Biochemist to discuss compulsive behaviors
Noted biochemist Bill Downs will discuss addictive behaviors and the physiology of compulsive behaviors during a public event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today in the Genetti Hotel's Terrace Room, 200 W. Fourth St.
Compulsive behaviors may include overeating, drinking alcohol, smoking, gambling and shopping.
The seminar is sponsored by Freshlife and tickets are required by calling the store.
Colorectal cancer awareness event tonight
PENNSDALE - Dr. Vivek Kumar, Susquehanna Health gastroenterology specialist, and Tina Carter, registered nurse and manager of the Digestive Disease Center, will hold a free, informative session from 5:30 to 6:30 tonight at The LifeCenter in the Lycoming Mall.
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, but with early detection and diagnosis, the cure rate is 95 percent. Attendees will learn what they can do to help detect colorectal cancer and how early detection and treatment can lead to excellent results.
Registration for the event is required due to limited seating. Free colorectal home screening kits will be provided to all registered attendees. Call 1-877-883-4791 to register.
The event is co-sponsored by Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Learn about going gluten free
Dr. Gregory Pais, a licensed naturopath, will present a lecture titled "Going Gluten Free" at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the James V. Brown Library's Lowry Theater room, 19 E. Fourth St.
Pais will discuss what gluten is, what conditions respond to removing gluten from your diet and simple steps to support health and prevent illness.
Seating is limited and attendees must register by calling 320-0747 or emailing gpaisnd@whnow.com.
Better Breathers meet this week
WELLSBORO - The American Lung Association's Better Breathers, a free support group for people with lung disease, meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital's board room.
The guest speaker will be Patricia Douglas, medical supply depot supervisor, who will discuss advances in home-based oxygen equipment and which oxygen concentrators are approved for travel.
The free support group meets the third Thursday of each month and is facilitated by hospital cardiopulmonary therapists, featuring rotating guest speakers to cover a variety of topics. No registration is necessary; walk-ins welcome.
It is presented in cooperation with Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of North Eastern PA. For more information, call staff development at 723-0192 or visit lung.org.
Free diabetic vision screening offered
PENNSDALE - A free vision and glaucoma screening will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 26 at The LifeCenter in the Lycoming Mall.
It is held on American Diabetes Association Alert Day and is sponsored by Susquehanna Health.
Individuals who are not diabetic may participate. To register, call 1-877-883-4791.
All-inclusive blood screenings offered
LOCK HAVEN - Susquehanna Health will offer low-cost blood screenings from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. March 27 at the Medical Plaza, 610 High St.
The screenings provide important information that helps people be proactive about their health. Participants must consult with their physicians about what test(s) may be most beneficial for them.
Cash, check or credit card payment is required at the time of service, and registration is required in advance by calling 321-3210.
Kick Butts Day display planned
PENNSDALE - A smoking cessation display in recognition of Kick Butts Day will be available on March 27 at The LifeCenter in the Lycoming Mall for individuals interested in information to help kick the smoking habit.
Free classes on mental illness scheduled
NAMI Lycoming is sponsoring a free Family-To-Family Education program beginning April 1. It is designed for family members, partners and friends of individuals with a serious mental illness.
The series of 12 educational classes will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays through June 24 at the Sharwell Building, 200 East St.
Registration is required in advance by calling Rae Weber at 326-7895.
Health care reform topic at annual lecture
LEWISBURG - Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, renowned voice of health care reform, will deliver this year's Fasano Memorial lecture, titled "The Affordable Care Act and the Future of the American Healthcare System," at 7 p.m. April 2 at Bucknell University.
The fourth annual Charles P. Fasano Memorial Lecture will be held in Trout Auditorium at the Vaughan Literature Building. It is free and open to the public.
Emanuel will discuss the pressing need for health care reform, key innovations in the Affordable Care Act and how they are likely to impact the actual delivery of care. From improving efficiency with electronic health records to restructuring care delivery, Emanuel will provide an insider's view of the vision driving healthcare reform, the challenges looming, and the future of American medicine.
From February 2009 to January 2011, Emanuel was a special adviser for health policy to the White House Office of Management and Budget. As one of the most prominent voices advising the White House about healthcare, he had a significant impact on federal healthcare budgets and the Affordable Care Act.
Fasano practiced medicine in the Central Susquehanna Valley since 1973. He worked as a solo family practitioner until 1980, when he partnered with Dr. Domenick Ronco. Their practice grew into the Family Practice Center, which now has 26 practice sites throughout Central Pennsylvania.
Evangelical offers medication reviews
Individuals, especially those with multiple conditions requiring numerous medications, should get a "medication check-up" at least once a year.
Alan Griswold, registered pharmacist at Evangelical Community Hospital, will hold three brown bag medication reviews at local senior centers to meet one-on-one with individuals to look closely at their current medications. The session will evaluate prescribed medications along with over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies to determine whether all are needed, if there is the potential for drug interactions or if dosage adjustments are required.
Individuals taking part in the review should bring all prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications taken on a regular basis, vitamins and supplements and be prepared to talk about medication taking habits or concerns. No appointment is needed.
The reviews will be held at the following locations from 9:30 a.m. until noon:
April 11 at the West End Senior Center on Route 235 in Laurelton;
April 18 at the Beaver Springs Senior Center, 5 Elm St., Beaver Springs; and
April 19 at the Penns Creek Adult Resource Center, 3559 Richard Road, Penns Creek.
APRIL 13
Susquehanna Health sponsors spring run/walk
HUGHESVILLE - Susquehanna Health has partnered with the Eastern Lycoming YMCA to sponsor the third annual Spring 5K Run/Walk from 8 to 11:30 a.m. April 13 at Hughesville High School.
Registration is available online at elymca.org and parunners.com. Brochures with detailed information are available at the YMCA and at all five SH outpatient rehabilitation locations and Sports Medicine Center.
A fee applies, with a discount offered for registrations made before April 1. Race day registration begins at 8 a.m. The race starts at 10 and is followed by an awards ceremony.
For more information, call Buffy Basile at 546-8822.
Proceeds from the race benefit the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign and scholarship programs that enable children throughout the community to attend programs they otherwise might not be able to afford.
