Special Events

ABOARD, the Advisory Board on Autism & Related Disorders is hosting a spring conference, "Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders" starting at 8 a.m., April 8 at the Holiday Inn, Greentree. The conference is geared towards parents and family of children with autism and regular and special education teachers. Registration starts at 7 a.m. For details, 412-781-4116.

The Watson Institute is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the announcement of the Salk polio vaccine from 6 to 8:30 p.m., April 12 at the Watson Institute, 301 Camp Meeting Rd., Sewickley. Free. For details, call Barbara at 412-749-2868.

St. Clair Hospital will sponsor a Women's Wellness Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 16 at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh, Southpointe. Lifestyle coach Richard T. Butler will discuss "It's Not About the Diet, It's About You," and participants are invited to a mini-wellness fair. Free. For details, 412-344-6600, ext. 1025.

Screenings

"Focus on Diabetes," 6 to 8 p.m. at these Giant Eagle stores. For other dates and locations, call: 412-647-8762.
-- April 6, Wexford, 9805 McKnight Rd
-- April 7, Waterworks, 910 Freeport Rd.
-- April 13, East Hills, 9001 Frankstown Rd.

Free alcohol screenings in observance of National Alcohol Screening Day, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., April 7, in the first floor board room, Mercy Hospital: North Shore Campus, 1004 Arch St., North Side. Advance registration is required; but walk-ins are welcome. For details, call 1-800-232-5660.

Free health assessment screenings are being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 8 at the Steel Valley Council of Government Building, 201 East 18th Ave., Homestead. The event is sponsored by the Mon Valley Providers Council and the Highmark Caring Foundation. For details, 412-829-7112.

Diabetes blood screenings, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 9 at the New Kensington Giant Eagle, 200 Tarentum Road and April 16 at the Waterfront Giant Eagle, 420 East Waterfront Dr. Sponsored by UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Institute and Giant Eagle. Free.

Blood pressure screenings sponsored by Hometown Pharmacy from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 11 at Shop 'N Save pharmacy, 2362 Route 286, Plum.

Blood pressure screening, sponsored by St. Clair Hospital, from 1 to 4 p.m., April 13 in the fourth floor lobby. Free. For details 412-344-6600 ext. 1025.

Blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol and glucose numbers screenings, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 11, Allegheny General Hospital. Free to those who schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-284-2000. Co-sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Seminars/Lectures

"Understanding the Different Modalities of Massage Therapy," presented by The Nuin Center at 6:30 p.m., April 6 at the center on 5655 Bryant St., Highland Park. For details, 412-661-6108.

"Know Your Healthy Steps," a lecture on physical fitness and health from 3 to 4:30 p.m., April 12 at the SmartHealth Bethel Park Outpatient Center, 1000 Higbee Dr. For details, 1-800-232-5660.

"Making Sense of Living Wills," 7 to 9 p.m., April 19, Conference Center Auditorium, Magee-Womens Hospital. Free. Call 412-647-8762 for more information or to register.

Classes/Workshops

Understanding Thyroid, a natural options workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 5, at Sunnybridge Natural Foods, Festival Foods Plaza, 130 Gallery Drive, McMurray. To register: 724-942-5800.

UPMC Passavant and UPMC Passavant Cranberry are offering a Diabetes Education Series. The series is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. starting April 6 at UPMC Passavant's Assembly Hall and at 11:30 a.m. starting April 5 at the second floor conference room at UPMC Passavant Cranberry. To register, call 412-367-6887.

The American Red Cross will offer Adult CPR with AED, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., April 7. $40, Downtown at 225 Blvd. of the Allies. To register, 412-263-3100.

"Natural Approaches to Hormone Replacement Therapy," 10 a.m. April 9 at the Greater Pittsburgh Joint & Muscle Center, 600 Iron City Drive, Green Tree. Free. For details, 412-444-4455.

Osteoporosis prevention and reversal, 6:30 p.m. April 11 and 11 a.m. April 12, the Chiropractic Health Center, Finleyville. Call 724 348-6446.

Research

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is in need of females ages 18-45 with regular periods and migraine headaches for research study. The study involves daily headache diaries and medication (Eletriptan) taken around the time of your period. Compensation up to $200 upon completion. For details, 412-692-2856.

The Mental Health Intervention Research Center at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic is looking for individuals, ages 18 to 60, who are suffering with symptoms of both depression and anxiety for a talk therapy research study. For details, 412-246-5566.

Support Groups

Brain Injury Peer Support Group, 7 to 9 p.m., April 12 at HealthSouth, Guys Run Road Harmarville. For details, 412-531-0343.

Self Help Group Network, a service of HelpLine, provides a database of support groups. Call: 412-255-1155.

Special Opportunities

The Allegheny County Health Department is offering food protection certification courses for food industry workers.

The cost is $60 for county residents or those employed at food facilities in the county and $75 for others.

The course will be offered April 5 and 12 at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, Cheswick and April 18 and 25 at the Bridgeville. A three-year certification is awarded to those who complete the course and pass an exam. For details, 412-687-2243.