Health Beat

May 02, 2008 03:05 am

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ALLERGY: Allergy Screening, sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, will be held on Saturday, May 17 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Liberty Tree Mall, 100 Independence Way, in Danvers. Registration is required at www.acaai.org.

BACK CARE: A Northeast Senior Health Lecture on "Biomechanics: Saving Your Back While Gardening and Cleaning," will be held May 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Danvers Senior Center, with Kimberly Wilder, occupational therapist with Ledgewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Free lecture, no preregistration required. For information or directions, call 978-762-0208.

PROSTATE: A Prostate Health Lecture, in the Men's Health Series at Beverly Hospital at Danvers, at 480 Maple St., will be held Tuesday, May 6 at 6 p.m. with urologist Dr. John S. Ledbetter, in the cafe. The free program will review benign enlargement and prostate cancer, and address the signs, symptoms and evaluation of these diseases as well as their treatment. Question and answers will follow. Preregistration is required at 978-236-1645. Spouses are welcome to attend and refreshments will be served.

ARTHRITIS WORKSHOP: Rheumatologist Dr. Matthew Heller will speak from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 29 at the Northeast Senior Health luncheon at Beverly Hospital. The lecture is available free of charge, however the buffet lunch is $6. Registration prior to May 23 is required at 978-921-1697, ext. 3000.

NUTRITION: "Eating Your Way to Better Health," May 9, from 10 to 11 a.m., with registered dietitian Linda Jean, RD, LDN, will speak at the Beverly Senior Center. There is no fee, and preregistration is not necessary. For more information or directions, call 978-921-6017.

ANAPHYLAXIS: Thursday, May 1, "The ABC's of Anaphylaxis: How to Prevent and Recognize a Severe Allergic Reaction," lecture from 7 to 9 p.m. with Food Allergy Group of the North Shore, at Salem Hospital (Davenport Conference Area, 103). Free to the public. For more information, call the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter, toll free at 877-227-8462.

REMARKABLE WOMEN: Health Quarters of Beverly's fundraiser, Celebrating Remarkable Women, at the Elks at Bass Rocks, Gloucester, on Thursday, May 1, will feature silent and live auctions, light supper, program with Pulitzer-winner Eileen McNamara, and Dr. Roseanna Means, a physician to homeless women. Music by Salem artist Christine Baze; reporter Sara Edwards will emcee. Tickets $35, $60 for mothers and daughters together, at 978-927-9824, ext. 2113, keturahh@healthq.org, or www.healthq.org.

CLASSES AT SALEM HOSPITAL:

Basic Life Support, Healthcare Provider Certification, May 12 and 14, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., life-saving techniques, $65.

Basic Life Support, Healthcare Provider Re-certification, May 12 and 14, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., life-saving techniques, $45.

Basic Life Support Heart Saver, Adult Infant and Child, June 9, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $45.

CPR for Infants and Children, starting May 13 or June 19, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $45.

All classes at Salem Hospital, Highland Hall Learning Center, 55 Highland Ave., Salem. Register at 978-354-3013.

NSMC CANCER WALK REGISTRATION: Registration is ongoing for walk that will be held June 15 at Salem Willows. Proceeds go directly to oncology services at the NSMC Cancer Center. To register visit www.nsmccancerwalk.org.

SKIN CANCER CLINIC: On May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., a free skin cancer clinic will be held in the Oncology Clinic at the Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. Individuals concerned about a mole or other skin abnormality are welcome to attend and get a screening. Surgical and other procedures will not be performed, and this screening is not as a substitute for a complete physician exam, nor does it replace a regularly scheduled screening with a dermatologist. Appointments are required at 978-236-1644.

BLOOD DRIVE: Friends of Beverly Hospital will sponsor a Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, May 9, from 2 to 7 p.m. in the lecture hall on the first floor of the hospital at 85 Herrick St., Beverly. Walk-ins welcome, but registrations preferred at 978-236-1643.

FAIR: The Manchester Council on Aging and the Manchester Community Center will host a free Health and Wellness Fair for all ages on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Manchester Community Center, Harbors Point. With information, screenings, giveaways, education materials and bake sale. Call the Council on Aging Office at 978-526-7500.

