Healthcare Review

NORTH ADAMS, MA – HIV testing will be offered at North Adams Regional Hospital on Thursday, January 5, and Thursday, January 19, 2012, at 1 p.m. The service is offered on the first and third Thursdays of each month, and appointments are required. Those wishing to be tested should call (413) 447-2654 to make an appointment.

The program offers several other services as well. Testing for sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea and chlamydia, and additional STD testing is available on a fee for service basis. Herpes serology testing to determine if an individual is infected with Herpes 2 is available at a cost of $21; most third party payors cover this testing. Hepatitis C testing is available for $20; third party payors will usually cover this cost. Hepatitis A and B vaccine is available for at risk individuals at no cost.

Jacqueline Roy-Elliott, BSN, RN, Director of the State Clinics at Berkshire Medical Center, will provide services. For more information one may call the clinic office at (413) 447-2654.

RANDOLPH, VT – Gifford Medical Center in Randolph will hold a free Heart Healthy Workshop Series this January.

The series includes talks from cardiologist Dr. Bruce Andrus and registered dietitian Stacy Pelletier. Gifford’s renowned chefs will complete the series with a cooking demonstration and discussion.

The schedule for the series is as follows:

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Cardiologist Dr. Bruce Andrus talks about “How to Avoid the Cath Lab: Preventive Cardiology”

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Registered Dietitian Stacy Pelletier discusses “Taking Your Food to Heart”

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Gifford chefs lead a heart healthy cooking demonstration and discussion on good fats, high fiber, portion control and flavoring with spices rather than salt

“Food can play a major role in heart health, and with heart disease leading the nation as a killer of both men and women, holding this series made sense. We’re hoping to help do our part to reduce heart disease and to improve the health of our community,” said Gifford Director of Hospitality Services Ed Striebe, of why the hospital is holding the event.

Senior Lunch at Merrimack Valley Hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. Topic is Basic Foot & Skin care As We Age. Guest speaker is Diane Palmer, RN, CWCC, clinical coordinator of the Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center at Merrimack Valley Hospital. Cost is $5 and includes speaker and full menu of Caesar salad, baked stuffed chicken with gravy, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, dessert, coffee and tea. Registration required. For more information or to register please call Kathy at (978) 521-8140.

NORTH ADAMS, MA – HIV testing will be offered at North Adams Regional Hospital on Thursday, December 1, and Thursday, December 15, 2011, at 1 p.m. The service is offered on the first and third Thursdays of each month, and appointments are required. Those wishing to be tested should call (413) 447-2654 to make an appointment.

The HIV testing clinic is conducted in Suite 210 of the Ambulatory Care Center (the doctors’ office building) on the campus of NARH. Testing is confidential and can be anonymous. Clients must return in person to receive the results of testing, as they cannot be given over the phone or by mail.
The program targets high-risk individuals including injection drug users and their sexual partners, men who are having unsafe sex with other men, heterosexual individuals who are having unsafe sex with multiple partners, the sex partners of bisexual men, and individuals who are having sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The program offers several other services as well. Testing for sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea and chlamydia, and additional STD testing is available on a fee for service basis. Herpes serology testing to determine if an individual is infected with Herpes 2 is available at a cost of $21; most third party payors cover this testing. Hepatitis C testing is available for $20; third party payors will usually cover this cost. Hepatitis A and B vaccine is available for at risk individuals at no cost.
Jacqueline Roy-Elliott, BSN, RN, Director of the State Clinics at Berkshire Medical Center, will provide services. For more information one may call the clinic office at (413) 447-2654.

This free info session is the first step in our Surgical Weight Loss Program. Our surgeons and team will provide a program overview and describe your weight loss surgery options. You will receive detailed literature and a confidential questionnaire to fill out prior to an initial consultation. Please call the Surgical Weight Loss Program (978-287-3532) to register and confirm meeting time and discussion topics. When you enter the main lobby at Emerson, the information desk staff will be happy to direct you to the information session meeting room.

Bangor, Maine  -  As the holidays approach, have you thought “How am I going to get through it?” The loss of a loved one is not a journey you need to go through alone. Please join the St. Joseph Tapestries grief support program for an informational session on how to deal with grief during the holidays.

