Low-income workers and their families who need eye care but can't afford it may be eligible for a free eye examination and basic eyeglasses through VISION USA, the American Optometric Association's national eye care program.
Those who think they may qualify for the program can complete an online application by visiting www.aoanet.org/visionusa.html by Jan. 29; or obtain a mail-in application by contacting their local Salvation Army office, the Association for the Blind executive office at 717-234-3261 or a local member agency, or by writing VISION USA, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141. Forms must be postmarked by Jan. 23.
Applicants can also register by phone from Jan. 2-31 by calling 800-766-4466, between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
The following programs are being presented at Westmoreland Regional Hospital's HealthPlace, located on the lower level of Westmoreland Mall, Greensburg (unless otherwise noted):
Registration is required for all programs. To register, call 877-771-1234.
- Greensburg YMCA is offering another 10-week session of the "Healthy Start Wellness Program" beginning Jan. 14. Participants receive unlimited use of the YMCA's facilities, three meetings with a personal trainer, and pre-program blood pressure and cholesterol screening.
There are also weekly lectures discussing diet and nutrition, stretching, behavior modification, cardiovascular disease and other health-related topics. Lectures are held in conference room D at Westmoreland Regional Hospital in Greensburg.
Registration for the program is being held Dec. 17 through Jan. 11 at the front desk of the YMCA, 101 S. Maple Ave., downtown Greensburg. Additional information is available by calling Larry Stormer at 724-834-0150, Ext. 49, or Susan Scott at Ext. 40.
FLU SHOTS
Flu shots are being given noon-7 p.m. Friday at Westmoreland Regional Hospital's HealthPlace at Westmoreland Mall, Greensburg. The vaccine will be provided to adults ages 18-64 for a fee of $15 each; those age 65 and older should bring a Medicare or Security Blue card. Registration is not needed.
SCREENINGS
Preschool vision screenings are being conducted 10:30-12:30 p.m. Saturday at HealthPlace, Westmoreland Mall, Greensburg. Registration is required and can be made by calling 877-771-1234.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and osteoporosis screenings are being conducted on Dec. 18 at Level Green Presbyterian Church, 105 Olive Drive. Each test costs $40. To register, call 800-407-4557.
RESEARCH STUDIES
The University of Pittsburgh Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center is seeking postmenopausal women for two studies involving parathyroid hormone, an investigational new medication for the treatment of osteoporosis.
To participate in the 18-month study, women must be between ages 55 and 85 and not taking estrogen replacement therapy or other prescription osteoporosis medication.
Reimbursement for travel expenses will be provided. Additional information is available by calling 412-692-2220.
- Magee-Womens Hospital, Oakland, is seeking to enroll at least 10 women who are considering breast reconstruction surgery and who will think about receiving a new silicone breast implant being tested. For details on the clinical trial, call Shane Peters at 412-641-4828.
