Published: March 21, 2008 12:00 am      

Health Calendar: 03/20/2008

Health calendar is published weekly by the Traverse City Record-Eagle. Information to be included can be:

Mailed to Record-Eagle, P.O. Box 632, Traverse City, MI 49685; Faxed to 946-8632; delivered to 120 W. Front St. Traverse City; or e-mailed to gmurray@record-eagle.com.

BLOOD DRIVES

MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER

Benzonia, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 28, Benzie Central High School auditorium, 9222 Homestead Road.

Cedar, 3-7 p.m. March 24, Holy Rosary Church, 3919 Gatzke Road.

Glen Arbor, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. March 20, The Leelanau School, 1 Old Homestead Road, bus.

Grawn, noon-4 p.m. March 28, Cherryland Electric Co-op, 5930 US-31 S., bus.

Interlochen, 2:30-7:30 p.m. March 24, Ric's Food Center, M-137 & US-31 S., bus.

Kingsley, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 26, Pugsley Correctional Facility, 7401 E. Walton Road, bus.

Manistee, 12:30-4:30 p.m. March 20 and March 27, West Shore Outreach Lab, 332 First St.

Onekama, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 25, Onekama High School, 5016 Main St.

Traverse City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 20, TC High School, 3962 Three Mile Road; 2-6 p.m. March 21, Cherryland Center by Kmart, South Airport & Garfield roads, bus; 1-7 p.m. March 31, St. Francis Church, 1025 Union St.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 31, Munson Medical Center, 1105 Sixth St.

The Blood Center, 2575 Aero Park Drive, TC; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to noon first Saturday of each month.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Acme, 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m. March 28, Grand Traverse Resort, 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd.

Ellsworth, 1-6:45 p.m. March 25, Ellsworth Community Building, 6503 Center St.

Gaylord, 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m. March 26, Peace Lutheran Church, 3703 US-27 South.

FREE CLINICS/screenings

AuSable Free Clinic, 1250 E. Michigan Ave., Building D, Grayling, (989) 348-3311.

Cadillac Community Clinic, 5-7:30 p.m. each Wednesday, 521 Cobbs St.; free health clinic providing limited diagnostic and treatment services to those who have no health insurance and are unable to pay for health care; assistance with free or low-cost medications through Medication Access Program for individuals lacking insurance; 876-7818.

Free Sugar and Blood Pressure Screenings through Mercy Hospital Grayling, call (989) 348-0455.

Pregnancy Care Center, 121 S. Garfield, Suite C, TC: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; after-hour appointments available, free pregnancy testing and confirmation, resources and referrals available, free ultrasound to qualifying women in a safe, private, compassionate setting. Walk-ins welcome. 929-3488 or www.know4sure.org.

Seminars

Arthritis seminar, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. March 25, The Village at Bay Ridge, 3950 Scenic Ridge Road, TC; Ramona Goodwin of Excel Therapy House Calls presents ways to deal with pain, exercises and best methods to live with arthritis, free, limited seating, call 932-9455 for reservations.

Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency Financial Fitness Workshop "Budgeting," 6-8 p.m. March 25, 3963 Three Mile Road, TC, free; 947-3780.

"We Need to Talk," family conversations with older drivers, 6-7:30 p.m. March 24, Munson Community Health Center, 550 Munson Ave., TC; free, 935-2027, ext. 00135.

"Getting Tough on Angina," 1:30-2:30 p.m. March 25, Munson Ave., TC; Registered Nurse Cheryl Barnes offers ways to enhance the quality of life for those with angina; free; 935-8565.

"The Diabetic Foot-Don't Lose Yours," 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 25, Munson Medical Center, 1105 Sixth St., TC; Dr. Jeff Szczepanski offers ways to take an active role in preventing diabetic foot problems, free; 935-8200.

Events

Free Introductory Yoga Classes, Yoga for Health Education offers 10 free yoga classes to the community between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. March 29, Center for Conscious Living at The Village Center, 1200 West 11th ST., Suite 106; for course listing and details, call 922-9642.