Lead by bereavement support specialists from the St. Joseph Tapestries program, this is an opportunity for those grieving a loss to come together and find support during the holiday season. The program will cover topics such as being prepared, taking care of yourself, changing traditions, children and the holidays, and spiritual needs. Through education, activities and communication with others who understand what you’re going through, this small group session can help you move forward and cope during the holidays.

Join us Wednesday, December 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Chapman Conference Room at St. Joseph Hospital. Please call 907-1810 for more information.

A Breast Cancer Support Group will meet on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 from 7 – 8:30 PM in the Schwartz Conference Room at Marlborough Hospital.

This ongoing support group is facilitated by a nurse and provides educational and emotional support for women coping with breast and other forms of cancer.  The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at the hospital from September through June.  New members are always welcome.

For more information please contact Sheila Courchaine, RN. at 508-485-3757.

Nashua, NH-Southern New Hampshire Medical Center announces “The War Within: Understanding Immune System Disorder,” a new series offered to the community as part of its fall 2011 Community Medical School. The free program runs from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Limited seating is available on the following nights:

Central Nervous System: Multiple Sclerosis

Monday, November 14

Speaker: Misha Pless, MD/Chief, Division of Neuro-ophthalmology, Chief, Division of General Neurology, and Director, Neurology Urgent Access Center, Massachusetts General Hospital

The program is free, but space is limited so early registration is recommended. To register, please call HEALTHMATCH at 603-577-CALL (2255) or visit www.snhhs.org and click on classes and programs for online registration.

HealthSteps is an award-winning health education and prevention program for adults that focuses on the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.

Pictured Lose with Me! instructors Jennifer Smith, MS and Jamie Pepin MS, RD, LD.

HealthSteps offers a wide range of classes with the core membership fee as well as a variety of specialty classes, including:

Anusara-Inspired Yoga:
Open to new and experienced students. This class is an excellent way to have fun while improving your overall health, well-being, strength, flexibility, and posture. Relieve muscle tension, stress, and aches and pains. Develop a sharp mind, vibrant body, and soft heart thru Anusara
Yoga. Look and feel your best!
Mondays, 5:30 – 6:30pm
October 24 – November 28
Location: Lepage Large Conference Room, 99 Campus Avenue, Lewiston
Cost: $75

Intermediate BellyDancing
Discover the many benefits of bellydancing!  Bellydancing provides cardiovascular exercise and tones muscles with gentle and flowing moves.
It’s therapeutic, energizing and a great way to socialize!  No prior dance experience required. This class is suitable for all ages, skill levels, and body types.  Dress comfortably in workout clothing. Stockings or bare feet are recommended. Bellydancing is HIP!
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00pm
October 12 – November 9*
Location: TBA
*Please note: no class 10/26
Cost: $45

Gentle Exercise
This class is designed for those with arthritis, recovering from cancer or any other individual who desires a mild form of exercise. It helps improve range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and coordination.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9:10-9:55am
Instructor: Johanne Healey
October 18 – November 17
Location: d’Youville Pavilion Activity Room, St. Mary’s d’Youville
Pavilion, 102 Campus Avenue, Lewiston
Cost:  $24

Lose with Me!
A 12-week weight loss session focused on helping you make healthier lifestyle choices.  Classes include goal setting to get you started, exercise planning to get you moving, nutrition education to ensure you eat well, and peer support to keep you motivated! If you’re looking to lose weight as a part of building a healthier lifestyle for you and/or your family then, Lose with Me! is the program for you! Classes are taught by registered and licensed dietitian Jamie Pepin and exercise physiologist, Jennifer Smith who holds national certifications as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and as a speed coach.
Wednesdays, 12-12:30pm
September 21 – December 7
Location:  WorkMed Conference Room, Auburn Medical Bldg, 15 Gracelawn Road,
Auburn
Cost: $99

Pilates
Based on the teachings of Joseph Pilates this mat class is a great alternative workout designed to increase your fitness level. Students can expect full body strengthening with particular emphasis on the core musculature. Please wear non-restrictive attire and bring a Pilates/yoga mat.
Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm
October 20 – December 1
Location: Lepage Large Conference Room, 99 Campus Avenue, Lewiston*
*Room Change: 12/1-d’Youville Activity Room
Cost: $60

