Health briefs/calendar 1/12/06

Briefs

Blood drives scheduled for the month of January

With January as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross has announced several blood drives in the area. Volunteer blood donors make up nearly all the blood used for patient care in the United States. If all who are eligible to donate would do so on a regular basis, blood needs could be met and shortages could be a thing of the past.

The Red Cross especially needs type O negative and B negative.

Local opportunities to donate during January include:

* Jan. 13: Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Essex Grayridge Communities, Lions Den in Essex, 2 to 6 p.m.

* Jan. 18: KFVS12, 310 Broadway, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

* Jan. 19: Perry Park Center, 800 City Park Drive, Perryville, 1 to 6 p.m., ; Westfield West Park, 1 to 6 p.m.

* Jan. 20: Perry Park Center and Westfield West Park, 3 to 8 p.m.

* Jan. 21: Perry Park Center and Westfield West Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Special needs voluntary registration set to start

Local agencies that provide and plan for emergency services in Cape Girardeau are attempting to develop a registry of individuals with health-care needs who may require special assistance in the event of such a disaster as a tornado, severe storm, chemical spill or earthquake. Dave Hitt, director of the Cape Girardeau County Emergency Operations center, and Charlotte Craig, director of the county health department, say that a questionnaire will be mailed out with the 2006 tax assessment forms and may be returned with them. Participation is voluntary, and all information provided will remain confidential. Examples of special health-care needs are individuals who are oxygen or ventilator dependent and require a power source or ambu bag; people dependent on airway suctioning, who are on IV therapy or require tube feedings; patients with wound care or who need help with daily injections; people with physical or mental conditions that require daily mediation; those with a language or culture barrier or hearing or speech impairment, or who are homebound. For more information, call the emergency management office at 204-0911 or the health department at 335-7846.

Calendar

Today

"Ask Your Doctor," 8 to 9 p.m. cable Channel 5, a call-in show where healthcare professionals answer questions on medical issues. Dr. Thad Lake will discuss bipolar disease and its presentation. Callers are encouraged to phone in their questions at 334-3095.

Infant massage, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., meeting room 102 at Southeast Missouri Hospital. The goal is to teach parents gentle yet firm massage techniques that can be used on infants after their first six weeks. To register, call 651-5825.

Asthma Education Program, 6:30 p.m., Generations Center at Southeast Missouri Hospital. For children and adults with asthma and their families. Advance registration is required at 651-55825.

Saturday

SportsMAX demonstrations, for athletes who want to improve their sports performance at HealthPoint Plaza. For the time each sport is scheduled or for other information, call 986-4400.

HeartSaver CPR, 8 a.m. to noon at Main Street Fitness Center in Jackson. To register, call 243-2211.

Monday

School's Out Winter Day Camp, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Main Street Fitness Center in Jackson. To register, call 243-2211.

Introduction to Yoga, 6 p.m., HealthPoint Plaza multipurpose room. Class size is limited, call to register at 986-4400.

Healthy Cooking Class, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. HealthPoint Plaza. Dietitian Raina Childers will present "Savory Soups." Recipes and samples will be provided. To register, call 986-4400.

Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga, six-week class begins today at 7:15 p.m., at HealthPoint Fitness Center. To register, call 986-4400.

Tuesday

Introduction to Biometrics, a program of healthy eating and strength training, 6 to 7 p.m., Main Street Fitness Center in Jackson. To register, call 243-2211.

Cape Girardeau County Health Center's final flu shot clinic, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Osage Community Centre.

Fibromyalgia Support Group, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Fitness Plus conference room. For information, call 331-5880.

Tobacco Cessation Program, four weekly sessions begin today, led by a licensed personal counselor (a former smoker) to help the tobacco users give up the habit. Sessions meet at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Conference Room II at Saint Francis' Health and Wellness Center. For information, call 331-5970.

Wednesday

Yoga for the Young. Classes begin today for yoga for children ages 3 to 5, 11 a.m. Health Point Fitness Center. To register, call 986-4400

Yoga for Kids ages 6 to 13, 4:15 p.m. Classes begin today at Health Point Fitness Center. To register, call 986-4400.

Living Well with Diabetes, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fitness Plus Conference Room. Physician referral required, call 331-5897.

-- From staff reports