National President's Challenge, six-week physical activity challenge to encourage Americans to be more active, KickOff March 20 with registration currently underway; to www.presidentschallenge.org.

"Pie for a Cure," Grand Traverse Pie Company, TC, donating 50 cents of every 9-inch pie sold through Mother's Day to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund, 922-7437.

Free Tax Preparation Services, for those with low-to-moderate income, including seniors, persons with disabilities or limited-English proficiency, Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency offices in Traverse City, Cadillac and Petoskey, Goodwill Industries and Michigan Works offices in Traverse City, local Commission on Aging and several Michigan department of Human Services offices in the area, (800) 632-7334 or 922-4688.

Meetings

Kalkaska Fibromyalgia Support Group, 1-3 p.m. March 22, Dr. William Kitti Education Center, 258-4829.

American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Grand Traverse County Team Captain Meetings, 6-7:30 p.m. April 21 and May 19, Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., TC; for those interested in participating in the June 7 event; www.relayforlife.org.

First AID/CPR Training

American Red Cross

2350 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey; for details about classes or for those whose certification is set to expire and feel they can perform required skills without taking a class, call Tom Ritchie, 348-7666.

Blood-borne Pathogens: Preventing Disease Transmission, 8-10 p.m. March 20; 8-10 p.m. April 17; 4-6 p.m. April 12.

Community CPR and First Aid Skills, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. March 27; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. April 12; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. April 24.

CPR Skills for Adults, Children and Infants, 6-10 p.m. April 15.

First Aid Skills, 6-8 p.m. March 20; 6-8 p.m. April 17.

Safe Baby; 10-11 a.m. April 1.

American Red Cross of Northwest Michigan

735 S. Garfield Ave., Suite B-100, TC; for information or to register, call 947-7286.

Adult, Child and Infant CPR Recertification; 5:30-8:30 p.m. March 26; $40.

Babysitting Training, (ages 11-15), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 26; $30.

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. April 24; $80 (includes CPR mask).

Munson Healthcare

Basic Life Support/Healthcare Provider CPR Renewal, 6-9 p.m. March 25, Munson Regional EMS Education; $30; 935-7841.

Basic Life Support/CPR for the Healthcare Provider, 6-10 p.m. March 27, Munson Regional EMS Education; $65; 935-7841.

Heartsaver AED and CPR, 5:30-8:30 p.m. March 20, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital; $50, 352-2281.

Heartsaver First Aid, 6-10 p.m. March 20, Munson Regional EMS Education; $45; 935-7841.

SELF-HELP

Alcoholics Anonymous, AA hotline 946-8823 or email district11-aa.org.

Alcoholics Victorious, 8-9 p.m. Sundays, Benzie Community Drop-In Center, 76 Airport Road, Frankfort; contact Virgil P., Monday through Thursday through the Benzie Drop-In Center, 352-5052 or at 352-6301.

Dakoske/Phoenix Addiction Treatment Services, 940 East Eighth St., TC; for individuals or those with family members struggling with alcohol or drug problems; (800) 622-4810.

Dental Clinics North, partnership of local health departments, schedules dental appointments for low-income children and adults. Clinics accept Medicaid, Healthy Kids Dental, MI Child and Northern Dental Plan, locations in Traverse City, Manistee, Mancelona, East Jordan, Petoskey and Gaylord, (877) 321-7070.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 6 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. Saturdays, Munson Community Health Center Classroom G, 550 Munson Ave., TC; Heidi 929-3047.

Gamblers Anonymous of Frankfort, open meetings 7-8 p.m. Fridays, Frankfort United Methodist Church, 537 Crystal Ave., E-mail gafrankfort@yahoo.com or write P.O. Box 326, Frankfort, 49635. Contact numbers: 651-0251 or 882-2186; ask for Kim. Online support available at Yahoo groups, type in: gamblenomore2007, to access the link or e-mail gamblenomore2007@yahoogroups.com.

Healthy Choice Support Group, 11 a.m.-noon, fourth Monday of each month, Kando Island, 3003 Garfield Road, TC; for those wishing to improve their diet choices, includes swapping health recipes for diabetics; Jeremy Wolfe, 922-0903 or 645-4884.

