Well-Being In Brief: 02/06/2008

February 07, 2008 04:00 am

Program addresses women's depression

Frankfort -- Members of the women's group, Abbie's Angels, of Trinity Lutheran Church will sponsor the third installment of their "Girls Night Out" series. A program dealing with women and depression will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the church's community hall, Tenth and James Street.

The event will feature various speakers presenting information on clinical, seasonal, post-partum and menopausal depression.

The event also will present a "Think Spring" fashion show, appetizers and desserts.

The series serves as a fund raiser for a local woman who is battling a brain tumor. Tickets are $20 at the door or by calling 352-7521.

Anyone wishing to donate items for a silent auction can call Stephanie Johnston, 378-2206.

Bake sale, auction benefit youngster

Traverse City -- A bake sale and silent auction will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Grand Traverse Rural Fire Department Battalion 10 in Long Lake.

Proceeds will benefit 4-year-old James Schroeder, who has been diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome, a rare degenerative disease of the hip joint.

The benefit will help offset the out-of-pocket expenses incurred from testing, surgery and food and lodging for the family during his downstate hospital stay. Donations are welcome. Call 946-3360.

Ski proceeds benefit women with cancer

Traverse city -- For the seventh consecutive year, a portion of each entry fee for the 32nd annual VASA races set for Saturday and Sunday will benefit Munson Medical Center's Women's Cancer Fund. The fund was established to meet the needs of women undergoing cancer treatment when no other resources are available.

Information on the numerous races and entry fees and registration is available online at www.vasa.org.

All races begin and end at Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort, 4050 Hammond Road, where in-person registration and packet pickup begin at noon on Friday.

There also are opportunities for volunteers who want to help with the races. Call 938-4400.

Men's healing group starts Sunday

Traverse City-- Harps For Hope will sponsor a free, five-week therapeutic music class for men from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sundays beginning Feb. 10 at 13795 Seven Hills Road, Suite D, on Old Mission Peninsula.

Men facing difficult life challenges are invited to learn an ancient healing method of music for their own self care. No musical background is necessary. A folk harp will be loaned to each participant for the five weeks. Class size is limited to 8. Call Sharon Olson, 223-9299.

Radon home test kits available

Bellaire --Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil, can enter homes through cracks or openings on the lower levels, accumulate and cause cancer. Radon testing kits are available for $15 at Health Department of Northwest Michigan offices in Bellaire, Charlevoix, Petoskey/Harbor Springs and Gaylord. Call 547-6523.

Medical equipment giveaway event

Grayling-- The Crawford County Commission on Aging will conduct a free medical equipment event from 2 to 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Grayling Senior Center, 308 Lawndale St.

Numerous items will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Call (989) 348-7123.

Nurse presents genetics program

Traverse City -- Oncology Nurse Practitioner Christa Kiessel will present a community program from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 14, at Munson Community Health Library, 550 Munson Ave.

The program will discuss genetic counseling and the services available at Munson's Cancer Genetics Clinic. Kiessel coordinates clinic operations and patient evaluation in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Gruber of the University of Michigan Division of Molecular Medicine and Genetics. Call 935-9265.

Hospital hosts 'stop smoking' clinic

Frankfort -- Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital is sponsoring an American Lung Association Freedom from Smoking Clinic on seven Tuesdays and one Thursday from Feb. 19 to April 1.

The program will begin with a no-cost orientation session from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19. The seven sessions are designed to prepare participants to become and remain non-smokers. Cost for the entire clinic is $150. The class is limited to 15 participants. Call Sue Stevenson, 352-2281.

CPR offered for first respondents

Frankfort -- Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, 224 Park Ave., Frankfort, will offer a Heartsaver First Aid and CPR class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 16 that teaches participants how to manage illness and injuries until professional help arrives. Participants will also learn CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) for all ages. Cost is $85 and includes the course text with a CD and the cost of lunch. Course registration is required. Call Sue Stevenson, 352-2281.

Senior center offers weight loss sessions

Traverse City-- The Traverse City Senior Center is offering an "At Work" Weight Watchers program for adults over 50 at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays beginning March 12.

Participants meet weekly for educational workshops, weigh in and peer support. Call 922-4911.

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