Comedy for mental health



Comedy for mental health
LIBERTY -- Stand-up comedian Paul Jones will present "A Bipolar Discussion" from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Belmont Pines Hospital, 615 Churchill-Hubbard Road.
"What kills a lot of people with mental illness is the stigma surrounding it," said Jones, who is himself bipolar.
Jones, a Cincinnati resident who has done standup comedy for 17 years under the stage name Paul Zass, said: "They [the mentally ill] won't go and get help because they know once you're diagnosed, you're labeled as crazy for the rest of your life."
Jones says he uses his communication skills developed as a comedian, songwriter and author to connect with audiences. He shares his life-changing principles, which are intertwined with real-life stories and personal experiences.
The cost for the presentation is $10 per person. Food and refreshments will be served, and continuing education units are available for registered Ohio nurses and social workers. Registration is required. To register, call (877) 668-6794 toll free.
Health for men
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The Womancare Center of UPMC Horizon will host Men's Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22. Men who visit the Womancare Center on Men's Day will receive the following free screenings: prostate examination, including a prostrate specific antigen (PSA) blood test; cholesterol and blood sugar (12-hour fast preferred); spirometry (measures lung capacity); body mass index (BMI); electrocardiogram (EKG); and blood pressure.
Free coffee and slices of Ma Peg's Pies will be available to all visitors, as well as a raffle drawing for hunting equipment.
To qualify for the free screenings, men must meet at least two of the following criteria. They should be at least 50 years old, have a family history of prostrate cancer, not had a prostrate examination within the past year, or are African-American.
To make an appointment for Men's Day, call (724) 347-7700 or toll-free at (866) 347-7700.
The Womancare Center of UPMC Horizon, affiliated with Magee Women's Hospital, is located at 875 N. Hermitage Road (Route 18), across from the Hermitage Municipal Building.
Tai Chi program
VILLA MARIA, Pa. -- "An Introduction to Tai Chi & amp; Ouigong" is planned from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at Villa Maria Community Center as part of the ongoing complementary health series.
Nick J. Gracenin, director of the Martial Arts Center in Sharon, Pa., will present the program to be sponsored by EverGreen and Villa Maria Life Services.
Call Tina Fanfer at (724) 964-8920 Ext. 3387 for information. A donation of $3-4 is suggested.
Heart disease
HERMITAGE , Pa. -- Dr. Sabrina Varga, a family practicioner, will present "Women and Heart Disease" from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Womancare Center of UPMC Horizon, 875 N. Hermitage Road, affiliated with Magee Women's Hospital. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. Dr. Varga will speak about the risk factors of heart disease, and how women at risk can reduce their chances of developing heart disease. To register for the program, call (724) 347-7700, or toll-free at (866) 347-7700.
Grandparents program
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- "Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children" is the topic of a program planned Sept. 26 by Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lawrence County at its office in the courthouse, 430 Court St. A light dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. Speakers will be Julie Jendrysik, case manager at Lawrence County Drug and Alcohol Commission, the children's program will be presented by Rochelle Smith, drug and alcohol prevention specialist. Register by noon Friday by calling (724) 654-8370.
Stealing from your kids
Can't keep your hands off your kids' stuff? You're not alone.
Some real-dad confessions, from Parents magazine:
"When I see my daughter's Archie comics lying around, I'll pick one up and start reading. It's like therapy after a tough day at work."
"I can't resist my son's fruit snacks. I tried to sneak them, but my wife found out."
"I moved my kids' GameCube system into the living room. That way, I don't have to wake them up when I want to play."
"My wife noticed how quickly we ran out of my son's lavender skin lotion, so I 'fessed up. Now she buys the jumbo size for us to share."