Health Calendar

· 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 County Health Connections Van will be at Leonardtown Square from noon-3 p.m. the second Wednesday 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

EXPERT HOUR

Offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). "Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention." 6:30-7:30 p.m., May 19. Free.

LIFECYCLES

Offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). "Aging Well From One Birthday to the Next." 7-8 p.m., May 20. Free.

LUNCH AND LEARN

Offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). "Keep Your Colon Rollin." Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday. $10.

LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER

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

· A program at St. Mary's Hospital (13) to help female cancer patients cope with hair and skin changes during treatment. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Registration required, 301-475-6070.

· A program offered by the American Cancer Society to help female cancer patients cope with hair and skin changes during treatment. 3-5 p.m. Saturdays, through July 12. Hawthorne Center, 6257 Crain Hwy., La Plata. Free. 301-609-6932.

SMOKING CESSATION CLASS

Offered by Calvert Memorial Hospital (3). 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.

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 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 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

· St. Mary's Hospital's Health Connections program (13) offers a 10-week class. 4-5 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. Thursdays, through May 29.

· 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 a mat. 6:15-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Eight classes, $65; walk-ins, $10.

Parenting

MATERNITY TOURS

· Offered by Civista Medical Center (5). Meet staff, see the delivery and postpartum rooms and ask questions about the upcoming birth of your baby. 6-7 p.m. tomorrow. Free.

· Offered by St. Mary's Hospital (13). Tour the Women's Health and Family Birthing Center. 2-3 p.m., the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Free.

BUILDING BABY'S BRAIN

Offered by St. Mary's Hospital's Health Connections Programs (13). Learn how the brain develops during the first three years of life and how to be ready for each stage. Explore how parents can maximize their child's intellectual and emotional potential. 7-8:30 p.m. May 19. 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, Caesarean delivery information and breast-feeding education. Weeknight and Saturday classes available. Call Nurturing Necessities (11) at 410-414-5414.

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 and options on pumps and bottles. Fathers encouraged to attend. 9-11 a.m. May 31. $10.

· Breast-Feeding Moms, offered by the St. Mary's Hospital Health Connections Programs (13). 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays. Free.

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 anytime 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 and swelling, improve circulation, increase relaxation and relieve back pain. One-hour session, $60. Call for an appointment, 410-394-2816.

Support Groups

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SUPPORT GROUP

For anyone who has had any type of weight loss surgery or thinking of having surgery. 7 p.m., May 21, SMECO building, 4415 Crain Hwy., White Plains. Free. 301-645-3149. "TIME TO HEAL"

For those grieving the death of a spouse. 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, through June 24, Calvert Hospice office, 238 Merrimac Ct., Prince Frederick. Free. 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226.

"BRIDGES"

For children ages 3-12 and adults grieving a death. 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, through May 29, Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Church St., Prince Frederick. Free. 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226

DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT

· Offered by Calvert Hospice. 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Calvert Hospice, 238 Merrimac Ct., Prince Frederick. Free. 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226.

· Offered by Hospice of St. Mary's. 6:30-8 p.m. May 20, Hospice office, 22699 Washington St., Leonardtown. Free. 301-475-2023.

PARKINSON'S

· Civista Medical Center (5). For support and education on various aspects of the disease. 2-4 p.m. May 24. 888-332-4847.

· Group meets 10 a.m.-noon the third Saturday of each month, 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 times of meetings, call Amber Fowler at 301-274-9000, Ext. 227.

MENTAL ILLNESS

· National Alliance for Mental Illness, Southern Maryland holds a recovery support group twice a month for adults living with mental illness. 7-8:30 p.m. first and third Monday of the month, Pathways office, 29770 Three Notch Rd., suite 202, Charlotte Hall. Free. 301-672-0429 or http://www.namisomd.org.

· 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. 6:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday 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, 6040 Radio Station Rd., La Plata. 301-932-6196.

BREAST CANCER

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

· The Pink Ladies 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

· 6:30-8 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.

· 7-8:30 p.m. May 21, St. Mary's Hospital (13) multipurpose room. Group is facilitated by employees from the Outpatient Infusion Service and Case Management Departments. Free.

LUPUS

Chesapeake-Potomac Home Health Agency. Meets every other month. 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's 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

To Submit an Item

E-mail:smextra@washpost.com

Fax: 301-934-1088

Mail: Health Watch, Southern Maryland Extra, The Washington Post, 100 N. Oak Ave., La Plata, Md. 20646

Details: Items are published monthly on the second or third Sunday of the month, on a space-available basis. Information must be received at least 14 days before the publication date. Include event name, date, time, street address, cost and publishable phone number.