Health briefs
Advertiser Staff
Mental health screening today
The Rehabilitation Association of Hawai'i will offer free mental health screening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Kahala Mall as part of a national event designed to assist people who feel helpless, angry, frightened or depressed.
The National Depression Screening Day event has been held on the Mainland for the past nine years, but this is the first time in Hawai'i.
Those who attend will hear an educational presentation on mood and anxiety disorder, be asked to complete a written self-assessment and have an opportunity to talk to a mental health professional. Participants who appear to need more help will be given referrals to local treatment services.
For more information, call (800) 520-6373 or visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org.
Lupus group sets craft fair
The Hawaii Lupus Foundation is trying to heighten awareness of the disease this month by spotlighting support groups and scheduling a craft sale. Foundation executive director Sharleen Oshiro described lupus as "a chronic autoimmune disease where your body produces antibodies that attack your healthy cells so it affects different people in different ways." Common symptoms include persistent low-grade fever, extreme fatigue, aching swollen joints, hair loss, stroke and rash, she said.
The craft fair and bazaar will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 26 at McKinley High School.
Oshiro said there are adult support groups in Mililani and on Maui, and efforts are under way to form a youth outreach group.
Call 538-1522, visit www.hawaiilupus.org or e-mail krystal-hlf@hawaii.rr.com.
C-section study finds 20 percent rise
More mothers-to-be are opting for a Caesarean birth, according to a study by the Denver-based consumer watchdog agency HealthGrades. The rate of C-section birth increased 20 percent from 1999 to 2001 in 18 states studied.
"The general opinion from experts in the field is that the actual increase is probably somewhat higher, and I don't think we are even close to seeing the end of this trend," says co-author Dr. Samantha Collier.
