Health Calendar

Sunday, January 13, 2008; SM12

Announcements

CIVISTA WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTER OPEN HOUSE

Meet staff members and learn more about the services the center provides. 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Free.

HEALTHY HEART EXPO

Hosted by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). Speakers, health screenings, displays and refreshments. 8 a.m.-noon Feb. 9. Free admission; fees for certain screenings.

VOLUNTEER HOSPICE TRAINING

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 16, and 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Feb. 21, Calvert Hospice, 238 Merrimac Ct., Prince Frederick. Free. 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226.

MALL WALKERS

Supervised, all-weather walking with free blood pressure monitoring. 7:30-9:30 a.m. weekdays, St. Charles Towne Center, Waldorf. Free. 301-877-5700.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVERS NEEDED

Civista Medical Center (5) needs volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles during inclement weather to transport staff members to and from work. Call 301-609-4289.

WOMEN'S HEALTH RESOURCE LINE

Offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3) to answer questions about women's services at the hospital. 410-414-4569.

BLOOD DRIVES

Sponsored by Civista Medical Center (5) and La Plata United Methodist Church. 2-8 p.m. Jan. 21, La Plata United Methodist Church, 3 Port Tobacco Rd., La Plata. Call for an appointment, 800-448-5433.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Calvert County Mental Health Clinic operates at the Twin Beaches Community Health Center at 8924 Chesapeake Ave., North Beach. Diagnostic and medication evaluations, medication management and individual and family therapy services are available. Most commercial insurance programs and Medicaid are accepted. 410-535-5400, Ext. 475.

HEALTH CONNECTIONS MOBILE OUTREACH

A traveling van offers health screenings, wellness education, disease prevention information and other medical and community services through St. Mary's Hospital, St. Mary's County Health Department and St. Mary's County Department of Social Services. For more information about services or a listing of van stops and times, call 301-475-6019. To schedule a van stop at your business, school or community event, call 301-475-6195.

WHEELCHAIRS AVAILABLE

¿ Powered wheelchairs are available, usually at no out-of-pocket cost, to eligible non-ambulatory people age 65 and older. 800-749-8778 or http://www.jaspanmedical.com.

¿ "Wishes on Wheels" program offers wheelchairs, usually at no out-of-pocket cost, to eligible people age 65 and older. 800-823-5220 or http://www.threewishes2.com.

¿ Medicare recipients who have arthritis, cardiovascular disease or respiratory disorders, and who also have difficulty walking or using a standard wheelchair, may be eligible for an electric wheelchair. Call Gregory Coleman at 800-810-2877.

¿ "Wheels of Love" helps seniors with respiratory disorders, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, mobility limitations or difficulty moving a standard wheelchair receive a powered chair or scooter paid for by Medicare. For eligibility information, call 866-631-3028.

HEALTH SERVICES FOR SENIORS

For seniors who find it difficult to leave home, the Chesapeake-Potomac Home Health Agency Inc., a nonprofit group serving Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's counties, will make home visits to draw blood for lab tests, organize prescription drugs or fill insulin syringes. Call the intake office at 800-656-4343, Ext. 121.

MASSAGES

¿ Massages classes are being offered by Charles County Department of Community Services for age 18 and older. Bring a towel, flat sheet and body oil or lotion. Sign up with a partner to give and receive massages. Learn massage strokes, how the body benefits and how to give massages. All classes, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Massage II: Wednesday, Mattawoman Community Center; and Thursday, Stoddert Community Center, 2040 St. Thomas Dr., Waldorf. Massage III: Jan. 23, Stoddert Community Center; and Jan. 31, Mattawoman Community Center, 10145 Berry Rd., Waldorf. For prices, call Stoddert Community Center, 301-645-4847, or Mattawoman Community Center, 301-645-6865.

¿ Bay Healing Arts Center offers acupuncture, massage, reflexology and Reiki. 9129 Bay Ave., North Beach. Call for times and dates, 410-286-9110.

¿ Heaven to Earth Healing Arts offers "energy work," noninvasive techniques that help people access their natural healing abilities. 50-minute session, $65. Call for times, dates and locations, 410-257-0147.

¿ Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). Reduce pain, soothe injured muscles, stimulate circulation, promote relaxation and relieve stress. Full-body, one-hour massages, $60. Seated chair massage for head, neck, back, shoulders, arms and hands, 15 minutes, $13; 30 minutes, $26. Call 410-394-2816 or 301-855-1012, Ext. 2816, for times, dates and locations.

