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Here are a selection of health-related news items from this week's paper edition, and possibly a few news briefs that didn't make it in the paper.

Cancer talk to focus on mind, body, spirit

Jean Scott, a leader in body, mind and spirit wellness, will be featured in the May 22 program for Franciscan Skemp Cancer Center’s “Pathway to Wellness” series.

“Integral Movement: Music and Movement for Mind, Body and Spirit” will be an energizing experience that blends movement, music, meditation, relaxation and stretching to bring about a state of balance and harmony.

People dealing with cancer and their families and friends are invited to attend this free program at the Franciscan Skemp Cancer Center in the lower level of the Center for Advanced Medicine and Surgery. Participants are asked to register by May 20 by calling Marti Runyon at 392-7647.

Pre-diabetes talk planned at clinic

A free presentation on pre-diabetes will be presented by Franciscan Skemp certified diabetes educator Jacqueline Andrews, RN.

The presentation will be offered Tuesday, June 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Franciscan Skemp’s La Crosse Campus St. Francis Building, Marycrest Auditorium (second floor), 700 West Ave. S.

There is no charge for this presentation, but seating is limited. Register at least a week prior to presentation by calling (608) 392-7824 or logging on to www.franciscanskemp.org.

Approximately 20 million Americans have diabetes, but nearly one-third are unaware that they have the disease. An additional 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes, a condition that occurs when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Having pre-diabetes means a person is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Individuals may delay or prevent this through lifestyle changes.

County offers May-June fitness challenge

Area residents interested in becoming more fit are invited to take part in Walk Across Wisconsin, a non-competitive wellness challenge sponsored by La Crosse County designed to help people improve their activity and eating habits in May and June and beyond.

Participants will earn miles to “walk across Wisconsin” and be eligible for prizes by eating fruits and vegetables, drinking healthy beverages and being active. Participants simply log their “miles” on the forms provided and submit them at the end of the challenge.

A kickoff is planned on Monday, May 19, and the free program runs through June 27.

To register, call 785-9865 or e-mail deback.judy@co.la-crosse.wi.us

Free carotid screenings set for May 28

Free, painless, non-invasive carotid screenings that could prevent strokes will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare’s Chileda Conference Room, 1020 Mississippi St.

A stroke results from the disruption of adequate blood flow to the brain. The most common source of disruption is a significant narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries in the neck, caused by excessive accumulation of fatty plaque buildup along the artery walls.

Call (608) 392-9717 for an appointment. Participants should wear clothing that allows easy access to the neck area.

Blood donation now open to 16 and older

Beginning March 15, 16-year-olds in Wisconsin will have the opportunity to donate blood with the American Red Cross with a signed Red Cross parental consent form.

“This is tremendous news for the Red Cross,” said Tony Procaccio, CEO of the Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “The Red Cross introduced this legislation not only to help bolster the blood supply, but also to introduce young people to a unique form of community service — one that will hopefully become a lifelong tradition.”

In addition, with school currently in session and blood drives being held at high schools, this means even more students will be able to donate. Approximately 20 percent of blood donations made to the blood Red Cross comes from high schools and colleges.

Many of today’s committed blood donors began donating while in high school, which is why the American Red Cross encourages students to start the lifelong habit of donating blood now.

“Blood donors are generous people who take the time to give blood for patients in need. However, the need for blood is growing so new donors are always needed,” added Procaccio. “We would like to ask all eligible students to donate. We hope parents will support and encourage their high school students to give blood.”

Donors must be in general good health, weigh 110 pounds or more, and be at least 16 years old. Sixteen-year-olds must bring a signed American Red Cross parental consent form with them to the blood drive. Consent forms can be obtained by contacting the American Red Cross or a volunteer blood drive coordinator.

For more information, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or log onto givebloodgivelife.org.

Clinic Web site offers health answers

Are ginkgo and aspirin safe to take together? Is chiropractic or acupuncture as good as surgery for back pain? Can pregnant women safely use echinacea?

There is a place to find information about complementary therapies like these with Natural Standard through the Gundersen Lutheran Health Sciences Library including support and review by Gundersen Lutheran pharmacists.

To access the information, log onto gundluth.org/libraries and click on Health Websites - General/Natural Standard. Natural Standard users can search or browse for information on foods, herbs and supplements, various medical conditions and treatments, and comparative effectiveness for complementary therapies, including the level of research done on a particular substance or therapy.

Natural Standard also has interactive tools including an interactions checker, symptom checker, nutrition information for many fast food menus and diet foods, calculators, a dictionary and more.