REIKI CLASSES: Classes in ancient hands-on healing are available at the Lifestyle Management Institute at Beverly Hospital's Danvers Medical Center, 480 Maple St., Danvers. To reserve a 30- or 60-minute session or for fees and other information, call 978-304-8415.

HYPNOSIS: Sessions in progressive relaxation are held at the Lifestyle Management Institute at Beverly Hospital's Danvers Medical Center, 480 Maple St., Danvers. To reserve a 30- or 60-minute session or for fees and other information, call 978-304-8415.

CPR CLASSES: The American Heart Association offers adult and pediatric Heartsaver classes as well as health-care provider classes through the Beverly Hospital Education Department. Call 978-922-3000, ext. 2236, for more.

PREPARE FOR SURGERY: A workshop on preparing for surgery to help patients heal faster is offered prior to scheduled procedures at the Lifestyle Management Institute at Beverly Hospital's Danvers Medical and Day Surgery Center, 480 Maple St., Danvers. Call 978-646-7060.

OSTEOARTHRITIS OF KNEE: A clinical research study is being held to evaluate the safety of a new oral medication for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. To qualify for the study, participants need to be at least 40 years old, have radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis, and have had knee pain for at least six months that required medication such as Naproxen or Celebrex for pain relief. Contact Dr. Matthew Heller, Arthritis Associates Inc., 39 Cross St., Peabody, MA 01960 or call 978-532-7545.

AIDS TESTING: Health Quarters, 19 Broadway, Beverly, offers free HIV testing and counseling and free pregnancy tests, as well as low-cost birth control, cancer screenings and STD testing. Call 800-892-0234 for an appointment.

FREE SCREENINGS

r Peabody-Martins Senior Homecare, 70 Main St., Peabody, offers free blood pressure screenings the first Monday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. A bilingual Portuguese/Spanish nurse is available. Walk-ins welcome.

r Partners Home Care offers free monthly health screenings for Salem residents at various locations in Salem. Call 978-236-1300.

HELP WITH HEALTH INSURANCE: North Shore Elder Services in Danvers has trained volunteers to counsel Medicare beneficiaries about health insurance and benefits, including Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Part D, HMOs, Prescription Advantage Program, and long-term care insurance. Volunteers provide seniors with free, confidential, unbiased information. Appointments required. Call 978-750-4540.

QUIT SMOKING

r Individual smoking cessation sessions focusing on relaxation methods are offered at the Lifestyle Management Institute in Danvers. Thirty-, 60- and 90- minute sessions are available. Call 978-646-7060.

r Beverly Hospital Hunt Center, 75 Lindall St., Beverly, offers a smoking cessation program using progressive relaxation. Call 978-304-8415.

r Smoking Cessation, Quit and Quit for Good: Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at NSMC Salem Hospital, $140 for seven sessions, covered by many insurance policies. Register at 1-866-NSMC-BEWELL.

DIABETES: Highlow Diabetes provides education, information and help to children and families dealing with type 1 diabetes. They also raise public awareness through activities, functions, events and fundraising that further supports families and that supports organizations and institutions trying to find a cure. For information on upcoming programs, contact Julie Sparages at 781-231-2936 or highlowdiabetes@verizon.net.

OVEREATING: Overeaters Anonymous holds meetings on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at Shaughnessy Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital, Dove Ave., Salem. Call 781-641-2303.

BLOOD PRESSURE

r Right at Home and Landmark Assisted Living at Oceanview offer free blood pressure clinics on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. Registration is required. Located at 3 Essex St., Beverly. Call Doreen Tanzella, 978-927-4227, ext. 11.

r Radius Healthcare Center and CVS Pharmacy hold blood pressure clinics the second Tuesday of every month at various locations including Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, and Salem. For information or times, call Mary Roberts at 978-777-2700, ext. 3067.

r A free blood pressure clinic is held on the first Tuesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Center for Healthy Aging, 75 Lindall St., Danvers. Pre-registration is not required.

WEIGHT LOSS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a nonprofit weight loss group for men, women and teens, meets every Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Cove Community Center on East Corning Street, Beverly. Weekly dues $2. Sessions include private weigh-ins, nutrition tips and more. Call Barbara Walburn, 978-922-7245.