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION

MedStar Health Visiting Nurse Association's office in Camp Springs offers home care in Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's and southern Prince George's counties. Services include wound care, infusion and rehabilitation. Specialty care in cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation, ostomy, oncology, stroke and joint replacement rehabilitation, diabetes, maternal-child health, pediatrics and respiratory therapy are also available. 301-931-3100.

CIVISTA ON THE LINE

Civista Medical Center offers free referrals of medical staff members. Callers can also register for Civista-sponsored events and classes, and receive information on health-related county resources. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. 888-332-4847.

ASTHMA AND ALLERGY CENTER

Southern Maryland Hospital Center (15) offers a detailed evaluation, including complete medical history and physical examination, a consultation with a pulmonologist and a breathing test. Fee charged. 301-877-4616.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Southern Maryland Hospital Center (15) offers transportation for outpatient services when personal transportation is not available. 301-877-4357.

Screenings

VASCULAR SCREENING

Offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital vascular lab (3). Ultrasound is used to create images of blood flow and to detect blocked arteries. Recommended for age 50 and older. Certain criteria must be met. 8:30-9 a.m. first Wednesday of the month, and 1-1:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. $25. 410-535-8233 or 301-855-1012, Ext. 8233.

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS

¿ Calvert Memorial Hospital (3) offers screenings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. No appointment needed. 410-535-8233 or 301-855-1012, Ext. 8233.

¿ Civista Medical Center (5) offers screenings from 1 to 3 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month in La Plata.

¿ Calvert Pines Senior Center (2) offers screenings from 11 a.m. to noon the first and third Thursdays of the month.

¿ North Beach Senior Center (10) offers screenings from 10 to 11 a.m. the first Friday of the month.

¿ St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center at Charlotte Hall, 37767 Market Dr., offers screenings from 9 a.m. to noon the first Friday of the month. 301-290-1499.

¿ St. Mary's Hospital (13) offers screenings from 9 a.m. to noon the second Friday of the month in the lobby.

¿ Southern Maryland Hospital Center (15) offers screenings from noon to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, noon to 8 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 3 p.m. Fridays in the hospital solarium.

Education Programs

LOWERING YOUR CHOLESTEROL

Offered by Civista Women's Health Center (6). Learn the latest ways to use plant sterols and stanols, fiber, mono-unsaturated fats, fish and soy to reduce your risk of heart disease. 3-5 p.m. Jan. 29. $30.

LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER

A program offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3) to help female cancer patients cope with hair and skin changes during treatment. Call the hospital for dates and times.

LIFECYCLES

Offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). "Late Life Depression in Women." 7-8 p.m. Tuesday. Classroom 1. Free.

SMOKING CESSATION CLASS

Offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). Learn to stop using tobacco with support, education and tools to help quit for good. Call for times and dates. Free.

HEART TALKS AVAILABLE

Presented by St. Mary's County Health Department, the talks address hypertension and the symptoms and signs of stroke and heart attack. To schedule a 45-minute presentation, call Betsy Tyer at 301-475-4079.

CPR COURSES

¿ Calvert Memorial Hospital (3) offers courses in CPR techniques for use on adults, infants and children. Certification available for health-care providers. Call 410-535-8233 or 301-855-1012, Ext. 8233, for dates and times.

¿ St. Mary's Hospital (13) offers a variety of courses. Call 301-475-6019.

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING

Take a healthy approach to weight loss, heart health and balanced nutrition. Meet with a registered dietitian. Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). Call for an appointment. One-hour session, $40; four sessions, $130.

BODY COMPOSITION ASSESSMENTS

Body composition assessments include a computer printout with participant's lean body mass and body fat status, and recommendations for optimal weight and weight loss. Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). $20. For an appointment, call 410-535-8245 or 301-855-1012, Ext. 8245.

FITNESS ASSESSMENT

Get a fitness assessment from a certified fitness trainer. Tests evaluate muscle strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance and body composition. Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). $50. For an appointment, call 410-535-8245 or 301-855-1012, Ext. 8245.

DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT

¿ Calvert Memorial Hospital (3) offers a program that teaches people how to balance their lifestyle and diabetes. This program is covered by most health insurance plans. For an appointment, call 410-414-4809.

