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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.

Scripps Coastal Medical Center opens in Escondido

ESCONDIDO -- Scripps Health has purchased the assets of Penn Elm Medical Group, and the group's nine primary care physicians are now on the medical staff of Scripps Coastal Medical Center effective Jan. 1, 2009.

Scripps Coastal Medical Center Escondido is at 488 E. Valley Pkwy.

Patients with questions about their care can call (760) 745-2000 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information about Scripps services and a free calendar of health education programs and screenings, contact (800) SCRIPPS.

Scripps Coastal Medical Center Escondido is the latest in Scripps Health's efforts to meet North (San Diego) County's growing population and increasing health care needs. The San Diego-based nonprofit health system opened an expanded Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo in September and a new Scripps Coastal Medical Center Carlsbad in October.

Free classes offered at Centre for Health Care

POWAY -- These free classes are offered (except as noted) at the Centre For Health Care, Pomerado Hospital Campus, Pomerado Outpatient Pavilion, 15611 Pomerado Road, 4th Floor, Ste. 400. All are led by Janice Baker, certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian. Call (858) 613-8900, press 6 for reservations:

10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Diabetes: Grocery Store Tour, Barons Grocery Store, 11828 Rancho Bernardo Road, San Diego.

10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 27, Diabetes: The Role of Medications in Diabetic Control.

Benefit golf tournament to be held

VISTA -- The "Friends for Charlie Harb" committee is hosting a benefit golf tournament Monday at the San Luis Rey Downs Golf & Country Club, 31474 Golf Club Drive, Bonsall. Registration is 10 a.m. The 18-hole scramble tournament starts at 11 a.m., followed by dinner and a silent auction at 6 p.m. The Harb family has owned Allen's Alley Cafe since 1985. Harb has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment. The proceeds of the tournament will go towards the family. The committee is also requesting donations of items for the silent auction. The $125 entry fee includes green fees, cart, range balls, goodie bag, dinner and awards. Dinner is $25 for anyone not taking part in the tournament. Call (760) 644-5035 or (760) 724-2875 or visit allensalleycafe.com.

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. Tuesday in Meeting Room E at Pomerado Hospital, 15615 Pomerado Road. Register for the discussion at (800) 628-2880.

Local Henry's markets holding events

These health events are being held at various Henry's Markets in North County:

- Ask the Doctor: Free 15-minute consultation about supplements; 10 a.m.-noon, 3243 Camino de los Coches, Carlsbad (760-635-0625).

- Vitamin B-12 shots, $20, offered 1-3 p.m. Tuesday at 659 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach,

(858-350-7900); 11: 30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, 15727 Bernardo Heights Parkway, Rancho Bernardo (858-385-1606); 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 27, 3243 Camino de los Coches, Carlsbad (760-635-0625); 1-3 p.m. Jan. 27, 1327 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas (760-633-4747); 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 28, 510 W. 13th Ave., Escondido (760-745-2141); 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 30, 13536 Poway Road, Poway (858-486-7851).

- Dr. Kelly Austin discusses Hormone Imbalance, 6 p.m. Jan. 28, 13536 Poway Road, Poway (858-486-7851).

Cosmetic seminar offered at surgery center

LA JOLLA -- Learn about the latest advancements in plastic surgery and cosmetic dermatology at the free Celebrate You! Seminar from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, 9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 130. Learn about latest advances in plastic surgery and observe demonstrations of fillers and peels. Reserve to (800) 942-2816. Visit www.ljcsc.com.

Stop-smoking program starts in January

OCEANSIDE -- Tri-City Medical Center is sponsoring a six-session Smoking Cessation Program starting Tuesday 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 Tuesday 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).

Parkinson's group supports caregivers

LA JOLLA -- The Parkinson's Resource Organization caregiver-only support group meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Scripps Mende Well Being, 4305 La Jolla Village Drive. Free, but please reserve to (877) 775-4111 toll-free.

Free nutrition workshop set for Wednesday

CARLSBAD -- The Cardiovascular Disease Foundation is having a free nutrition workshop from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at 3088 Pio Pico Drive. Call (760) 730-1471.

Brain lecture offered at UCSD

SAN DIEGO -- The UC San Diego Stein Institute for Research on Aging offers a free lecture, "The Inconstant Brain: Imaging Reveals Surprising Dynamic Change in Structure Across the Lifespan," from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday with Professor Terry L. Jernigan, of the UCSD Department of Cognitive Services. Magnetic resonance imaging reveals dynamic change in brain tissue throughout life, suggesting that the brain adapts in response to disease, drugs, even life experience with wide-ranging implications about how and why individuals differ in personality, temperament and cognition. The lecture will be in the Garren Auditorium, UC San Diego. For free parking, call (858) 534-6299 at least three working days in advance.

Henry's Markets offer online 'whole body' program

Are you ready to make big changes in 2009? If so, join nutritionist Janet Little as she hosts Henry's Whole Body Rehab Program designed to help you detox, lose weight and renew yourself in the New Year in just six weeks. The online program is free and fits into a busy lifestyle. Visit http://www.henrysmarkets.com/h/home/ to download meal plans, recipes, detox strategies and exercise tips to get started, and join a free online community at http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_individual.asp?gid=28094 for support and inspiration, too.

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:

- 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Lighthouse Christian Church, 4700 Mesa Drive, Oceanside.

- 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Church of St. Timothy, 2960 Canyon Road, Escondido.

- 1-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, St. John's Catholic Church, 1001 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas.

- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Stater Brothers, 9909 Carmel Mountain Road, Rancho Penasquitos.

- 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Wal-Mart, 13425 Community Road, Poway.

- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 26, First Advantage CREDCO, 12395 First American Way, Poway.

- 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Chaparral Elementary School, 17250 Tannin Drive, Poway.

Girls Inc. offers miniworkshops on puberty

VISTA -- Girls Incorporated of San Diego County announces "Growing Together," a series of two-day Parent and Daughter mini-workshops for girls ages 9-11 and a parent/adult, on the last weekend of every month. Growing Together is designed to jump-start essential conversations between girls and their parents or guardians about sensitive issues before or as puberty begins. The first workshop will be Jan. 30 -31 at the Girls Inc. Vista office, 400 S. Melrose Drive, Suite 110. An introduction for parents only will be from 5:15-7:45 p.m. Jan. 30, and daughters will join the workshop with their parent from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Jan. 31. One meal and snacks will be provided each day. Free child care for siblings is available upon advance notice. Cost with registration is $40 per family, with discounts offered for enrolling friends. This workshop is presented in English with a version for Spanish-speaking parents planned for February.

To register, call (760) 643-4067, fax to (760) 643-4066, e-mail to jessica@girlsincsd.org or connie@girlsincsd.org, or visit www.girlsincsd.org.

Joy Giver training classes in Solana Beach

SOLANA BEACH -- Resounding Joy Inc. will hold Joy Giver training classes Jan. 31 and Feb. 16 to teach people how music can help adults and children with special needs.

The nonprofit, based in Carmel Valley, trains volunteers to use music to promote the well-being of county residents from nursing home residents, elder day-care clients and infants of teen parents to homeless people and AIDS and HIV patients. It helps out at many faith-based and community-based organizations, including the Encinitas Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Redwood Elderlink in Escondido.

An eight-hour training class on Jan. 31 will cover the principles of drumming, singing, percussion and rhythm so Joy Givers can work one-on-one or in groups to help reduce stress, improve physical fitness, encourage self-expression and foster camaraderie. Volunteers don't need to know how to read music, play a musical instrument or have a trained voice.

The training class is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Gathering Room at Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, plus a two-hour supervision workshop Feb. 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the church, and two hours of mentoring.

Prospective volunteers must register online at http://www.resoundingjoyinc.org by Thursday and be interviewed by Jan. 25. Call (866) 800-0197.

Free lecture on health offered

ESCONDIDO -- La Vida Sana Massage and Herb Retreat offers a free lecture, "New Year 2009: Focus on Health," from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Wellness coach Adrianne Hicks will speak on the link between nutrition and the prevention of degenerative diseases. The center is at 998 W. El Norte Pkwy. Call (760) 781-1005.

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.

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 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.

'Jeans & Jewels' to benefit cystic fibrosis

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation celebrates its new quarters with "Jeans & Jewels," an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 7, at 10455 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 103, San Diego. Learn about the exciting events planned for 2009, while enjoying refreshments, raffle prizes and the opportunity to shop for jewelry and wholesale-priced designer jeans. Proceeds from all sales at the Jeans & Jewels event benefit the CF Foundation. Contact Pamela Couvignou at (858) 452-CURE (2873) or pcouvignou@cff.org.

Pacific College hosts free event

SAN DIEGO -- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine will be hosting a free event from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at 7445 Mission Valley Road, including a program information session for prospective students and a community outreach event with free treatments, including acupuncture for smoking cessation and stress relief, massage and various Asian body therapies, tai chi and qigong workshops, and a lecture on "Integrative Medicine and Its Profession." Reserve to (619) 574-6909, Ext. 130, or visit www.PacificCollege.edu.

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.

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.