HEALTH BEAT

ST. ROSE DOMINICAN HOSPITAL GETS DA VINCI SURGICAL SYSTEM

The da Vinci Surgical System is used by surgeons worldwide and is now at St. Rose Dominican Hospital's Siena Campus, 3001 St. Rose Parkway.

The state-of-the-art robotic technology allows surgeons' hands to produce scaled movements through small surgical openings. The da Vinci is completely controlled by -- and is an extension of -- the surgeon. The da Vinci system will be used to perform delicate surgeries, such as prostatectomies, hysterectomies and pediatric procedures. Benefits of its small, precise incisions include less pain, less scarring, quicker recovery times, and in many cases, better clinical outcomes.

For more information, visit www.strosehospitals.org.

LIFESIGNS TO OPEN CLINIC IN HENDERSON

Memphis-based prevention and wellness company Lifesigns announces a new clinic located at 9065 S. Pecos Road in Henderson. The clinic, expected to open by January 2008, will be the company's second location in the Las Vegas area and the fifth location nationwide.

The new facility will offer one-stop health exams that include complete physical exams, screening ultrasounds, blood work and urinalysis, chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, eye exams, gynecological tests, prostate tests and more.

The clinic's medical staff will be led by Dr. Donielle Freedman, a board-certified internist who has been in practice in Las Vegas for more than 10 years.

For more information, visit www.lifesignsmd.com.

DYSLEXIA TO BE TOPIC AT WORKSHOP

The Dyslexia Center, 8689 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 140, plans an informational workshop from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 10.

The workshop will discuss the signs of dyslexia, review cases of previous clients and practice some of the techniques used by the center. The session will be taught by Betty Ann Judah, founder, who has nearly 25 years of experience helping dyslexics learn to harness their abilities and go on to live successful, fulfilling lives.

The workshop is for those 18 and older. Cost: $10 per person. Seating is limited; reservations required.

For more information, call 256-1190.

VALLEY HOSPITAL CHANGES VISITING HOURS

Valley Hospital Medical Center announces a change in its visiting hours for medical and surgical intensive care units from three hours per day to 20 hours per day.

The decision was made based on evidence-based guidelines released by the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the American College of Critical Care Medicine earlier this year. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) has long been in support of a relaxed visitation policy.

"The previous restrictive visiting hours required family members to plan their life around three short, specific visiting times. This caused additional stress on the family and patient," said Christine Kipp, chief nursing officer for Valley Hospital. "When you have a loved one in the hospital, the last thing you need is extra stress. The stress on the families also affects the patient's recovery process."

The unit is closed during shift change (6 to 8 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.) to allow nurses and other caregivers to focus on sharing patients' medical information with the incoming shift.

MEMPHIS CHAMPIONSHIP BARBECUE TO HOST BLOOD DRIVE

Memphis Championship Barbecue plans a blood drive with United Blood Services from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 17 in the parking lot of its location at 1401 S. Rainbow Blvd. Memphis Championship Barbecue is offering complimentary lunch to all those who donate blood at the event. Immediately following participation, each donor is invited to step into the restaurant for a private buffet including Memphis Championship Barbecue's famous pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans and more.

Additionally, each donor will receive one voucher valid for one ticket to see "The Producers," starring Tony Danza at Paris Las Vegas.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.

Those interested in donating can stop by, schedule an appointment by calling 228-8400, Ext. 241 or by visiting www.bloodhero.com and entering "Memphis" as the sponsor code.

DIABETES AWARENESS DAY EVENT PLANNED

The Diabetes Treatment Center at Summerlin Hospital, 657 Town Center Drive, plans a Diabetes Awareness Day event from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 10 in the outpatient lobby.

Expect healthy cooking demonstrations, free eye and foot screenings, meter checks (participants should bring meters and strips) a kid zone and more.

VISION SOURCE TO OFFER FREE SCREENINGS FOR DIABETICS

This Nov. 5-10, Vision Source is offering free eye-health screenings for diabetic patients in Las Vegas and Henderson as part of Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness and American Diabetes Month. Screenings are available to diabetic patients who have not had an eye exam in the past year.

Patients should schedule appointments early, as spots fill up quickly.

Those interested should call (800) 911-3937 or visit www.visionsourcevegas.com to find the Vision Source office in their neighborhood.

SUMMERLIN HOSPITAL TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY

This month, Summerlin Hospital will celebrate its 10th anniversary by breaking ground on a $100 million construction project.

It opened as a 147-bed community facility that offered basic medical and surgical services and now is a 281-bed medical center with a full array of services.

The expansion project will include a more spacious emergency room; a new six-story, 170-bed patient tower, a four-story medical office building and a third parking garage. Summerlin Hospital is located at 657 Town Center Drive.

MS GAMBLERS CLASSIC TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

The 2007 MS Gamblers Classic is planned for a 7:30 a.m. start on Saturday and Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

The event will raise money for multiple sclerosis, a chronic, progressive nervous disorder without a known cure.

It features a 150-mile route from Las Vegas to Mesquite and back. Registration is $30, with a minimum pledge of $200 per cyclist. All meals are provided and discounted accommodations are available at The Oasis Hotel & Casino in Mesquite for Saturday.

For more information or to register, e-mail nicole.rainey@nmss.org or visit www.msnevada.org.