¿ At St. Mary's Hospital (13), professionals will help with diabetic meal planning, monitoring, treatment options and daily coping. Day and evening self-management classes. 301-475-6019.

¿ Civista Women's Health Center (6) offers a program of two group classes and two individual sessions. Call 301-609-5200 to discuss insurance coverage and registration.

¿ Maryland Foundation for Quality Healthcare Inc. offers two-hour classes at a variety of times and locations in Charles and St. Mary's counties. $5 each session. To register, call Carol Wright at 301-645-0001, option 5, or register at http://www.udoithealthcare.org.

HEALTH SPEAKERS BUREAU

Health-care professionals are available to present programs on health topics for a business or community group. Topics include diet and nutrition, heart disease prevention, cancer prevention, breast cancer, skin care, sleep disorders, diabetes, hearing loss, osteoporosis, alternative medicine, children's health and safety and women's health issues. Offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). 410-414-4523 or 301-855-1012, Ext. 4523.

YOGA

¿ Calvert Memorial Hospital's Healthy Alternatives program (9) offers yoga for all ages and fitness levels. For class dates and times, call 410-394-2816 or 301-855-1012, Ext. 2816.

¿ Civista Women's Health Center (6) class teaches relaxation techniques, flexibility exercises and strengthening techniques. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 9-10 a.m. Wednesdays. Four sessions, $35; eight sessions, $65; one session, $10. Registration not required.

¿ "Yoga Body and Mind," offered by Civista Women's Health Center (6). 45 minutes of asana work, with cooling, breathing exercises and meditation in the last 15 minutes. Bring your own mat. 6:15-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Eight classes, $65; walk-ins, $10.

Parenting

MATERNITY TOURS

Offered by Civista Medical Center (5). Tour the center, meet the staff, ask questions and see the delivery and postpartum rooms. 6-7 p.m., tomorrow. Free.

IN-DEPTH PARENTING CLASSES

Offered by St. Mary's Hospital (13). Topics include basic care, breast-feeding, childbirth, infant safety and CPR, and siblings. There also is a group for breast-feeding mothers. All classes are free to parents who plan to deliver at the hospital. Call the HealthConnections program for dates and times, 301-475-6019.

CHILDBIRTH CLASSES

¿ Calvert Memorial Hospital offers classes that cover labor and delivery preparation, relaxation and breathing techniques, medication options, Cesarean delivery information and breast-feeding education. Weeknight and Saturday classes available. Call Nurturing Necessities program (11) at 410-414-5414.

¿ Offered by Civista Medical Center (5) to prepare parents for the birthing experience. A tour of the birthing center included. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. $85.

BREAST-FEEDING INFORMATION

¿ Offered by Civista Women's Health Center (6). Learn basic information including health benefits, getting started, what to prepare for before and after the birth, best nutrition, going back to work, options on pumps, bottles and more. Fathers encouraged to attend. 9:30-11:30 a.m., Jan. 26. $10.

¿ Breast-Feeding Resource Center's certified lactation consultants will answer questions or provide a private consultation. Breast pumps and other items will be available for rent or purchase. 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, St. Mary's Hospital (13). Call 301-997-6505 to talk to a lactation consultant.

PRENATAL YOGA

St. Mary's Hospital (13) offers a six-week course that teaches hatha yoga postures, breathing practices for relaxation and the use of sound to relieve stress. You can begin the class any time after the first trimester of pregnancy. Permission from a health-care provider is required. Fee charged. Call 301-475-6019 for dates and times and to register.

PREGNANCY MASSAGE

Offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). Provided by a trained therapist. Reduce tension, swelling, improve circulation, increase relaxation and relieve back pain. One-hour session, $60. Call for an appointment, 410-394-2816.

Support Groups

SUICIDE SURVIVORS

A 12-week holistic program offered by Calvert Hospice. 5:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Feb. 21, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 238 Merrimac Ct., Prince Frederick. Free. 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226.

"TIME TO HEAL"

For those grieving the death of a child. 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays, through March 4, Calvert Hospice office, 238 Merrimac Ct., Prince Frederick. Free. 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226.

"BRIDGES"

For those grieving a death. 7-8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Feb. 7 to March 27, Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Church St., Prince Frederick. Free. 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226

PARKINSON'S

¿ Civista Medical Center (5) for support and education on various aspects of the disease. 2-4 p.m. Jan. 26. 888-332-4847.

