Local physician pioneers procedure
The chief-of-staff-elect at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center became the first physician to implant a new pacemaker, which automatically performs follow-up testing before a patient arrives for a checkup, officials said.
Physician Raymond Schaerf surgically inserted the device into a woman whose daughter created the device, which is called a Zephyr pacemaker.
The device, in less than two minutes, transmits diagnostic information that can tell a doctor what device timing would be best for the patient's needs.
The process is not only time-saving, it is a less costly alternative to echocardiography — which is the current industry standard way to perform the procedure.
Schaerf said the long lifespan of the device means fewer replacement surgeries, which is a chief concern among patients.
Registration for summer camps
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is accepting registration for its Summer Nature Day Camps.
The camps will begin the end of this month and are held from 9 a.m. to noon.
A camp for 3- to 5-year-olds is organized into four-week blocks, three days per week, at a cost of $35 per week.
For 6- to 10-year-olds, the camp will be held in a five-week block for five days per week, at $50.
The camp, which will take place at Stough Canyon Nature Center, will cover the solar system, Earth sciences, as well as insects and predators.
For more information, call (818) 238-5440, or pick up registration materials at the nature center, 2300 Walnut Ave.
