Citizens of Mesquite,
Thank you for signing up for my newsletter.
I am your representative for the Southern Nevada Health District and I will always update you on the latest news in that area.
Be on the lookout for cursed pirate treasure!
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Updated COVID-19 boosters are now available for children 6 years and older
Updated COVID-19 boosters for children 6 years of age and older are now available at Southern Nevada Health District clinics. “It’s important everyone stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines, including getting a booster dose when they are eligible,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Now that younger children are eligible to get the updated booster, I urge parents and guardians to get their kids boosted to ensure their entire family is receiving the increased protection vaccines can provide.”
Moderna’s updated (bivalent) COVID-19 booster is now authorized for children 6-17 years old. Pfizer’s updated (bivalent) booster has received authorization for children 5-11 years old. The Pfizer vaccine was previously authorized for use in people 12 years and older, and the Moderna vaccine was previously authorized for adults.
The updated COVID-19 boosters provide additional protection from the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the Omicron variant of the virus that are currently the dominant variants circulating in the community.
Our Mesquite clinic is located at The Jimmie Hughes Campus, 150 N. Yucca St., Suites 3 and 4. Immunizations are Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed daily, 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m. Phone (702) 759-1682.
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I stopped by the 2022 Mesquite Health Fair on September 30 at the Casablanca Event Center. There were dozens of free health screenings, vaccines, and tests, as well as assistance on health plans, state and community resources, and healthcare provider information. Our very own Athletics and Leisure Services were there with the latest information on keeping you active, including the Respite/Caregiver Relief Program at our Senior Center. |
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I was encouraged by the providers outside of Mesquite who are interested in giving us more options for our health care and well-being. I picked up a big bag of informational material. Didn't go? Reach out to me and I will be glad to share my information or see if I can track down what you need. |
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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
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Founder and Advisor of the Mesquite Cancer HELP Society Yoli Bell and I had an opportunity to talk about what is often not pleasant - mammograms - how they may be painful, and the fear of finding something.
I get it. Breast cancer runs in my family. I've had to be my own advocate for decades to make sure I was screened, even when my doctor said I could skip a year between screenings.
Yoli asked I share with you the various breast cancer types (I didn't know there were this many):
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Ductal or Lobular Carcinoma which are tumors that start in the epithelial cells that line organs and tissues throughout the body. When carcinomas form in the breast, they are usually a more specific type called adenocarcinoma, which starts in cells in the ducts (the milk ducts) or the lobules (glands in the breast that make milk).
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Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) or Intraductal Carcinoma is non-invasive or pre-invasive breast cancer.
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Invasive (or Infiltrating Carcinoma) is cancer that has spread into surrounding breast tissue. The most common types are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma. Invasive ductal carcinoma makes up about 70-80% of all breast cancers.
Special invasive types are:
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Triple-Negative Breast Cancer is an aggressive type of breast cancer in which the cancer cells don’t have estrogen or progesterone receptors (ER or PR) and also don’t make any or too much of the protein called HER2. (The cells test "negative" on all 3 tests.) It accounts for about 15% of all breast cancers and can be a difficult cancer to treat.
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer is an aggressive type of breast cancer in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin, causing the breast to look "inflamed." It is rare and accounts for about 1% to 5% of all breast cancers.
Less common are:
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Paget Disease of the Breast is rare, accounting for only about 1-3% of all cases of breast cancer. It starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the skin of the nipple and then to the areola (the dark circle around the nipple).
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Angiosarcoma starts in cells that line blood vessels or lymph vessels. It can involve the breast tissue or the skin of the breast. Some may be related to prior radiation therapy in that area. It makes up less than 1% of all breast cancers.
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Phyllodes Tumors are rare breast tumors. They develop in the connective tissue (stroma) of the breast, in contrast to carcinomas, which develop in the ducts or lobules. Most are benign, but there are others that are malignant (cancer).*
Yoli strongly urges us to get that mammogram and check for unusual changes (men, too, as they can develop breast cancer). The Mammovan comes to the Mesquite HELP Cancer Society location every six months. If you need a mammogram and cannot afford it, let the society know and they will make sure you get one.
Do it. Don't wait.
Visit the Mesquite HELP Cancer Society at 150 Yucca Street, Suite 36,
or phone 702-346-0622, where you will receive understanding, guidance,
*Sources: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/types-of-breast-cancer.html and Mesquite Cancer HELP Society.
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Much Gratitude Goes To Our Public Safety |
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Mesquite Night Out - September 21, 2022
Always a crowd-pleaser, the annual Mesquite Night Out organized by our Mesquite Police Department began with a parade of emergency vehicles with their lights and sirens blaring.
Ending at the Recreation Center, there was free food, K9 and SWAT demonstrations, displays of specialty vehicles and equipment from mutual response agencies, vehicle extrication by Mesquite Fire and Rescue, helicopter landings, and community crime prevention programs.
