Published: October 09, 2008 10:30 pm      

10-10 Health briefs

Edmond Medical Center to host ‘Depression and Older Adults’ workshop

Depression is not a normal part of aging, and it should not go overlooked or untreated in older adults. Edmond Medical Center is hosting “Depression and Older Adults,” a community education event to be presented by Dr. Shantharam Darbe. This event will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 in Classroom 1 of the Ambulatory Care Pavilion. For more information, or to register, call 844-5700. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, call 359-5253.

Bone & Joint Hospital to offer screening

In recognition of World Osteoporosis Day, Bone & Joint Hospital is hosting a free educational luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 21. The event will take place at Sellers’ Special Event Center, 13700 N. Eastern Ave. Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m., with a presentation by Dr. Corey Ponder. The hospital will provide free osteoporosis screenings before the presentation from 11 a.m. to noon, and after the presentation from 1-2 p.m.

This event is free to the public, but space is limited. Register by calling 552-9180.

Integris Men’s Health University offers free health screenings

Integris Men’s Health University will offer free EKGs and blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings to men of all ages. The event also will provide free prostate, colon, oral and skin cancer screenings. Appointments are required for the cancer screenings. The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 25 at the Francis Tuttle Technology Center/Reno Campus, 7301 W. Reno.

Call the Integris HealthLine at 951-2277 to register for cancer screenings and for more information. Or go online to www.integrismenshealth.com.

Physician to share expertise during scientific symposium

Dr. Michael Steelman has seen his share of obese patients who have struggled with weight loss. Some of those patients may have turned to appetite suppressants in desperation, something Steelman said is troubling.

“Over-the-counter weight-loss products are problematic because they are ineffective and dangerous,” Steelman said.

Steelman recently attended a one-day course presented by The American Society of Bariatric Physicians in St. Louis where he presented a course describing the difference in an obese or overweight patient’s workup, and a discussion of the pharmacology of currently available and emerging medications. Steelman is founder and medical director of The Steelman Clinic, an Oklahoma City-area practice that promotes a proactive approach to weight loss.

Integris Health goes green

In an effort to have a more positive impact on the environment and conserve natural resources, Integris Health is expanding its “Go Green” initiatives to include recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans as well as all plain paper. A recycling pilot program has been implemented throughout Integris Health’s metro facilities at Integris Baptist Medical Center, Integris Southwest Medical Center, Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital in Yukon and Integris Mental Health Spencer. More information about Integris Health facilities and services is available on the hospitals’ home page at integrisOK.com or by calling the Integris HealthLine at 951-2277.

Knit-wits needed year-round

It’s time to dig out those knitting needles and knit one, pearl two for a worthy cause. A group of knitters, dubbed the Knit-Wits, are busy knitting handmade throws for Mercy Hospice patients.

“We have new knitters and old knitters. We have a young woman who brings her newborn baby and knits with us and a man who has been crocheting since he was just a young fellow,” said Cheryl Melton, co-founder of Oklahoma City’s Knit-Wits. “Not only do we all love to knit, but we get to create handmade gifts for Mercy Hospice patients.”

To join the Knit-Wits, call Melton at 840-1502, or Margaret Bauer, Knit-Wit co-founder and owner of The Gourmet Yarn Co., at 286-3737.