LaLeche League, mother-to-mother breastfeeding support, alternate morning and evening meetings the third Tuesday of each month, Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave., TC; phone support available anytime; Jessica, 935-3077 or Nessa, 267-6201.

Laugh for the "Health" of it with Judy Sheffer, "Friday Night Laugh" 6-7 p.m. every Friday; "Saturday Funnies" 9-10 a.m. every Saturday with the exception of the first Saturday of each month when class is offered from 5-6 p.m.; sessions held at MIGUN of Northern Michigan, 1425 S. Airport Road, TC (behind Shell and Taco Bell); 929-8140.

Laughter Sessions, 4-5 p.m. first and third Sunday of each month, The Friendship Center, 201 Broadway, Suttons Bay, free, laugh to reduce stress sessions offered by Gail Robinson, a Dr. Madan Kataria Laughter Yoga Leader, 256-3477.

Meditation for Health and Healing, 10 a.m.-noon Sunday, Migun of Northern Michigan, 1425 S. Airport Road, TC; Christopher Niem Henley, doctor of Methaphysics, offers tips on relaxation and finding inner peace, donation requested; 929-8140.

Michael's Place, support groups for grieving families, 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Immaculate Conception School, TC, free, separate groups for young children, teens, adults, parents (including parents dealing with miscarriages, stillborn or death of a baby) and survivors of suicide; call Michael's Place, 947-6453.

NAMI Connection, recovery support group meetings 1:30 p.m. every Friday, Kandu Island Center, 3003 Garfield Ave., TC; for adults with mental illness regardless of diagnosis, free, 932-1590.

Overeaters Anonymous, 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays, 900 E. Front St., TC; 6 p.m. Thursdays, King's Court Park Community Room, 2899 LaFranier Road, TC; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Suttons Bay Library, 416 Front St., Suttons Bay; call Genie 271-1060, Rose 256-2248 or Dana 935-1453.

Panic Attack and Anxiety Program, Panic Relief Inc., a nonprofit educational corporation located in Monmouth Junction, NJ holds teleconference calls at 7 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday dealing with managing and controlling panic attacks, anxiety and stress; (732) 940-9658 or visit www.panicreliefinc.com.

SMART Recovery, (Self Management and Recovery training) 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Center for Wellness & Relationships, 3491 Hartman Road, TC; structured group encouragement and training for those seeking to develop skills to abstain from addictive behaviors in a confidential setting; $5-$10 donation, 947-2990.

START NEW Series For Healthful Living, Cadillac Seventh-day Adventist Church at 801 E. Division in Cadillac. Community health professionals aid in teaching God's eight laws of health in everyday lifestyles. Programs begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and feature a hands-on cooking class, nutritional presentation, spiritual nugget and keynote speaker, free, reservations not required.

TOPS, (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Kings Court Community Center, off LaFranier Road, TC; 947-6176 or (800) 932-8677; TOPS #308, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Carmelite Monastery, 3501 Silver Lake Road, TC; 946-5804 or 943-8077.

MUNSON MEDICAL CENTER

Munson Medical Center, 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City, Patient Education, 935-8200 or (800)-809-8127.

Advance Care Planning, ongoing offering, making treatment preferences for medical care at end of life known, 935-6176.

Aquatic Community Classes and Therapy, Monday through Thursday, no swimming skills needed, Premier Health and Fitness, 935-7331.

Massage Therapy, ongoing offering, 935-6926.

Navigator Program, outreach and support to women with breast cancer, 935-8216.

The Pediatric Walk-In Immunization Clinic, Munson Specialty Clinics Building (106 Madison St.). 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays only; 6-9 p.m. Mondays; Bring immunization records; 935-6270.

Splash, a water therapy fun class for children and teens with disabilities in a warm water therapy pool, Premier Health and Fitness, 1209 S. Garfield Ave., TC, $20 a month, 935-7331.

MUNSON COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Munson Community Health Center, 550 Munson Ave., Traverse City, 935-9265.

A Time To Be Born-Childbirth Preparation, call for dates and times, $80 or voucher, 935-8219.

