Health calendar 5/13/08

Calendar

Today

• Importance of Immunity: 7 p.m. at the Drury Lodge. Dr. Hellen Greenblatt explains why a healthy immune system is key in health maintenance, weight balance and sustained vitality. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 270-6200.
• La Leche League: 10 a.m. at 1301 N. Kingshighway, Suite F. The league is a monthly community-based support group for breast-feeding mothers. For directions or information, call 579-4196.
• Sibling class: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Saint Francis Medical Center Registration Center. Include children ages 3 to 6 in the birthing process while preparing them to become better siblings. To register, call 877-231-2229.
• Diabetes Self-Management support group: 1 to 2 p.m. in Southeast Missouri Hospital's Diabetes Center. This month's program will focus on the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of living with diabetes. To register or for more information, call the Diabetes Center at 339-0121.
• Mended Hearts Club: 6 p.m. in the Generations Center. "Varicose Veins & Potential Complications." For more information, call Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services at 331-7950.
• Share support group: 7 p.m. in meeting room 108 at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Support group for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, still birth, neonatal death and ectopic pregnancy, and their relatives.
• Grief support group: 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church. Includes a separate group for grieving parents. For more information, call Pastoral Care at 651-5519 or Social Services at 651-5549.

Wednesday

• United Ostomy Association support group: 5 p.m. at Cape County Park South. The group will have its spring potluck picnic at Shelter 21. The association's goal is to reduce the practical and emotional burdens of those who have undergone ostomy surgery. Call the Patient Education Department at 651-5844 for more information.
• Sibling class: 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Generations Center. Class for children, ages 4 to 8, to learn to be a big brother or big sister. Registration is required. For more information, call 651-5825, 800-800-5123 or visit www.southeastmissourihospital.com.

Thursday

• Breast cancer support group: 7 p.m. in the Healing Arts Conference Room at Saint Francis Hospital. Viewing and discussion of "You Are Not Alone," a video designed to help young women experiencing breast cancer. Call Kay Thurston at 331-5357 for more information.
• Stroke Club: 2 to 4 p.m. at HealthPoint. Nutritionist will present a program on "Nutrition and Stroke."
• We Can support group: 4 to 6 p.m. in meeting room 102 at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Program on nutrition. The support group helps participants learn how to cope with cancer and various issues related to treatment. More information is available from the Generations Center or by calling Pastoral Care at 651-5519.

Friday

• Educational programs for seniors: 9 to 10 a.m. in the Generations Center. Southeast Missouri Hospital and the APPLE Paperwork Service will present an educational program for senior citizens about record-keeping. For more information, call 651-5825, 800-800-5123 or visit www.southeastmissourihospital.com.

Saturday

• Breast-feeding support group: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Generations Center. Provides the opportunity to meet and talk with other breast-feeding moms. Each session starts with a 15 to 20 minute educational component followed by an open forum.
• Relay for Life: 11 a.m. to midnight in Arena Park. Southeast Missouri Hospital is the presenting sponsor for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The SHOW Mobile (Southeast Health On Wheels) will serve as the official first-aid station for the event.
• Preparation for childbirth class: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Saint Francis Medical Center Registration Center. Comprehensive guide to expected bodily changes, labor signs and stages, pain control techniques and basic infant care. Remember to bring the "Pregnancy, Childbirth and Parenting Kit" provided by your physician's office. Register by calling 877-231-2229.

May 20

• Understanding Behaviors and Communication: 7 to 9 p.m. at Chaffee Nursing Center. Designed for caregivers to learn about their loved one's strengths, needs and ways to maintain their independence. Topics covered include improving communication skills and managing challenging behaviors. To register, call 800-980-9080.

CHARITY RUNS

n Little Hearts Trail Run: Cross Trails Medical Center in Cape Girardeau will host the inaugural Little Hearts Trail Run, a 5K run/1-mile walk Saturday. The event will benefit congenital heart defects. The event starts at 9 a.m. and costs $20. Register online at active.com. For more information, e-mail Patty Merkley at chloe0405@hotmail.com.

BLOOD DRIVES

Thursday

Jackson Senior Center, 4 to 8 p.m.

Friday

Jackson Chamber of Commerce, 1 to 5 p.m.

Monday

Crossroads Fellowship Contemporary Church, 2 to 6 p.m.

Briefly

Senior Health, Fitness Day will be Monday

Fitness Plus joins more than 1,000 organizations nationwide in celebrating National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Monday with an event designed for seniors to learn the benefits of exercise and healthy choices, door prizes and other events. Free and open to the public. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., program begins at 11 a.m. sharp. Activities continue until 1 p.m. For more information, call Fitness Plus at 573-331-3355.

Hospital heart lab gains accreditation

Southeast Missouri Hospital's Cardiovascular Diagnostic Laboratory has received accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories for a commitment to high quality patient care and quality testing for the diagnosis of heart disease.

— From staff reports