Monday, October 29, 2012

UPPER KEYS

Free COPD screenings, seminar

Mariners Hospital will offer free screenings for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Nov. 7. The screenings are part of the hospital's Community Care Day, and a free seminar on COPD will follow the screenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Both events will take place in the main conference room at the hospital, Mile Marker 91.5, bayside.

COPD is the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S.

During the seminar, entitled "Hungry for Air?" pulmonologist Dr. Michael Hernandez will share the steps that can be taken to improve the quality of life for those with COPD. He will cover risk factors, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment and management of COPD.

Both the screenings and seminar are free, but reservations are required. To reserve a space, call 305-434-3400. Screening reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to 25 people. The seminar room can accommodate 60 people.

FLORIDA KEYS

Monofilament perilous for pelicans

To prevent monofilament fishing line and fishing hooks from entangling and killing marine life, especially pelicans, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers these tips:

• Do not feed pelicans or other wildlife.

• Properly dispose of monofilament line. Securely store unwanted line until it can be recycled.

• Don't leave fishing lines unattended.

• Avoid casting near trees, utility lines and other areas where line may get caught.

• Check tackle frequently for frayed line that may break.

• Avoid cutting the line if a pelican is hooked. Gently remove the hook if possible, otherwise call a local wildlife rehabilitator; find one at wildliferehabinfo.org.

• Use fish-scrap repositories if available; if not, discard fish scraps in a garbage can or at home.

For more information, visit http://mrrp.myfwc.com.

MARATHON

Veterans parade set

The Veterans' Council will honor U.S. military veterans at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 with a parade along U.S. 1 from the Boot Key Bridge to Sadowski Causeway and back to the American Legion.

The parade will be followed by a celebration on the grounds of the American Legion, featuring entertainment by Misery Loves Company and food from Centennial Bank.

The Marine Corps Ball will take place that evening at the American Legion. The cost is $15.