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Thank you, Mesquite Police Department, for engaging neighbors and teaching the community about law enforcement and other emergency services. |
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Fire Prevention Week October 9 - 15, 2022 |
Mesquite Fire and Rescue Fire Prevention team members performed the annual fire safety programs at our elementary schools and preschools teaching the importance of having a fire escape plan at home, how and when to dial 911, what smoke detectors are, and other fire safety tips. This year's theme was "Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape”.
They closed the week on Saturday, October 15 with their annual community pancake breakfast at Fire Station 3. Donations were collected to support the Community Emergency Response Teams.
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As an annual fundraiser for Mesquite Cancer HELP Society, crews are staging themselves at Smith's and Walmart on October 21 and 29 to sell cancer awareness t-shirts.
Thank you, Mesquite Fire and Rescue, for reminding us of the importance of fire prevention, helping the Cancer Society, and for the enjoyable breakfast among neighbors.
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Mercy Air 11 Helicopter Transport
Recently we have had a string of serious accidents causing life-threatening injuries. Mercy Air 11 was called to transport these critical patients to trauma centers.
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Thank you, Mercy Air. You are a valuable community partner and we are fortunate you are here for us. |
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Exquisite Blooms Floral Opening and Ribbon-Cutting |
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On October 11 I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening and ribbon-cutting for Exquisite Blooms Floral. Business owners Denise Sims and her husband Bill Conwell relocated their business here last November from Reno, Nevada.
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The floral shop has many displays of beautiful flower arrangements, plants, and gifts. Their brand-new storefront location is at 114 N. Sandhill Boulevard, Suite E, and their hours are Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In addition, tucked in one corner of the floral shop is the Mesquite Blessings Christian Bookstore with inspiring books and gift items. The owners are Harry Wineman and Juliette Ashdown. They can be reached by phoning (702)-596-8383.
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P3 Medical Group invited the public to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house of their medical clinic on October 13. Certified Nurse Practitioner Tawni Yardley leads the medical group in adult gerontology and primary care. |
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Their primary focus is prevention and wellness support for senior patients who need an understanding of their chronic conditions, filling and refilling medications, obtaining medical supplies, transitioning out of hospital or skilled nursing facility, finding care management resources, and providing basic clinic services for illnesses.
They also offer telemedicine visits for those who have access to a computer camera or smartphone. Health plans are limited to Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Founded and led by physicians, their team of healthcare providers and service professionals share a vision for delivering patient care with passion and purpose. They have ten locations located in Las Vegas, Henderson, Pahrump, and now Mesquite.
The Mesquite location is at 340 Falcon Ridge Parkway, Building 200, Suite 201. Phone by calling (702)-979-5966. For more information about P3, check out their link at https://p3hp.org/. |
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Caregiver Respite Relief Program |
The Senior Center is now offering caregivers temporary breaks to rest and recharge by providing short-term day care and activities for your loved one.
Respite Senior Day Program Project Coordinator Deborah Ayler will be happy to discuss your needs and provide you with options. Contact her at (702) 346-5290, Extension 4105.
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EVENTS That May Interest You |
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16th Annual Trunk or Treat |
Local businesses, non-profits, and community partners are invited to help support the Mesquite Police Department in providing a safe place for young “buccaneers” to enjoy Halloween. The 16th Annual Trunk or Treat festivities will take place on Monday, October 31st inside the Casablanca parking area at 5 p.m. Mesquite Gaming will once again donate the use of the Casablanca Parking Garage for the event.
Businesses are welcome to reserve a trunk space. There is no entry fee, but you must provide approximately 4,000 pieces of commercially wrapped candy to hand out. Advertising is acceptable as long as it is family-friendly and does not stop the flow of traffic.
Residents who would like to support the event are invited to donate candy which will be given out at the police department trunks. Donations can be made at the Mesquite Police Department at 695 Mayan Circle between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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This year’s theme is “Cursed Pirate Treasure,” and there will be awards for the “Most Festive” and “Spookiest” Trunks.
Spots are filling up quickly! To reserve a trunk space today, send an email with contact information to Sgt. Wyatt Oliver at woliver@mesquitenv.gov or by calling 702-346-5262 ext. 6127. |
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Virgin Valley Theatre Group |
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...and more upcoming performances... |
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One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite
November 6–13, 2022
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This year, Exchange Club members and volunteers will erect the Flags on the west field of the Mesquite Recreation Center on Sunday morning, November 6. This stunning display of respect will stand proudly until Sunday, November 13, 24 hours a day, rain or shine.
Of course, the field is lighted at night, and dedicated volunteers will maintain a watchful vigil in three-hour shifts, day and night.
On Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, at 6:00 p.m., your presence is encouraged at a stirring ceremony at the field, including special musical performances, guest speakers, and presentations.
One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite will conclude with a final inspiring ceremony on Sunday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m., which will include a dignified flag retirement ceremony by Mesquite Fire and Rescue. If you have a worn or weathered American Flag that should be retired, please feel free to bring it to the field anytime during the week.
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and don't forget to vote! |
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If you know anyone who wants to sign up for my newsletter, please refer them to my website, scroll to the bottom and sign up. It is that easy!
Be safe, everyone.
Karen
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