Georgia to end visas for Russians (Reuters)

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Reuters - Georgia will abolish visas for Russians as it tries to attract bigger investment, President Mikheil Saakashvili said on Tuesday in a rare gesture of goodwill between the former Soviet republics which fought a war in 2008.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/europe/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20120228/wl_nm/us_georgia_russia

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Ka Hsaw Wa: When Big Business and Human Rights Collide

Among the thousands of interviews I've conducted as a human rights investigator over the last 24 years, one of the most difficult was in 1996, outside a refugee camp along the Thai-Burma border. I was no stranger to suffering in my country. I had fled from Burma (also known as Myanmar) just a few years before, escaping the brutal military regime after being arrested and tortured. I had gone to the camp to investigate reports that villages were being uprooted and brutalized to make way for a natural gas pipeline built by U.S. oil giant Unocal and other multinational corporations. There, I met a young mother from my Karen ethnic group whose baby had recently been killed by Burmese troops providing security for the pipeline.

That was Jane Doe, as she would later be known. She would go on to help establish the legal principle that U.S. corporations can be held liable for complicity in severe human rights abuses abroad. Now, a case being argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday may mean that future Jane Does will have no such recourse against corporations.

Jane Doe 1 was a poor farmer whose great misfortune was that she was living in the path of the project when Unocal -- now owned by Chevron -- and its French and Thai corporate partners began building the pipeline. Their other partner was the Burmese military regime, and the corporations contracted with its army, despite its abhorrent human rights record, to provide security for the project.

The soldiers forced thousands of villagers to provide slave labor for the project. One of those villagers was Jane Doe's husband. As Jane Doe told me in the camp, the military forced her husband at gunpoint to clear the jungle and carry heavy loads. When he escaped, the soldiers came looking for him. They found Jane Doe instead, nursing her baby near a cooking fire. She told them she didn't know where her husband was. The soldiers beat her into unconsciousness and kicked her and her baby into the fire. Jane Doe recovered from her injuries; her baby died.

I remember trying to comfort her and thinking: How is it possible that foreign companies can come into Burma, hire a rogue army, make billions of dollars and have no responsibility for what their business partners do? There have been positive changes in Burma recently, but at that time, justice was impossible; the courts served the military. But Unocal was a U.S. company, and I had met American lawyers who believed that U.S. corporations were not above human rights laws.

And so, in 1996, Jane Doe 1 became a lead plaintiff in Doe vs. Unocal, a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, where Unocal had its headquarters. The case was based on the U.S. Alien Tort Statute of 1789, which allows non-U.S. citizens to file lawsuits in the U.S. for violations of international law. Jane Doe's case was the first to apply that law to corporations accused of liability in human rights violations. In 2005, Unocal agreed to a settlement. The case has provided an underpinning for similar claims against corporations headquartered in the U.S. or doing business in the U.S., and thus it has helped victims of crimes against humanity gain some justice.

For example, in 2007 Yahoo agreed to compensate the families of two Chinese dissidents imprisoned after the Internet company provided their identifying information to the Chinese government, and in 2010 the military contractor Blackwater compensated the families of several Iraqi men allegedly killed by Blackwater guards.

But now, the use of the Alien Tort Statute in cases of alleged corporate liability in human rights cases has come under attack from big business. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Kiobel vs. Royal Dutch Petroleum. The plaintiffs are Nigerians who suffered abuse under a brutal military dictatorship in the mid-1990s; they sued Royal Dutch Petroleum, better known as Shell, over its alleged support of this violence. Shell is arguing that corporations are not responsible for human rights abuses under such circumstances; that individual employees who are complicit in torture, summary executions and other crimes against humanity can be held liable, but not corporations. An appeals court decided that international law, which is considered under the Alien Tort Statute, backed up that claim.

That decision misreads international law, which does not shield corporations from responsibility, and is a major setback for human rights cases based on Doe vs. Unocal. The justices will consider whether the U.S. will become a haven for companies that are allegedly complicit in the most heinous crimes or whether it will continue to provide a legal forum for accountability and justice.

The hardest part of my job is talking to the victims and survivors of human rights abuses. The only thing that I could offer to Jane Doe was hope -- hope that the perpetrators, including the corporations that enable and profit from such crimes, would be punished so that future abuses could be deterred; hope that by suing, she could prevent other mothers from losing a child.

In 1996, we didn't know what the outcome of our case would be. One of my proudest moments was telling Jane Doe that the U.S. courts would hear her case; that a poor woman from Burma would have a fair shot against a powerful American oil company. She and I knew that our lawsuit against Unocal would not bring her baby back. But we also knew that enforcing the law against corporations would mean such abuses might be prevented in the future. Never again, we thought, would a company think it could get away with murder.

The hardest thing I'll ever have to do is tell her we were wrong.

Ka Hsaw Wa is the cofounder and executive director of EarthRights International, which works for justice for victims of human rights and environmental abuses around the world.

This post first appeared in the L.A. Times.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ka-hsaw-wa/business-international-human-rights_b_1305267.html

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DreamWorks animation group to have Chinese connection

Home

Kyrgyzstan News.Net
Saturday 25th February, 2012

The DreamWorks Animation group has announced a joint venture with Chinese film companies, China Media Capital, Shanghai Media Group and Shanghai Alliance Investment.

The venture should establish the leading Chinese family entertainment company.

It is anticipated the group will be known as Oriental DreamWorks and will engage in developing original Chinese animated and live action content.

Distribution is initially planned for China and its territories before beginning around the globe.

The joint venture will also branch into live entertainment, theme parks, interactive games for phones and computers and other consumer products.

DreamWorks Animation has already enjoyed great success in China, led by its blockbuster "Kung Fu Panda."

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Source: http://www.kyrgyzstannews.net/story/203788805

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Google Patents Swipe Searching [Patents]

Performing a Google-based search on your touchscreen mobile device could soon get a lot easier. Like "draw a G and circle the text in question" sort of easy. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/5QefwUBRHRY/google-patents-swipe-searching

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Bribes part of everyday life in Putin's Russia

In this photo taken on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, Natalya Veselova leaves her instructor's car at a driving training ground in the south-east of Moscow, Russia. For Veselova, applying for a driver's license has turned into a frustrating ordeal because she refuses to pay the customary bribe. (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)

In this photo taken on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, Natalya Veselova leaves her instructor's car at a driving training ground in the south-east of Moscow, Russia. For Veselova, applying for a driver's license has turned into a frustrating ordeal because she refuses to pay the customary bribe. (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)

In this photo taken on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, Natalya Veselova opens a door of her instructor's car at a driving training ground in the south-east of Moscow, Russia. For Veselova, applying for a driver's license has turned into a frustrating ordeal because she refuses to pay the customary bribe. (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)

MOSCOW (AP) ? Natalya Veselova has spent more than a year trying to get a Russian driver's license. What should have been a simple process has turned into a frustrating ordeal. The apparent reason? She refuses to bribe the Moscow police officers who administer the exam.

