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, since 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored 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.

The California Cancer Research Act (Prop 29) will be on the June 5 primary ballot. Local supporters will share powerful and compelling images to encourage voters to pass Prop 29 to increase tobacco taxes by $1 per pack. This money will fund life-saving research, keep kids from smoking and help find a cure.
Local volunteers will help launch the California Cancer Research Initiative Campaign (Prop 29) Wednesday morning at the San Diego City Concourse by "pulling back the covers" to expose big tobacco. The San Diego event is one of many taking place across the state of California. The campaign launch also offers great visuals and messaging to kick-off American Heart Month. -WHEN-Wednesday, February 1st.2012- TIME-at 10:00 a.m.- WHERE-San Diego City Concourse, 202 C Street, San Diego, 92101

Heart Disease is the number one killer of American women. Recognizing symptoms and risks, making lifestyle changes and getting timely care can save a woman's life. Women's Heart Week is a national outreach campaign aimed at improving women's outcomes from this deadly disease. Heart disease is America’s leading killer of women over the age of 34. Most women are not aware of this fact and fail to recognize their own risk factors for heart disease. Women’s symptoms, especially those that are milder, often go ignored. Women often miss out on critical opportunites to save their own lives. Women's Heart Foundation (WHF) recognizes that women are busier than ever as they juggle career, family and care-giving responsibilities. Now, more than ever, women need to take time out for themselves and be given a reminder: Take Care of Your Heart.
For more information and materials available please visit:www.womensheart.org

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’s Registered Nurse offers free blood pressure checks. No appointments necessary. Public welcome. WHEN-Wednesday Feb. 1st., 2012-TIME-9 to 10:30 a.m. WHERE- at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1145 Evergreen, San Diego

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 4, 2012-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

Those living with Diabetes and their families are invited to a FREE event to meet with health care professionals. Free services include: Blood glucose screenings, Blood pressure screenings, Foot exams, Eye exams, Advice on healthy eating, Medical professionals to answer your questions, Dental care information, Community resources and more. COST-Free.WHEN- Saturday February 4, 2012-TIME- 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.WHERE-Scripps Mercy Hospital, Chula Vista 495 H Street Chula Vista, CA 91910-- INFO-For more information please call 1-866-791-8154.

Did you know that young children’s skin is thinner than older children and adults, and their skin burns at lower temperatures and more deeply? Since burns are recognized as one of the most painful and devastating injuries a person can sustain and survive, we want to arm you with the tools to keep your children safe from this devastating injury.
Burn Awareness Week is celebrated from February 5-11, 2012. 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.

Living with dizziness and imbalance? Sara Settle, Sharp Memorial Physical Therapist will conduct this free seminar to learn about this issue and how to prevent it, along with a screening. Registration required. WHEN-Monday, February 6,2012- TIME- from 1 to 2:30 p.m. -WHERE- at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion, Classroom A, 3075 Health Center Dr, San Diego. -INFO-Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com

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’s Registered Nurse offers free blood pressure checks. No appointments necessary. Public welcome. WHEN-Tuesday Feb. 7, 2012-TIME-9 to 10:30 a.m. WHERE- at Peninsula Family YMCA, 4390 Valeta, San Diego

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’s Registered Nurse offers free blood pressure checks. No appointments necessary. Public welcome. WHEN-Tuesday, February 7, 2012-TIME-9:30 to 11 a.m. WHERE- at Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center, 9000 Wakarusa, La Mesa-INFO-For information, call 619-740-4214.

Do you have an idea to improve the lives of seniors in San Diego County? The Health and Human Services Agency’s Aging & Independence Services (AIS) will be holding four public hearings to gather information on issues important to local seniors.
WHEN- Wed., Feb. 8, 2012-TIME- 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., -WHERE-George L. Stevens Community Center, 570 S. 65th St. (off Skyline Dr.), San Diego 92114. Lunch is available; suggested donation of $2.75 (for those age 60+). To RSVP for lunch, call (619) 266-2066.
If you cannot attend a hearing, written testimony will be accepted until March 15. For more information or to send comments, contact Sarah (Sally) Jackson, AIS, P.O. Box 23217, San Diego, CA 92193 or by email: sarah.jackson@sdcounty.ca.gov. You may also leave comments via voice mail by calling (858) 495-5525 (please limit comments to 2 minutes).

