• • American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2009, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 will have a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one. To urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases, since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February "American Heart Month."
For more information on heart disease and stroke, visit CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.

..................................................................................

• Feb. 1 - 28• National Children’s Dental Health Month

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country.
For more information and materials available please direct all questions to the American Dental Association ncdhm@ada.org or (800) 621-8099

..................................................................................

• TUES. Feb. 01• Free Blood Pressure Screening

About one-sixth of all Americans have high blood pressure and the incidence of this disease increases with age. High blood pressure can cause diseases without any early warning symptoms. High blood pressure can cause arterial disease (atherosclerosis) that can lead to heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. Routine screening tests are part of basic prevention medicine.They allow doctors to find illness and treat it much earlier than they could otherwise. Patients with high risk factors for screened diseases can make sure they don't acquire the illness as well, and if they do they can treat it early on. Sharp Senior Resource Center offers free blood pressure screening.No appointment necessary. Open to the public. DAY-Tuesday, February 1st., 2011-TIME-9:30 to 11 a.m.- WHERE-Grossmont Senior Resource Center, 9000 Wakarusa, La Mesa,-INFO-For information, call 619-740-4214.

..................................................................................

• TUES. Feb. 01• Breakfast of HOPE to Raise Awareness and Help
Domestic - Violence Victims Reach and Remain Safe

Only about half of domestic violence incidents are reported to police. It's the leading cause of injury to women in the United States. Tellingly, 85% of domestic violence victims are women, and one in every four women will experience domestic violence sometime in her lifetime. The calls made to alert police of domestic violence are often placed by a child in the home. One of every three abused children becomes an adult abuser or victim. Nearly three-quarters of Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence.
The Operation for HOPE will be holding its first Breakfast of HOPE. Guests will learn how we can join together to become more aware of the signs of domestic violence and in preventing violence before it starts. The HOPE Fund provides small interest-free loans to cover needed items such as rent, utilities and childcare so that finding safety or remaining safe is possible.
Operation for HOPE Foundation is a 501(C) 3 public benefit charity whose mission is to raise awareness in the prevention of domestic violence and to provide information about accessing resources to respond to and prevent this issue.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 1, 2011 -TIME: 10-11 AM- WHERE: Venue is being hosted by the Scripps Research Institute Conference Center in La Jolla, 3301 North Torrey Pines Court La Jolla, CA 92037 US- INFO: please email to Melissa or call (888) HOPE-008. To learn how you can support efforts and to get involved, please visit us at www.operationforhope.org.

..................................................................................

• WED. Feb. 02• Free Blood Pressure Screening

About one-sixth of all Americans have high blood pressure and the incidence of this disease increases with age. High blood pressure can cause diseases without any early warning symptoms. High blood pressure can cause arterial disease (atherosclerosis) that can lead to heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. Routine screening tests are part of basic prevention medicine.They allow doctors to find illness and treat it much earlier than they could otherwise. Patients with high risk factors for screened diseases can make sure they don't acquire the illness as well, and if they do they can treat it early on. Sharp Senior Resource Center offers free blood pressure screening.No appointment necessary. Open to the public. DAY-Wednesday, February 2, 2011-TIME-9:30 to 10:30 a.m.- WHERE-St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1145 Evergreen, San Diego-INFO-For information, call 619-740-4214.

................................................................................

• THURSDAY. Feb. 03• San Diego Landmarks Go Red
to Kick Off Go Red For Women Campaign

Statistics show that no disease, not even cancer, claims as many women’s lives as heart disease. Yet, only 21% of women view heart disease as a health threat.
February 4th is National Wear Red For Women Day. The American Heart Association encourages women, and those around them, to wear red clothing and accessories to raise awareness about women’s elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and encourage women to get screened for heart disease. This support will be evident the night of February 3rd as some of the most recognizable landmarks in San Diego “Go Red” to show their support.
WHEN: Thursday, February 3rd- TIME: 6PM-WHERE- At the U.S. Grant Hotel – 326 Broadway Westfield Horton Plaza, The Marketplace at Westfield UTC, The Hotel del Coronado, the UCSD Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center in La Jolla and the San Diego County Administration Building --INFO-For details and a point of contact at the landmarks Going Red in support of the America Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign, please call (858) 472-1902. To get involved, visit www.goredforwomen.org.

................................................................................

• FRI. Feb. 04 • National Wear Red Day

With Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke.
In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease.” To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.For material and more information please visit:www.goredforwomen.org

.................................................................................