"They are doing their best to push people to pay bribes for licenses," said Veselova, the 33-year-old mother of a toddler, who has now failed the driving test seven times. Many others in her position give in and pay the expected bribe, typically the equivalent of several hundred dollars (euros).

Since Vladimir Putin came to power in 2000, corruption has penetrated deep into the fabric of everyday Russian life. Ordinary people find themselves giving money to police officers as well as doctors, teachers and government officials just for basic public services.

Resentment over this pervasive graft has helped fuel the protest movement against Putin, now Russia's prime minister, as he seeks to regain the presidency in a March 4 election. The huge demonstrations in Moscow in recent months were set off by a December parliamentary election won by Putin's party through apparent fraud, but the outrage tapped into far deeper anger over the corruption and cronyism that Putin has fostered.

Corruption was a problem in Soviet times and under Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin. What has changed under Putin, experts say, has been the sheer amount of bribes paid to officials, which has skyrocketed along with incomes in Russia.

Graft also has become more institutionalized under Putin: Bosses tend not to punish their employees for taking bribes, but rather demand a share. Observers say the Kremlin has tolerated the wrongdoing because it's the main source of income for millions of bureaucrats whose support is crucial to Putin.

The extent of corruption in Russia is reflected in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, where Russia is ranked 143rd out of 183 countries.

The corruption largely involves big business and government: Kickbacks are standard for many contracts; corrupt judges can be used to destroy or take over the business of a competitor; while friends and relatives of government officials are among the wealthiest people in the country.

But much of it is part of normal life.

Russians routinely pay to get a child into a school or receive medical treatment, even though both education and health care are supposed to be free.

One study estimates that Russia's 143 million people paid about 164 billion rubles ($5 billion) in "everyday" bribes in 2010. Half of Moscow residents and nearly 40 percent of all Russians have been in a situation where they felt a bribe was necessary to solve their problems, according to the joint research conducted last year by the Public Opinion Foundation and the Indem Foundation, which studies corruption.

The size of the average bribe has doubled over the past five years to 5,290 rubles ($178), said the study by the independent Russian research centers.

"Citizens are not actually rushing to pay bribes," said Elena Panfilova, director of Transparency International in Russia. "They pay when they're being cornered into a situation where they have no choice."

Many of the bribes go to Russia's traffic police, who among other things administer the driving exams.

Veselova began taking driving lessons in January 2011, hoping that by the summer she would be able to run errands with her young daughter in the backseat. In May, she was ready to apply for her license. She passed the written exam and the parking and maneuvering test, but then failed the road test.

She returned to the station, a commute of an hour and a half each way, to retake the exam six times. Each time, police officers found some fault with her driving. With Russia's driving code filled with an array of arcane regulations, officers have any variety of excuses to flunk an applicant.

"If an examiner doesn't like you, it's very easy for him to fail you," said Sergei Kanayev, chairman of the Moscow-based Federation of Car Owners.

Veteran driving instructors say applicants are routinely failed over technicalities and that many of their students end up paying despite being competent drivers. In most cases, police officers don't have to ask explicitly for a bribe. Their behavior during the test and advice to "come better prepared" are universally taken as a hint that money will have to be paid.

Kanayev estimates that 50 percent of Russians who fail the driving test end up paying a bribe to get their license. No figures are available largely because of the reluctance of people to admit to having bribed the police.

The traffic police failed to respond to requests for comment over a period of several weeks. Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev, who commands Russia's police force, last year lauded some regional police officials for eradicating corruption, but acknowledged that it remains a problem in most regions.

Veselova's family and friends have been trying to persuade her to stop wasting time and pay the bribe.

Finding someone to "arrange" a license isn't difficult. Many drivers are happy to pass on the contacts of an intermediary who will make such arrangements, and thus spare the candidate from directly bribing the police officer. The service typically costs from 10,000 to 15,000 rubles ($330 to $500).

Veselova said a friend offered to arrange for her to pass the driving test in exchange for two bottles of cognac, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"I'm a believer in God. And this would mean deception," Veselova said. "I'm raising a child. How would I then tell her that she must always be honest and act honestly?"

Newspapers are full of reports of policemen arrested on charges of corruption. Last year, the head of the exams department and five other employees of a police station in Moscow were fired for "issuing driver's licenses for bribes." But the practice continues.

The health care and education systems are also rife with bribery.

For instance, bribes are routinely given to ambulance staff to take patients to better hospitals or to move a patient up on the waiting list for a needed operation. Relatives know that by slipping a few notes to a nurse, they may be able to assure their loved one gets better care.

Public schools are free, but some are more sought-after than others. Parents across Russia complain that directors of desirable schools will state that they are at capacity, then quickly hint that a place might be found if the parents were to make a contribution or donate equipment.

Universities are among the top offenders. One of Russia's most prestigious medical schools, the Pirogov Medical University in Moscow, was rocked by a scandal last summer when it was found to be selling about 500 spots that should have gone for free to those who scored the highest on admission exams.

Putin has responded to the protests by pledging to eliminate incentives for officials to take bribes. But as testament to the growing willingness to challenge Putin authority, bloggers have circulated a list of his vows to fight corruption dating back as far as 2000, none of which has had any notable effect.

"Corruption in Russia is not an isolated problem, but a deep-rooted system," said Georgy Satarov, the head of Indem and one of the leading Russian experts on graft.

After failing to pass the driving test within a three-month period, Veselova had to start the whole process over again. She recently resumed the effort and has again passed the written exam and the parking test.

With the driving test still ahead, she is more determined than ever not to pay a bribe.

"They got me so angry," Veselova said. "We pay our taxes, so why do I have to go and bow down to them?"

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-02-24-EU-Russia-Living-with-Corruption/id-5ad9d9e293594f16988dcf6cefb8e3b0

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FDA, Pharmaceutical Companies Announce Solution To Cancer ...

The medicines, Doxil and methotrexate, are used to treat blood, breast and lung cancers.

The Philadelphia Inquirer: FDA, Drugmakers Say They've Solved Two Drug Shortages
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and several pharmaceutical companies said Tuesday they have reached agreements to alleviate shortages for the drugs methotrexate and Doxil. Methotrexate is used to treat children with a form of leukemia and others with tumors of the breast and lungs. Doxil is used to treat ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma (Sell, 2/21).

