'Foodplay' to Highlight Martin's Point Open House

Free health screenings to be offered at "Patient Appreciation Day"

Martin's Point Health Care will host an open house to show off its renovated clinic in Portland from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 23. The event is free and open to the public, and will be held rain or shine at 331 Veranda St. in Portland.

The highlight of "Patient Appreciation Day" will be a 10 a.m. performance by FOODPLAY, a national award-winning nutrition theater experience for children ages five to 12 that features audience participation, colorful characters, juggling, music and puppetry. Martin's Point is reserving 20 seats at the performance for children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Portland.

Addressing the major nutrition, fitness and self-esteem concerns affecting today's school children, FOODPLAY will provide participants with the practical skills they need to take charge of growing up healthy and fit. During the fun-filled performance, children will learn how to treat their bodies right with good nutrition, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle habits. For reservations, persons may call 791-3813.

The event also will introduce four physicians new to Martin's Point Ñ Charles deSieyes, M.D., Suzanne Robertson, M.D., James Harper, M.D., and Renae Freid, D.O.

"We have a wealth of medical talent, knowledge and experience at Martin's Point," said David H. Howes, M.D., president and chief medical officer of Martin's Point. "With the addition of these fine physicians, I can say with confidence that Martin's Point continues to offer our patients a great outcome and great experience."

The open house also will include tours of the newly renovated health center, a demonstration of the online Patients Personal Points trademark program, complimentary health screenings, free health education materials, and light refreshments.

Established in 1981, Martin's Point Health Care employs 290 healthcare professionals who serve 44,000 patients at clinics in Portland, Windham, Brunswick and in Newington, N.H. As Maine's largest health care practice, Martin's Point has attracted widespread attention for its high tech initiatives, including the Robotic Pharmacy System and Patients Personal Points, an Internet-based service that allows patients to use their computers to communicate by a secure server with their doctors.

Headquartered in Portland at 331 Veranda St., Martin's Point accepts all major health plans and insurance, including but not limited to HealthSource, Anthem/Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Harvard Community Health Plan, Maine Partners, Champus, Tricare, Aetna, Cigna and NYLCare Plans.

For more information on Martin's Point Health Care, its physicians, or program offerings, visit the Martin's Point website at www.martinspoint.org.

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