Diet program offered

January 6, 2008 at 2:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — Humility of Mary Health Partners and the Jewish Community Center are offering the “Diet, Fitness and Health for You” program, that focuses on weight loss, fitness and nutritional guidance for people 18 years and older. The 12-week program begins Wednesday and is from 10 to 11 a.m. or 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane. It costs $120 for Jewish Community Center members and $160 for nonmembers. To register, call (330) 746-3251, ext. 195.

MDA seeks nominations

AKRON — The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is seeking nominations for its annual Robert Ross Personal Achievement Awards. The awards are given on local, state and national levels to recognize the accomplishments and community service of people with disabilities caused by neuromuscular diseases.

Nomination forms are available from the local MDA office and must be submitted by Jan. 25. Nominations may be made by individuals or organizations; all nominees must be affected by one of the neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s program and be registered with the Association. Additional information and nomination forms for the 2008 MDA Personal Achievement Awards may be obtained by calling the local MDA office at (330) 869-0598.

Da Vinci system at St. E’s

YOUNGSTOWN — St. Elizabeth Health Center is offering robotic-assisted hysterectomies using the da Vinci surgery system. The minimally invasive procedure reduces recovery time and improves outcomes, St. Elizabeth officials said. Other surgeries offered by St. Elizabeth using da Vinci include prostatectomy and radical cystectomy. For more information about the da Vinci system at St. Elizabeth, call (877) 700-4647.

Health career seminar

SALEM — Area residents interested in pursing a career in health care are invited to attend a Health Care Career Seminar from 9:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Kent State University Salem Campus, 2491 state Route 45.

Co-sponsored in part by Northeast Ohio HealthForce, Kent State University Salem/East Liverpool and Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education, the workshop will offer information on nursing, health information technology, laboratory and radiology technology, rehabilitative therapy and many other career paths. Financial aid services information will also be available on-site.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. There is no charge for the workshop. To preregister, call (330) 420-9675, ext. 0. High school students should contact their guidance office for registration or Cheryl Chan at (330) 382-7402. Parents are welcome to attend.

Volunteer orientation

ALLIANCE — On Tuesday, Alliance Community Hospital’s volunteer orientation, “Ventures into Volunteering,” will be offered at the hospital from 1 to 4 p.m. Registration is required. For more information or to make a reservation, call (330) 596-7822 or (330) 596-7821 by Monday.

Certified in monitoring

YOUNGSTOWN/WARREN — The staff of the maternity department at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren and the labor/delivery department at St. Elizabeth Health Center have been certified in electronic fetal monitoring by the National Certification Corp. The multidisciplinary exam can be taken by nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants and nurse midwives, and helps ensure that an institution’s health care team uses the same language when interpreting electronic fetal monitoring.

Influenza vaccinations

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Aging says there is still time to be vaccinated against influenza. The flu season typically peaks in January or later. Officials said the flu shot is particularly important for people 65 years of age and older because they are more likely to become sicker and experience complications if they do get sick.

Council chairman elected

YOUNGSTOWN — Ron Marian, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health Board, has been elected chairman of the Mahoning County Family & Children First Council. Other officers include: Rich Vendetti, Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center, vice chairman; Claudia Charity, Youngstown City Schools, secretary; and Rich Denamen, Mahoning County Educational Service Center, Treasurer. The executive council meets at 1:30 p.m. on the third Friday of each month at the Mahoning County Educational Service Center, 100 DeBartolo Place, Boardman.

Health care workshop

YOUNGSTOWN — Area residents interested in pursing a career in health care are invited to attend a Health Care Career Workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane.

Presented by Northeast Ohio HealthForce, the workshop will offer information on nursing, health information technology, laboratory and radiology technology, rehabilitative therapy, pharmacy technology and many other career paths. Participants will be able to talk to health care employers, educators and career pathway representatives during an hour long breakout session. Financial aid services information will also be available on-site.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. There is no charge for the workshop. To preregister, call Arelis Laviena at (330) 965-1787, ext. 141.

La Leche League

LISBON — The Salem-Lisbon La Leche League will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the WIC office, 7876 Lincole Place. The discussion topic will be “The Benefits of Breastfeeding” All women who are pregnant or nursing are welcome. For more information, call (330) 427-2155.