Bloomberg: Cancer-Drug Shortages Targeted By Stopgap FDA Approval Of Similar Products
Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd. (CPD) will import an unapproved drug from India with the same active ingredient as Doxil, made by New Brunswick, New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson ... A generic form of methotreaxate, made by APP Pharmaceuticals Inc (APPX)., has received expedited approval from the agency (Edney, 2/21).

ABC News: FDA Efforts Reversal Of Critical Cancer Drug Shortage
The FDA said its approval of a new supply method would increase production of the injection form of the drug methotrexate, which is used to treat children with the most common form of childhood leukemia. ... According to Michael Link, a pediatric oncologist and president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, some hospital pharmacies reported having only a couple of weeks of supplies left?(Salahi, 2/21).

MSNBC: Patients Cheer As FDA Eases Shortages Of 2 Crucial Cancer Drugs
Ovarian cancer patients whose treatment was interrupted or even stopped entirely because they couldn't get supplies of?the critical chemotherapy drug Doxil?applauded news?early Tuesday?that federal health officials have found a solution to the shortage (Aleccia, 2/21).

Minnesota Public Radio: Minn. Hospitals Encouraged By FDA's Cancer Drug Approvals?
Pediatric oncologist Dr. Bruce Bostrom said methotrexate supplies have been stable at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. But he said doctors ? and parents ? have been watching the situation carefully. ... Bostrom said Children's uses methotrexate every day and currently has about 150 leukemia patients in its care. Some parents have considered going to Canada to access the drugs, he said?(Dunbar, 2/21).?

This is part of Kaiser Health News' Daily Report - a summary of health policy coverage from more than 300 news organizations. The full summary of the day's news can be found here and you can sign up for e-mail subscriptions to the Daily Report here. In addition, our staff of reporters and correspondents file original stories each day, which you can find on our home page.

Source: http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Daily-Reports/2012/February/22/cancer-drug-shortage.aspx

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Clone Wars: Author Discovers Bots Competing To Sell His Book

Carlos Bueno wrote a book called Lauren Ipsum. It's a book about understanding computers for kids. He priced it at about $14 and offered it as a print-on-demand title and ebook. All was going well, books were selling, when suddenly he noticed a few copies were being offered for $55 or more. But there were no copies to be sold at that price and presumably someone selling a used copy would reduce the price, not increase it. What was happening was that a bot had found the book and priced it at some ridiculous level - $45 at last count. Bueno was bemused, at best, and realized that bots had found the book and were essentially running a price war amongst themselves in order to offer the same print-on-demand book Bueno was offering at a massively inflated price. They were, in short, going to buy the $14 book and resell it for forty dollars more.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/LcjXvyHa65I/

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Joe's Health Calendar 2/22/12

Central Valley Recovery, Awareness, Preventing Strokes Program

Feb. 22 (today) noon to 2 p.m.: Have lunch and learn about stroke, sponsored by Healings in Motion at San Joaquin Stockton WorkNet Building, 56 S. Lincoln St., Stockton. Guest speaker will be Breanna Garrison, stroke coordinator/neuro clinical specialist at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, the Valley?s first and only certified stroke center. Topics included will be: The Target Stroke Program,? Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) program, Quality initiatives, Treatment Timeline Goals,? Risk Factors, Prevention Education and time for questions and answers. We will also have drawings for prizes and other goodies. Cost: $10. Reservations and information: (877) 672-4480 or (209) 234-2802; or register online at http://cv-raps2012.eventbrite.com.

CareVan Provides Daily Free Health Clinic

St. Joseph?s Medical Center CareVan presents a free, walk-in health clinic for low-income and no-insurance individuals or families, 16 years old and older. The hospital?s mobile health-care services will be available to handle most minor urgent health care needs. Diabetes screening and blood pressure screening are offered on special days as noted. If you have questions, contact (209) 461-3471. Clinic schedule is subject to change without notice.

• Feb. 22 (today) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: West Lane Bowl, 3900 West Lane, Stockton. Sponsored by St. Joseph?s Spirit Club members.
• Feb. 23 (Thursday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton.
• Feb. 24 (Friday) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Health clinic includes diabetes and blood pressure screening clinics; Rite Aid, 1050 N. Wilson Way, Stockton.
• Feb. 28 (Tuesday) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Wagner Holt School, 8778 Brattle Place, Stockton.
• Feb. 29 (Wednesday) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Rite Aid, 1050 N. Wilson Way, Stockton.
• March 1 (Thursday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton.
  

Mobile Medical Clinic for Military Veterans

Feb. 23 (Thursday) 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: American Legion Karl Ross Post 16, 2020 Plymouth Road, Stockton, will host the VA Rural Health Mobile Medical Outreach Clinic Team. No appointment necessary. There will also be veterans service officers, enrollment specialists, medical and mental health teams on site. The Rural Health Mobile Medical Clinic Team will provide free examinations and consultations, referrals and, prescription renewals for veterans currently enrolled in the VA Health Care System. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for medical or psychological services, members of the team can provide you with information about and assistance with eligibility and enrolment for VA care. VA health care may complement your current insurance coverage. Eligibility requirements have changed, therefore, if you have been denied in the past, please come speak with a team member. Benefits are available for Vietnam and Iraq/Afghanistan veterans. If you are not currently in the VA system, bring a copy of your DD214 to attach to your enrollment form. If you do not have a copy of your DD214, one can be obtained for you. In addition, volunteer veteran service officers will be available to review your benefits, assist with enrollment forms and provide assistance with filing claims. Information: Valerie Gabriel, LCSW, at (209) 588-2604.

Total-joint Replacement Class for Hips, Knees

Feb. 23 (Thursday) 1 to 3 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital?s Outpatient-Rehabilitation Services offers a free educational class for those planning to have total joint-replacement surgery of the hip or knee at Lodi Memorial Hospital West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi.? Knee class is at 1 p.m.; hip class is at 2 p.m. Learn about preparations and exercises to do before surgery; the day of surgery and what to expect during the hospital stay; rehabilitation following surgery; techniques to decrease pain and swelling; and ways to promote maximum healing and return to normal function. Call (209) 333-3136 for more information or to sign up for the class.? Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend.? For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

Asthmanology

Feb. 25 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: The seriously fun Asthmanology event at the World of Wonders Science Museum, 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi, is aimed to bring asthma awareness and education to the community. Joined by Respiratory Works, the museum will be filled with activities aimed to increase awareness of asthma. Experienced staff from Respiratory Works will be on site to advocate and bring asthma education and awareness to kids and families. If you have asthma, know someone with asthma or want to learn more about asthma, this event is for you. You?ll learn what causes wheezing and what triggers are. Regular museum admission applies. Information: ?www.wowsciencemuseum.org.

