ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University's College of Osteopathic Medicine will join osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) across the nation in observing National Osteopathic Medicine Week from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3.

This year's NOM Week focuses on educating and informing Americans about end-of-life care and related topics, such as advances in pain management, cultural sensitivities toward final stages oflife, organ donation, advance directives, and end-of-life care options and financing.

The nation's more than 47,000 D.O.s are dedicated to helping maintain a whole-person, patient-centered approach to health care, and recognize death as the legitimate endpoint to the human life cycle and respect the dignity and special needs of both patients and their caregivers.

"As medical advancements increase the average life expectancy rate and technology has made it possible to extend the lives of accident victims and the terminally ill," said Daniel Marazon, D.O., interim dean of OU-COM, "more and more Americans, their families and health-care professionals are forced to address the complex issues surrounding end-of-life care and support. D.O.s are well qualified to help patients and their families confront and deal with end-of-life questions."

Because of the this year's end-of-life theme coinciding with National Hospice Month, Tia Trivison, University Osteopathic Health Center marketing manager and coordinator of OU-COM's NOM Week, said, "It seemed only natural for the college to partner with Appalachian Community Hospice to help people in our community better understand how to access the best end-of-life care for themselves and their loved ones."

Activities:

Thursday, Nov. 1, WATH AM 970, Health Matters, 10:05 to 10:35 a.m.

Host Tia Trivison interviews Milena Miller, development director of Appalachian Community Hospice, and Dave Smith, a volunteer with Appalachian Community Hospice, about upcoming community events.

Friday, Nov. 2, WOUB 1340 AM, Live from Studio B, 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Host Milena Miller interviews Edward Gotfried, D.O., OU-COM associate professor of surgery and acupuncturist; Tia Trivison; and Sue Erlewine, R.N., palliative care specialist, Appalachian Community Hospice.

Friday, Nov. 2, Diabetes, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Health Screenings, 3 to 6 p.m.

OU-COM's Community Service Programs Healthy Adult Project will provide free diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol checks in the mobile health van. For more information about the health screenings, please call (740) 593-2432 or (800) 844-2654. Athens Community Recreation Center

Friday, Nov. 2, Living with Dying, 6 to 9 p.m.

Appalachian Community Hospice and OU-COM will present a public reading by the award-winning poet, essayist and undertaker Thomas Lynch, entitled "Living With Dying." Tracy Marx, D.O., University Osteopathic Medical Center geriatrics physician, will make introductory remarks about her experiences with hospice care preceding Lynch's reading. Reception is at 6 p.m. The Living with Dying forum begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Athens Community Recreation Center.

Saturday, Nov. 3, Little People's Hospital, 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.

OU-COM medical students, UOMC and O'Bleness Memorial Hospital marketing staff, Americorps members and Area Health Education Center representatives will hold Little People's Hospital at the "Celebrating Families" event sponsored by Athens County Children's Services. Little People's Hospital is a mock hospital experience for kids to alleviate their fear of doctors and health-care procedures. It includes 13 health check stations, with emergency medical and respiratory care facilities provided by O'Bleness. Little People's Hospital is being staged in the former optical store opposite Elder-Beerman and right in front of the main stage. University Mall.

Also, during NOM Week CSP is providing flu shot clinics. Flu vaccinations will be available for persons 65 years and older and those under 65 years old with one or more of the following chronic health problems: heart, lung or kidney disease; asthma; diabetes; or anemia or other blood disorders. The cost is $5 per vaccination or, if you bring your Medicare card, Medicare can be billed. For more information, please call (800) 844-2654 or (740) 593-2432.

Flu shot clinics are available at the following times and places:

Coolville -- Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon

Coolville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall

Athens -- Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 7:30 to 11 a.m.

Ohio University Osteopathic Medical Center, Parks Hall, 2nd floor

Athens -- Thursday, Nov. 1 from 7:30 to 11 a.m.

Ohio University Osteopathic Medical Center, Parks Hall, 2nd floor

Glouster -- Friday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon

Trimble Township Lions Club

NOM Week events are co-sponsored by OU-COM's Office of Community Service Programs, OU-COM medical student organizations, Area Health Education Center, O'Bleness Memorial Hospital and Appalachian Community Hospice, in conjunction with Athens County Children's Services.

Contact Tia Trivison, University Osteopathic Medical Center marketing manager and OU-COM's coordinator of NOM Week, at (740) 593-9572, for more information. You also can visit the AOA Web site at www.aoa-net.org to learn more about NOM Week.