Prenatal Yoga
Prepare your mind and body for one of the most rewarding and challenging events of your life. Whether you are an experienced yogi or new to the practice, you can receive many benefits from this class. Work to open and strengthen the legs, back and pelvic floor, improve postural alignment to alleviate back pain, and practice breath and meditation exercises to help with labor. Please bring a pillow and water to class.
Mondays, 6:45-7:45pm
October 24 – November 28
Location: Lepage Large Conference Room, 99 Campus Avenue, Lewiston
Cost: $75

Qigong
Over the years we tend to deplete our Qi, our life force, which causes us to feel tired, anxious, worried and somewhat sluggish.  In this practice, you will visualize and activate Qi with both quiet and active Qigong.
Tuesdays, 6:00 -7:00pm
Instructor: Jason Grundstrum-Whitney
October 11 – November 8
Location: Lepage Large Conference Room, 99 Campus Avenue, Lewiston*
*Room Changes: 10/11, 10/18, 11/1-d’YP Resident Dining Room
Cost: $50 (Discounted rate of $75 if you choose to participate in both Tai Chi & Qigong)

Racquetball
Specific time slots are available for registration Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 6-8:30am.
Cost:  With core HealthSteps membership, $14 for the entire fall session which runs from September 6-December 16, 2011

Without core membership: 1-hour, 1x/week = $70 or 1-hour, 2x/week = $112

Senior Fitness
This one-hour class provides participants with a safe and effective workout that includes a warm-up, cardiovascular component, resistance training, balance, and flexibility exercises.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9:15-10:15am or 10:30-11:30am
Instructor: Johanne Healey
September 12 – October 14
Location: d’Youville Pavilion Activity Room, St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion, 102 Campus Avenue, Lewiston
Cost:  $32

Tai Chi
This class is a short form based on the Sun Style family of Tai Chi and also includes some Qigong movements. Sun Lu Tang was a Master of all three Internal Martial Arts of China (Tai Chi, Bagua, and Hsing-i). Elements of all three of these internal ’sisters’ are included within this form which is excellent for health, balance, circulation, and over all well being. It is also a great for people who have arthritis or injuries which prevent them from doing ‘low postured forms’ as there are no low postures within this form. Perhaps the greatest benefit of the practice is the sense of well being felt during and after a session.
Tuesdays, 5:00 -6:00pm
Instructor: Jason Grundstrum-Whitney
October 11 – November 8
Location: Lepage Large Conference Room, 99 Campus Avenue, Lewiston*
Cost: $50 (Discounted rate of $75 if you choose to participate in both Tai Chi & Qigong)
*Room Changes: 10/11, 10/18, 11/1-d’YP Resident Dining Room

Tennis
Specific time slots are available for registration Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 6-8:30am.
Cost:  With Core Membership, $14 for the entire fall session which runs from September 6-December 16, 2011
Without core membership, $112

Tobacco Cessation Counseling
Single Session: This is a great option for a self-motivated person who simply needs the resources to stop smoking.
Cost: $45
Multi-Session (3): With a smoking cessation coach, set a quit date and work through the quitting process.  Many find the additional support to be a great advantage to their stopping the use of tobacco.
Cost: $75

Zumba
This fun class for all exercise abilities incorporates Latin style dance into an aerobic exercise session.  Come shake your body while getting a good sweat and laugh in!
Tuesday’s, 4:15-5:15pm
October 18 – November 15
Old Commons Hall, Chase Hall, Bates College, Lewiston
Cost: $10 for HealthSteps Core participants
$25 for non-members

HealthSteps is part of the Prevention & Wellness Services offered through St. Mary’s Health System.

Call today and start your way to a new healthy lifestyle in which you will feel better, have more energy, meet great people, and enjoy exercise even more!  For more information or to register, call HealthSteps at 777-8898 or visit them on the web at: www.stmarysmaine.com. Pre-registration for all programs is required.

NORTH ADAMS -  MA North Adams Regional Hospital will host a free question-and-answer session with the wound care experts from the Wound Healing Center of the Berkshires on Tuesday, October 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.  The free event takes place at the VNA & Hospice of Northern Berkshire Community Room.  Pie and coffee will be served.  Registration is requested by calling 413-664-5142.

Dr. Fred Landes, center Director Kelly Morse, RN, BSN, and hyperbaric oxygen technician Gladys Conklin will take questions on wounds resulting from radiation side effects, lymphedema, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and injuryThey will also discuss new state-of-the-art techniques used to heal wounds including hyperbaric oxygen therapy.