version of Scripps' full Web site.

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.

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.