Lung surgery certification

Lung surgery certification
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, through its newly created Severe Emphysema Surgery Program, has been certified by the Centers for Medicare & amp; Medicaid Services to receive Medicare reimbursement for lung volume reduction surgery, or LVRS, as a treatment for emphysema. UPMC is one of only 44 centers nationwide to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement for this procedure. The certification began Jan. 1.
LVRS, also known as reduction pneumoplasty, lung shaving or lung contouring, is an invasive surgical procedure to reduce the volume of a hyperinflated lung to allow the underlying compressed lung to expand and establish improved respiratory function.
"Short of lung transplantation, this surgery has the potential to provide a significant benefit to help patients with severe emphysema," said Dr. Rodney Landreneau, co-director of the program, professor of surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and director of the Comprehensive Lung Center at UPMC Shadyside.
Mental illness classes
YOUNGSTOWN -- Family-to-Family Education Classes, about aspects of living with a person with mental illness, are offered by NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Mahoning Valley and the Mahoning County Mental Health Board.
The series of 12 weekly classes is from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays from Feb. 9 through April 26 at the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane. There is no cost for family members. Registration is required, and classes are limited to the first 22 people who register. Call (330) 545-9148 for information or registration applications.
The course includes definitions and causes of mental illnesses, medications and treatment, communications, rehabilitation and recovery. The nationally recognized curriculum is taught by trained family members.
Social-work programs
Malone College in Canton offers "Social Work in the Real World" programs from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Bicentennial Center, 515 25th Street N.W. For more information, call (330) 471-8180 or visit www.malone.edu/socialwork. The programs include:
UFeb. 17: "Serving Families Who Are Impacted by Terminal Illness: Social Work Responds."
UMarch 22: "The Roles of a Social Worker in Assisting Teens Who Have Aged out of Foster Care: The Shelter Care Model" and a panel discussion, "Being the Right Partner and Marrying the Right Partner: Cautions From Helpers to Helpers."
Lung Screening Trial
FARRELL, Pa. -- The Shenango Valley campus of UPMC Horizon has screened its quota of 695 participants for the National Lung Screening Trial, a research study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, thus ending the initial screening process. The study, begun Sept. 1, 2002, compares the results of spiral computed tomography (CT) and standard chest x-rays to determine if one method is better at detecting the early stages of lung cancer. The study recruited about 50,000 participants nationwide, who are randomly assigned to get a free chest x-ray or spiral CT every year for three years. Researchers will contact participants at least once a year until 2009.
HIV care consortium
The Ryan White Consortium, a planning body for HIV health care and support services for Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Jefferson counties, will meet from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at The Ursuline Center, 4250 Shields Road, Canfield. The meeting is open to the public.
Free Pap tests offered
LISBON -- The Columbiana County Health Department offers free Pap tests, which detect cervical cancer and precancerous lesions, to residents of the health district. Pap tests should begin at the age of 18 or the age sexual activity begins, whichever comes first. Call (330) 424-0272 to schedule an appointment.
Sharing in East Palestine
EAST PALESTINE -- East Palestine Memorial Public Library has planned a "Share your love of reading" promotion Monday through Saturday. During the period, patrons will be able to complete a form to let the staff know what books patrons have been reading and would like to read. Forms are available at the library or online at www.east-palestine.lib.oh.us.
"A Taste of Chocolate" will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24. Visitors are invited to make a food item containing chocolate and bring the recipe and samples to share. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Valentine's celebration
COLUMBIANA -- Children in kindergarten through fourth grade can come to the Columbiana Public Library and enjoy stories, crafts and refreshments to celebrate Valentine's Day on Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Preregistration is required. To register or for more information, call the library at (330) 482-5509 or stop in at 332 N. Middle St., Columbiana.
Book on breast-feeding
The newly revised "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" is now available.
The book, known to many moms as the breast-feeding bible, features current research on the benefits of human milk, instructions on how to position a baby, suggestions on working and breast-feeding, and more.
The book is published by La Leche League International, a nonprofit organization that provides information and encouragement through mother-to-mother support groups. For more information or to contact a local group, see www.lalecheleague.org.