Health briefs/calendar 4/15/08

Diabetes center awarded national recognition

Southeast Missouri Hospital's Diabetes Center received national certification from the American Diabetes Association. The ADA awarded the Diabetes Center with three-year recognition certification based on the high level of knowledge of the staff and education for patients with diabetes.

Step out next week with Saint Francis

The Medical Fitness Association is sponsoring the fourth annual Medical Fitness Week, April 21 to 27. The 2008 theme is "Steppin' Out ... for a lifetime: 70,000 Steps in 7 Days." Fitness Plus is participating in this National Walking Challenge, and will also be hosting a variety of events during the week, including the kickoff at 1:30 pm Sunday at the Osage Trail. The first 300 participants will receive a free pedometer to help track their steps each day. For more information, call Darren Harris at 331-5302.

— From staff reports

CALENDAR

Today

• Chest pain in women: 6:30 p.m. in the Harrison Room at Southeast Missouri Hospital. The program will address the often subtle symptoms of heart attacks in women. Learn those symptoms and what to do if you are at risk for a heart attack. To register, call the Generations Center at 651-5825 or the HealthLine at 800-800-5123, or go to www.southeastmissourihospital.com.

Thursday

• Stroke Club: 2 to 4 p.m. at HealthPoint Plaza. "Water Aerobics" will be discussed at the support group's meeting.
• Restore — breast cancer support group: 7 pm at the Healing Arts Conference Room at Saint Francis Medical Center. The topic will be "Eating for a Healthy Immune System in a Stressful World." To register, call 331-5357.
• Seeds of Hope: 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Saint Francis Medical Center Assisi room. The six-week educational program facilitates the grief process, providing individuals with tools to understand grief and promote healing. To register, call 331-3000 and request pager 549 or extension 6906 for chaplain Greg Heinsman.

Saturday

• Preparation for childbirth class: 9 a.m. to 12:30 pm at Saint Francis Medical Center Registration Center. Comprehensive guide to expected bodily changes, labor signs and stages, pain control techniques and basic infant care. Tips on relaxing, positioning and breathing will also be discussed. Refreshments will be provided. To register, call 877-231-2229.
• ABC Expo: noon to 4 p.m. at the Osage Community Centre. The health fair will focus on all stages of parenthood, beginning with pregnancy.

n Breast-feeding class: 9 to 10 a.m. in the Generations Center. Class covers topics like the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding and family support. . For more information, call 651-5825 or 800-800-5123 or go to www.southeastmissourihospital.com.

Monday

n Childbirth preparation class: 6 to 8 p.m. in the Harrison Room at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Class eases expectant parents' concerns and gives them a positive, confident attitude toward labor and delivery. To register, call the Generations Center at 651-5825 or the HealthLine at 800-800-5123, or go to www.southeastmissourihospital.com.

Tuesday

• Refresher childbirth class: 6 to 8 p.m. in meeting room 102 at Southeast Missouri Hospital. The class is a one-session review of labor, delivery, interventions and sibling rivalry issues. To register, call all 651-5825 or 800-800-5123.

BLOOD DRIVES

Thursday

• Southeast Missouri Hospital, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday

• Saint Francis Medical Center, 7 am to 5 p.m.

Monday

• Notre Dame Regional High School, 8 am to 2 p.m.
• Jefferson Elementary School, 2 to 6 p.m.

CHARITY RUNS

Saturday

• Great Strides: Registration starts at 9 a.m. at Cape County Park. Walk begins at 10 a.m. Proceeds from the walk will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Participants are encouaged to raise a minimum of $150 through sponsors. Register at www.cff.org, greatstrides.cff.org or call 800-727-1464.