140 year of Shriners

140 year of Shriners

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Kerak Shriners orthopedic clinic on May 30

Bridgeport-to-Bishop corridor youngsters welcome to participate in free Shriners' orthopedic clinic on May 30

Fernley, Dayton and Silver Springs youngsters ranging from birth to 18 years of age who may have an orthopedic problem are invited to participate in a free orthopedic screening clinic on May 30 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club at 124 N. Main St. in Yerington. 11 a.m.

Hospital screening clinic chairman Jim Sanford of the Pizen Switch Shriners explained the Kerak Shrine Center clinic is for children who have been referred by school nurses for scoliosis or whose parents suspect a problem.

School and health nurses often provide referrals to the clinic for children they think might be in need; but walk-ins are also welcome to participate.

An orthopedic surgeon and/or nurses, who will look for signs of orthopedic problems such as scoliosis (which refers to a curvature of the spine). Dr. P.J. Frye will conduct the May 30 screening at the Boys and Girls Club of Mason Valley.

Orthopedics is a branch of medical science that deals with prevention or correction of disorders involving structures of the body including the skeleton, joint muscles, connective tissue and other supporting structures such as ligaments and cartilage.

If the physician determines that treatment may be necessary, a child's application will be forwarded to the Shrine Hospital in Sacramento for possible acceptance and treatment. Kerak Shrine sponsors these clinics and all treatment is provided at no cost to the family.

Child ID Program also

In addition to the screening clinic, the Northern Nevada Masonic Child ID Program is inviting parents to participate in a child identification program on May 30 as well.

Children will be digitally fingerprinted and photographed for a child identification form, which is printed out and handed to parents.

"They also give them an envelope to put a lock of hair or a fingernail clipping in as well," Sanford said.

The identification scan provides information that can be used by law enforcement if a child is abducted or reported missing.

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