• SAT. Feb. 05 • Fundraiser for Edgemoor Arts

A special art therapy program -- Healing Hearts at Edgemoor -- will benefit from a fun-for-all fundraiser, called “Arts and Hearts”. Please join us for food, entertainment and more! Create your own art. Grab a brush. Get inspired. DAY-Saturday, Feb. 5,2011-TIME- from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m-PLACE- at Edgemoor, 655 Park Center Dr., Santee 92071 -INFO-For additional information, visit: www.edgemoorevents.moonfruit.com.

................................................................................

• SAT. Feb. 05 • Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters

Memory often changes as you grow older. Early Detection Matters
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of dementia. Dementia is a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal disorder that results in the loss of brain cells and function. This 1 hour workshop provides attendees with information about the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. These are free workshops and will be delivered in Spanish.DAY-Saturday, February 5, 2011-TIME-10:00-11:00 AM-WHERE-Lemon Grove Branch Library-8073 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945-INFO-For more information, please call the Alzheimer’s Association:1-800-272-3900- English Flyer-Spanish Flyer or visit www.sanalz.org

................................................................................

• SAT. Feb. 05 • Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters

Memory often changes as you grow older. Early Detection Matters
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of dementia. Dementia is a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal disorder that results in the loss of brain cells and function. This 1 hour workshop provides attendees with information about the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. These are free workshops and will be delivered in Spanish.DAY-Saturday, February 5, 2011-TIME-10:00-11:00 AM-WHERE-Spring Valley Branch Library-836 Kempton St., Spring Valley, CA 91977--INFO-For more information, please call the Alzheimer’s Association:1-800-272-3900- English Flyer-Spanish Flyer or visit www.sanalz.org

................................................................................

• FEB. 06-12• Burn Awareness Week

This year one of the focus areas is preventing scald burn injuries. A scald is a burn from hot liquid or steam. The most common places children experience scalds are in the kitchen or dining rooms and in the bathrooms.
Hot tap water accounts for nearly one-fourth of all scald burns among children and is associated with more deaths and hospitalizations than other hot liquid burns. Tap-water burns most often occur in the bathroom and tend to be more severe and cover a larger portion of the body than other scald burns.An average of nine children ages 14 and under die from scald burn-related injuries each year.
Always test the bath water with your hand before bathing children. When children are in or near the bath, watch them closely checking the water temperature frequently. The recommended safe and comfortable temperature for bathing a young child is no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to set your water heater at 120 degrees.If you are unable to control the temperature that comes out of your faucet, install special tub spouts or shower heads that can shut off the flow of water. For more information and materials available please visit: www.safekids.org

...............................................................................

• TUES. Feb. 08• Addressing behavior
through compassionate communication

Learn to articulate tips to improve communication skills with memory-impaired adults. Identify techniques to cope with challenging behaviors. Presented by Diane Beach, Community Education Manager, Alzheimer’s Association. DAY- on Tuesday, February 8,2011-TIME- 10 to 11:30 a.m. -WHERE-at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion, Classroom B, 3075 Health Center Dr., San Diego. -INFO-Registration required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

...............................................................................

• WED. Feb. 09 • Menopause

Join Tarane Sondoozi,MD. for a fun group discussion about the issues women face while experiencing menopause. Free.DAY-Wednesday February 9, 2011-TIME--5- 7 PM --WHERE- City Heights Scripps Wellness Center -INFO-Scripps Classes and Events Registration:1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777)

................................................................................

• THUR. Feb. 10 • Coming of Age

San Diego’s First International Film Festival: “A Song For Martin” (2001): Martin, a conductor, and Barbara, a violinist, meet and marry in middle-age, but soon after, they find out that Martin has Alzheimer’s disease. This moving story is considered one of the most realistic depictions of caregiving on film.The festival is being sponsored by the SDSU Gerontology Student Association and Alvarado Hospital. DAY-Thursday February 10,2011-TIME-at 6 p.m.PLACE-at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. INFO-To reserve a free ticket, visit www.sdcomingofage.com

...............................................................................

• SAT. Feb. 12 • FREE Dental Sealants and Fluoride varnish

San Diego County Dental Society presents: Free dental sealants and fluoride varnish for children (1 – 18 years old) with No Dental Resources. Join us for: Free School Entry Dental Exams,Free Review of Immunization Cards (Bring your child’s yellow card with you that day!), Community Resources and Information, Prizes, Prizes, Prizes. What are dental sealants & fluoride varnish?A safe & painless way to help prevent cavities! Dental Sealants are a special coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Fluoride Varnish is a special fluoride coating painted on all teeth. Children with appointments will be given priority. “Walk-ins” will be taken when possible.Funded by San Diego County Dental Society in collaboration with Southwestern College Dental Hygiene Program, Dental Health Initiative/Share the Care and First 5 of San Diego.DAY-Saturday, February 12, 2011-TIME-9:00a.m. – 1:00 p.m. WHERE-Southwestern College, Dental Hygiene Program Clinic, 880 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950-INFO-Call for an appointment at 619-692-8858

.................................................................................

