Health Briefs (8/29)

Marrow Donor Registration Drive

Chandler Fashion Center has teamed up with the National Marrow Donor Program and Brigid's Brigade, in conjunction with Wells Fargo and the city of Chandler, to host a Labor Day Weekend Marrow Donor Registration Drive from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at the mall, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler.

New Jazzercise classes begin Sept. 1

Ahwatukee Jazzercise will offer Jazzercise Lite (low impact) classes at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Sept. 1 at Ahwatukee Children's Theatre, 5049 E. Elliot Road. This will expand the schedule at the theater to provide classes Monday through Friday at the facility.

Each 60-minute class includes a warm up, 30-minute low impact aerobic workout, muscle toning/strengthening using weights and a full body stretch.

For more information, e-mail jazzisfun@cox.net or call (602) 292-7521.

CPR certification class

American Safety & Health Institute will offer a CPR class at noon Sept. 6 at The Body Firm Fitness Studio, 4405 E. Ray Road.

The cost is $30, and space is limited. Call (480) 705-9801 to register. 

Stroller Strides heads outside

Ahwatukee Stroller Strides class is moving outside and will meet 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Desert Foothills Park at the southwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway.

Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for moms and dads that they can do with their children.

For more information, contact Linda Nagel at lnagel@strollerstrides.net, call (602) 571-4393 or visit www.strollerstrides.com/ahwatukee. 

Body cleansing seminars for women

The importance of releasing toxins from your body will be the subject of seminars set for 6 p.m. Sept. 9 and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Luna Fitness, a women's-only full service health club at 975 E. Elliot Road in Tempe.

For more information, visit www.lunafitnessoftempe.com or call (480) 456-5767.

Phoenix Children's Hospital offers free valet parking

Phoenix Children's Hospital introduced free valet parking for patients, families and campus visitors, effective Aug 25.

For more information, visit www.phoenixchildrens.com.

Workshops for consumers with disabilities

A Work Incentives Specialist with Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) will provide information on the affect of new employment on your benefits. Participants must RSVP. Be sure to sign up for the workshop that matches the type of Social Security you receive. If you are unsure, ask for assistance you when you RSVP.

- Work Incentives & Social Security Disability Insurance: Tuesday, Sept. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., city of Phoenix One-Stop, 9801 N. 7th St.; and Tuesday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to noon, Gilbert Career Center, 735 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 134, Gilbert.

- Work Incentives & Supplemental Security Income: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Gilbert Career Center; and Tuesday, Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., city of Phoenix One-Stop.

Participants must RSVP to David Carey at (602) 443-0723. Call in advance for accommodations or alternative formats or if transportation is needed. ABIL requests a $1 donation (each way) for transportation provided in the ABIL van. Consumers must be 18 years or older or their own legal guardian to participate.

Health talk, health screen targets poor blood flow

Banner Desert Medical Center and its Spirit of Women HeartCaring program are sponsoring a two-part Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Seminar and Screening at the Rosati Education Center at Banner Desert Medical Center, 1400 S.Dobson Road, Mesa.

Dr. Paul Vaughn, board certified vascular surgeon, will present "What is PAD" from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, and a PAD screen (by appointment only) will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15.

The seminar fee is $5 (free to Spirit of Women members). The screen fee is $60 and includes screening of the carotid artery for stroke risk, abdominal aorta aneurysm screen, peripheral arterial screening of the legs, blood work for lipids/cholesterol/glucose (fasting required) and review of tests by a physician.

To register, call 602-230-CARE (2273). Appointments are limited.

ARC lecture series

Several health-related presentations are upcoming at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive. The lectures will begin at 4 p.m. in the main hall.

- Sept. 11, "Dispelling the Myths of Hospice."

- Oct. 9, "Healthcare Decisions." Learn about living wills and medical powers of attorney.

- Nov. 13, "What is Dementia?" This presentation will provide listeners with information on how dementia progresses and what services are available to assist you.

For more information, call (480) 893-2549.

Infant mental health conference coming up

The Infant Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona will present "From Risk to Resilience: The 13th Institute on Infant Mental Health" Sept. 18 and 19 at the Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E. Cotton Center Blvd.

