Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men, according to the American Urological Association Foundation. Men who wish to be screened for prostate cancer should have both a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, and a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). Evidence from research studies suggest that combining both tests improves the overall rate of prostate cancer detection.

The American Cancer Society suggests that men discuss prostate testing with their physicians so each man can decide if testing is right for him. If a man chooses to be tested, the tests should include a PSA blood test and DRE yearly, beginning at age 50, for men at average risk who can be expected to live at least 10 more years. For men at high risk, this discussion should take place starting at age 45. Men at high risk include African American men and men who have a close relative (father, brother, or son) who had prostate cancer before age 65. This discussion should take place at age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with several close relatives with prostate cancer at an early age).

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability, according to the National Stroke Association. In an effort to provide education and assistance to stroke victims and their families, Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is offering a monthly stroke support group. Four sessions are scheduled for this fall with the first on Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the medical center’s Center for Rehabilitation beside the main hospital.

The stroke support group goal is to provide stroke survivors, their families and caregivers education, resources and an opportunity to support each other as they strive to rebuild their lives. Attendees, while meeting other survivors who are likely experiencing similar challenges, will find this to be a structured way to share with and support each other as well as their caregivers and family members. Education offered by physicians, therapists, dietitians, nurses, stroke survivors and caregivers, will focus on Making the Most Out of Life and Coping with Stroke as well as emphasize good health, independence and well-being. Other future topics include community resources, healthy nutrition during holidays, community mobility and reintegration, coping and stress management, healing touch, communication after a stroke, and caregiving from the patient and the caregiver perspectives.

Catawba Medical Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy (WIP) will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 9, according to Bill Loehr, Catawba Medical Foundation (CMF) executive director. WIP, which meets each spring and fall, donated more than $15,000 at the end of its inaugural year last November. The 2008 donations were made to the American Cancer Society’s local Wig Bank, Catawba Valley Medical Center’s (CVMC) Healthy House and for production of bound publications for the benefit of area cancer patients.

Held in the Northwest Area Health Education Center room 112 adjacent to the medical center, the September meeting will allow members of WIP the opportunity to review the needs from various areas within the medical center. At the regular fall meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 11, members will vote to select projects to receive support with their combined 2009 gifts. The September session will begin at 11 a.m and end at 1 p.m. During that time, staff will be available to answer questions about potential projects for funding. A light lunch will be available for each attendee.

For the past 10 years, Case E. has walked with a spring in her step into the Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) inpatient rehabilitation gym on the facility’s fourth floor almost every day. A pet therapist in the CVMC Rehabilitation Department, Case E. is tireless in her efforts to make rehab efforts more fun and engaging for the medical center’s patients. Her effects on co-workers are unmatched, too. It is her pleasure to make others smile, whether it takes a funny trick like sneezing or catching a snack in midair. What? Employees doing tricks at work? This one does and she loves it. Case E. is a small black poodle who was one of CVMC’s first two pets in its then-fledging Pet Therapy program a decade ago.

After continually delighting and encouraging patients, visitors and staff for her entire life, Case E. is hanging up her leash, at least in terms of full-time work. The cute canine was honored recently with a retirement party that included gifts of dog treats and toys and snacks including a cake with icing “dog bones” and chocolate animal crackers.