By: Robert Remler
The hospital will hold a blood drive on March 19, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the hospital's Shankman Auditorium. Anyone between the ages 17-76, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health, is eligible to donate. At the time of donation, donors will receive a free mini-medical exam that will include checking temperature, pulse, blood pressure and iron count. All donors must present a valid photo ID.The hospital is encouraging donors to call (516) 256-6397 to set up an appointment.
Women's wellness lectures
Jill Maura Rabin, head of Urogynecology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, will host a lecture on urinary incontinence. The free session is entitled, "It's 2003 and Leaking Is Passe' or I've Never Met a Bathroom I Didn't Like."The lecture will be held on March 26, in the hospital's Teaching Center, 270-05 76th Ave., New Hyde Park. Refreshments will be offered at 7 p.m. and the lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m.Additionally, at Franklin Hospital Medical Center, obstetrician and gynecologist Kareem Tannous, will host a lecture, "Focus on Menopause," on March 31. The free lecture will be given in the hospital's Shankman Auditorium, 900 Franklin Ave., Valley Stream, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments will be served before the presentation.For more information or to register for either lecture, contact the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System's Department of Professional and Public Health Education at (516) 465-2500.
Smoke withdrawal/Weight control program
South Nassau Communities Hospital of Oceanside is offering a smoke withdrawal and weight control program on March 24, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the hospital's Conference Room 2. The course, run by "Green Seminar," is open to the public and costs $60 per person. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 800-342-1303.
F Y I
Needles, syringes and lancets, collectively known as "Sharps," when disposed of improperly create the risk of injury and blood borne diseases, such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV. Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, offers the community a safe and easy way to dispose of "sharps." Community residents can bring these potentially dangerous "sharps" to the Mercy Medical Center Housekeeping Department at 1000 North Village Ave., daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The items must be placed in leak and puncture proof containers, such as laundry or bleach bottles with a screw-on cap."This is a significant step in minimizing the risks of exposure to infectious waste," said Mike Mercer, director of Environmental Services. Should you need further information, please call Mercy Medical Center's Housekeeping Department at (516) 705-1801.
Free health lectures
The Department of Community Medicine at South Nassau Communities Hospital continues to provide free seminars on a variety of heath issues. Mary Graffagnino, Registered Dietitian, will present "The ABC's of Lowering Your Cholesterol" at 1:15 p.m. on March 20. The lecture will take place at South Nassau Hospital, Albert Conference Room. The following week, March 25, Laura Righter, Program Director of the Wound Care Center will host a seminar entitled, "Identifying and Prevention of Lower Extremity Injuries." The presentation will start at 7:30 p.m. at South Nassau Hospital, Albert Conference Room.For additional information on either lecture, call South Nassau's Office of Community Medicine at (516) 632-4460.
Red Cross seeks heroes
The American Red Cross in Nassau County (ARC/Nassau) is looking for local heroes to be honored at their Third Annual Real Heroes Breakfast on May 6, at the Garden City Hotel, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Nominations are available in the following categories: fire and rescue, law enforcement, water safety, 911 dispatch, adult good samaritan, youth good samaritan, military, animal rescue, education and volunteer. Nomination forms are available online at www.NassauRedCross.org, or by calling (516) 747-3500 ext. 251. The nomination deadline is March 28.
Coping and caring
A new, ongoing support group, "Coping and Caring", will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., in the St. Anne's Center at Mercy Medical Center. This mutual aid, support group is for persons whose loved one has cancer. Pre-registration is required. To register or obtain more information, call Chris Mulhern, CSW, in the Care Management Department at Mercy Medical Center, at (516) 705-2430.
Heart Center screenings
St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center, is offering free blood pressure screenings at The DeMatteis Center for Cardiac Research and Education, Northern Boulevard in Old Brookville. Dates for scheduled screening are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates: April 9, June 11, Aug. 3, Oct. 8 and Dec.10. No appointment is necessary. For further information, call (516) 629-2038 or (516) 629-2035.
