May Is National Mental Health Month

Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals across the United States on May 1 will offer free public screenings for anxiety disorders, which strike about one in four Americans.

The project, part of National Mental Health Month, is co-sponsored by the American Psychiatric Assn. and other mental health organizations and will have about 1,425 sites nationwide, including 103 in California.

The confidential program includes the viewing of a 15-minute video that explains the five most common anxiety disorders: general anxiety, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Attendees will also fill out a questionnaire and review it with a mental health professional. Educational materials will be available.

Last year more than 30,000 people attended the programs at 1,200 sites. For more information and the center nearest you, call the 24-hour line at (800) 442-2020.

Fitness Information at Your Fingertips

Looking for free information on healthy eating, choosing an aerobics instructor or fitness for seniors? During May--National Fitness Month--the American Council on Exercise is offering Fit Facts, information on more than 40 health and fitness topics. To order, call (800) 529-8227, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon. ACE representatives will also answer questions.

EVENTS

TODAY

* “Intestinal-Related Problems” is the topic of discussion for seniors at Huntington Memorial Hospital. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Free; $4.50 box lunch optional. Braun Auditorium, 100 W. California Blvd., Pasadena; (818) 397-3147.

* The California Graduate Institute will present a free workshop, “Thinness Is a Skill.” 8 p.m. 1100 Glendon Ave., 11th Floor, Westwood; (310) 208-7187.

THURSDAY

* A free class on “Diabetes: Staying in Control” will be given by the Greater Valley Medical Group. 7-9 p.m. 1687 Erringer Road, Suite 102, Simi Valley. Registration is required: (818) 898-2141.

* The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Preventive & Rehabilitative Cardiac Center will present “Celebrity Chefs Cut the Fat.” Joe Chow of Chin Chin will conduct the cooking class from 7-8:30 p.m. $20. Mark Goodson Building, 9th Floor teaching kitchen, 444 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. Reservations required: (310) 855-2181.

SATURDAY

* A workshop on “Anger and the Immune System” will be conducted for people with cancer. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Wellness Community, 200 E. Del Mar Blvd., Suite 118, Pasadena; (818) 796-1083.

SUNDAY

* The annual meeting for Los Angeles and Camarillo chapters of the Guillain-Barre Syndrome awareness group will be held 2-4 p.m. Free. Michael Landon Community Center, Malibu Bluffs Park, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; (213) 850-0199 or (805) 491-3124.

* “Investigating the Effects of Mind on Disease” will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Free; parking, $5. UCLA’s Griffin Commons Conference Center, 330 De Neve Drive, Westwood; (310) 825-5151. .

MONDAY

* “Fresh Start PLUS Quit Smoking Program” begins tonight at Northridge Hospital Medical Center. The sessions continue May 2, 6 and 9. 7:15-9:15 p.m. A $25 deposit is refundable upon completion of the course. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society. 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge; (818) 885-5329.

TUESDAY

* A free class on “Diabetes: Staying in Control” will be given by the Greater Valley Medical Group. 7-9 p.m. 14600 Sherman Way, Suite 300, Van Nuys; (818) 898-2141.

MAY 1

* A free breast examination seminar will be held by the Cancer Detection Center at Good Samaritan Hospital, 1136 West 6th St., Suite 110, Los Angeles. 4-6 p.m. Reservations: (213) 481-2511.

MAY 4

* The City of Hope is sponsoring “A Healing Workshop: An Exploration in Art Therapy.” 9-11:30 a.m. Free; participants should bring their own coloring pencils. 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte. Registration is required: (818) 301-8988.

MAY 5

* “Spring Song,” a performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, will benefit the AIDS Service Center. 4 p.m. Tickets: $25, $50, $75 and $100. All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena. Call the ASC at (818) 796-5633 for tickets.

* This roundup appears Wednesdays. Items should be mailed 3 1/2 weeks before the event to Candace A. Wedlan, Healthwatch, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Fax: (213) 237-4888.