Diabetes health care center to open on Route 1

Dr. Stephan Babirak, diabetes specialist, announced plans to open a diabetes health care center in on Route 1 in Scarborough. Babirak said the new center, Metabolic Leader, will improve the effectiveness and timeliness of patient care and reduce overall health care costs.  

November is Diabetes Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, the number of people with diabetes in the U.S. has increased from 15.7 million in 1997 to more than 24 million in 2010. A patient and physician open house is planned for early December.

More than 500 people given free dental care

The Greater Portland Dental Society’s Nov. 5 day of free dental care treated about 500 people from the Greater Portland area and referred about 40 to specialists.

“We are so pleased with the outcome,” said Dr. Barry Saltz, co-organizer of the event.   

 A total of 26 dentists participated in the event, which was the second annual Dentists Who Care For Me day of free care.  

“In total, we had more than 100 volunteers – dentists, oral surgeons, hygienists, assistants and office staff. We estimate the value of the treatments, including the specialized treatment, is more than $140,000,” said Dr. Demi Kouzounas, co-organizer. 

 “Being part of this event was very satisfying,” Saltz said. “With so many dentists and their staff volunteering, we were able to treat people with a variety of dental problems. People came who needed wisdom teeth extracted. Others came with dental decay. Some simply needed their teeth cleaned. It was a wide range of issues,” Kouzounas said. 

CMP will hear concerns about meters Monday

South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough residents are invited to attend a 7 p.m. forum Monday in Scarborough Town Council chambers regarding installation of “smart meters.” The forum will be hosted by Central Maine Power Co.

About 620,000 meters with wireless signals to transmit power use data are being installed in the CMP service area of southern and central Maine. Work began in late September in Portland and South Portland, utility spokesman John Carroll said. 

Questions about safety of transmissions and cyber security led to two complaints filed with the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Council resolutions in Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough also sought a 90-day moratorium on installations.

Earlier this month, Carroll said the forum would allow residents to learn about the meters and $166 million installation program expected to last 18 to 24 months. The installation of meters is funded in part by a $95 million U.S. Department of Energy grant with money from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly called the stimulus act.

Scarborough Town Hall is located at 259 U.S. Route 1.