The conference program is designed to focus attention on bringing progressive, research-based information to Arizona to promote thought, discussion and understanding of the early development and mental health of very young children, the factors that jeopardize healthy development such as abuse and neglect and strategies for prevention and intervention.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, visit www.itmhca.org.

Seniors may qualify for power wheelchair

Medicare's regulations now make it easier for seniors and others with debilitating conditions such as arthritis, stroke, heart and breathing problems, or diabetes to obtain a power wheelchair at little or no cost.

Miracle on Wheels is trying to increase public awareness about the assistance options that allow seniors and the disabled to remain independent in their own homes.

To learn more about qualifying, call 1-866-200-6924.

Popular 100-calorie packs make dieters eat more

People who want to lose weight should probably think twice about stocking up on 100-calorie mini-packs. A new study from researchers at Arizona State University and the University of Kentucky shows dieters will actually eat more food and calories if the portions are presented in small sizes and packages.

For details on the study, see http://knowledge.wpcarey.asu.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1589.

Blood drives scheduled

Give blood in September and receive a voucher for a free pint of ice cream, courtesy of Blue Bell Creameries, Inc. What's more, through the Blood Buddies referral program, you can earn free movie tickets by bringing a new donor to United Blood Services. Sixteen-year-olds are now eligible to give blood within certain height/weight restrictions.

Upcoming blood drives include:

- Daily Sept 1 to 30 (closed Sundays), times vary, Chandler Donor Center, 1987 W. Elliot Road, Suite 33, Chandler.

- Sunday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to noon, Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road, bus in parking lot.

- Sunday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., St. Benedict Catholic Church, 16223 S. 48th St., bus in parking lot. 

- Thursday, Sept. 25, 1 to 5:30 p.m., Chandler Regional Hospital, Main Building, Lower Level ASIC 1 and 2, 475 S. Dobson Road, Chandler.

- Saturday, Sept. 27, 7 a.m. to noon, Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St., bus in parking lot.

- Tuesday, Sept. 30, 7:30 a.m. to noon, City of Chandler, Police Community Center, 250 E. Chicago St., Chandler.

To make an appointment to donate blood, call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) or visit www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org.

Nursing program offered for bilingual adults

If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse and you speak, read and write fluently in both Spanish and English, you will want to attend an information session on the Bilingual Nursing Fellowship Program (BNFP) from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 6, in the Student Union of South Mountain Community College, 7050 S. 24th St. Applications will be available at the meetings..

For more information about the program, call (602) 243-8269 or visit www.southmountaincc.edu/.

Run For Life event helps African children ‘Stay Alive'

"Run for Life," a one-mile run to generate funds to benefit children in Africa, will be held 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, in Centre Court Park, 1440 N. 40th St., Mesa. The goal is to raise $25,000 for "Stay Alive," a project of United The fee is $15 per person, with the proceeds going directly toward the purchase of educational material for "Stay Alive."

For more information, visit www.stayalive.org or www.unitedfamilies.org

For more information, call Jon or Debbie Forrest at (480) 396-6090.

Traditional Chinese medicine, fertility enhancement

For couples seeking to expand their families, Dr. Dana Price will lead a free discussion from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at ilumina Healing Sanctuary, 7520 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, on the topic of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its role in enhancing fertility.

For reservations, call (602) 957-2602. For more information, visit www.iluminahealing.com.

Radiance Retreat soothes the soul

The Sedona Meditation Training Company will host a Radiance Retreat at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Sept. 12 to 14.

For more information, visit www.SedonaMeditation.com, e-mail meditate@esedona.net or call (928) 204-0067.

StairClimb, Firefighter Challenge coming up

The Arizona Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will hold the Ensynch 28th Annual StairClimb and FireFighter Challenge from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 13 at the Arizona Center, located downtown at 400 E. Van Buren St.

All funds raised will support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, with nearly 90 cents of every dollar dedicated to Cystic Fibrosis research.

The 28th annual StairClimb will begin at 9 a.m. in the Snell & Wilmer and APS office towers. Attendees may form teams or climb individually. The StairClimb entry fee is $25 per person or $125 per family, but participants are encouraged to go above and beyond with their fundraising efforts.

The Firefighter Challenge will begin at 9:30 a.m.. Firefighters from cities across the Valley will compete head to head, and prizes will be awarded to top finishers.

Corporate sponsorships are also available. Contact cholliday@cff.org at CFF to learn more. Participants may register online at www.azstairclimb.org, by calling (602) 224-0068 or in person the day of the event at the Arizona Center. 

Free grief workshop for surviving spouses

Hospice of Arizona is sponsoring a free grief workshop for surviving spouses from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Hospice of Arizona, 2222 W. Northern Ave.

Space is limited, and RSVPs are requested to Judy Peters at (602) 589-2137.

‘Step Out' in the fight against diabetes

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has planned Arizona's 2008 Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes (formerly American's Walk for Diabetes). The event is about changing the face of diabetes in America - by raising funds to help find a cure and by walking a few miles to bring a greater awareness to this devastating disease.

This year's Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes will begin at 8 a.m. Sept. 27 at Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, located at 5700 W. North Loop Road on the Gila River Indian Community.

For more information, call 1-888-DIABETES (1-888-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org/stepout.

Flu shots at ARC

Mollen Clinic will host a flu shot clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, in the main hall at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive. Please sign up in the special events book.

For information, call (480) 893-2549.

Annual golf classic seeks sponsors

Arizona Kidney Foundation's annual golf tournament will begin with registration at 7 a.m. Dec. 5 at The Phoenician, followed by a shotgun scramble at 8 a.m. A 19th Hole Celebration lunch will start at 1 p.m. and includes award and prize presentations.

Golfers of all handicaps will be asked to take a "Swing at Kidney Disease" at the tournament. Funds raised will help improve the quality of life for Arizona's kidney dialysis patients and transplant recipients as well as sponsor a new public education program and additional research to move kidney disease from treatment to cure.

Sponsorships range from $250 to $25,000. The cost of a foursome is $1,400. However, foursomes are encouraged to register before Oct. 15 to take advantage of the early-bird $200 discount.

For additional information, call Nancy at (602) 840-1644, ext. 219, or Dick at (480) 607-9220.

Chandler Regional launches new Web site

Chandler Regional Medical Center, a member of Catholic Healthcare West (CHW), recently launched a new and improved Web site, www.chandlerregional.org. The new design includes several enhanced interactive features, making it easier for patients and visitors to navigate the site.

The Web site also boasts CHW's recent addition of the ResourceLink, a call center providing East Valley residents with program and support group information, class registration, as well as physician referrals. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., by calling the toll-free number at 1-877-728-5414.

To learn more, visit www.chandlerregional.org.

Get Zumba fix 6 days a week

Zumba Fitness has become one of the fastest growing dance-based fitness crazes in the country with people of all ages falling in love with its infectious music, easy to follow dance moves and body beautifying benefits. Luna Fitness for women, 975 E. Elliot Road, Tempe, offers Zumba classes six days a week.

Zumba, which is Spanish slang for "to move fast and have fun," is a fusion of Latin and International music that creates a dynamic, exciting and effective fitness workout that is more fun than work. It combines hip shaking Latin dance moves with high-energy aerobics that burn 600 to 800 calories per class.

For a complete schedule of Zumba classes, call (480) 456-5767, visit www.lunafitnessoftempe.com or stop by.

Free marathon training sessions for Rock ‘N' Roll runners

Runners and walkers of all experience levels are invited to join Miracles in Motion, a marathon training team raising funds to benefit programs and services at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Miracles in Motion team members receive professional coaching and training, and raise $1,500 or more to support Hospital programs in need. Additionally, each athlete is paired with a Phoenix Children's patient and encouraged to compete in the 2009 P.F. Chang's Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon on Jan. 18, on the child's behalf.

Session times vary and occur various Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Jan. 17, 2009, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe, G.R. Herberger Park and Arizona State University, Tempe campus.

For more information, visit www.phoenixchildrens.com or contact Ashley Robison at (602) 546-2640 or arobison@phoenixchildrens.com.

Jazzercise fall special

Ahwatukee Jazzercise is offering a fall special to help get you in shape before the holidays. Join now and save with no joining fee ($25 value). No contract is required. This special offer is valid through Sept. 30 and is not valid with any other offer.

Ahwatukee Jazzercise offers a low impact, high intensity workout with no hopping or jumping. Great music and dance-oriented movements incorporate moderate aerobics with strength, balance and flexibility. Dancers of any skill level can participate.

Each 60-minute class includes a warm up, 30-minute low impact aerobic workout, muscle toning/strengthening using weights and a full-body stretch. Classes are offered at two locations in Ahwatukee Foothills.

For more information, visit jazzisfun@cox.net or call (602) 292-7521.

Line dance classes and more

Line dance classes at the Ahwatukee Community Swim & Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road, have moved back to Thursdays in August. Beginning classes meet at 11:30 a.m., followed by intermediate classes at 12:30 p.m. Register by calling (480) 893-3431.

Registration for the fall session of line dance classes at the Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St., is under way, and classes start the first week in September. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings - beginners at 5:15 p.m. and intermediates at 6:15 p.m. Register in person at the center or online at http://online.activecommunities.com/phoenix/Start/Start.asp?SCheck=981679195

&SDT=39470.4777937153. For the current course number, call (602) 534-5252.

Would you like to get paid to work out? Learn how to be a group fitness instructor. Carrie McNeish will teach a new class through South Mountain Community College called "Group Fitness Instructor Training - Practical Application." Classes will be held at the Ahwatukee Community Swim & Tennis Center from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays. To register, call (480) 659-3070.

Charity training programs for Rock ‘n' Roll runners

With six months to train before the race, runners and walkers can receive expert coaching for the P.F. Chang's Rock ‘n' Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon - and raise money for a great cause.

With more than 20 causes and charities to choose from both locally and nationally, charity participants receive benefits including team support, camaraderie, exceptional coaching and travel to and from the race. Charity training programs also provide fundraising guidance and tools to help participants raise money for a meaningful cause.

More information on the official charity training programs can be found at www.rnraz.com/training.html.

First-time marathoners and experienced runners alike are invited to attend an informational meeting or kickoff party throughout August or go to www.rnraz.com/training.html for more information.

St. Joseph's opens headache clinic for children

A new clinic designed to offer specialized care to children and adolescents who suffer from headaches recently opened at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W. Thomas Road. The Children and Adolescent Headache Clinic ensures that patients receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for headaches and migraines. The clinic is the first of its kind in the Valley.

For more information or to make an appointment, call (602) 406-3800 and ask to be transferred to St. Joseph's Adolescent Headache Clinic.

Barnyard Booster Bash gives free booster seats

Phoenix Children's Hospital will present the Barnyard Booster Bash from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Progressive Insurance, 4425 E. Cotton Center Blvd., Building 4.

Parents can register for a booster seat if the child's height and weight are appropriate. A certified passenger safety technician will teach parents how to install booster seats and which passenger seats are right for the child's height, weight and age.

Children of all ages can decorate their booster seat, make their own driver's license and meet the Booster Rooster.

The event is free, but families must register by calling (602) 546-CARS.

Chew on this

Did you know that chewing gum and eating candy can actually help you fight cavities and maintain a healthy smile? It's true, if "xylitol" is listed as an ingredient.

"Xylitol, which is a natural sugar, can help stop acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.  Xylitol also helps increase saliva production, which not only helps you speak, chew and swallow more easily, but helps protect your teeth from developing cavities," said Dr. Michael Hahn, national dental director for CIGNA Dental.

In order to reduce the risk of tooth decay, dentists recommend people should have four to 12 grams of xylitol daily.

‘CopaBall' to raise funds for patient welfare

Maricopa Health Foundation's Fifth Annual CopaBall will be held Oct. 4 at Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale.

CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona is the title sponsor of the event, which benefits the Maricopa Integrated Health System. Each year, the foundation recognizes the outstanding contributions of a Maricopa Integrated Health System physician and nurse. The evening also raises awareness and critical funds to support programs such as the Arizona Burn Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Dental Program and well-women programs that help women with life threatening diseases.

Tickets are $250 per person, and tables or individual tickets are available.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Judy Keane at (602) 568-7256.

Electric wheelchairs available

All Medicare recipients suffering from conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disorders and have difficulty walking or propelling a standard wheelchair, may be eligible to receive an electric wheelchair paid for by Medicare.

For eligibility information, call (800) 810-2877.

Ride to Empower supports those touched by breast cancer

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Network of Strength is holding its first Ride to Empower Oct. 23 to 26 in Solvang, Calif. Breast Cancer Network of Strength will be sending a team of riders from Arizona to California for the big event and wants you, your family, friends and co-workers to join the team.

