Health briefs

Briefly

Family history month

Gov. Matt Blunt declared November Family History Month in Missouri and encourages all residents to learn more about the diseases and causes of death affecting at least three generations of family members. Family gatherings, such as holidays, are a great time to catch up on family news and to learn about your family's health history, said Julie Eckstein, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. "Health histories should be provided to all health-care providers to be retained as a permanent part of a patient's medical file," Eckstein said. "This information can help health care providers do a better job of assessing a patient's risk of disease and prescribe the appropriate preventive measures or courses of treatment." Family history is considered one of the most important risk factors for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and certain psychiatric disorders.

Calendar

Today

We Can support group for those coping with cancer through the holidays, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 102 at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Breast cancer support group from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Healing Arts Center, 3250 Gordonville Road.

Diabetes support group from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Saint Francis Health and Wellness Center Fitness Plus.

Ask the Doctor with registered nurse Kim Keser, who will update new immunizations, at 8 p.m. on Chanel 5.

Friday

Lifesaver class for new parents from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Generations Center at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Saturday

Multiple Sclerosis support group from 10 a.m. to noon in the Saint Francis Health and Wellness Center.

Monday

Flu clinic with the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cape Girardeau fire station No. 1 on Sprigg Street.

Wednesday

Health and wellness screenings from 7 to 10 a.m. at Saint Francis Health and Wellness Center.

Community outreach clinic with the Scott County Health Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Chaffee, Mo.

-- From staff reports