Cancer Care Symposium for Health Care Professionals

Feb. 25 (Saturday) 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: This one day symposium ? Cancer Kaleidoscope: The View Keeps Chaning ? will address issues that past participants have requested to better understand and care for those experiencing cancer. Experts from across the region will share their expertise about hormone receptor considerations for treatment of breast cancer, new treatments for prostate cancer, acupuncture for pain control, ethics and the myths regarding cancer and cancer care. This symposium will be a truly eclectic combination of cancer related items to expand your knowledge of cancer care. Who should attend? Physicians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, laboratory personnel, and anyone involved in cancer care will benefit. This symposium is sponsored by St. Joseph?s Regional Cancer Center in cooperation with the American Cancer Society. Information on fees and registration: (209) 467-6331. Symposium will be held at O?Connor Woods Main Clubhouse, 3400 Wagner Heights Road, Stockton.

Free Eye Clinic at Chinese New Year Festival

Feb. 26 (Sunday) 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Vision Service Plan Mobile Eyes is a deluxe clinic on wheels. It?s outfitted with state-of-the-art exam rooms and dispensaries, plus a finishing lab. Midtown Optometry optometrist Derron Lee has arranged for the lab along with optometry students from the University of California, Berkeley College of Optometry to assist in providing free eye exams and eyeglasses for the needy. The clinic will be outside the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St., Stockton, during the Stockton Chinese New Year Festival.

$50,000 in Scholarships for Students Pursuing Health Studies

Feb. 26 (Sunday) deadline: Health Plan of San Joaquin is offering $50,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties for the 2012 academic school year. Health Plan of San Joaquin?s Health Careers High School Scholarship Program provides the opportunity for high school seniors to apply for a $2,500 scholarship based on their desire to pursue a career in the health care industry at an accredited college or university. The scholarship application will be accessible online through www.ScholarshipExperts.com, an online portal for scholarships. Applications may be submitted through Feb. 26. To learn more about the Health Careers High School Scholarship Program, contact Shani Richards at (209) 461-2284 or at srichards@hpsj.com. ?We?re hopeful that students will take advantage of this funding opportunity,? said Richards, HPSJ?s scholarship program coordinator. ?Student financial need remains high, parental support is challenged in the wake of the economy, and the area continues to experience a shortage of new health care graduates. These scholarships really can make a difference for students, and, in the longer term, our community.? The objective of the program is to support education and community health by investing in students who seek to become health care professionals and return to practice in San Joaquin or Stanislaus county. ?The significant deficit of health professionals available in the region is expected to continue into the future, so encouraging students from our local communities to consider health care careers is critical. The HPSJ Scholarship program does just that by offering the potential of sustained financial support for students who may be challenged by educational expenses,? said Dr. Dale Bishop, medical director at Health Plan of San Joaquin.

A Place to Begin

Feb. 28 (Tuesday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Need a tool to help you stay in the moment? Discover the gift of the present as you design your own personal prayer strand using the Sacred Wheel of Peace, a piece of string, and a pile of beads. In this hands-on experiential workshop you will be guided through a process to create your own prayer beads to use as your personal centering tool. Eleanor Wiley is a bead artist conducting interfaith, health and peace workshops nationally and internationally. She is the author of A String and a Prayer, There Are No Mistakes and Changing Bead By Bead. Eleanor created the Sacred Wheel of Peace that honors all faith traditions and cultures. Visit www.prayerbdzs.com. St. Joseph?s Medical Center Mind, Body and Spirit Wellness Series, Auditorium, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. The cost for the entire four-week series is $20 per person. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Information: (209) 461-6889 or SJCancerInfo@chw.edu.

Advance Directives Forum

Feb. 29 (Wednesday) 10 a.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers a community forum on advanced directives. Lodi Memorial social workers will be on hand to talk about the importance of advance directives, answer questions and provide assistance with filling out advance directives. Sample advance directive forms will be provided. This is a complimentary service open to all. Notary services are available. Those interested in learning more about advance directives can visit the hospital?s website, www.lodihealth.org, and click on ?Advance Directive? for a sample form, instructions and other helpful information.

Growing GREENS/Eating LEAN

March 1 (Thursday) 11 a.m. to noon (or March 15, 29; April 12, 26; May 10, 24; June 7, 21): This free program at the Nutrition Education Center at Emergency Food Bank, 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton, is a combination of vegetable/fruit gardening workshops and nutrition/cooking demonstrations incorporating fruits and vegetables. Information: (209) 464-7369 or www.stocktonfoodbank.org.

Breastfeeding: Getting Off to a Great Start

March 1 (Thursday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers ?Breastfeeding: Getting off to a Great Start,? a one-session class covering the advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy, the breastfeeding process, common problems and solutions. An additional breastfeeding class for working moms is held Tuesdays, March 13 and May 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., and is available only to participants who have already attended ?Breastfeeding: Getting off to a Great Start.?? Call (209) 339-7520 to register. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

Childbirth Preparation

March 3 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers an all-day childbirth-preparation class. Cost is $45 per couple. For more information or to register, call (209) 339-7520.? For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

VN CARES Pacific Family Health Fair

March 4 (Sunday) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: University of the Pacific pharmacy students and Vietnamese Cancer Awareness and Research Education (VN CARES) are hosting the fifth annual Pacific Family Health Fair at St. Luke?s Catholic Church Gymnasium, 3847 N. Sutter St, Stockton. Families will be able to participate in free health screenings, scavenger hunts, health education and more. Health screenings include blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, osteoporosis and more. Many local businesses and organizations will also be offering free services and information. There will be activities for children of all ages about mindful eating, staying active, healthy lifestyle tips, and all sorts of fun and games. There will be many door prizes. Information: (209) 946-2561.

Asthma Summit for Health Professionals and Public

March 10 (Saturday) 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. for physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, health educators and pharmacists; 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for general public; registration deadline March 5: San Joaquin County Public Health?s Obesity & Chronic Disease Prevention Taskforce will be presenting a two-part summit ? Connecting Community to Combat Asthma ? at the San Joaquin County Office of Education Wentworth Education Center, 2707 Transworld Drive, Stockton. The two components to the event: 1) a session at the beginning of the day will be targeted to health care professionals. CME?s will be offered for physicians and BRN credits for nurses and other professionals; 2) the general public is invited to a community summit that will include an expert speakers panel with time to ask questions, and interactive breakout sessions including an inhaler clinic and coaches clinic on asthma and athletes.?There is no cost for either event. View the fliers for more information, Healthcare Professionals or General Public. Free continental breakfast provided with morning registration. Free lunch provided with public registration. To register, send your name, organization if any, mailing address, phone and email address by fax to (209) 468-4960 or mail to San Joaquin County Office of Education, P.O. Box 213030, Stockton, CA 95213-9030. Information: Mikey Kamienski, executive director, Charterhouse Center for Families, at (209) 476-1106.

