Osher Lifelong Learning Classes Begin

The UCSF Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) begins its third year this fall with new courses on October 25 and October 26. Classes on "Cancer Biology 101"and "Heart to Heart" will meet from 7 to 8:45 p.m. at the Medical Sciences Building, 513 Parnassus Ave. Tuition for each six-week course is $75. A special class, "Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage," will meet on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the above location. If you register for one of the above courses, this class is included free of charge; otherwise, tuition is $15. Participants will also have an opportunity to attend electives featuring visits to UCSF Medical Center units and campus research labs on Saturday, December 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Online registration and more information are available on the website. For more information, call UCSF Public Affairs at 415/476-2557 or email Sandi Gettys. The following are the courses for this fall: Cancer Biology 101: Current Progress and Future Hope: Meets Tuesdays, except week of Thanksgiving, Medical Sciences Building Lobby, 513 Parnassus Ave. This course, presented by the UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, will define modern medicine's most successful strategies for addressing the treatment and management of cancer. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear national experts on the latest science about the treatment and management of cancer. Emphasis will be placed on the biology of cancer; tips on how to stay well and receive the best care; and recent advances in breast, prostate and colorectal cancer. See list of speakers and topics. Heart to Heart: Understanding the Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease: Meets Wednesdays, except week of Thanksgiving, Medical Sciences Building Lobby, 513 Parnassus Ave. Infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, influenza, and SARS, are the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Poverty and the lack of an organized system of medical care are strong contributing factors. We in the US will likely be affected by new and emerging diseases that may first gain a foothold in other countries. See list of speakers and topics. Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Dialing You into Medicare Part D: Meets Saturday, Nov. 12, UCSF Medical Sciences Building Lobby, 513 Parnassus Ave. Prescription drug coverage will be a new benefit offered by Medicare in January 2006. This program will offer an extensive overview of the new prescription drug benefit, available options and a workshop. Participants will be offered a unique opportunity to be paired with a health care professional who will walk them through the enrollment process and how to navigate the Medicare website. Participants should bring a list of their medications. See speaker information. OLLI is a community education program for adult learners sponsored by the UCSF schools of dentistry, medicine, nursing and pharmacy, the UCSF Medical Center and the UCSF Public Affairs Department. The program is supported in part by a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation. Source: Sandi Gettys