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). Appointment required.WHEN-Wednesday, February 8, 2012-TIME- from 9 a.m. to 12 noon -WHERE-at the Sharp Senior Health Center, 4320 Genesee Ave. #104, San Diego. -INFO-Call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 or 858-565-8772.

Dr. William Wilson, a physician specializing in pain management, will discuss comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approaches to helping patients lessen their pain and improve their quality of life. Learn about the causes of chronic pain and treatments including medications, injections, implantable devices and alternative therapies. Reservation required. WHEN- Wednesday, February 8,2012-TIME- from 4:30-5:30 p.m. WHERE-at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa.-INFO- Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

Bring your sweetheart or just your sweet tooth to the Downtown Business Association's 3rd Annual "For the Love of Chocolate and SweetArt Festival!" Enjoy the best of our downtown shops and spas while sampling locally brewed beer and wines, paired with San Diego's finest chocolates. Also, spend the day shopping at Sweet Street, enjoying live music, or taking a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride down historic Grand Ave. Attractions: Beer/Wine & Chocolate Pairings, Sweet Street Vendors, Live Entertainment by Jimmy Patton & Enrique, Carriage Rides and more! * Admission to Sweet Street - FREE! Admission: $20 for 10 Beer/Wine & Chocolate Pairings-LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE-WHEN- Saturday, February 11, 2012-TIME-1:00-5:00pm-WHERE-Downtown Escondido Grand Ave. & N. Kalmia St. Escondido, CA-INFO-Tickets available at the door or online at www.escondidochocolatefestival.com

Diane Beach, Community Education Manager from the Alzheimer’s Association will provide basic information that everyone needs to know about memory loss issues and the impact these issues have on your family and friends. Topics include: what is dementia, what is Alzheimer’s disease, who is at risk, research, when the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s disease, and other important topics. Registration required. WHEN-Tuesday, February 13, 2012-TIME- from 10 to 11:30 a.m. WHERE- at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion, Classroom A, 3075 Health Center Dr, San Diego. -INFO-Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

Bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix. In order to maintain weight loss, proper diet and exercise are a must. Support is an important part of long-term success. Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management is here to help.
Moderated by a member of the center’s Bariatric Surgery Program, our weight loss surgery support groups meet on the second Monday of each month. The group meetings are free. We welcome those who have had or are considering weight loss surgery. WHEN-Monday February 13, 2012 -TIME- 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.WHERE- on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in the Great Hall at the Schaetzel Center-INFO-For more information and to register call 858-794-1250 or visit on: www.scripps.org

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’s Registered Nurse offers free blood pressure checks. No appointments necessary. Public welcome. WHEN-Monday, February 13, 2012-TIME-11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. WHERE- at War Memorial Building, 3325 Zoo Dr., San Diego.

Free, ongoing bereavement support groups for families with school-aged children through young adults.Program begins with a pizza dinner and family activity. Groups are time-limited, professionally facilitated. WHEN- February Tuesday 14 ,2012-TIME- Evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE-San Diego Hospice 4311 Third Ave San Diego, CA-INFO-Call (619)278-6480 or by email to: griefinfo@sdhospice.org for more information or to schedule a required pre-group interview.

Diabetes affects one in every eight adults. Learn the latest developments in diabetes treatment, medication and management from a Sharp Certified Diabetes Educator. Sign up today for this free informative lecture. Registration required. WHEN- Tuesday, February 14,2012-TIME- from 1 to 2 p.m. -WHERE- at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 4425 Valeta St, San Diego. -INFO-Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

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.

"From the Annals of Autism” with Caren Zucker and John Donvan, two journalists who have produced what is considered to be some of the best work on autism to appear on network television in the past decade. WHEN-Wednesday, February 15,2012- TIME-Light refreshments 6 p.m.; program 7 p.m. WHERE-The lecture will take place at Congregation Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA 92122-INFO- Call theCongregation Beth Israel (858) 535-1111 for more information or visit: Vistahill.org

Are you helping a loved one with socialization, finances, transportation, meals or other activities? Find out about resources for family caregivers, placement options, support groups and more from Andrea Holmberg, Program Coordinator, Senior Resource Center. This free class also covers emotional issues about caring for a loved one. Reservation required.-WHEN-Thursday, February 16,2012-TIME- from 2 to 4 p.m.-WHERE- at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. -INFO- Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

