Talks on personal medicine, medical science open series

Lectures on personalized medicine and medical science in clinical practice will open two University of Arizona lecture series Wednesday in downtown Phoenix.

The first, a breakfast discussion series called Start the Day with the UA, will feature researcher Scott Leischow from the UA's Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson discussing personalized medicine. It will be from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Tom's Tavern, 2 N. Central Ave. The talk is free; participants pay for breakfast. Reservations required. 602-827-2007.

Vimla Patel will launch the seminar on basic medical sciences presented by the UA College of Medicine-Phoenix with Arizona State University. Patel is a professor at both universities. Her talk is from noon to 1 p.m. at the medical college's Virginia G. Piper Auditorium, 550 E. Van Buren St. The talk and lunch are free. Reservations required. 602-827-2102.ALS benefit walk

The Walk to Defeat ALS raises money to help find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and to provide services for people living with the disease.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, making even simple movements such as walking and talking almost impossible, the ALS Association says. The mind usually is unaffected.

This year, walks will be held in about 150 locations nationwide, including Tempe. All walk routes are wheelchair accessible.

Details: On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m. Saturday at Tempe Beach Park, Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue. There's no fee to participate. Register at www.alsa.org or 602-297-3800.

Chronic-pain support

People with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, also known as chronic regional pain syndrome, are invited to a meeting of the RSD Care & Share Support Group. Family, friends and caregivers also may attend.

RSD is a chronic neurological condition characterized by intense burning pain, changes in skin color and temperature over the affected body part, excessive sweating, tissue swelling and sensitivity to touch, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Details: 1 p.m. Saturday in Dining Room A at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix. Free. Contact Margie St. Pierre at 602-843-2412.

New mom get-together

Learn how to keep your baby healthy now and into the future at the next Spirit of Women New Mom Tea and Social Hour. The gathering, hosted by Banner Desert Medical Center, also will provide tips for childproofing your home.

Details: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday at Banner Desert's Rosati Education Center, 1400 S. Dobson Road, Mesa. $5. Reservations required. 602-230-CARE.

Healthful cooking

The Cancer Project, a non-profit collaboration of physicians, researchers and nutritionists that educates people in the ways a nutritious diet can help them prevent and survive cancer, will offer an eight-week cooking course with Scottsdale Healthcare.

Valley cooking instructor Kevin Breitbart will teach participants how to prepare foods that taste good and are good for them. Topics include low-fat foods, high-fiber foods, dairy alternatives, replacing meat, meal planning, antioxidants and phytochemicals, immune-boosting foods and maintaining a healthful weight.

Details: 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 23-March 12, at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, Education Conference Room, 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale. Free, but registration required. 480-882-4636.

Women's conference

A conference for women only will address physical and emotional issues that affect their sexuality after being diagnosed with and treated for cancer.

Physician Charles Loprinzi, head of oncology for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and author of Mayo Clinic Guide to Women's Cancer, will lead the discussion.

Details: 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 26 at the Wellness Community of Central Arizona, 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix. Free, but reservations required. 602-712-1006.

Source:www.azcentral.com