Better Breathing, 1:30-3 p.m. Mondays, eight weekly classes with information on lung diseases, medications, breathing techniques and nutrition; 935-6736.

Breastfeeding Preparation, 6-9 p.m. March 26; $30, 935-8219.

Massage Therapy, 935-6926.

Yoga Classes for Cancer Patients, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, gentle stretching and breathing for relaxation and healing, call 228-4067.

BENZIE-LEELANAU HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Benzie-Leelanau Health Department, 6051 Frankfort Hwy., Suite 100, Benzonia, call 882-2126 in Benzie County or 256-0200 in Leelanau County.

Women's health, family planning/reproductive health clinics; breast and cervical cancer screening.

Maternal Child Health, Maternal Support Services/WIC for pregnant women and children; Infant Support Services, Immunization clinics, Healthy Futures.

General Health, Confidential and anonymous HIV counseling and testing; immunizations for children and adults.

GRAND TRAVERSE BAND

Grand Traverse Band, Health Building, 2300 N. Stallman Road, Suttons Bay, 271-5256.

Breast and Cervical Cancer, Screening Program, for American Indian women aged 40 and older; 534-7859.

GT HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Grand Traverse Health Department, 2325 Garfield Road N., Traverse City, 922-4831.

Blood Borne Pathogen Training, by request; 922-2729.

Healthy Kids/MIChild, provides comprehensive insurance for pregnant women and children under 19 years, Applications available for MIChild, call 922-2730.

Immunization Clinics, held daily, $7 charge per injection for children's vaccines; 922-4831; .

Maternal Support Services, assists pregnant women and infants, for appointment, 922-2730.

Munson Medical Center Specialty Clinic, 106 S. Madison St., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 6-9 p.m. Monday, appointments not needed, take child's immunization record to each visit.

Pregnancy Tests, 922-4630.

Reproductive Health Services, initial and annual exams, pap smears, pregnancy tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and HIV testing. Birth control, no fees for teens, sliding fee scale for adults; Medicaid accepted, Breast and cervical screenings for those over 40, 922-4630.

WIC, (Women, Infants and Children) food coupons and nutrition education for pregnant and lactating women and children under 5; 922-2720 or (800) 946-4599.

Youth Health and Wellness Center, school based health-wellness center at TBA Career Tech, 880 Parsons Road, TC; limited medical care and counseling, 922-6416.

Health department of northwest Michigan

Locations in Bellaire, Mancelona, Charlevoix, Petoskey/Harbor Springs and Gaylord. Call (800) 432-4121.

Family Planning, initial and annual exams, Pap tests, pregnancy tests, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV counseling and testing.

Support for pregnant women and new mothers, includes home visits from public health nurses and Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition program.

Children's screening, tests for vision hearing, lead.

Free/low-cost health insurance for children up to age 19 and pregnant women.

Immunizations, for infants and children, adolescents and adults. Cost varies by shot, many qualify for free immunizations.

Ironmen Health Center, primary care services for youth age 10-21 including mental health counseling.

Free mammograms and Pap tests, for women age 40 to 65 within certain income guidelines who have no health insurance coverage or who do not have coverage for mammograms.

Testing kits, for drinking water and radon gas.

Free consultations on indoor air issues, includes lead paint, mercury spills and mold.

Home care and hospice services, certified by Medicaid and CHAP.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan, 1003 Spring St., Petoskey, 347-9692; 1135 E. Eighth St., Traverse City, 929-1844; Confidential health services for women and men including: Annual gynecological exams, breast, pelvic and pap tests; birth control; emergency contraception; sexually transmitted and other infection screening and treatment; anonymous HIV testing and counseling; pregnancy testing and non-judgmental options counseling, Extended hours include some evenings, 929-1844 or (800) 230-PLAN.

CADILLAC

Mercy Hospital Cadillac, 400 Hobart St., Cadillac, 876-7200.

Support Groups, for information, 876-7326.

Advance Care Planning, for help with decisions about end-of-life care, Monday-Saturday, call for times, Mercy Hospital, 876-7355.

Cancer Support Group, 3:30 p.m. second Wednesday, Reva, 775-3550.

