Health News

Talk on multiple sclerosis

BANGOR – Dr. Jack Burks, the founder of one of the nation’s first comprehensive multiple sclerosis centers, will be the featured speaker at the “Conversation on Research” evening, presented by the Maine Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at the Black Bear Inn in Orono.

Burks is medical director of the Washoe Institute for Neurosciences in Reno, Nev., and clinical professor of Neurology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Burks believed that by combining patient care services, education and research into one comprehensive program – the Rocky Mountain MS Center in Englewood, Colo., founded in 1978 – the quality of life for people with MS would be improved. This multifaceted approach to chronic disease has served as a model for other institutes around the country.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that is most often diagnosed in young adults. While there are treatments available to slow the progression of certain types of MS, there is no cure.

For more information about the evening with Dr. Burks, contact the MS Society at 942-8604, (800) 273-4703, or visit the Maine Chapter’s Web site at msmaine.org.

AARP 55 Alive driving

BANGOR – The Eastern Agency on Aging will offering the AARP 55 Alive Safe Driving Program from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and Friday, Sept. 24 and 27, in the EAA offices at 450 Essex St.

The eight-hour course addresses the physical changes that may affect driving ability when a person reaches age 55 and older. Participants will review the current driving manual to refresh their knowledge of driving regulations. They also will have an opportunity to talk about the challenges of driving, and how others deal with them.

There will be no driving or written tests. Those who complete the class will receive a two-year certificate that may allow for discounts from several automobile insurance companies.

Cost of the course is $10, and enrollment is limited to 25 participants, who must be 50 or older. Register by calling the Eastern Agency on Aging at 941-2865 or (800) 432-7812. For more information, call Sylvia Smith at 942-4579.

Eastern Maine Medical Center

BANGOR – Physician assistant Dana Green of the Diabetes, Endocrine and Nutrition Center has been presented with the University of Maine at Farmington’s Alumni Achievement Award. The award honors a UMF graduate who has achieved distinction in that graduate’s field.

Registered nurse Cheryl Long has joined the risk management department as risk management coordinator.

Jill McDonald and Elizabeth Sutherland of Community Relations have passed the national accreditation exam in public relations. They are among 19 public relations professionals in Maine to hold the APR credential, and only two of four north of Waterville.

Credentials are issued by the Universal Accreditation Board under the leadership of the Public Relations Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, and several other public relations associations.

Women, Activities, Recreation

The organization Women, Activities, Recreation has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the Maine Community Foundation and a $1,000 recommended grant from the Wrendy Hayne Mental Health Fund.