¿ Meetings held third Saturday of each month. 10 a.m.-noon, St. Mary's County Library, 23250 Hollywood Rd., Leonardtown. 301-994-1858 or 301-862-5524.

BREAST-FEEDING

Nurturing Necessities (11). 1:30-3 p.m. Wednesdays. Free.

OSTOMY

Chesapeake-Potomac Home Health Agency, 7627 Leonardtown Rd., Hughesville. Free. For dates and time of meetings, call Amber Fowler at 301-274-9000, Ext. 227.

MENTAL ILLNESS

Organized by Southern Maryland Hospital Center (15). 6:30-8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month, Colony South Hotel and Conference Center, 7401 Surratts Rd., Clinton. Free. 301-877-4456.

ALZHEIMER'S

¿ Family members welcome. 5-6 p.m. the second Thursday of the month, Southern Maryland Hospital Center (15). Free.

¿ Chesapeake-Potomac Home Health Agency. Meets 2:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month, CPHHA office, 7627 Leonardtown Rd., Hughesville. Free.

AMPUTEES

Calvert Memorial Hospital (3) group meets 6-7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the transitional care unit's fourth-floor activity room. Free. Call Scarlett Schall, 410-535-8210 or 301-855-1012, Ext. 8210. For information, call the amputee information line, 410-414-4670.

BRAIN INJURY

Meets 10:30 a.m.-noon the first Thursday of the month and 6-7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month, Spring Dell Center Inc., 6040 Radio Station Rd., La Plata. 301-932-6196.

BREAST CANCER

¿ Sisters at Heart group offers friendship, encouragement and support to those 60 and older. Group meets 11:30 a.m. the fourth Thursday of the month, Richard R. Clark Senior Center, 1210 Charles St., La Plata. Free. 301-934-5423.

¿ The Pink Ladies group provides support, encouragement and awareness, 6 p.m. the second Thursday of the month, Southern Maryland Christian Academy, White Plains. Free. Call Anne, 301-932-2942, or Evelyn, 301-934-8513.

¿ Friends Who Care meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month, Calvert Medical Office Building, 110 Hospital Rd., Prince Frederick. Free. Call social worker Joyce Gradle at 410-326-4262.

¿ Sponsored by Southern Maryland Hospital Center (15). 7:30-8:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month and 6:30-8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, Colony South Hotel and Conference Center, 7401 Surratts Rd., Clinton. Free. 301-877-5600.

CANCER

5:30-7 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month, Calvert Memorial Hospital Annex (4), Medical Office Building. Free. Call Meghan Toffey, 410-414-4730 or 301-855-1012, Ext. 4730.

LUPUS

Chesapeake-Potomac Home Health Agency. Meets every other month. For more information, call 800-656-4343.

PROSTATE CANCER

Sponsored by Southern Maryland Hospital Center (15). 6:30-8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, Colony South Hotel and Conference Center, 7401 Surratts Rd., Clinton. Free. 301-877-5600.

CAREGIVERS

¿ For caregivers of older adults. Supervision for older adults available on site during the group meeting. 2 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month, Richard R. Clark Senior Center, 1210 E. Charles St., La Plata. Free. 301-934-0128 or 301-870-3388, Ext. 5128.

¿ Offered by Calvert County Hospice. Available for county residents caring for a loved one who is chronically or terminally ill. 12:30-2 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, at the hospice office, 238 Merrimac Ct., Prince Frederick. Free. 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226.

STROKE

¿ A group for survivors and caregivers. Clinical professionals will be available to answer questions and share ideas for improving physical, social and emotional health. 5:30-7 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month, Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). Free. 410-414-4800.

¿ Southern Maryland Hospital Center group is open to family members. 5-6 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month, Colony South Hotel and Conference Center, 7401 Surratts Rd., Clinton. Free. Registration recommended. 301-877-4563.

CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP

Group meets 6-8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month, Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). Call 410-414-4648.

DIABETES

¿ Sponsored by the Partnerships for a Healthier Charles County through a grant from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Center for Preventive Health Services. Refreshments provided. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Civista Women's Health Center (6). Free. 301-609-6933.

¿ Meets 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. the third Thursday of the month, Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). For meeting topics and speakers, call the Diabetes Support Group hotline at 410-414-4783.

-- Compiled by BONNIE SMITH

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