North Pinellas health notes

Health notes

Considering knee, hip replacement?

Dr. Vincent Kiesel will present a free seminar on total hip or knee replacement and rehabilitation at 1 p.m. Friday at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, 1395 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs.

Reservations required. Call (727) 943-3600 anytime.

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Community Health Centers of Pinellas will host a Back to School Health Fair from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at 1020 Lakeview Road, Clearwater, and at 6237 66th St., Pinellas Park.

Physicians and nurses will offer free school physicals and students will be given backpacks, while supplies last.

The service is first-come, first-served. No appointment is necessary.

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According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 8,700 people will die of melanoma and nearly 5,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the Sunshine State this year.

Moffitt Cancer Center's Mole Patrol will offer free skin screenings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Clearwater Beach Pier 60 Pavilion. Stop by and get screened by one of Moffitt's trained professionals.

Oncologists, dermatologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and registered nurses will perform the free skin cancer evaluations. If screeners find a suspicious lesion, they will recommend a follow-up appointment with a specialist.

Sunscreen samples and educational information will be available.

For information, call Lois Rendina at (813) 745-2625.

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The YMCA of North Pinellas will host an introduction to the benefits of wellness with free yoga, tai chi, Pilates and meditation classes, various speakers and vendors related to wellness, natural health care and living green at 10 a.m. Saturday at 4550 Village Center Drive, Palm Harbor.

Proceeds from sponsors, vendors and raffles benefit the LIVESTRONG at the Y program.

Admission is free. Call (727) 772-9622.

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The Foundation for Wellness Professionals will present the program, "How to Tell If Your Children Are on Drugs," from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Countryside Library, 2741 State Road 580, Clearwater.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required by calling (727) 474-9729.

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A Step Ahead, the only program of its kind in the bay area providing emotional and physical support to amputees and those facing limb loss, will hold its first "Amputee Action Group" meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Manor Care, 2851 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor.

Amputees, those at risk of amputation and their families and friends are invited to attend. There is no cost.

The Amputee Action Group will focus on helping those affected by limb loss return to a normal, active lifestyle. The group will plan its own schedule, which might include walking, kayaking, hiking and other action-oriented activities.

Recent amputee Brian "Fossil Man" Evensen, well-known amateur archaeologist and local business owner, will participate in the group, sharing his experiences as he seeks to resume hunting for ancient artifacts throughout Florida, on land and underwater.

For information or to RSVP, call (727) 943-3600.

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Salvatore DeLellis, DPM, a specialist in podiatric medicine, will present a free seminar on diabetes and foot and ankle health plus provide complimentary foot screenings for those interested at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, 1395 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs.

Reservations required by calling (727) 943-3600, anytime.

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BayCare Health System, a leading health care provider in the Tampa Bay area, is now providing ongoing support and resources for surgical weight loss.

Learn more about the subject at an informational session with Dr. Richard Gordon, who will discuss adjustable gastric band, bypass and sleeve methods, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bardmoor Outpatient Center, 8839 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo.

Call (727) 953-6890 or visit www.youtransformed.org.