Cardiac Rehab, 876-7825.

Diabetes Support Group, first Tuesday, in Dublin Room of the McAuley Center, 1-3:30 p.m. 876-7183.

Heartsaver CPR/First Aid, fourth Monday of each month, 6-10 p.m. auditorium, $50 registration fee is for program expenses and not distributed to the American Heart Association, registration required, 876-7149.

Tour of Family Birthing Center, 5-8 p.m. first Wednesday; meet at fourth-floor nurses station. No registration.

Health Clinic, 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, District Department No. 10; bring verification of income. 876-7818.

CHEBOYGAN

Cheboygan Memorial Hospital, 748 S. Main St., Cheboygan, 876-7200.

Childbirth Preparation, 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays, call 627-1357 for exact dates.

Pulmonary Rehab Support Group, 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays, hospital cafeteria, free.

Phase III Cardiac Rehab, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at the Cheboygan Fitness Center, $10 per session or $35 per month; 627-1458.

Breastfeeding Support Group meetings, 1 p.m. every Tuesday, in CMH Obstetrics Unit.

FRANKFORT

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, 224 Park Ave., Frankfort, 352-9621.

Alzheimer's Support Group, 2-3 p.m. first Wednesday, 352-2357.

Caregiver Resource Center & Library, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, easy access to caregiving and general health information. Internet access available, 352-2312.

CPR Classes, Wednesdays and Saturdays, call for times, 352-2257.

Grief and Loss Support Group, 10-11:30 p.m., first and third Wednesdays, 935-8491.

Parkinson's Support Group, 2-3 p.m. third Thursday.

GAYLORD

Otsego Memorial Hospital, 825 N. Center Ave., (989) 731-2344.

Breastfeeding class, expectant parents can learn basics, classes offered throughout the year, (989) 731-2124.

Childbirth Education Class, "Journey to Parenthood," Weekday and Saturday courses available, call Childbirth Education Coordinator, (989) 731-2124 to register.

Freedom From Smoking, offered several times a year, six-week sessions each last about 90 minutes, cost $40 per person, call (989) 731-2193 for information on next session or for a Smoker's Quit Kit.

Infant Care Class, for expectant parents, learn basics such as bathing, diapers, skin care, immunizations, (989) 731-2124.

Yellow Ribbon Chapter of Gaylord, community meetings, first Tuesday, Gaylord High School (in the event of a school closing, Otsego Memorial Hospital), call Linda Hoffman, 584-3503.

GRAYLING

Mercy Hospital Grayling, 1100 E. Michigan Ave., Grayling, (989) 348-0314.

Better Breathing Classes, free classes for those with chronic lung disease; learn breathing techniques, nutrition, exercise and treatments. Registration required, call Grayling Asthma Project, (989) 348-0779.

Diabetes, Self-management Program, three locations; (989) 348-0380. For program questions, call Rhonda Haske, (989) 348-0455.

Free Sugar and Blood Pressure Screenings, (989) 348-0455.

Heart Health/Fitness Program, Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, $5.50 per session; (989) 348-0371.

Nutrition Education, meet with a registered dietitian to discuss nutrition needs and healthy eating, (989) 348-0380.

KALKASKA

Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, 419 S. Coral St., Kalkaska, 258-7500.

Better Breathing, 1:30-3 p.m. Mondays, eight weekly classes with information on lung disease, medications, breathing techniques, nutrition and exercise for those with chronic lung disease; $40, 258-7525.

Living With Cancer Video Series, available for viewing at any time, free, 258-7781.

MANISTEE

West Shore Medical Center, 1465 E. Parkdale Ave., Manistee, 398-1000.

Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes, 398-1414.

Sit and Get Fit, exercise class for seniors, 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Senior Center, Manistee; $2 for drop-ins; 723-8282.

Diabetes Self Management, program and support group, 398-1033.

PETOSKEY

Northern Michigan Hospital, 416 Connubial Ave., Petoskey, 487-7777.

Health screening, 8-10 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. first Thursday of every month; $15, $10 for Senior Advantage members, no registration; Community Health Education Center, (800) 248-6777.