WOMEN'S HEALTH

r VNA Care Network provides financial assistance stipends to women in need diagnosed with breast cancer. Stipends can be used for treatment, medication, child care, prosthetic undergarments, head coverings, and transportation. Call 888-663-3688 ext. 2429.

r The Women's Health Network, part of VNA Care Network, offers uninsured and underinsured, income-eligible women ages 40 to 64 free mammograms, pap tests and cardiovascular screenings. Call 888-663-3688, ext. 1340, or e-mail kwebber@vnacarenetwork.org. All inquiries and services are confidential.

SENIOR MEALS: Beverly Hospital's Food and Nutrition Services invites local seniors to purchase hot and cold meals for $6 or less daily between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 85 Herrick St. Meals are served in the third-floor cafeteria, which is handicapped accessible. Parking is free.

HEARING LOSS

r Dial-A-Hearing-Screening offers automated confidential hearing loss tests to Beverly residents. Call 800-222-3277 from a phone in a quiet room between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for a screening.

r Rogers Hearing Solutions holds free hearing clinics the last Friday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon at the Beverly Council on Aging, 90 Colon St. Call 978-921-6017 for an appointment.

MEN'S HEALTH

r A Prostate Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center at Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. Meetings are free; no registration required. Call 978-236-1650.

r The Gay and Bisexual Men's Health Program has drop-in hours Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. at 156 Cabot St., Beverly, and offers free and anonymous HIV testing, free condoms and information on HIV, STD, hepatitis and other men's health issues. Call David at 978-927-4506, ext. 219.

SENIOR MEALS: The Food and Nutrition Services staff at Beverly Hospital, Herrick Street, invites local seniors to join them for nutritious meals. Hot and cold meals may be purchased for $6 or less from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily.

KEEP WELL: The VNA Care Network offers Keep Well clinics daily throughout the North Shore. Participants may receive blood pressure screenings, medication information, and blood sugar or weight monitoring. Clinics are free; all residents ages 60 and older are welcome. For locations and times, call 888-663-3688, ext. 5603, or visit www.vnacarenetwork.org.

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SENIOR HEALTH

r The Seniors EyeCare Program offers free eye-care information for patients who qualify. The program is designed for those ages 65 and older who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years. Eligible patients will be matched with a nearby volunteer ophthalmologist. Call 800-222-3937.

r The Senior Outreach Program at Beverly Hospital hosts a Senior Supper Club open to all area seniors. Each month, the group meets for a lecture followed by a nutritious and affordable meal in the hospital's cafeteria. Call 978-774-4400, ext. 4005.

r VNA Care Network offers a free Medication Management Program to help seniors and their caregivers effectively manage seniors' prescription medications and reduce errors and adverse drug reactions. Participants must be 60 or older and be a resident of Danvers, Marblehead, Middleton, Peabody or Salem. Call 800-728-1862.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

r Infant/Childsaver Class, a two-evening, six-hour program helps parents, expecting parents and caregivers recognize and cope with emergency situations involving infants and small children. Call the education department at Beverly Hospital at 978-927-9103.

r Managing Childhood Obesity, a family-centered program, is offered at the Lifestyle Management Institute at Beverly Hospital's Danvers Medical and Day Surgery Center, 480 Maple St., Danvers. Call 978-646-7060.

r Catholic Charities North offers Healthy Families services for first-time parents ages 20 and younger in North Shore communities. The home visiting program provides group-based activities to reduce isolation and promotes peer-to-peer support to young parents. Enrollment in the program is voluntary, and may begin prenatally or until the child's first birthday. Service continues until the child turns 3. Call 781-593-2312.

r Beverly Hospital offers several classes and workshops for new parents, including prenatal classes, childbirth education, and postpartum classes. The hospital also offers Boot Camp for New Dads and childbirth class house-calls. Participants are advised to register early as classes fill up quickly. Call 978-927-9103.

r Mothertalk Too, a play time for moms and babies 8 months and older, takes place every other Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Women's Health & Medical Arts Building, on the campus of Beverly Hospital, Herrick Street, Beverly. Cost is $5 a class. Call 978-927-9103.

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