• SAT. Feb. 12• How Do I Do This? Caregiving at Home

Learn & practice the basics of caring for a loved one at home from a registered nurse. Topics include transfers, personal care, proper body mechanics & more! Reservation required. Cost $10. DAY-Saturday, February 12,2011-TIME- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.-WHERE- at Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Brier Patch Campus, Work Fit Room, 9000 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. -INFO-Registration required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

...............................................................................

• SAT. Feb. 12• Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters

Memory often changes as you grow older. Early Detection Matters
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of dementia. Dementia is a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal disorder that results in the loss of brain cells and function. This 1 hour workshop provides attendees with information about the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. These are free workshops and will be delivered in Spanish.DAY-Saturday, February 12, 2011-TIME-3:30-4:30 PM-WHERE-Casa De Oro Branch Library 9805 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91977--INFO-For more information, please call the Alzheimer’s Association:1-800-272-3900- English Flyer-Spanish Flyer or visit www.sanalz.org

................................................................................

• SUN. Feb. 13 • Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters

Memory often changes as you grow older. Early Detection Matters
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of dementia. Dementia is a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal disorder that results in the loss of brain cells and function. This 1 hour workshop provides attendees with information about the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. These are free workshops and will be delivered in Spanish.DAY-Sunday, February 13, 2011-TIME-2:00-3:00 PM-WHERE-El Cajon Branch Library-201 East Douglas, El Cajon, CA 92020--INFO-For more information, please call the Alzheimer’s Association:1-800-272-3900- English Flyer-Spanish Flyer or visit www.sanalz.org

................................................................................

• MON. Feb. 14• Preventing and Understanding COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases. COPD make it difficult to breathe and can eventually lead to death if untreated. There are many things you can do to relieve symptoms and keep the disease from getting worse. Come learn about the types, causes, symptoms and treatments of COPD.Free. Presented by Chula Vista Well Being Center -DAY-Monday February 14, 2011-TIME--10-11 A.M. -INFO-Call for locations at Scripps Classes and Events Registration:1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777)

.................................................................................

• MON. Feb. 14• Free Blood Pressure Screening

About one-sixth of all Americans have high blood pressure and the incidence of this disease increases with age. High blood pressure can cause diseases without any early warning symptoms. High blood pressure can cause arterial disease (atherosclerosis) that can lead to heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. Routine screening tests are part of basic prevention medicine.They allow doctors to find illness and treat it much earlier than they could otherwise. Patients with high risk factors for screened diseases can make sure they don't acquire the illness as well, and if they do they can treat it early on. Sharp Senior Resource Center offers free blood pressure screening.No appointment necessary. Open to the public. DAY-Monday, February 14, 2011-TIME-11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - WHERE-War Memorial Building, 3325 Zoo Dr.,, San Diego-INFO-For information, call 619-740-4214.

.................................................................................

• TUES. Feb. 15 • Successful Weight Management

Join a register dietitian and learn how to optimize your diet and lower your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. DAY-Tuesday February 15, 2011-TIME--6- 7:30 PM --WHERE- Scripps La Jolla, Schaetzel Center, Walker Room-INFO-Scripps Classes and Events Registration:1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777)

.................................................................................

• TUES. Feb. 15 • 2011 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Volunteer Family Fitness and Fun Park Build

All are welcome when the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) will transform the former Spring Valley Elementary Campus, located in the Spring Valley School District. It will be a day of building with orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals, orthopaedic industry representatives, and San Diego community volunteers. Join us the day the 2011 AAOS Annual Meeting begins—for the Family Fitness and Fun Park build to provide children, parents and grandparents the opportunity for physical activity together. The Family Fitness and Fun Park will feature: all-ages exercise stations to develop balance, flexibility and strength; a safe, accessible playground where children, with and without disabilities, can play safely together and a walking/running track around the Park perimeter for aerobic exercise, to help reduce and prevent falls, build strong bones and give those recovering from joint replacement a safe place to exercise. Day.Tuesday, February 15, 2011-Time-8 AM to 4 PM-Info-For more information, to volunteer, and to see a concept image, please visit www.aaos.org/fitnessbuild.

................................................................................

