Scripps offers home screening program for colon cancer

SAN DIEGO -- Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla offers a new community screening program to assess risk for colorectal cancer. Participants receive a package in the mail, including educational materials and a secure bottle for collecting a small stool sample for a fecal occult blood test. Scripps provides a stamped, pre-addressed envelope for participants to promptly return their samples for laboratory analysis at Scripps. For those with no family history of colorectal cancer, a variety of screening options are recommended for adults starting at age 50. Some of these include fecal occult blood tests every year; minimally invasive CT colonography every five years; and invasive colonoscopy every 10 years. Consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate options and frequency. Order a home testing kit by calling (800) SCRIPPS. Cost to participants is $25 for lab analysis.

Volunteers sought for Alzheimer's trial

SAN DIEGO -- Researchers are seeking volunteers with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease to test a new drug.

The drug, which was previously tested in animals and in preliminary human studies, seems to block nerve damage and inflammation triggered by a buildup of protein plaques in the brain, which can lead to progressive memory loss.

Researchers are looking for approximately 400 volunteers ages 50 and older with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease to help test this drug in a Phase II clinical trial conducted by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study. At UC San Diego, researchers will coordinate the 18-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a 3-month followup period (for a total of 21 months participation).

To learn how to participate, call (800) 438-4380 or e-mail to adear@nia.nih.gov. To see a list of the research sites or for information on dementia and aging, go to http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers.

Advice on bioidentical hormone therapy

CARLSBAD -- Dr. Laura Thompson will offer free advice on bio-identical natural hormone therapy from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday at The Southern California Institute of Clinical Nutrition, 2233 Faraday Ave., Suite L. Seminars are held the third Wednesday of each month (except August) through Nov. 18. Call (800) 608-5602 or (760) 448-2722, or visit www.scicn.com.

Rheumatologist speaks on arthritis

SAN DIEGO -- Dr. Howard Kaye, rheumatologist and author of "Arthritis: Pain Free, Side Effect Free," speaks from 12:30-2 p.m. Wednesday at a free lecture sponsored by Scripps Coastal Medical Center. Register to (760) 806-5881.

Dialysis experts to give presentations

SAN MARCOS -- Home Dialysis Therapies of San Diego will host a free workshop from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at San Marcos Community Hall, 3 Civic Center Drive, to educate people about advanced kidney disease. Free one-on-one consultations with Home Dialysis Therapies of San Diego's knowledgeable doctors and nurses are also being scheduled; call (858) 385-9213.

Seminar set on bloodless surgery

OCEANSIDE -- A seminar in Spanish on Bloodless Surgical Alternatives will be held from 2-3 p.m. Saturday at 200 N. El Camino Real, Clubhouse 1. Jorge Martinez, program manager of the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, will speak. Attendees are also invited to bring their advance health care directives with them for help filling them out. Register to www.sharp.com/chulavista or call (800) 82-SHARP.

Free classes at PPH

ESCONDIDO -- Palomar Pomerado Health will host these free health education classes in March at various sites. Register to (800) 628-2880 or visit www.pph.org and click on "Classes and Events":

6 p.m. Monday: Childhood Ear Infections

1 p.m. March 25: Making the Most of Your Doctor's Visit

Multiple sclerosis is topic

ENCINITAS -- Dr. Jay Rosenberg, a neurologist, speaks at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Scripps Memorial Hospital, 354 Santa Fe Drive, on common signs, symptoms and the latest scientific research on causes of multiple sclerosis. Reserve to (800) SCRIPPS.

Free diabetes screening in Fallbrook

FALLBROOK -- To mark the 21st annual Diabetes Alert Day, the Fallbrook Pharmacy will host a free diabetes screening and medication "brown bag" from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday at 243 E Alvarado St. For the "brown bag," bring all of your medications to be checked for drug interactions. Call (760) 728-1607.

Free revitalizing workshop set

CARLSBAD -- A free Anti-aging, Detoxifying and Revitalizing workshop will be held at 6 p.m. March 25 at HealthWalk, 5825 Avenida Encinas, Suite 111, Carlsbad. Includes a healthful dinner sponsored by Cooking 4 Life. Register to marketing@healthwalk.com or (760) 929-1520. Visit www.healthwalk.com.

