Health Briefs

Foundation gets $25,000 pledge from Hopkins lab

The Howard Hospital Foundation recently received a pledge of $25,000 from Johns Hopkins Medical Laboratories in support of the Campus Development Plan Capital Campaign.

JHML is nationally and globally in the study and treatment of human disease, and in professional training in all areas of pathology and laboratory science. With more than 270 faculty, fellow and house staff, and 1,000-plus research and service personnel, the organization has extensive and diverse research programs and offers a full range of diagnostic services.

In 2003, JHML began providing laboratory services to HCGH and was one of the hospital's first Johns Hopkins service providers.

Contributions to the CDP total $21.3 million toward the $30 million goal.

Calendar

The Heart and Sole Stroll : Presented by the Red Devils, a nonprofit organization formed in 2002 by the families and friends of Jessica Cowling and Ginny Schardt, who died of breast cancer a month apart. The two met during chemotherapy treatment. Now in its seventh year, the organization funds services such as transportation to and from doctors' appointments; help with drug co-payments; meals and groceries; housecleaning; and therapeutic massages. Day-of registration is at 9 a.m. and the stroll begins at 10 a.m. June 14 at Centennial Park, Columbia. Individual registration is $35; a family registration is $70, including pets. The walk will be held rain or shine. Go to 2009heartandsolestroll. kintera.org.

Stroke study : For : individuals having trouble walking as a result of a stroke within the past six months may be eligible for this exercise research study. The study will compare the effects of two different exercise programs and is sponsored by The VA Medical Center, the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in cooperation with the Howard County Office on Aging. One program consists mainly of seated exercise focusing on improving range of motion and increasing strength. The other focuses on exercises designed to improve balance and walking.

Study sessions will meet for one hour three days a week for six months. Exercise classes will be held at selected Howard county senior centers and other locations.

The principal investigators of this study are Dr. Richard Macko, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School Medicine and the VA Maryland Health Care System, 410-605-7000; and Mary Stuart, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 410-455-2084.

Adult, child and infant CPR : Courses sponsored by Howard County General Hospital. Space is limited and registration is required. All programs will be held at the HCGH Wellness Center, Suite L-9 of the Columbia Medical Center, 11055 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. To register: 410-740-6701 or hcgh.org.

Courses offered 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 21, June 10, 24, and July 9, 23. Earn a two-year heartsaver certification card upon completion of this class. Cost: $48.

Mental health program: The Howard County chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will offer "NAMI Basics," a free program for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents who have mental health concerns.

The course will provide resources and practical insights for families. The child need not have a specific diagnosis.

NAMI Basics, which consists of six weekly 2 1/2 -hour classes, is taught by trained parents who have had similar experiences with their children. The program is being offered in Clarksville, Lisbon-Woodbine, and Laurel.

Information: 410-772-9300.

Blood donations: The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region of the American Red Cross is requesting blood donations. Eligible donors are asked to call 800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment. Platelet donors should call 800-272-2123.

Get active: The Columbia Association has launched its fifth annual "Get Active Howard County," a 10-week effort to encourage Howard County residents to become more active by incorporating 30 minutes of physical activity into their day, at least five days a week.

The program is free and open to anyone living or working in Howard County. To register: GetActiveHowardCounty.org. Participants can pick up a paper log at any Howard County library branch or any of the 10 village centers. The program runs through June 7.

Information: Carol Wasser, 410-715-5523 or Carol.Wasser@ColumbiaAssociation. com.