Do you have an idea to improve the lives of seniors in San Diego County? The Health and Human Services Agency’s Aging & Independence Services (AIS) will be holding four public hearings to gather information on issues important to local seniors.
AIS, which is committed to improving the quality of life for seniors as part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative, is updating its goals for serving seniors – mandated every four years by the Older Americans Act.
WHEN-Thurs., Feb. 16,2012-TIME-11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,-WHERE- Poway Senior Center, 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway 92064. Lunch available; suggested donation $4 (age 60+); no reservations necessary.
If you cannot attend a hearing, written testimony will be accepted until March 15. For more information or to send comments, contact Sarah (Sally) Jackson, AIS, P.O. Box 23217, San Diego, CA 92193 or by email: sarah.jackson@sdcounty.ca.gov. You may also leave comments via voice mail by calling (858) 495-5525 (please limit comments to 2 minutes)

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’s Registered Nurse offers free blood pressure checks. No appointments necessary. Public welcome. WHEN-Friday, February 17, 2012-TIME-9:30 to 11 a.m. WHERE- at La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd. -INFO-For information, call 619-740-4214.

Family caregivers learn essential tools for self care and relaxation, techniques to enhance the careyou provide your loved one and simple healing touch techniques. Program includes lecture, hands on demonstration and audience participation. Presented by Lisa Goodman, Integrative Care Coordinator, Sharp HospiceCare.Registration required. -WHEN- on Saturday, February 18, 2012-TIME- from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. -WHERE- at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion, Classroom A, 3075 Health Center Dr, San Diego. -INFO-Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

It is the 2nd Annual San Diego K9 Cancer Cure Walk on Saturday, February 18th. Bring your four legged friend and enjoy a 1 mile walk, check out the fantastic vendors and maybe win a prize. All the proceeds go to the Morris Animal Foundation canine cancer research. Last year we raised $28,000 and we would love to raise more this year. Reservation required. Cost:Adult: $30.00, Child $15.00 -WHEN-Saturday, February 18, 2012-TIME-9:00 am until 12:00 pm-WHERE-Walnut Grove Park 1950 Sycamore Drive San Marcos, CA INFO- Go to www.K9Cancerwalk.org for more information.

2012 is the Year of the Dragon, Lunar Year 4710. The San Francisco's 2012 Chinese New Year Parade is on Saturday,February 11, 2012 at 5:15 pm. People looking for a healthy start to the year can take part in the San Francisco's Chinatown YMCA 5K/10K Walk and Run-WHEN- on Sunday, February 19, 2012 -TIME- at 8:00am. -INFO- For more information visit: chineseparade.com

An Integrative Approach to Living Well and Thriving in the New Year. Stress, anxiety, overwork, poor nutrition, loneliness: The list of elements that can harm your heart and break your dreams can seem endless. Put the positive back into your heart and reboot your dreams with Mimi Guarneri, MD, a pioneer in integrative medicine.
Dr. Guarneri will suggest ways to get your emotional, intellectual and spiritual heart in
rhythm with your dreams—whether that is eating healthfully, learning how to improve your
resiliency or taking the right supplements.
WHEN-Tuesday February 21, 2012-TIME-7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.-WHERE-Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Schaetzel Center 9890 Genesee Avenue La Jolla, CA 92037-INFO-To Register please call: 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777)

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). Appointment required. WHEN- Wednesday, February 22,2012-TIME- from 9 a.m. to 12 noon -WHERE- at the Sharp Senior Health Center, 4320 Genesee Ave. #104, San Diego. -INFO- Call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 or 858-565-8772.

Learn ways to improve the quality of your life while living with arthritis from Sandra Hayhurst, MA, Senior Program Director for the Arthritis Foundation.Reservation required.-TIME- on Thursday, February 23, 2012-TIME-11 a.m. to 12 p.m.-WHERE- at the Grossmont HealthCare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa-INFO- Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.

