Health briefs
October 1, 2002 Medical students graduate
The West Virginia University School of Medicine recently awarded 72 medical degrees to students. Among them were:
– Michael Alan Stickler, son of Richard and Linda Stickler of Uniontown, was awarded a doctor of medicine degree. He began a residency, specializing in dermatology at the University of Florida.
– Jason Marcel Yonker, son of John and Mary Yonker of Uniontown, was awarded a doctor of medicine degree. He began a residency specializing in ophthalmology in Michigan.
Cal U program accredited
The progress and noteworthy achievements continue for California University of Pennsylvania’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, which is housed under the health science and sport studies department.
Cal U’s OTA program passed its initial accreditation with such substantial compliance that the program has been granted an additional two years on accreditation status. This means that if programs applying for initial accreditation meet the minimal educational students for an occupational therapy assistant program, a five-year accreditation status is granted.
For more information on Cal U’s OTA program, contact the offices of health science and sports studies at 724-938-4356.
Breast cancer program set
West Virginia University’s Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center will hold an informal educational event for breast cancer survivors and their families on Monday, Oct. 28.
“An Evening of Sharing and Caring” will give those interested in learning more about the disease an opportunity to get answers to their questions and to meet and mingle with other breast cancer survivors and the medical experts who care for them.
The event will be held October 28 at Lakeview Resort. It will include a complimentary dinner and informal panel discussions by breast cancer survivors, cancer specialists and other healthcare providers. Topics include treatment options, genetic counseling, family intervention, reconstruction options, legal rights and more.
The event is a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The dinner will begin at 5 p.m. and is free. Seating is limited. Call 293-5928 to reserve a seat. The informal panel discussions will begin at 6 p.m.
“An Evening of Sharing and Caring” is co-sponsored by the Betty Puskar Breast Care Center, located at the Cancer Center and WVU Hospitals.
Uniontown offers programs
The Uniontown Hospital and its home health care agency, Fayette Home Care, will offer the following community education programs in October:
– The Safe Sitter Course offers youth over the age of 11 the opportunity to learn safe babysitting techniques from registered nurses. There are two sessions. Each session is six and a half hours. The dates will be announced. A $10 fee is charged to cover the cost of educational materials. To register, call 724-430-3333.
– Childbirth and Labor Preparation Courses are offered each month at the Uniontown Hospital. Two courses will be offered in a series of four sessions. Choose from the series scheduled for today, Oct. 8, 15 and 22 or this Thursday, Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Each session is held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Family Beginnings Conference Room. Registration is required. Call 724-430-4646.
– Breast Feeding is Best Feeding Support Group will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, in the Family Beginnings Conference Room. Bring your baby. The support group is led by lactation consultants, who are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. For more information, call 724-430-5573. Registration is not necessary. Parking is free.
– The Parent Support Group for Pregnancy and Infant Loss will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, in the hospital’s Library Conference Room. This is for parents experiencing a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death, ectopic pregnancy or SIDS. Registration is not necessary.
– 2002 Prostate Screening is a free screening sponsored by the hospital. It will be offered from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. To register, call the Fayette Health Line at 724-430-3333.
– Sibling Preparation Class is offered by the Uniontown Hospital to help prepare children for the arrival of a new baby brother or baby sister. The class will be held on Monday, Oct. 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Family Beginnings Birthing Center. To register, call 724-430-4646.
– APPRISE is a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for older Pennsylvanians. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging created APPRISE to help older Pennsylvanians understand their health insurance options and make sound decisions about what is best for them. To register, call Fayette HealthLine at 724-430-3333.
Smoking program slated
Smoking/Tobacco Cessation Program is a free of charge program sponsored by the hospital. The program will be held in the Library Conference Room of the hospital’s Main Floor. The program will be offered from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
– Session I, today.
– Session II, Tuesday, Oct. 8.
– Session III, Tuesday, Oct. 15.
– Session IV, Tuesday, Oct. 22.
– Session V, Tuesday, Oct. 29.
– Session VI, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Women’s display offered
The Uniontown Hospital will offer a display in the lobby during Women’s Health Week, which will be held Oct. 21-27, in observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
For more information, contact Anita Hrutkay, R.N., director of Fayette HealthLine/Telecommunicatins/Community Screenings.