Health news 2/15/07

Briefly

HealthPoint offers class for breast cancer patients

Southeast Missouri Hospital's HealthPoint Rehab is offering a new class for those who have undergone a mastectomy, lumpectomy or axillary node dissection or have had radiation or chemotherapy. "Healing Moves" is led by Paula Stout, a licensed physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist at HealthPoint Rehab, and is slated for noon Tuesday. Stout said the class can help participants heal and prevent complications after breast cancer surgeries, prevent loss of range of motion, regain motion, reduce pain, reduce the risk of lymphedema, increase flexibility, improve strength and posture, practice relaxation and imagery, promote well-being and decrease depression. For more information, call 986-4400.

AAA screenings offered at Saint Francis

An estimated 2 million Americans have abdominal aortic aneurysms, but only 150,000 are diagnosed due to the lack of symptoms. The Saint Francis Medical Center Heart Institute and Dr. John C. Wiggans, a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, are offering screenings from 7 to 11 a.m. Feb. 24 at Saint Francis Medical Center. The screening costs $35. AAA is the 10th leading cause of death among males age 55 and older and the 13th leading cause of death overall. For more information or the schedule an appointment, call 331-3155.

Calendar

Today

American Red Cross blood drive at St. Vincent de Paul Grade School in Cape Girar-deau, 2 to 7 p.m.

We Can support group for cancer patients and their families at Southeast Missouri Hospital, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Breast cancer support group at Saint Francis Medical Center's Healing Arts Center, 7 to 9 p.m.

Friday

LifeSaver class for new parents at Southeast Missouri Hospital's Generations Center, 1 to 4 p.m. To register, call 651-5825.

Saturday

Preparation for childbirth class at Saint Francis Medical Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To register, call (877) 231-2229.

Sunday

American Red Cross blood drive at Cape West 14 Cine, 1 to 5 p.m.

Tuesday

American Red Cross blood drive at Mount Auburn Christian Church, 3 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday

Community outreach clinic with the Scott County Health Department at the Elks Lodge in Chaffee, Mo., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

-- From staff reports