WOMEN'S
CONTINENCE CENTER
Vista Medical Terrace, 2345 E. Prater Way, Suite 107, Sparks (up the hill from Northern Nevada Medical Center)

More than half of all postmenopausal women report urinary incontinence -- and even among younger women, the incidence is almost 50 percent. Overall, this condition is four times more prevalent in women than in men. The good news is that incontinence in women is treatable -- and treatment doesn't necessarily mean surgery. The Women's Continence Center at Northern Nevada Medical Center is the area's first medical practice dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for the evaluation and treatment of women facing urinary incontinence. Under the medical supervision of Bruce Crawford, MD, board-certified gynecologist, with services provided by Gena Turner, APN/CNP, nurse practitioner, the Women's Continence Center provides the latest in biofeedback, physical therapy and nonsurgical management alternatives as well as surgical services. For an appointment or more information, please call 356-8980.

OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING
Vista Osteoporosis Center at Northern Nevada Medical Center Suite 115, Vista Medical Terrace, 2345 E. Prater Way, Sparks (up the hill from the hospital)

The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates 28,000 Nevadans have osteoporosis or low bone mass -- 80 percent of them women and the vast majority undiagnosed. After menopause, all women are at risk for osteoporosis, but a family history of the disease, being of slender build, being an Asian or Caucasian woman and other factors also increase risk. Osteoporosis is both treatable and preventable if detected early enough. Low-dose X-ray bone density scans are the best way to achieve early detection. Osteoporosis screening qualifies for Medicare reimbursement. Appointments: 356-1212.

SATURDAY CLINICS
8:30 to 11:30 AM, first and third Saturdays monthly
Vista Family Medicine, 5975 Los Altos Pkwy. (off Vista Blvd., just north of Baring Boulevard in Sparks)

Families with busy schedules can take advantage of Saturday hours at Vista Family Medicine. Vance Alm, MD, family practitioner with Vista Family Medicine, sees patients 8:30 to 11:30 AM on the first and third Saturdays of every month. Call 356-8100 for an appointment.

THIN WITHIN: SURGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR OBESITY
6 to 8 PM, Monday, March 28 John Ascuaga's Nugget Convention Center
Northern Nevada Medical Center, in cooperation with the surgeons of Western Bariatric Institute, offers a free educational seminar on its surgical weight-loss program. Current bariatric, or weight-loss, surgical methods provide a solution to those with life-threatening obesity. Seating is limited, and registration is required for this seminar; call 326-9152 or toll-free 1-866-986-8812.

AFFORDABLE MONTHLY HEALTH FAIR
7:30 to 11 AM, Thursday, April 7, May 5, June 2

Northern Nevada Medical Center lobby Northern Nevada presents a variety of low-cost and free health screenings at these health fairs scheduled on the first Thursday of each month. Services include: $10 for CBC panel (presence of infection and red/white blood cell count), $15 for lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL/LDL "good"/"bad" cholesterol and ratios) or $20 for both lipid profile and blood chemistry panel (including 14 different measurements), $35 for thyroid (TSH) screening, $20 for osteoporosis bone density screening (a quick and painless heel scan), free fitness and body fat testing by Northern Nevada Rehabilitation and $50 for prostate cancer screening coupon, including PSA blood test and physical exam by family practitioner Vance Alm, MD, Vista Family Medicine. Then, relax with a 15-minute chair massage for $5 by licensed massage therapist Victoria Wallington, LMT. Fasting for 12 to 14 hours required for best results in lipid profiles. After the screening, enjoy a heart-wise breakfast in the cafeteria for $1.50 served until 9 AM. Details: 1-800-874-5775.

