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. For free physician referral or health information on more than 1,100 topics, call at 1-800-874-5775 or visit our website at www.nnmc.com. For additional wellness and fitness classes and workshops through Truckee Meadows Community College Community Services, go to http://commserv.tmcc.edu.

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

One in eight American women will suffer from breast cancer. Chances of recovery increase with early diagnosis. The first step is detection through monthly breast self-examination and annual mammography for women 40 years and older. Call Northern Nevada's Diagnostic Breast Care Center at 356-5800 for more information or an 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.

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

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.

AFFORDABLE MONTHLY HEALTH FAIR
7:30 to 11 AM, Thursday, Jan. 8 (note change to second Thursday due to holiday), Feb. 5, March 4
Northern Nevada Medical Center lobby

Northern Nevada Medical Center 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 screening (a quick and painless heel scan which qualifies for Medicare coverage), free fitness and body fat testing by Northern Nevada Rehabilitation, free memory screening by Senior Bridges, 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 Evert Broderick, LMT, Towards Balance. 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.

NORTHERN NEVADA/QUEST DIAGNOSTICS BLOOD DRIVES
7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Thursday, Dec. 18 and March 4
Northern Nevada Medical Center parking lot

Do a favor for those in critical medical need by participating in these Sparks blood drives, sponsored by Northern Nevada Medical Center and Quest Diagnostics. Donors are required to show ID and must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Call Risa Ronan at 356-4033 for an appointment or more information.

KNEE AND HIP PAIN SEMINARS
10 to 11 AM, Friday, Jan. 9; Thursday, Feb. 12 and March 11

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 registering for the seminar at 331-4933.

FLASHES WOMEN'S HEALTH EDUCATION
6 to 7:30 PM, Tuesday, Feb. 3 -- Saving face

Cindy Lamerson, MD, dermatologist, presents the latest technology in skin care and treatment options for maturing skin including "before and after" demonstrations. This free quarterly women's health education seminar is presented by healthcare professionals and co-facilitated by Tracey Green, MD, family practitioner, and Irene White, RPh, pharmacist. FLASHES -- Females Learning and Sharing Healthcare Education and Support -- is sponsored by Northern Nevada Medical Center and Arlington Clinical Pharmacy. Registration: 1-800-874-5775.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES SERIES
Noon to 1 PM, Feb. 13 -- The American diabetes epidemic: prevention and treatment -- Vance Alm, MD, family practitioner, presents the latest information on early detection as well as management of this increasingly prevalent disease.

Noon to 1 PM, March 12 -- A good night's rest -- Christina A. Szot, MD, board certified pulmonologist, discusses how stages of life affect sleep patterns and ways to help your body get the rest it needs. These free monthly presentations for active adults are sponsored by Northern Nevada Medical Center. Refreshments are served. Reservations required: 1-800-874-5775.

Northern Nevada Medical Center Campus

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