HEALTH NOTES

Cancer presentation scheduled

Integris’ Hispanic Initiative will offer a presentation Tuesday evening on steps to prevent cancer.

The presentation starts at 6 p.m. at Southwest Medical Center, 4200 S Douglas.

People of Hispanic descent get cancer at a younger age, on average, than non-Hispanic whites. Those who were born outside the United States are at a higher of certain cancers, such as stomach, liver and cervical cancers.

For more information or to register, call Integris at 951-2277.

Family festival coming up

Southern Oaks Health and Wellness campus will hold its Family Fun Fest on Oct. 13.

The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southern Oaks campus, 6728 S Hudson. Activities include outdoor games and inflatables, and free food is available.

Tips to prevent falls

The state Health Department urged older people and those who care for them to take steps to avoid preventable falls.

The department estimated that about 124 Oklahoma adults are hospitalized and 10 die, on average, each week in connection with a fall.

To reduce the risk of falling:

• Exercise regularly, and emphasize routines that work on strength and balance

• Talk to your doctor about fall prevention, and ask if medications could cause dizziness or drowsiness

• Have an annual vision screening, and keep your house well-lit

• Keep your floors clear of clutter, including throw rugs

• Use nonslip mats and grab bars in the bathroom

• Keep items you use frequently in a place where you can easily reach them

• Use handrails on the stairs

For more information, call 271-3430 or go to falls. health.ok.gov.

Get regular screenings

GlobalHealth, an insurance company, reminded Oklahoma women to get their well-women exams. Well-women exams typically are done as part of an annual checkup, and usually are covered by insurance. It typically includes a clinical breast exam and pelvic exam. Some women also need other tests like a mammogram, a Pap smear to check for cervical cancer or a bone density test. Women who recently have given birth need more frequent exams.