11th Annual Autism Collaborative Forum

March 17 (Saturday) 7 to 8 a.m. registration; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. forum: 11th annual Autism Collaborative Forum brings Dr. Peter Gerhardt, expert on adults with autism and Asperger?s syndrome, to the San Joaquin County Office of Education Wentworth Education Center, 2707 Transworld Drive, Stockton. Costs varies from $20 to $50. Registration deadline: March 5. Information: Gail Brodigan-Dalton at (209) 468-4907 or gbrodigandalton@sjcoe.net or www.sjcoe.org/calendar/calendarDetails.aspx?ID=2283 to print registration flier. The drastic increase of autism and related disorders is now one case per 110 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Given this information, there are a steadily growing number of adolescents and young adults affected. Gerhardt will present on how to identify and plan for the future of these individuals, including transition from adolescence to adulthood, employment goals, community integration, social competence, sexuality and quality of life concerns.

Stork Tours for Parents-To-Be

March 21 (Wednesday) 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Parents-to-be are invited to attend a free stork tour at Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi. Prospective parents may view the labor, delivery, recovery and nursery areas of the hospital and ask questions of the nursing staff. Call (209) 339-7520 to register.?For more information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

Big-Brother/Big-Sister Class for Kids 3-8

March 21 or May 16 (Wednesday) 3 to 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers a big-brother/big-sister preparation class. This class, for children ages 3 to 8, will help youngsters adjust to the arrival of the new baby. The cost is $10 for the first child and $3 for each additional child. Call (209) 339-7520 to register.?For more information, visit the LMH website at www.lodihealth.org.

Eye Safety in the Workplace

Some 100 million American workers are affected by computer eyestrain, a symptom of Computer Vision Syndrome, according to Stockton therapeutic optometrist Derron Lee. ? March is Eye Safety in the Workplace Month, and as our nation has moved from a manufacturing society to an information society, Computer Vision Syndrome has become a workplace concern,? Lee said. ?While prolonged computer use will not damage vision, it can make you uncomfortable and decrease productivity.? Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is caused by the eyes constantly focusing and refocusing on the characters on a computer screen. These characters don?t have the contrast or well-defined edges like printed words and the eyes? focus cannot remain fixed. ?Symptoms of CVS include headaches, loss of focus, burning or tired eyes, blurred vision and neck or shoulder pain,? Lee said. CVS can be partially alleviated by changes in the ergonomics of the work area. ?Proper lighting and monitor placement can go a long way toward reducing CVS, as can giving your eyes frequent breaks from the computer. But the underlying cause of CVS ? the ability of the eyes to focus on the computer screen ? may only be remedied by specialized computer glasses,? he said. Lee said a comprehensive eye exam, including questions about a person?s computer use habits, is the first step. ?If we determine that vision correction for computer use is required, we can prescribe computer lenses that are designed to improve your vision in the 18-inch-28-inch range, the optimal distance between your eyes and the computer monitor,? Lee said. Click here for more information.

New Quality Indicator Tools Help Hospital Consumers

Providing consumers with more options to make informed health care decisions, the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development? recently released four new Web tools allowing users quick and easy access in comparing hospitalization and utilization rates for various conditions statewide and by county in five year trend increments.

Wide Gap Between Care Patients Want and Receive at End of Life

When it comes to how they want to spend their final days, most Californians would prefer to die a natural death at home without being a burden, financially or emotionally, on their families. Yet according to a new poll released Feb. 14 by the California Health Care Foundation, a disparity exists between what people say they want at the end of life and what actually occurs. Among the results:

• Nearly 8 in 10 say that if seriously ill, they would want to speak with their doctor about end-of-life care. But fewer than 1 in 10 report having had such a conversation, including just 13% of those over 64.
• While 82% say that it is important to put their wishes in writing, less than one quarter have done so.
• Only 44% of Californians who have lost a loved one in the last 12 months say their loved one?s end-of-life preferences were completely followed and honored by providers. These numbers drop to 26% for those who experienced a language barrier and 25% for those uninsured at the time of death.
• Seventy percent say their home is their preferred place of death, but only 32% passed away in their homes.
• The poll finds broad support, regardless of political affiliation, for reimbursing doctors to talk about end-of-life options: 84% of Democrats, 72% of Republicans, and 80% of Independents say it would be a good idea to pay for the conversation.

CHCF is releasing an accompanying report that profiles the state of palliative care in California?s acute care hospitals. Among the findings:

• Palliative care consultation services have experienced a great deal of growth in recent years: Between 2007 and 2011, pediatric services increased by 128%, while adult services increased by 24%.
• Most palliative care services have modest budgets, with 60% operating on less than $300,000 annually.
• Every major metropolitan area in California except Los Angeles increased the number of hospital-based palliative care programs between 2007 and 2011. The percentage of Los Angeles hospitals with such programs actually decreased.

Read the complete press release now. For further details and additional resources, including a consumer guide for developing an advance directive from the American Bar Association and videos of individuals and family members reflecting on their experiences with these issues, visit www.chcf.org/endoflifecare.

Heart Medications Help Only If You Take Them

People take their prescribed medications for chronic conditions such as heart disease only about half the time. This high rate of ?nonadherence? leads to an estimated 125,000 preventable deaths in the United States each year and costs the health care system between $100 and $300 billion annually. The February 2012 issue of the Harvard Heart Letter looks at this huge problem and offers practical tips on how to ensure that people take the medications they need, when they should be taking them. Cost is one barrier, of course, but so are complicated dosing regimens, hassles in getting prescriptions filled, and side effects. The February Heart Letter offers some hurdle-clearing ideas:

• Cost ? When you get a new prescription, check with your health plan to make sure it?s the lowest-cost option available. If not, talk with your doctor. Also, take advantage of free medication programs sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and the discount plans at large retailers and pharmacies.
• Complexity ? If you take several medications with different dosing schedules, talk with your doctor about how to streamline your medication regimen. Also, recent studies have shown that using mail-order pharmacies can improve medication adherence, presumably through convenience and cost advantages.
• Side effects ? Heart medications come with non-life-threatening but bothersome side effects, including fatigue, nausea, coughing, and muscle pain. Both doctors and pharmacists can offer effective strategies to ease side effects, but only if you talk with them about it.

