Dimes ambassador to visit

Dimes ambassador to visit
LIBERTY -- The March of Dimes 2007 National Ambassador Child, Ezekiel Taylor and his parents, Betty and Corey, will visit the Mahoning Valley on Wednesday. It will mark the first time a MOD national ambassador has visited the Mahoning Valley, officials of the Northeast Ohio Division of the MOD said.
Born severely premature, 14 weeks early, and weighing just 1 pound, 14 ounces, Ezekiel, known as Zeek, now 8, benefited from technological advances developed though research funded by the MOD, officials said. Zeek and his family will participate in a press conference at 11 a.m. at the Holiday Inn MetroPlex, and will tour the General Motors Lordstown complex later in the day.
New hours at care center
WARREN -- Effective today, new hours went into effect at St. Joseph Minor Emergency and Diagnostic Center, Tod Avenue N.W. Minor emergency care will be available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, including holidays. Outpatient laboratory and radiology services will be available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends and holidays.
Women and heart disease
ALLIANCE -- As part of the American Heart Association's "Go Red" campaign, Alliance Community Hospital will host "Rhythm in Red," a program designed to encourage women to recognize the risks of heart disease. The seminar is from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 in conference room 1-A, located off the caf & eacute; on the first floor. Light refreshments will be served. Registered nurse Karen Campf, coordinator of Advanced Cardiac Life Support, is the featured speaker. Her presentation is from 1:15 to 2 p.m. To register, call (330) 596-7145.
Rides for cancer patients
Cancer patients can get free transportation to and from area treatment sites through the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program, a free service.
"Many cancer patients need daily or weekly treatment, often over the course of several months. They may not have a vehicle, or they are simply too ill to drive," said Barb Barsch, volunteer coordinator of the Road to Recovery program in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
The ACS is seeking volunteer drivers who are willing to donate time plus their vehicle to assist those who lack a ride for cancer treatment. Interested people should attend a two-hour ACS training session. They must also have a valid Ohio driver's license, a good driving record, and proof of adequate auto insurance.
Cancer patients who need a ride to and from treatment, or those interested in becoming a volunteer driver, should call toll free (888) 227-6446, ext. 2102.
Youth cancer scholarships
March 21 is the deadline to apply to the American Cancer Society's Ohio Division for Youth Survivor College Scholarships for the 2007-08 academic year. Applicants will be notified in May 2007 of their funding status.
In 2006, 1,000 scholarships were granted to 111 college-bound cancer survivors from across Ohio. Last year in the 13 counties that serve Northeast Ohio, 28 scholarships were awarded.
Scholarship applicants must be residents of Ohio, a U.S. citizen, diagnosed with cancer before age 21, under the age of 25 at the time of application, and plan to attend an accredited university or community college in the U.S. Priority will be given to first-time applicants. Former recipients are encouraged to apply, but will not be guaranteed funding.
To receive an application, or for more information, call toll free at (888) 227-6446, ext. 8405 or 8409.
Program on heart health
NILES -- Community members are invited to attend a free program on heart health sponsored by PBS 45 and 49 from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Eastwood YMCA, 995 Youngstown-Warren Road. The program includes a screening of the film & quot;The Hidden Epidemic: Heart Disease in America & quot; and a question-and-answer segment with a local health expert. Participants also will receive free take-home materials about heart health. Pre-registration is required. Call (800) 554-4549.
& quot;The Hidden Epidemic & quot; is a part of PBS 45 & amp; 49's Aging Smart initiative, a service for its viewers who are over the age of 55. The initiative includes on-air programming, community events and a free quarterly newsletter. The on-air programming runs from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with additional programming found throughout the prime-time and weekend broadcast schedule. For more information, call PBS 45 & amp; 49 at (800) 554-4549.
Radiothon nets 858,376
AKRON -- The eighth annual "Have a Heart, Do Your Part" Radiothon raised 858,376 for Akron Children's Hospital over three days last weekend. During Radiothon, with 98.1 WKDD, dozens of patients and families shared their personal stories with WKDD's personalities, Matt Patrick and Angela, prompting hundreds of listeners to call in pledges.
The campaign raised 845,471 in 2006, and since it began, has raised about 3.3 million. All funds are used to buy equipment, fund research and provide patient care programs for Akron Children's Hospital.
Water safety instruction
HUBBARD -- An American Red Cross water safety instructor class is offered at the Hubbard Community Pool, 250 Hall Ave., next to Hubbard High School, from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 25. The cost is 200. For more information or to register, call (330) 534-1992 ext. 1301.
CPR class at UPMC
GREENVILLE, Pa. -- UPMC Horizon is having a health-care provider CPR class from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 13 in the Assembly Room at Greenville. The fee is 30 per person. For more information, or to register, call (724) 589-6113 or (888) 447-1122 ext. 6113.
Losing weight surgically
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Dr. Alexander Barkann, specialist in general surgery and bariatric surgery, will offer a program, "Weight Loss Surgery Options," from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 8 at the Womancare Center, 875 N. Hermitage Road. To register for the free program, call (724) 347-7700 or toll-free (866) 347-7700.