Genome lecture

Genome lecture

SHARON, PA.

Penn State Shenango will continue its 2014-15 Faculty Lecture Series with instructor in biology Kevin McDade, who will speak on “How Can I Learn About My Personal Genome and Why I Need To Know?” at 7 p.m. on March 23 in Sharon Hall Room 105 located on Penn Avenue in downtown Sharon.

McDade will present a review of personal genomics as it applies to individuals’ health care. By identifying key genetic markers, health care professionals can determine drug dosage or even identify the risk of disease, he said. The event is free and open to the public.

Wellness challenge

CANFIELD

The Ohio State University Extension Office is conducting its 2015 Spring Wellness Challenge, a free, six-week online email program designed to help participants improve their health by encouraging physical activity, enjoying healthful foods, and practicing sound fitness suggestions.

Participants will receive two weekly e-communications containing research- based nutrition, health and fitness information. Additional tracking logs will be available for download to help participants document their progress, as well as access to supplemental information available on Blogs and Facebook.

Participants also will learn about adding more vegetables and fruits to their diet, finding ways to move, trying new recipes, visiting local food sources, planting herbs/vegetables/fruit in a container or plot garden, seasoning with herbs instead of salt and managing stress and maintaining a positive attitude, said Beth Stefura, OSU Extension educator in Mahoning County.

The Challenge is from March 30 to May 10. To register online, go to http://go.osu.edu/sp15Mahoning. For information, call 330-533-5538.

Autism and disability fair

BOARDMAN

The Autism Society of Ohio-Mahoning Valley is hosting its second annual Community Autism & Disability Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Southern Park Mall in Boardman.

Service providers will provide participants at this free event information about autism and disability services and organizations in the area and Northeast Ohio region. They also will offer a variety of activities for children of all ages and educational workshops for parents. The workshops are: “Navigating Family Support Services,” 10:30 a.m.; “Supporting Positive Behavior at Home,” 11:30 a.m.; and “Understanding Social Skill Deficits,” 12:30 p.m.

Prostate screening

NILES

Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley, Man Up Mahoning Valley and N.E.O. Urology are offering free prostate-cancer screenings from 5 to 7 p.m. March 31 at St. Joe’s at the Mall in Eastwood Mall next to Sears.

The screenings are available to men 40 and older and consist of a digital rectal exam and prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood draw. To register, call Mercy Health at 330-480-3405.

Nutrition seminar

HOWLAND

The Howland Health and Wellness Committee is offering a nutrition-focused seminar, “Bites Add Up,” at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Shepherd of the Valley – Howland, 4100 North River Road.

Miranda Monroe, clinical dietitian from Trumbull Memorial Hospital, will discuss ways to “Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle” by limiting excess calories, making smart snacking choices and building a healthful plate.