The February Heart Letter feature on medication adherence also includes useful tips for establishing personalized memory aids for tracking which medications to take and when. Read the full-length article: ?Medications help the heart ? if you take them?

Kaiser Study Examines Implications of Medi-Cal Role for Diabetics

A new analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows how Medicaid coverage provides access to care for adults with diabetes and how Medicaid (known as Medi-Cal in California) expansions under the Affordable Care Act could improve access for currently uninsured adults with diabetes. In the paper, published Jan. 10 in the journal Health Affairs, Foundation researchers Rachel Garfield and Anthony Damico report that adult Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes have higher spending and service use than adult beneficiaries without the disease, but comparable access. At the same time, uninsured low-income adults with diabetes have higher out-of-pocket spending, are less likely to use services, and are more likely to report access barriers than those already covered by Medicaid. As they become eligible for Medicaid under health reform they are likely to enter the program with unmet health needs, and covering them is likely to result in both improved access and increased use of health care by this population, the study found. The full study, ?Medicaid Expansion Under Health Reform May Increase Service Use and Improve Access For Low-Income Adults With Diabetes,? can be accessed online at http://www.kff.org/medicaid/kcmu11012oth.cfm.

Creating Safer Sleep Environments for Kids

January through March: First 5 San Joaquin is pleased to present the Quarterly Health Messaging E-Toolkit on ?Safer Sleep Environments.? This quarter?s health messaging toolkit focuses on increasing the awareness about the risk of fatal sleeping accidents and injuries among young children due to unsafe sleep environments. View more information and resources.

Physical Fitness Trumps Body Weight in Reducing Death Risks

If you maintain or improve your fitness level ? even if your body weight has not changed or increased ? you can reduce your risk of death, according to research reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. In a study of 14,345 adult men, mostly white and middle or upper class, researchers found that:

• Maintaining or improving fitness was associated with a lower death risk even after controlling for Body Mass Index (BMI) change.
• Every unit of increased fitness (measured as MET, metabolic equivalent of task) over six years was associated with a 19 percent lower risk of heart disease and stroke-related deaths and a 15 percent lower risk of death from any cause.
• Becoming less fit was linked to higher death risk, regardless of BMI changes.
• BMI change was not associated with death risks.

BMI is a measurement based on weight and height (kg/m2). MET measures the intensity of aerobic exercise ? specifically, the ratio of metabolic rate during a specific physical activity to a reference rate of metabolic rate at rest. ?This is good news for people who are physically active but can?t seem to lose weight,? said Duck-chul Lee, Ph.D., the study?s lead researcher and physical activity epidemiologist in the Department of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina?s Arnold School of Public Health in Columbia. ?You can worry less about your weight as long as you continue to maintain or increase your fitness levels.? Results of the study underscore the importance of physical inactivity as a risk factor for death from heart disease and stroke, said researchers. Researchers also found no association between changes in body fat percentage or body weight and death risk. Participants, who were an average 44 years old, were part of the long-term, large-scale Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. They underwent at least two comprehensive medical exams. Researchers used maximal treadmill tests to estimate physical fitness (maximal METs), and height and weight measurements to calculate BMI. They recorded changes in BMI and physical fitness over six years.

Questions About Health Reform Law?

• How are small businesses affected by health reform?
• Will everyone have to buy health insurance?
• How will the new provision allowing young adults to remain on a parent?s insurance work?

The FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) section of the Kaiser Family Foundation?s new Health Reform Source provides concise answers to common questions about the health reform law. You can search for your question or submit a new question if yours is not addressed. http://healthreform.kff.org/faq.aspx. Additional questions addressing the affordability of health insurance, how programs like Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) will be financed under health reform and others are addressed in a series of Video Explainer clips featuring foundation experts answering specific questions about the law on a variety of health policy topics. http://healthreform.kff.org/video-explainers.aspx. Kaiser?s Health Reform Source, http://healthreform.kff.org, an online gateway providing easy access to new and comprehensive resources on the health reform law, provides these and other new features and tools including an interactive timeline showing when health-reform provisions take effect, all the latest polling data, links to other information resources, and the latest health-reform headlines from Kaiser Health News.

Respiratory Support Group for Better Breathing

First Tuesday of month 10 to 11 a.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital and the American Lung Association of California Valley Lode offer a free ?Better Breathers?? respiratory-support group for people and their family members with breathing problems including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Participants will learn how to cope with chronic lung disease, understand lungs and how they work and use medications and oxygen properly. Pre-registration is recommended by calling (209) 478-1888 or (209) 339-7821. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

Planned Childbirth Services

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, hosts a four-class series which answers questions and prepares mom and her partner for labor and birth. Bring two pillows and a comfortable blanket or exercise mat to each class. These classes are requested during expecting mother?s third trimester. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Say Yes to Breastfeeding

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers a class that outlines the information and basic benefits and risk management of breastfeeding. Topics include latching, early skin-to-skin on cue, expressing milk and helpful hints on early infant feeding. In addition, the hospital offers a monthly Mommy and Me-Breastfeeding support group where mothers, babies and hospital clerical staff meet the second Monday of each month. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a free Twelve Step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia. For more information or a list of additional meetings throughout the U.S. and the world, call (781) 932-6300 or visit www.foodaddicts.org.

• Tuesdays 7 p.m.: Modesto Unity Church, 2547 Veneman Ave., Modesto.
• Wednesdays 9 a.m.: The Episcopal Church of Saint Anne, 1020 W. Lincoln Road, Stockton.
• Saturdays 9 a.m.: Tracy Community Church, 1790 Sequoia Blvd. at Corral Hollow, Tracy.

Adult Children With Aging Relatives

Second Wednesday of month 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital offers an Adult Children with Aging Relatives support group at the Hutchins Street Square Senior Center. For information, call (209) 369-4443 or (209) 369-6921.

Individual Stork Tours At Dameron

Wednesdays 5 to 7 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers 30 minute guided tours that provide expecting parents with a tour of Labor/Delivery, the Mother-Baby Unit and an overview of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. New mothers are provided information on delivery services, where to go and what to do once delivery has arrived, and each mother can create an individual birthing plan. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Brain Builders Weekly Program

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital and the Hutchins Street Square Senior Center offer ?Brain Builders,? a weekly program for people in the early stages of memory loss. There is a weekly fee of $25. Registration is required. Information or to register, call (209) 369-4443 or (209) 369-6921.

