Health calendar 7/1/08

Calendar

Today

• Preparation for childbirth class: 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Saint Francis Medical 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. Bring the "Pregnancy, Childbirth and Parenting Kit" provided by your physician's office. Call 877-231-2229 to register.
• Breast-feeding class: 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Generations Center. Class covers the benefits and techniques of breast feeding, family involvement and support. To register, call 651-5825.
• Bosom Buddies: 6:30 p.m. at HealthPoint Plaza. Open to all women who have or have had breast cancer.
• Our New Baby class: 6 to 7 p.m. in the Generations Center. Class is for children, ages 2 through 4, and their parents to help adjust to having a new baby. Youngsters learn about holding, feeding and diapering the baby using dolls for hands-on experience. To register, call 651-5825.

Saturday

• Breast-feeding support group: 10 to 11 a.m. at Saint Francis Family BirthPlace. Group designed to help the mother with breast feeding after birth. A certified lactation consultant will lead group members in sharing successful breast-feeding techniques and to encourage confidence in their skills. To register, call 877-231-2229.

Monday

• Breast-feeding class: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Saint Francis Medical Center. Class for expecting parents (in their eighth or ninth month) who want to breast feed. Topics are breast physiology, milk production, positioning, diet, pumping and storing breast milk. Call 877-231-2229 to register.

July 8

• Sibling class: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Saint Francis Medical Center. Include your other children (ages 3 to 6) in the birthing process while preparing them to become better siblings. They will learn the proper way to hold infants, toy safety and explore emotional issues of a growing family. Call 877-231-2229 to register.
• Diabetes self-management support group: 1 to 2 p.m. at the Diabetes Center. Specialists with the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine services of Southeast Missouri Hospital will present information on the important aspects of daily foot care. To register or for more information, call the Diabetes Center at 339-0121.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Harrison Room. Signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that affects the wrist and hand. Numbness, tingling and pain are common symptoms. Learn about the causes and treatment options including the minimally invasive "no stitch," endoscopic surgery technique. To register, call 651-5825.
• Share support group: 7 p.m. in meeting room 102. 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. Meeting includes a separate group for grieving parents. Program explores the topic, "Am I Feeling Sad or Am I Depressed, Understanding the Difference." For more information, call Pastoral Care at 651-5519 or Social Services at 651-5549.

BLOOD Drives

Wednesday

• US Bank, 3060 William St., Cape Girardeau, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday

• Lynwood Baptist Church, 2935 Lynwood Hills Drive, Cape Girardeau, 2 to 6 p.m.
• Convenient Healthcare, 624 Old St. Marys Road, Perryville, Mo., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday

• Fruitland Community Church, 6040 U.S. 61, Jackson, 3 to 7 p.m.

Briefly

Group seeks nominations for board of directors

The Missouri Foundation for Health is seeking applications for nomination to the board of directors. Directors govern MFH's efforts to provide funding to not-for-profit organizations that help improve the health of the state's uninsured, underinsured and underserved residents. Board members serve without pay for three-year terms and must live within the MFH service region. All applications must be postmarked by Aug. 22. To receive a Board application packet or to review the eligibility guidelines, interested persons may visit www.mffh.org; call MFH at 314-345-5500 or 800-655-5560; or send a letter requesting information to: Community Advisory Committee, Missouri Foundation for Health, 1000 St. Louis Union Station, Suite 400, St. Louis, Mo., 63103.

— From staff reports