5 Things to Know Today

1. How healthy are you? Find out today when the parish nurses at St. Stephen Catholic Church and Prevention Plus Inc. hosts life-saving tests in the multipurpose room of the church, 5049 Bell Shoals Road. Registered sonographers will offer stroke tests including a stroke/carotid ultrasound, an arterial disease test, an abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound, an osteoporosis test, a thyroid ultrasound, a complete abdominal ultrasound and an echocardiogram. Any six tests cost $169. 

In addition, blood screenings will be available including cholesterol testing, a liver panel, a thyroid blood test, a prostate cancer PSA test, a glucose test and an H. pylori test to detect bacteria linked to stomach ulcers and cancer. The cost of these tests range from $55 to $35. 

Tests are painless and non-invasive. For an appointment call 888-667-7587.

2. The Brandon Sunburst Chapter of the American Business Women's Association meets the first Tuesday of the month at Giordano's Restaurant, 11310 Causeway Blvd., Brandon. Networking starts at 5:30 p.m. with a program featuring a professional woman speaker at 6 p.m. Bring business cards and fliers to exchange with members. The mission of the association is to bring together business and professional women of diverse occupations for personal growth, professional leadership, education and networking. Dues are $32, and include access to ABWA's Women's Instructional Network, an online professional educational community, a subscription to the magazine "Women in Business" and attendance at any Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce function. 

3. Looking for some entertainment? J. F. Kicks Neighborhood Bar & Grill, 3345 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Valrico, in the Albertsons shopping center hosts an Open Blues Jam every Tuesday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

4. The Campo Family YMCA, 3414 Culbreath Road, Valrico, will host a Youth Forum each Monday and Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Y. Kids are invited to speak individually or in groups about appropriate issues regarding what's happening in their schools, neighborhoods, etc... Call Minday Anderson at (813) 684-1371 or e-mail Mindy.Anderson@tampabaymca.org.

5. If you're interested in your family history, attend Ask A Genealogist. Local genealogists offer advice on tracing your family's history Tuesdays at 4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico. Call (813) 273-3652, Ext. 2.