Hospice offers class on chronic illness

ESCONDIDO -- The Elizabeth Hospice Center for Compassionate Care offers a workshop for those living with a chronic illness and for those who care for them at 6 p.m. March 26 at the Center for Compassionate Care, 930 Canterbury Place. Learn coping skills, obtain resource information and share your experiences. Call (760) 737-2050.

Back pain is topic of free lecture

RANCHO SANTA FE -- "Back on Track" is a free lecture offered March 26 by Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and the Scripps Health Foundation at the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club, 17025 Avenida de Acacias. Reception is at 4 p.m.; program begins at 4:30 p.m. Dr. Paul Rickards speaks about emerging treatments to ease chronic back pain. Reserve to (760) 633-7722.

RB gym hosts free BP, body fat testing

SAN DIEGO -- Fitness Together Rancho Bernardo offers a free body fat reading and free blood pressure test from 2-3 p.m. Fridays starting March 27. from 2-3 p.m.

Cervical dystonia group to meet

TEMECULA -- The Cervical Dystonia/Dystonia Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. March 28 at the home of Nancy Muller. Guest speaker will be Gary Sheets, licensed acupuncturist, who will be speaking on neurofeedback and the use of acupuncture, herbs, and hair analysis in treatment of dystonia. Reserve to (951) 926-3677.

Brain injury group schedules walk

SAN DIEGO -- The Brain Injury Foundation hosts its second annual Statewide Walk for Thought on March 28. Each walk is approximately three miles and participants are encouraged to go at their own pace. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at De Anza Cove, Mission Bay Park, 3000 E. Mission Bay Drive. Cost is $25 adults, $15 for ages 5-16, and free for infants to 4 years. Register online at calbia.org.

Crisis intervention program offered

ESCONDIDO -- The Salvation Army offers a two-day Crisis Intervention Program training from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 26-27 for San Diego County residents. This course helps those immediately after a major event or trauma, and the skills learned can also help anyone cope after a personal life trauma. The course is offered at 1301 Las Villas Way. Register by March 20; cost is $100. Call (760) 745-8616 or e-mail david.ebel@usw.salvationarmy.org.

Curves offering free weight management class

OCEANSIDE -- Curves of Oceanside is offering free weight management classes to members and non-members at 7 p.m. March 30. Classes will be taught through a series of DVDs that will alternate teaching with hands-on activities. Participants will be encouraged to make a weekly appointment to weigh in with their weight management coach, who will provide accountability. All classes are free, but participants will be able to take advantage of special pricing on essential tools that will enhance their success. No purchase is required. Contact Deb Maglietto at (760) 721-9911 or curvesoceanside@sbcglobal.net.

'Overcoming Depression' hosted by church

ESCONDIDO -- Emmanuel Faith Church will host an eight-week seminar based on the video series "Overcoming Depression" by Neil Anderson. This workshop is for adults and will be offered from 7-9 p.m. Mondays from March 30 to May 18 on the Emmanuel Faith campus, 639 E. Felicita Ave. (at East 17th Avenue and Encino Drive). Cost is $25. Learn how to overcome depression and understand how to help others suffering from depression. Call (760) 781-2108 or e-mail to cearly@efcc.org.

Meditation class offered

RANCHO BERNARDO -- Melynnique Seabrook, M.A. will offer Stress Reduction With Meditation classes from 11 a.m.-noon on Thursdays from April 2-April 30 at RB Swim & Tennis, Club 21, 16955 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Cost is $50. Register to (760) 747-3505.

Free SB acupuncture clinics to fight stress

SOLANA BEACH -- Licensed acupuncturist Barbara Seymour offers ear acupuncture clinics for stress reduction, pain relief and sleep improvement. A non-needle alternative treatment is also available. The clinics will be at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 7, 14, 21 and 28, at 136 N. Acacia Ave. Free, but donations will be accepted. Reserve to (858) 342-1333 or visit www.marineviewacupuncture.com.

Pomerado Hospital seeks volunteers

POWAY â€"â€" 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.

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.