THE PULSE

Free Conference Slated for Brain Tumor Patients, Caregivers

Neurosurgeons, brain tumor researchers and other professionals affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Neurosurgery will present a one-day conference, “Outsmarting Brain Tumors,” on May 10, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Harvey Morse Auditorium, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles.

The free conference is part of National Brain Tumor Awareness Week and the conference is supported and endorsed by the American Brain Tumor Association, the National Brain Tumor Foundation, the Florida Brain Tumor Association, and The Wellness Community.

Keith L. Black, M.D., chairman of the medical center’s Department of Neurosurgery, will lead a faculty of brain tumor experts who will discuss the latest research related to brain tumors, new discoveries that have been translated into treatments, and surgical and non-surgical treatment options, including Gamma Knife therapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

A series of presentations are scheduled to address specific symptoms, research and treatment options related to pituitary and other sellar tumors, acoustic neuromas and other skull base tumors, meningiomas, gliomas and metastatic tumors. Other sessions will provide information to help patients and families contend with financial, legal, emotional and intimacy issues.

There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is required.

Information: (800) 233-2771 (800-CEDARS-1) or http://www .cedars-sinai.edu/6640.html.

Asthma Screening Programs Offered

Los Angeles-area allergists, who are asthma specialists, will offer free asthma screenings as part of the 12th annual Nationwide Asthma Screening Program, sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Screenings will be held at the following locations:

• May 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Shops at Mission Viejo, 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo

• May 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Costa Mesa Health and Wellness Fair, BESST Center, 2045 Meyer Place, Costa Mesa

• May 17, 1 to 4 p.m., at Albertsons, 16061 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley

• May 21 at White Memorial Adventist Church, Gym, 1720 Cesar Chavez Ave., Los Angeles

Asthma affects more than 22 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, and is responsible for almost 4,000 deaths a year. Although the exact cause of asthma is unknown, many treatments are available to control this chronic inflammation of the airways in the lungs.

An asthma attack is often triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust and animal dander, certain drugs and food additives, respiratory infections and physical exertion.

This year, a new brochure called “Take Control: A Guide for People with Asthma,” highlighting the new federal guidelines, will be available to help asthma patients learn more about managing their disease.

Information: www.acaai.org.

BREATHE LA Day Proclaimed in LA

Los Angeles City Council Member Tom LaBonge will present Breathe California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) with a Resolution naming BREATHE LA Day on May 9 at Los Angeles City Hall John Ferraro Council Chambers.

BREATHE LA is dedicated to clean air and healthy lungs and serves more than 4,000 children with after school environmental education program, O24U, in inner city air pollution impacted schools. Children with asthma learn to manage their symptoms through BREATHE LA Asthma Lung Power program and adults with COPD will benefit from BREATHE LA Center for Healthy Lungs Research.

BREATHE LA mentors 20 high school student-leaders in the 4-U-N-I (text “For You and I” ) teen-to-teen no smoking program who have created a series of anti-smoking public service announcements. BREATHE LA also serves as a leader in the fight against tuberculosis in partnership with the Los Angeles Tuberculosis Coalition. BREATHE LA serves the community at large with public information and referrals services.

BREATHE LA has just completed a fundraising campaign to benefit the O24U environmental education program, a Charity Skydive that has raised, to date, nearly $10,000 and included two bold BREATHE LA staff members who led the leap for clean air on April 26.

BREATHE LA works to raise awareness about clean air issues and participates in statewide advocacy efforts to ensure legislation is in place to protect the environment. Each year, more than 6,000 people in Los Angeles die from illnesses related to tobacco and air pollution.

Information: www.breathela. org.

Chris Tucker to Host Brittiana 5K

Chris Tucker will host the third annual Brittiana “Smile For Life” 5K Run/Walk May 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pacific Palisades High, 15777 Bowdoin St., Pacific Palisades.

Pre-registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a continental breakfast at 9 a.m. and commencement of the walk/run at 10 a.m.

Joining Tucker as co-hosts are Kyle Massey from Disney’s “That’s So Raven” and “Corey In The House,” and Chris Massey from Nickelodeon’s “Zoey 101.”

The goal of the Brittiana “Smile For Life” 5K Run/Walk, is to create public awareness about the prevalence of childhood cancer, and the increasing demand for blood and bone marrow testing and donations. The event is also designed to raise funds to support for children battling childhood cancer and bring families together that face similar challenges.

This event is open to the public, and includes food, games, raffles, bone marrow testing, shopping, entertainment, and family fun. All childhood cancer patients are admitted free, with prior approval from BrittiCares (parent or guardian must be present).

Jamie and Shirell Henderson founded BrittiCares International after their 10-year-old daughter, Brittiana Rene Henderson, was diagnosed with bone cancer and later leukemia. Visiting children in the same hospital, reading to them, and spending time with them, Brittiana would always take the focus away from herself by focusing on others. Brittiana’s battle came to an end Jan. 31, 2007, but not before becoming a forerunner in helping other children with similar challenges get through their battle through hope, love, and many smiles.

Information: (323) 292-8527.