Infant CPR and Safety

Second Thursday of month 5 to 7 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers a class to family members to safely take care of their newborn.? Family members are taught infant CPR and relief of choking, safe sleep and car seat safety.? Regarding infant safety, the hospital offers on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. a NICU/SCN family support group. This group is facilitated by a Master Prepared Clinical Social Worker and the Dameron NICU staff with visits from the hospital?s neonatologist. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Group Meetings for Alzheimer?s Patients, Caregivers

Thursdays 10 to 11:30 a.m.: The Alzheimer?s Aid Society of Northern California in conjunction with Villa Marche residential care facility conducts a simultaneous Caregiver?s Support Group and Patient?s Support Group at Villa Marche, 1119 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton. Caregivers, support people or family members of anyone with dementia are welcome to attend the caregiver?s group, led by Rita Vasquez. It?s a place to listen, learn and share. At the same time, Alzheimer?s and dementia patients can attend the patient?s group led by Sheryl Ashby. Participants will learn more about dementia and how to keep and enjoy the skills that each individual possesses. There will be brain exercises and reminiscence. The meeting is appropriate for anyone who enjoys socialization and is able to attend with moderate supervision. Information: (209) 477-4858.

Clase Gratuita de Diabetes en Espa?ol

Cada segundo Viernes del mes: Participantes aprender?n los fundamentos sobre la?observaci?n de az?car de sangre, comida saludable, tama?os de porci?n y medicaciones. Un educador con certificado del control de diabetes dar? instruccion sobre la autodirecci?n durante de esta clase. Para mas informaci?n y registraci?n: (209) 461-3251. Aprenda m?s de los programas de diabetes en el sitio electronico de St. Joseph?s: www.StJosephsCares.org/Diabetes

Nutrition on the Move Class

Fridays 11 a.m. to noon: Nutrition Education Center at Emergency Food Bank, 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton.? Free classes are general nutrition classes where you?ll learn about the new My Plate standards, food label reading, nutrition and exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables, and other tips. Information: (209) 464-7369 or www.stocktonfoodbank.org.

Free Diabetes Class in Spanish

Second Friday of every month: Participants will learn the basics about blood sugar monitoring, healthy foods, portion sizes, medications and self-management skills from a certified diabetic educator during this free class. St. Joseph?s Medical Center, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information and registration: (209) 461-3251. Learn more on St. Joseph?s diabetes programs at www.StJosephsCares.org/Diabetes.

All Day Prepared Childbirth Class

Third Saturday of month 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers community service educational class of prebirth education and mentoring. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Big Brother/Big Sister

Second Sunday of month: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, has a one-hour class meeting designed specifically for newborn?s siblings. Topics include family role, a labor/delivery tour and a video presentation which explains hand washing/germ control and other household hygiene activities. This community service class ends with a Certification of Completion certificate. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Outpatient Program Aimed at Teens

Two programs: Adolescents face a number of challenging issues while trying to master their developmental milestones. Mental health issues (including depression), substance abuse and family issues can hinder them from mastering the developmental milestones that guide them into adulthood. The Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offered by St. Joseph?s Behavioral Health Center, 2510 N. California St., Stockton, is designed for those individuals who need comprehensive treatment for their mental, emotional or chemical dependency problems. This program uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to present skills for effective living. Patients learn how to identify and change distorted thinking, communicate effectively in relationships and regain control of their lives. The therapists work collaboratively with parents, doctors and schools. They also put together a discharge plan so the patient continues to get the help they need to thrive into adulthood.

• Psychiatric Adolescent IOP meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
• Chemical Recovery Adolescent IOP meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

For more information about this and other groups, (209) 461-2000 and ask to speak with a behavioral evaluator or visit www.StJosephsCanHelp.org.

Click here for Community Medical Centers (Channel Medical Clinic, San Joaquin Valley Dental Group, etc.) website.

Click here for Dameron Hospital?s?Event Calendar.

Click here for Doctors Hospital of Manteca?Events finder.

Click here for Hill Physicians website.

Click here for Kaiser Central Valley News and Events

Click here for Lodi Memorial Hospital?Event Calendar.

Click here for Mark Twain St. Joseph?s Hospital Classes and Events.

Click here for San Joaquin General Hospital website.

Click here for St. Joseph?s Medical Center?s?Classes and Events.

Click here for Sutter Gould news.?Click here for Sutter Gould calendar of events.

Click here for Sutter Tracy Community Hospital?events, classes and support groups.

San Joaquin County Public Health Services General Information

Ongoing resources for vaccinations and clinic information are:

1. Public Health Services Influenza website,?www.sjcphs.org
2. Recorded message line at?(209) 469-8200, extension 2# for English and 3# for Spanish.
3. For further information, individuals may call the following numbers at Public Health Services:

• For general vaccine and clinic questions, call?(209) 468-3862;
• For medical questions, call?(209) 468-3822.

Health officials continue to recommend these precautionary measures to help protect against acquiring influenza viruses:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol based sanitizers.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve, when you cough or sneeze.
3. Stay home if you are sick until you are free of a fever for 24 hours.
4. Get vaccinated.

Public Health Services Clinic Schedules (Adults and Children)

Immunization clinic hours are subject to chance depending on volume of patients or staffing. Check the Public Health Services website for additional evening clinics or special clinics at?www.sjcphs.org. Clinics with an asterisk (*) require patients to call for an appointment.

Stockton Health Center: 1601 E. Hazelton Ave.; (209) 468-3830.

• Immunizations: Monday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m.
• Travel clinic*: Thursday 8-11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
• Health exams*: Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m.
• Sexually transmitted disease clinic: Wednesday 3-6 p.m. and Friday 1-4 p.m., walk-in and by appointment.
• Tuberculosis clinic*: Tuesday; second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
• HIV testing: Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Thursday 1-4 p.m.

Manteca Health Center: 124 Sycamore Ave.; (209) 823-7104 or (800) 839-4949.

• Immunizations: Monday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.
• Tuberculosis clinic*: first and third Wednesday 3-6 p.m.
• HIV testing: first Wednesday 1:30-4 p.m.

Lodi Health Center: 300 W. Oak St.; (209) 331-7303 or (800) 839-4949.

• Immunizations: Monday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
• Tuberculosis clinic*: Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
• HIV testing: second and fourth Friday 1:30-4 p.m.