The Lemon Grove Branch of San Diego County Library is teaming up with local professionals to help the community build healthier lives. The library is hosting a Community Health Fair.Health screenings and activities will be available for all ages, and this event is free to the public.
The Community Health Fair will provide free access to the following health screenings: clinical breast exams, blood pressure, HIV, dental, cholesterol, body mass index, vision, glucose, and diabetes. Mammogram screenings will be available between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and are available by appointment only. Women must be over age 40, have no insurance or be underinsured, qualify as low income, and must not have had a mammogram in the past year to qualify. To reserve an appointment for a free mammogram, contact the branch at (619) 463-9819. The Lemon Grove Family Health Center will confirm all appointments.
Additionally, children can enjoy a storytime, arts and crafts, face painting, and can learn about gardening from the Healthy Adventures Foundation. Partners include Susan G. Komen San Diego, Lions International, the Alzheimer's Association, the Healthy Adventures Foundation, Family Health Centers of San Diego, San Ysidro Health Center, and La Maestra Community Health Centers.
WHEN-on Saturday February 25, 2012-TIME- from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. -WHERE- at the Lemon Grove Library. INFO- For more information on the Community Health Fair contact branch staff at (619) 463-9819.

Free disposal of antifreese, bateries, motor oil, electronics and fluorescent light/tubes (only these items) Important: The following materials will NOT be accepted: gasoline, diesel, gas tanks, pesticides, fertilizers, pool chemicals, thinners, degreasers, sharp and medical/pharmaceutical waste. WHEN- Saturday February 25, 2012- TIME- from 9 am to 3 pm- WHERE-at Southwestern College parking lots B and C - 900 Otay lakes Road, Chula Vista - INFO- For more information please call (619) 691-5122 or visit www.chulavistaca.gov/clean

Do you have an idea to improve the lives of seniors in San Diego County? The Health and Human Services Agency’s Aging & Independence Services (AIS) will be holding four public hearings to gather information on issues important to local seniors.
AIS, which is committed to improving the quality of life for seniors as part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative, is updating its goals for serving seniors – mandated every four years by the Older Americans Act.
WHEN-Wed. ,Feb. 29.2012-TIME- 12:30 to 2 p.m., -WHERE-Kimball Senior Center: 1221 D Ave., National City, CA 91950.
If you cannot attend a hearing, written testimony will be accepted until March 15. For more information or to send comments, contact Sarah (Sally) Jackson, AIS, P.O. Box 23217, San Diego, CA 92193 or by email: sarah.jackson@sdcounty.ca.gov. You may also leave comments via voice mail by calling (858) 495-5525 (please limit comments to 2 minutes).

Leap year presents us with an extra day this February — which is also American Heart Month. In celebration, the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation is inviting people to do some literal leaping on Feb. 29 with free exercise classes at its three community centers.
Choose from Zumba, Boot Camp, Fitness Fusion or Fitness Yoga. Take the free day to try a fun class — it might just inspire you to return often and keep your heart healthy for many leap years to come.Free Classes:
1• Spring Valley- Zumba is the Latin inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie burn­ing, feel-it-to-the-core fitness party. You will get a marvel­ous workout and condition all muscles while having fun. Ages 12 and up. TIME 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. -PLACE-Spring Valley Community Center 8735 Jamacha Boulevard 619-479-1832.
2• Lakeside-Boot Camp Fitness-Are you having trouble getting motivated or looking to change up your workout routine? This class is appropriate for all fitness levels, as you can set you own pace. The class will be taught at a moderate intensity, and will include aerobic conditioning and flexibility, strength, balance, speed and agility training. Ages 14 and up. TIME- 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. -WHERE-Lakeside Community Center 9841 Vine Street 619-443-9176
3 •Fallbrook- Fitness Fusion- Stamina + Strength + Stretch + Serenity! Come experience joyful low-impact cardio dance with a fusion of strength training, yoga, stretch, and relaxation techniques. This class keeps up with the latest balanced fitness approaches and creates a wonderful community environment. Fitness Fusion. Ages 13 and up. TIME-8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.-WHERE- Fallbrook Community Center located at 341 Heald Lane -INFO- 760-728-1671
• Fallbrook-Yoga Fusion is a wellness journey with a gentle, adaptable approach. The class embraces the traditions of Hatha yoga to strengthen, heal and nurture the body. We also enrich our yoga practice by incorporating other fitness methods such as using light weights, chairs for focused balancing, and other tools that aid our growth and bring about a balanced, whole-body fitness style for life-long wellness. Ages 13 and up. TIME-9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.-WHERE- Fallbrook Community Center located at 341 Heald Lane -INFO- 760-728-1671
> Please arrive 10 to15 minutes early to register for the class. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information please contact the individual centers or visit www.sdparks.org.