MVH offers free colorectal screenings

MVH offers free colorectal screenings

The "Strollin' Colon" will be on display from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Colorectal Cancer Education and Screening Program in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center at Monongahela Valley Hospital.The "Strollin' Colon" is a giant, walk-though inflatable that shows what a healthy colon looks like as well as what a colon with cancer looks like.A panel of health care professionals, including Dr. Andrew Zahalsky, director of medical oncology at MVH, will provide information on treatments for colorectal cancer.The event is free, but seating is limited. Registration is required by calling 724-258-1333. A free take-home test will be given to all participants.

3-D mammography at Canonsburg Hospital

Canonsburg Hospital is among three additional Allegheny Health Network locations to add 3-D mammography, one of the most advanced techniques for detecting breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stages.The others are Allegheny Valley Hospital and Premier Women's Health Diagnostic Imaging of Sewickley.While traditional mammography captures a single image of the breast, tomosynthesis, also known as 3-D mammography, takes multiple images in "slices" that allow doctors to see internal breast tissue in sharp detail, minimizing false-positive and false-negative readings. Breast tomosynthesis can be particularly helpful for women who have dense breast tissue, or women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer.In October 2015, Pennsylvania began requiring all insurers to pay for 3-D mammography, making the technology more readily available to women. It is used in addition to traditional mammography, and uses an amount of radiation well below federal guidelines.For more information, call Canonsburg Hospital outpatient services at 724-745-3904.

Women's group seeks funding requests

WOMEN of Southwestern Pennsylvania Inc. is accepting funding requests from local nonprofit, charitable and community organizations.To qualify, an organization must provide service in Allegheny, Washington, Fayette or Greene counties, have IRS 501(c) (3) status, receive no federal funds for the specific projects and benefit women's, children's or family interests.Applicants are asked to visit www.womenofswpa.org, print and complete the grant application form, attach a copy of nonprofit status, specify the amount requested up to $2,500 and send to WOMEN of Southwestern PA Inc., c/o Philanthropy Committee, P.O. Box 1112, McMurray, PA 15317. Submission deadline is May 15, and decisions will be made in June.In 2016, the group donated $56,000 to Western Pennsylvania organizations for specific projects. The money was raised during the annual Symphony of Food ? A Chef's Showcase, held each year in January.

Greene County group plans workshops

Greene County Food Security Partnership is hosting a free four-week workshop, including healthy cooking demonstrations by community volunteer Ruth Enci.There also will be information on general safety, physical fitness, food preparation, food safety and home gardening.All sessions will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at Carmichaels Arbors, 211 Liberty St., as follows:? April 3 ? Food Preparation and Safety, presented by Penn State Extension.? April 10 ? In Home Gardening, presented by Penn State Master Gardeners. Participants also will be given tips on preparing an Easter meal during this session.? April 17 ? Safety, presented by Farmers Insurance. Participants also will be given tips on preparing meals with Easter leftovers during this session.? April 24 ? Mind, Body & Spirit, presented by In Motion Dance and Fitness.For more information or to register, call Maribeth Tarpley-Garrett at 724-852-5276, ext. 676.The Greene County Food Security Partnership is a collaborative task group composed of individuals, organizations and businesses that want to help address food insecurity in the community. To learn more, visit www.greenefoodpartnership.org or call 724-627-2010.

Tulip Tea Party in California Borough

A Tulip Tea Party for children 4 and older, accompanied by an adult, will begin at 11 a.m.April 22 at the Gallagher House, 429 Wood St., California.The event is being held by the California Historical Society. There will be food and activities for children, plus a visit from the fairy grandmother.Admission is $15 per adult and one child, and $5 for each additional child. Prepaid tickets are available at the historical society by calling 724-938-3250 and at California Public Library by calling 724-938-2907.Proceeds benefit the operating budgets of the historical society and the library.