Protect Your Preteen from Serious Diseases

The Calaveras County Public Health Department reminds families of preteens about recommended and required immunizations for 11-and 12-year olds. Dr. Dean Kelaita, county health officer, encouraged families of preteens to schedule a doctor visit and get vaccines they need to stay healthy and meet the Tdap school entry requirement for incoming seventh-graders. During 2010, California experienced a whooping cough (also known as pertussis) epidemic that resulted in 10 infant deaths. Incoming seventh-graders for the 2012-13 school year must provide proof of having immunization against whooping cough (Tdap) before starting school. Students who have not met the requirement will not be allowed to start school. Immunity from childhood vaccines wears off over time, exposing a child to serious diseases that can lead to missed weeks of school or serious illness. Besides the Tdap shot, there are other immunizations that are now recommended for this age group, including the meningococcal vaccine, a second chickenpox shot (if they never had chickenpox disease), and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series. Also, everyone older than 6 months is recommended to receive flu vaccine. The Calaveras County Public Health Department offers no- or low-cost vaccines to children without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover immunizations. No one is turned away for inability to pay. Information: (209) 754-6460 or www.calaveraspublichealth.com.

Calaveras County Public Health Community Immunization Clinics

• San Andreas: weekly at Public Health Department, 700 Mountain Ranch Road, Suite C-2. Mondays 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursdays 8 a.m. to noon.
• Valley Springs: monthly at United Methodist Church, 135 Laurel St. Third Tuesday 3 to 5:30 p.m.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Have a health-oriented event the public in San Joaquin County should know about? Let me know at?jgoldeen@recordnet.com and I?ll get it into my Health Calendar. I?m not interested in promoting commercial enterprises here, but I am interested in helping out nonprofit and/or community groups, hospitals, clinics, physicians and other health-care providers. Look for five categories: Community Events, News, Ongoing, Hospitals & Medical Groups, and Public Health.

TO THE PUBLIC: I won?t list an item here from a source that I don?t know or trust. So I believe you can count on what you read here. If there is a problem, please don?t hesitate to let me know at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com.?Thanks, Joe

Source: http://blogs.esanjoaquin.com/stockton-health-care/2012/02/22/joes-health-calendar-22212/

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Speaking for my ... characters ... - The Write Life

One of the more challenging aspects of writing fiction is creating believable dialogue for characters. Writing dialogue the audience may actually be interested in reading is - I believe - one of the areas that can very easily end up being clich?d, stilted or just not real?enough.

Its not just the words the characters are saying?but in how they respond?too. For example, I have seen many stories where the dialogue just reverts to something like:

"Statement from character A," said Character A

"Response of Character B," said Character B

The point of this example is the characters only ever have one response mode. Each character has a line of dialogue and the writer has only described (often referred to as a dialogue tag) this with the word "said" and this ends up being boring and stilted. Having a young son, this is something I have seen in a few of the poorer children's books I have read to him.

On the flip-side of this is too much description of how the characters say something. They can respond, exclaim, question and a number of other ways have their speech described. Using alternatives too much will only make the author look like they were trying too hard and this too?may turn readers away. Also, there seems to be a school of thought along the lines of: the fewer dialogue tags, the better. This is something I agree with but it tricky to implement without the schoolboy error I often revert to of adding a tag after each portion of speech. All this does is make for dialogue that feels like a tennis match when you're sat at the net. Your head switches left and right between the characters - metaphorically speaking that is - and the reader ends up feeling dizzy.

Another pit that is easy to fall into is trying to make in character dialogue just like speech in real life. We all have a point in our speech where we pause in the middle of a sentence. This is either because we are stuck for what to say next or have difficulty in continuing in some way. Usually the brain fills in these gaps as we say "erm" or "um" or similar. Reading a conversation written as we speak can end up being very dull for the reader.

I try very hard when it comes to dialogue not to fall into these traps. Sometimes I succeed but not always. Here is an excerpt from my current story:

"Good morning my friend," Al started all bold and bright.?

I almost laughed at 'my friend', but altogether I was in a reasonable mood so I was happy to let it pass. "Mornin' Al. You're early today."?

"I've a lot to do today and I need to leave early. If they let me." At that I turned to look at him and Al just replied with a smile.?

"Okay," I managed.?

"Listen, Tim, I need your help. Your technical expertise if you will."

A few years ago I took a course in creative writing and the one techniques that the tutor showed with regards to writing was that we needed :

"to write it all out, don't edit until you are finished. Editing whilst writing will only slow you down and you may never finish your story."

I don't follow that advice when it comes to dialogue.?This conversation between my protagonist, Tim, and one of his friends took me a few passes. I even edited some of the dialogue tags when I pasted it to here.

One good trick from my tutor all those years ago that I do remember and try out from time to time is create dialogue for random characters - you may not ever use the dialogue or the characters - but it helps to get to a point where you can create interesting dialogue. My favourite assignment along these lines was to write arguments between characters. I still do this now as a regular?exercise to flex my "dialogue" muscle.

Source: http://theduckwriter.blogspot.com/2012/02/speaking-for-my-characters.html

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Chinese Court Orders Vendor to Halt IPad Sales in Trademark ...

A Chinese court has ordered a local electronics vendor to stop selling the iPad, as part of an escalating trademark dispute that threatens to stop Apple from selling its iconic tablet in the country.

On Friday, a court in the Chinese city of Huizhou ruled that electronics retailer Sundan had to halt iPad sales at one of its stores, according to Ma Dongxiao, a lawyer for Chinese company Proview, which filed the legal action.

Proview, a display vendor that has filed for bankruptcy, claims to own the iPad trademark in mainland China and is demanding that Apple stop selling its tablet in the country. Proview?s legal action against Sundan is just one of the many lawsuits and complaints the company has filed to get local authorities to take action against iPad sales.

A lawyer for Sundan said on Monday the company is still waiting for a copy of the court verdict, which should arrive within two days. The company is still discussing the matter, and plans to speak with Apple. No decision has been made on whether to halt iPad sales.

Apple could not be immediately reached for comment.

Proview has also filed for a customs ban with Chinese authorities to stop exports and imports of the iPad tablet.

On Friday, Proview representative Li Su said the company would drop all action against Apple if the U.S. tech giant paid $400 million for the trademark.

The Chinese company acquired the iPad trademark in 2001. But Apple claims to have bought it in 2009 through a company it had set up, called IP Application. Proview, however, argues Apple bought the trademark rights from a Proview Taiwan subsidiary, which never had permission to sell the trademark.

Last June, a Hong Kong court ruled in favor of Apple, ordering an injunction to prevent Proview from selling the iPad trademark to another company. But in December, Apple was dealt a legal blow when a court in Shenzhen, China rejected the company?s claims to the iPad trademark. Apple is appealing the decision.

Article source: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/250299/chinese_court_orders_vendor_to_halt_ipad_sales_in_trademark_dispute.html

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