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Join in on the Fitness Fun
Are you lonely and seeking company? Well, run/walk alone no further and get healthy at the same time! Studies by Harvard College says that running/walking at least three hours a week decreases the risk of a heart attack and cardiac death by 35 percent. It will also lower your chance by 34 percent of having a stroke. In theory, getting fit is literally taking one step at a time, one day at a time and, soon, three to four times a week will be easy!

You're invited every Thursday at 5:45pm and every Saturday morning at 7am to Runners Lane Santa Clarita, a locally-owned and operated running shoe store that has an open run/walk get together for all levels of fitness. The route starts and ends at their shop's location. It's absolutely free to join and a very friendly atmosphere is included. So bring the stroller, your dog and a go-go attitude and Runners Lane will provide the rest of the fun! 260-3368

Keep Up to Date on Local Parenting Events
The SCV Birth Center provides more than just a wonderful alternative to hospital birth. The Center also hosts events that are open to the public. In the last month, Blessed Bums Diaper Service hosted an informative class on cloth diapering; the Center hosted a sneak peek at the breastfeeding documentary "The Milky Way"; an alternative baking/alergen free workshop was held; natural childbirth education series were presented and more. Search "Santa Clarita Birth Center" on Facebook and "like" the page to keep up to date on current events. 254-3000

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Who can Use ForeverSlim?
If you want to lose a size in as little as eight treatments, you have already met the primary qualifier for being a ForeverSlim client. But there are specific segments of the population who might not think that an electro-slimming solution would work for them. We beg to differ!

Seniors: Generally speaking, ForeverSlim treatment is a very effective way for the older generation to reap the benefits of weight loss and body toning without having to sweat it out in the gym. ForeverSlim treatments are highly effective for stimulating the muscles in people who are not as active as they once were.

New Moms: Once you've had your six-week check up and have been given the all-clear, there is no faster or more reliable way than ForeverSlim to get those stretched stomach muscles and loose skin back into place after giving birth.

Disabled: Provided there is sensitivity in the muscles, disabled individuals can greatly benefit from this treatment. The passive exercise provided by the stimulation is a perfect way to prevent muscle atrophy in people who are unable to perform physical exercise. The same benefits would apply as with any client - improved muscle tone, reduction of adipose fatty tissue and an increase in blood circulation, which will induce feelings of wellbeing. ForeverSlim SCV 313-4878

Henry Mayo Receives Echocardiography Accreditation
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital's Cardiovascular Services has been granted a three-year term of accreditation in echocardiography in the areas of adult transthoracic by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

Accreditation by the IAC means that Henry Mayo has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review.

This accreditation was the result of hard work of the Henry Mayo's entire echocardiography staff and physicians championed by Douglas Gadowski, MD, medical director of Non-invasive Cardiology, Shahe Garabedian, MD, medical director of ICAEL, and Mimi Kim, technical director.

IAC accreditation is widely respected within the medical community, as illustrated by the support of the national medical societies related to echocardiography, which include physicians and sonographers. Echocardiography accreditation is required in some states and regions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and by some private insurers. Patients should remain vigilant in making sure that their echocardiography procedures are performed within accredited facilities, because for many facilities accreditation remains a voluntary process.

Early detection of life threatening heart disorders and other diseases is possible through the use of echocardiography procedures performed within hospitals, outpatient centers and physicians' offices. While these tests are helpful, there are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on echocardiography testing. The skill of the echocardiography sonographer performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and quality assurance measures are each critical to quality patient testing. www.henrymayo.com

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Common Safety Questions about Pharmaceuticals
Where should I store my medications?
In general, store medications in a safe place away from heat, moisture and freezing temperatures. The bathroom medicine cabinet is a poor choice because of moisture. A better place might be a linen closet, a dresser drawer or a kitchen cabinet. Some drugs do have specific storage requirements; follow your pharmacist's instructions for storing these medications.

What if you took someone else's medication, or too much,
or missed a dose?
If you took someone else's meds, or took too much, call poison control immediately at 800-876-4766. If you missed a dose, check with your pharmacist.

What if your pills look different than you're used to?
Check with your pharmacist before taking your prescription. Ideally, you should check before you even leave the premises. They could be using a new vendor, which would explain the change, but it's best to be sure you're taking the right meds.

Desert Pharmacy Canyon Country 298-3135;
Newhall Pharmacy 799-7017