• TUES. Feb. 15 • Successful Weight Management

Join a register dietitian and learn how to optimize your diet and lower your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. DAY-Tuesday February 15, 2011-TIME--6- 7:30 PM --WHERE- Scripps La Jolla, Schaetzel Center, Walker Room-INFO-Scripps Classes and Events Registration:1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777)

.................................................................................

• THURS. Feb. 17• HELP!! I’am a Caregiver

Find out about resources for family caregivers, placement options, support groups and more from Andrea Holmberg, Program Coordinator of the Sharp Senior Resource Center. This free class covers emotional issues about caring for a loved one. DAY-Thursday, February 17,2011-TIME- 2 to 4 p.m. -WHERE- at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. -INFO-Registration required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

.................................................................................

• FRI. Feb. 18• Free Blood Pressure Screening

About one-sixth of all Americans have high blood pressure and the incidence of this disease increases with age. High blood pressure can cause diseases without any early warning symptoms. High blood pressure can cause arterial disease (atherosclerosis) that can lead to heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. Routine screening tests are part of basic prevention medicine.They allow doctors to find illness and treat it much earlier than they could otherwise. Patients with high risk factors for screened diseases can make sure they don't acquire the illness as well, and if they do they can treat it early on. Sharp Senior Resource Center offers free blood pressure screening.No appointment necessary. Open to the public. DAY-Friday, February 18, 2011-TIME-9:30 to 11 a.m.- WHERE-La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd.,La Mesa,-INFO-For information, call 619-740-4214.

.................................................................................

• SAT. Feb. 19• AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS, 2011 ANNUAL MEETING PUBLIC PROGRAM

Keeping Up with the Boneses: Staying Active for Life
A public forum presented by The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the California Orthopaedic Association
In conjunction with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ 2011 Annual Meeting, a panel of 10 top national expert surgeons will share the latest orthopaedic news, tips and resources with the public. This free program will cover a variety of timely topics, including back pain, what’s new in joint replacement, keeping your feet healthy – from savage shoes to foot facelifts, carpal tunnel, boomeritis, the prevention of osteoporosis and osteopenia, new and promising regenerative technologies and how to keep child athletes safe. Attendees are urged to bring their questions to this lively discussion. (Free)-Day:Saturday, February 19, 2011-Time: 9:30 a.m. to noon- Location:San Diego Convention Center 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, 92101, Room 25C

.................................................................................

• WED. Feb. 23 • Meet the doctor: Heart Disease

Learn the signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular risk factors from Wendy Stein, M.D. Staff Physician for the Sharp Senior Health Center. Find out what you and your family can do to reduce your risk of having coronary artery disease. DAY-Wednesday, February 23,2011-TIME- 1 to 2 p.m. -WHERE-at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion, Classroom B, 3075 Health Center Dr., San Diego. -INFO-Registration required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

.................................................................................

• WED. Feb. 23 • HICAP Insurance Counseling

Receive free information about Medicare, HMO’s supplement insurance or long-term care insurance from trained volunteer counselors of HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program). DAY-Wednesday, February 9,2011-DAY- or Wednesday February 23,2011-TIME-from 9 a.m. to 12 noon-WHERE- at the Sharp Senior Health Center, 4320 Genesse Ave. #104, San Diego. -INFO-Appointment required. Call HICAP at 1-800-800-434-0222 or 858-565-8772.

.................................................................................

• THURS. Feb. 24 • Enhance Your Financial Security

Learn how to get income from your home. If you or your parents are “house rich and cash poor” and would like to receive meaningful income without moving, then you need to attend this free seminar. Fee consultation available. -DAY-Tuesday, February 24,2011-TIME- from 10 to 11:30 a.m.-WHERE- at the Point Loma/Hervey Branch Library, 3701 Voltaire St., San Diego. -INFO-Registration required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

.................................................................................

• THURS. Feb. 24 • Parkinson's Disease

Join neurologist Dee Silver,MD. for updates on the care and management of patients with Parkinson's disease. Classes are designed for patients and their caregivers.Free.DAY-Thursday February 24, 2011-TIME--9:30 AM to11:00 AM --INFO-Scripps Classes and Events Registration:1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777)

.................................................................................

• SAT. Feb. 26• Carotid Artery Screening

Do you have episodes of slurred speech, facial drooping, temporary loss of vision or one-sided weakness or numbness? This free screening tests the carotid blood flow to the brain. Students from Grossmont College’s Cardiovascular Technology Program perform this non-diagnostic check.-DAY- Saturday, February 26, 2011- TIME-9 a.m. to 2 p.m. -WHERE- at the Grossmont Hospital Cardiovascular Services, 5555 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa. -INFO- Appointment required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.