Kadlec offers new service for heart arrhythmia patients

Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland recently announced that it is now offering pulsed field ablation, or PFA, for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, a common and serious heart arrhythmia affecting millions worldwide.

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats, and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other severe complications. Traditional ablation techniques, which use heat or cold to destroy problematic heart tissue, have been the standard treatment for AFib. 

However, pulsed field ablation is emerging as a groundbreaking alternative with the potential to transform the landscape of AFib treatment.

“Pulsed field ablation represents a major leap forward in the treatment of atrial fibrillation,” said Dr. Munish Kumar Kannabhiran, chief cardiac electrophysiologist at Kadlec, in a statement. “This innovative technique offers a highly precise and effective method for isolating problematic heart tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding structures.”

Key benefits of pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation include:

• Enhanced precision: PFA uses electrical pulses to target specific heart tissues with high accuracy, offering a more controlled and effective treatment compared to traditional methods.

• Reduced risk of complications: Unlike conventional ablation techniques, PFA is designed to be less invasive, which may reduce the risk of collateral damage and lead to fewer procedural complications. 

• Improved patient outcomes: Early clinical trials and studies suggest that PFA could lead to better long-term outcomes for patients by effectively managing atrial fibrillation and reducing the recurrence of symptoms.

• Shorter recovery times: Patients undergoing PFA may experience faster recovery and shorter hospital stays, contributing to a more efficient and comfortable treatment experience.

“This innovative technology is setting the stage for a new era in the management of AFib,” Kannabhiran said. “We are optimistic that this technology will offer new hope to patients seeking relief from the challenges of AFib.” 

National chain to close Richland store

Big Lots plans to close its Richland store and several others nationwide amid financial woes.

The store at 1743 George Washington Way notified customers via email Aug. 2 that it would soon be closing, but did not say when. The email said it was offering discounts storewide on furniture, home decor and essentials.

Big Lots plans to close more than a dozen stores in Washington, but the Kennewick store at 3019 W. Kennewick Ave. is not on the current closure list.

The Richland store will leave another vacancy in the Safeway-anchored plaza in north Richland. Office Depot closed its store at 1717 George Washington Way in early 2024, and the storefront is still empty.

Big Lots Inc. reported a net loss of $205 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Net sales during the same period totaled $1 billion, a 10.2% decrease compared the same period in the previous year.

Bruce Thorn, president and CEO of Big Lots, blamed a pullback in consumer spending by core customers, particularly on high ticket discretionary items.

Big Lots, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, has 1,390 stores in 48 states.

Grandparents-grandkids event to feature games

The Richland Senior Association invites grandparents to bring their grandchildren to the Richland Community Center for a fun time of games and challenges on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The fun runs from 1-3 p.m. and takes place mostly inside.

Cost is $10 for the entire family, regardless of the number of family members.

The community center is at 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland.

Buttons on sale for annual senior picnic 

Buttons are on sale for the 29th annual Senior Community Picnic, set for Thursday, Sept. 12 at the HAPO Center in Pasco. 

There will be live music, games, drawings and more than 40 vendors. Hoe-down wear is encouraged. 

Lunch includes pulled pork sandwich, sides and dessert. 

Buttons cost $5 each. 

Buttons are available at these five locations: 

• Pasco Parks and Recreation, 525 N. Third Ave., first floor. 

• Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive. 

• Kennewick Parks and Recreation office, 2901 Southridge Blvd. 

• Family Resource Home Care, 4018 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite B, Kennewick. 

• Wheatland Bank, 9715 Sandifur Parkway, Pasco. 

The HAPO Center, formerly known as TRAC, is at 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco.

Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo brings the fun Aug. 20-24

From thrilling rides to rodeo daredevils, music legends and tasty treats, the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo is once again set to bring five days of fun to Kennewick this month. 

The “Best Week of Summer” runs Aug. 20-24 at the fairgrounds, 1500 S. Oak St. 

The Grand Parade will wind through downtown Kennewick starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, and the demolition derby starts at 6:30 p.m.  

The traditional fair week offerings, from the Horse Heaven Round-Up to carnival rides, food, exhibits and entertainment, start Tuesday, Aug. 20. 

Surf-pop legends The Beach Boys are set to take the stage on Wednesday, Aug. 21. 

Other mainstage concerts include Craig Morgan on Tuesday, Aug. 20; Josh Turner on Thursday, Aug. 22; Goo Goo Dolls on Friday, Aug. 23; and La Original Banda El Limón on Saturday, Aug. 24.  

General admission to the concerts is free with fair admission; reserved seating is $30. 

Fan Zone and VIP tickets also are available. 

The Horse Heaven Round-Up starts at 7 p.m. each night in the Lithia Rodeo Arena. Tickets start at $10 on Aug. 20-22 and $15 on Aug. 23-24, in addition to fair admission. 

Here’s the general fair admission breakdown: 

• Adults: $13 in advance (through Aug. 19) and $15 at the gate.  

• Kids (ages 6-12) and seniors (65 and older): $5.  

• Kids 5 and younger: free. 

• Military: $5 at the gate, with ID. 

• Season passes are $52 for adults and $20 for kids and seniors.  

A special discount day for kids is Wednesday, Aug. 21. Kids’ tickets are $2 that day. 

For more information on all things fair and rodeo, go to bentonfranklinfair.com.

Tickets on sale for chefs  and homes Parade event

The 2024 Parade of Homes highlights new Tri-City homes and runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7-8 and 14-15, and 1-7 p.m. Sept. 11.

The event, a showcase for the latest in construction, architectural trends, design and decor, also features the return of Chefs on Parade.

Chefs on Parade is a one-night event from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, featuring six Tri-City chefs preparing samples of their signature dishes in six Parade homes. Four of the locations also will feature samples from local wineries and breweries. 

It is a 21-and-older event.

Chefs on Parade tickets are on sale and include a standard Parade of Homes ticket. 

Tickets are limited and cost $40 each.

Chefs on Parade features Megan and Jason Savely of Frost Me Sweet Bakery & Bistro in Richland; Adam Carr of Monterosso’s Italian Restaurant in Richland; Cara Nokes of Hot Mess in Kennewick; Joshua Krueger of The Social in Richland; Tanner Guy and Andrew Chilton of Doggie Style; and Arturo Rodriguez of Taqueria Chilisco of Kennewick.

Tickets for the 2024 Parade will go on sale for $10 each Monday, Sept. 2 at area Circle K stores.

Go to hbatc.com. 

Report: Vision loss, high cholesterol may increase risk for dementia

A new report from The Lancet identifies vision loss and high cholesterol as health conditions that can heighten risk for dementia. These additions bring to 14 the number of conditions identified as “potentially modifiable” risks by The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care.

Nearly half of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed by “tackling” these 14 risk factors, the authors suggested.

Among the commission’s 27 authors is Dr. Eric Larson, a pioneer of dementia research and an affiliate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine.