Genetics outreach clinic offered at Shodair

The medical genetics department at Shodair Children's Hospital will hold an outreach clinic on Jan. 13 at Shodair, which is located at 2755 Colonial Drive.

Shodair's clinical outreach program provides access to medical genetics services and expertise in communities around the state throughout the year.

Dr. James Reynolds, medical geneticist, and Cindy Hudson, genetic counselor, will staff the clinic.

Genetic evaluation and counseling gives individuals and families information about actual or potential inherited diseases and conditions -- those that may already have been diagnosed, or those that patients may be predisposed to develop.

Common reasons for evaluation or counseling can include a variety of conditions, including: birth defects, behavioral abnormalities, familial hearing loss or blindness, abnormal growth patterns, chromosomal abnormalities, congenital, or prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol, or medications.

Shodair staff also provides risk assessments and counseling for families who may have a risk of inherited cancers. Breast and colon cancer are the most common cancers that may be inherited. A risk assessment can help identify a person's potential for developing either disease, allowing them to make informed decisions about lifestyle or treatment options.

To schedule an appointment, contact the medical genetics department at Shodair by calling 444-7500.

Lecture to focus on healthy aging process

The latest research and recommendations to help individuals influence their own health and well-being as they age will be the topic of the next Better Living Lecture Series talk.

Marge Coalman, vice president of wellness and programs for Touchmark in Portland, Ore., will give a talk titled "Whole-Person Wellness for Successful Aging," as part of the series presented by St. Peter's Hospital and the Waterford.

Coalman's presentation is Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. at St. Peter's Education Center. Enter through the main entrance off Winne.

Coalman's talk will focus on what many consider the most critical aspect for successful aging -- the role of the individual in choosing self-responsibility, optimism and good lifestyle choices.

Touchmark is the parent company of The Waterford on Saddle Drive. Coalman is responsible for developing and implementing customized physical, intellectual and spiritual activities.

The talk is free and open to the public. For more information, call 444-2135, or visit www.stepetes.org.

Arthritis Foundation exercise class offered

The Arthritis Foundation is offering the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program in Helena.

The 45-minute class is free and open to everyone. Classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. at Hunter's Pointe Retirement Residence, 2801 Colonial Drive, and at the Senior Center, 200 S. Cruse Ave., Mondays at 9 a.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m.

Developed by physical therapists specifically for people with arthritis, this low-impact program helps decrease arthritis pain and relieve stiffness while increasing flexibility and range of motion, according to the Artihritis Foundation.

Participants go through a series of gentle movements and activities designed to increase mobility and range of motion. This low-impact class is suitable for every fitness level and can be taken either sitting down or standing.

The Arthritis Foundation reminds that people should always check with their physician before starting any exercise program.

For a listing of exercise and educational programs, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 800-475-6447 or visit the Arthritis Foundation Web site at www.rockymountainarthritis.org.

VA sleep medicine center re-accredited

The VA hospital at Fort Harrison Department of Sleep Medicine at Fort Harrison recently received program re-accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center's facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts, and physician training. Additionally, the facility's goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine currently accredits more than 1,500 sleep medicine centers and laboratories across the country.

The VA Montana Healthcare System Department of Sleep Medicine is directed by Dr. Kimberly Damrow and is located at 3749 Patriots Way. For more information, call 406-442-6410.