Health notes for week of June 16-22

Seminar discusses syndrome's link to arterial plaque

People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary artery disease and other diseases related to arterial plaque buildups as well as type 2 diabetes. Dr. Mushtaq Nabi, internal medicine, will discuss this syndrome at a free Lunch & Learn seminar at noon Friday at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, 1395 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs.

A light lunch will be served. To reserve a seat, call (727) 943-3600.

• • •

Oldsmar Fire Rescue is offering a Child and Babysitting Safety program sanctioned by the American Safety & Health Institute from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

The course, facilitated by Oldsmar Fire Rescue's EMS Coordinator, Aaron Gonzalez, is designed for anyone 12 years old and older interested in skills training and information regarding the caring of infants and children. The course is particularly beneficial to young adults interested in babysitting.

Attendees will learn infant care, emergency action steps, personal safety, fire and water safety, basic first aid and choking management. Books are included.Program cost is $15. Space is limited. To register, call Oldsmar Fire Rescue at (813) 749-1200.

• • •

Morton Plant Mease Women's Services joins the national group, Red Hot Mamas, to raise awareness of women's health in menopausal years. MPM will kick off its local Red Hot Mamas program 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in MPM's Tuttle Auditorium, 300 Pinellas St., Clearwater.

Doors open at 8 a.m. for mingling, shopping, massages and refreshments followed by a fun-filled, informational workshop focusing on treating symptoms, tackling midlife weight gain and understanding mind and body approach while moving through menopause. Guest speakers include Dr. Stephanie Van Zandt, life coach Elizabeth Nelson and wellness educator Cathleen Shears.

The purpose of the local Red Hot Mamas program is to educate women on understanding menopause, to provide community support, and empower women to make better choices for their health, comfort and well-being.

The event is free. Advance registration is required by calling (727) 953-6877. Visit www.mpmhealth.com/redhotmamas.

Seminars, classes, support groups

NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP MEETINGS: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mondays (except holidays) at Crystal Beach Community Center, 517 Crystal Beach Ave.; 7 p.m. Tuesdays at First United Methodist Church, Educational Building, second floor, 421 Main St., Dunedin; and 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul's Methodist Church, Room 102, 1199 Highland Ave., Largo. E-mail naranonfamilygroups@yahoo.com or visit Naranonfl.org.

Clearwater motorcyclist killed in Dunedin crash | Latest ...

Times staff Sunday, July 3, 2011 DUNEDIN Motorcyclist dies after MORNING crash Deputies are investigating a Sunday morning crash that killed a motorcyclist. Just before 10 a.m., deputies say Clarvel Romano, 59, of Oldsmar was driving a 2010 Infiniti south on Bayshore Boulevard near San Salvador Drive. Romano's vehicle collided with a 1982 Honda motorcycle driven by Peter Gikas, 54, of Clearwater ...