The Ride to Empower is a destination bike ride with route lengths ranging from 32 miles to a 100-mile century ride. The four-day event gives participants the opportunity to challenge themselves on a long-distance ride and pay tribute to friends and loved ones touched by breast cancer.

To register or learn more about the Ride to Empower, visit http://ride.y-me.org.

If you interested in participating but have additional questions, schedule a one-on-one coffee chat meeting with special events coordinator Rebecca Johnson. She may be reached by e-mailing rjohnson@networkofstrength.org or calling (877) 963-7223, ext. 2730.

Day care program for children with minor illnesses

Chandler Regional Medical Center has established a program called Chandler Kid Care that helps parents of children with minor illnesses.

Chandler Kid Care is a day care program for infants and children through age 12 who have minor illnesses that prevent them from attending school or regular daycare. The program offers a new solution for the on-the-go parent that works full time. Certified nursing assistants with pediatric training care for the children so that parents can go to work with peace of mind knowing that their children are in a nurturing, caring environment under the supervision of registered nurses. 

Chandler Kid Care is available from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Chandler Regional Medical Center, Morrison Building, 1875 W. Frye Road.

The cost is $30 for six hours or less and $40 for more than six hours per child. Parents must make a reservation in advance because space is limited. 

For more information or to make a reservation, call (480) 728-3353.    

Diabetes outreach support program

The Diabetes Center at Chandler Regional Medical Center facilitates free monthly meetings to discuss issues related to health and diabetes. Each session is lead by diabetes educators and features guest speakers on a variety of topics of interest to individuals with diabetes. The Diabetes Center provides educational programs geared toward people with Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes, in addition to those with pre-diabetes.

The meetings begin at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Chandler Regional Medical Center, Main entrance, room ASIC 1 and 2 (lower level), 485 S. Dobson Road, Chandler.

The meetings are free and open to the public.

For more information or to register, call the ResourceLink toll-free at 1-877-728-5414. 

Loose change adds up to $217K for Ronald McDonald House

Most people probably don't think twice after dropping change from their Big Macs into collection jars on the counters at McDonald's restaurants around the state. But all of those pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters add up to a big payoff for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, which has received $216,975.89 over the past 12 months from nearly 220 participating restaurants around the state.

Ronald McDonald House provides a home-away-from home for families traveling to the Valley for medical care for children facing serious or life-threatening illnesses.

For information about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix or to make an online contribution, visit www.rmhcphoenix.com.

Class offerings at Balanced Buddha

The Balanced Buddha, 1801 S. Jentilly Lane, Suite B-8, in Tempe, offers a variety of classes: Get Fit, not Bored!, 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays and 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; Senior Stretch, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays (a gentle approach to yoga for seniors); Meditation, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Hawaiian Hula, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays; and Restorative Yoga, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays.

For more information, call (480) 804-1111 or visit www.thebalancedbuddha.com.

New mom support group offered

Chandler Regional Medical Center is offering a New Mom Support Group that meets 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Morrison Building, 1875 W. Frye Road, Chandler.

This series provides an opportunity for new moms to spend time together. Each session will cover a different topic ranging from fitness and exercise to getting back into shape and what to do when your baby is sick. There is also time for open discussion to share personal experiences and get insight from fellow moms.

The meetings are free.

To register or for additional information, call 1 (877) 728-5414.

Hospice of the Valley seeks volunteers

The nonprofit Hospice of the Valley seeks volunteers to provide quality, compassionate care to patients and families facing life-limiting illness. Volunteers provide breaks for caregivers and spend time with patients listening, talking, playing cards, reading books and more. In addition, a special teen volunteer program is available. Those who would prefer to provide clerical and fundraising support do not have to go through the training.

For more information, call (602) 636-6336.

Lymphoma Research Foundation monthly meeting

The Arizona Chapter of the Lymphoma Research Foundation hosts free monthly meetings for lymphoma patients, their loved ones, health care professionals or anyone interested in supporting lymphoma awareness and education.

For additional information, e-mail Arizona@lymphoma.org or call Susan at (623) 266-4742.

Send submissions to: (480) 898-7924 or jwalker@ahwatukee.com.