Health news 3/15/07

Briefly

Local autism group promotes license plates

A local autism awareness and support group, Ethan and Friends for Autism, is accepting applications for a recently approved autism awareness license plate. The group must receive 200 applications before the license plates can go into production. To obtain an autism awareness license plate, submit form 1716 along with a $15 check or money order made payable to the Department of Revenue, to Ethan and Friends for Autism, 232 Camellia Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63703. Form 1716 is available at the local license bureau, or by contacting Mike at 225-1328 or james.sciortino@yahoo.com, or Michelle at 587-4008 or mcadamsfamily5@yahoo.com. Ethan and Friends for Autism is a not-for-profit organization committed to raising funds for autism awareness, research and assistance for families of children with autism. For more information, visit the group's Web site at www.ethanandfriendsforautism.org.

Free children's speech program offered

J. Nikki Jines, a speech and language therapist at Southeast Missouri Hospital's HealthPoint Rehab and a faculty member at Southeast Missouri State University, will present a free program on children's speech development. "Can You Say What I Say" will be presented from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Harrison Room at Southeast Missouri Hospital. For more information or to register, call 651-5825.

Calendar

Today

Stroke Club for stroke survivors and caregivers at HealthPoint Plaza, 2 p.m. For more information, call 651-5825.

We Can Support Group for cancer patients and their families at Southeast Missouri Hospital, 4 to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 651-5519.

Saturday

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

Wednesday

Community outreach clinic with the Scott County Health Center at the Elks Lodge in Chaffee, Mo., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Heart and health screenings at Saint Francis Medical Center's Health and Wellness Center, 7 to 10 a.m. For more information, call 331-5970.

-- From staff reports