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
9 to 11 AM, Friday, April 8, May 13, June 10
Board room -- hospital third floor

Our patients need you, and so do we! Join the friendly, service-focused team at Northern Nevada Medical Center by becoming a volunteer! We are seeking people who are personable, friendly, over 18 and willing to volunteer in a great environment. You choose your hours, minimum four-hour shifts. Current departments in need of volunteers include: nutrition services, emergency department, hospital gift shop, lobby greeter and patient relations. The hospital hosts a monthly volunteer orientation on the second Friday morning of every month. Light refreshments are served. Please call Betsy Mellinger, volunteer relations coordinator, at 356-0141 to apply or for more information.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES SERIES
All events noon to 1 PM, Friday:

April 8 -- Allergy answers
Andrew Mleynek, DO, takes a look at seasonal allergies and what you can do to find relief during the spring sneezing season.

May 13 -- Osteoporosis: Your bones and your diet
Tracey Green, MD, medical director of Northern Nevada Medical Center's Vista Osteoporosis Center, discusses diet, medications, age and osteoporosis prevention.

June 10 -- Laser face rejuvenation
Stephen Bajo, MD, discusses "lunch-hour laser face-lifts" and how lasers have advanced the medical science of younger-looking skin.

These free monthly presentations focus on health and wellness information for active older adults. Refreshments are served. Reservations required: 1-800-874-5775.

KNEE AND HIP PAIN SEMINARS
10 to 11 AM, Thursday, April 14, May 12, June 9

Learn more about the causes of hip and knee pain and available treatment options at this free seminar presented by the Joint Care Center of Northern Nevada. This program at Northern Nevada Medical Center offers innovative solutions for knee and hip pain in partnership with some of the area's outstanding orthopedic specialists. Take steps to preserve your quality of life by registering for the seminar at 356-4066.

FLASHES -- WOMEN'S HEALTH EDUCATION
Aging well -- 6 to 7:30 PM, Tuesday, May 17

Stephen Bajo, MD, internist, discusses age management and the roles of diet and nutrition, supplementation, exercise physiology and hormones in healthy aging. Hormone modulation has been shown to improve sleep, increase bone density, create more muscle mass and reduce body fat, among other benefits. Based on prevention and wellness, age management is a new field of medicine focused on limiting or even reversing many of the effects of aging.

FLASHES -- Females Learning and Sharing Healthcare Education and Support -- is a free quarterly women's health education series sponsored by Northern Nevada Medical Center and presented by healthcare professionals. Registration: 1-800-874-5775.

6th ANNUAL FREE EARLY CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION DAY
10 AM to 2 PM, Saturday, April 30 Anderson Elementary School, 1055 Berrum Lane, Reno, and Sparks Fire Department, 1605 Victorian Ave., Sparks

Northern Nevada Medical Center joins a statewide coalition of healthcare providers in offering free childhood immunizations for infants and toddlers. Free childhood wellness information and activities also will be provided. Details: 356-6530.

MAY MAMMOGRAPHY AND OSTEOPOROSIS SPECIALS
May 1-31, weekdays by appointment

Diagnostic Breast Care Center at Northern Nevada Medical Center, Suite 115, Vista Medical Terrace, 2345 E. Prater Way, Sparks (up the hill from the hospital)

Take time this month to take care of your important health needs! Women can significantly reduce long-term health risks with regular mammography and an osteoporosis bone density screening to detect osteoporosis. These screenings can save lives. In recognition of Mother's Day and National Osteoporosis Awareness Month in May, Northern Nevada offers two special women's health offers: screening* mammogram for $65 (regularly $90) and bone density heel scan for $10 (regularly $20). Call 356-5800 for a mammography appointment and 356-1212 for bone density heel scan appointment. For information on a grant program providing mammography for qualified uninsured and underinsured women, call 1-888-463-8942 and ask for the Women's Health Connection.

*Screening mammograms are routine mammograms for women with no symptoms such as pain, lumps or implants.

Seminars are held in Suite 203, Sparks Medical Building, 2385 E. Prater Way, Sparks (connected to Northern Nevada Medical Center), unless another location is given.

Northern Nevada Medical Center Campus

Northern Nevada Medical Center 2375 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434 775-331-7000