Flu, pneumonia vaccine still available
WILLIAMSBURG -- Michigan Eldercare, Inc., Mobile Doctors of Northwest Michigan, will offer flu and pneumonia vaccinations clinics for ages 18 and over. The clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning Nov. 27 at the agency's main office, 6100 US-31 N. and will run through the end of the year or while supplies last. Cost is $35 for a flu vaccination; $58 for pneumonia vaccination.
Appointments are suggested. Walk-ins are welcome. For details, call (888) 353-3732. or visit www.MichiganEldercare.com
Weight loss program holds orientation
TRAVERSE CITY -- Munson Medical Center's Working Off Weight program can help participants struggling to lose a few or many pounds through redirecting their lifestyles into wiser and more healthy eating and exercise patterns.
Orientation for the next WOW class will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 28 in Conference Rooms A and B of Munson Community Health Center, 550 Munson Ave.
The program costs $375 and includes sessions with registered dietitians, exercise and behavioral health specialists, classes in nutrition and behavioral health and access to long-term, online support.
Fee for the orientation is $20. Registration is required. Call 935-8533.
Support for parents coping with a loss
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Angel Babies healing group, a support group for parents who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or other infant loss, will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 18 at Pine Rest Community Mental Health, 1050 Silver Drive.
The group is facilitated by a licensed counselor. Parents can share their story and find compassion and understanding. The group is open to the public at no charge. Additional meeting dates will be announced for 2008. Call Kate DeKoning, 944-4789.
New lab, physical therapist in Empire
EMPIRE -- Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital is now offering lab and physical therapy services at 9977 West Ottawa Avenue in Empire. The public is invited to tour the new clinic during an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5.
Laboratory hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays.
Physical therapist Sarah Brokaw began seeing patients on Nov. 12. Brokaw is experienced in outpatient orthopedic, neuro, and manual therapy. She also specializes in foot and ankle issues, and fitting patients with custom foot orthotics.
Empire Physical Therapy hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
The clinic accepts orders from all physicians and will bill all insurances. For details or to schedule an appointment with Brokaw, call 326-2053.
Red Cross instructor training course
PETOSKEY -- The American Red Cross of Northern Lower Michigan will be conducting Instructor Training classes for new volunteer instructors in December. Participants will learn how to train and present the American Red Cross Health and Safety program First Aid/CPR/AED for the Lay Responder or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
Classes will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5; 1-4 p.m. Dec. 12 and Dec. 19.
After completion of the course, participants may teach as volunteers for the Northern Lower Michigan Chapter to further their mission of helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Once certified as an instructor, you may also teach these classes independently for financial gain or civic gesture.
All classes will be held at the American Red Cross Building, 2350 Mitchell Park Drive. For details, call Tom Ritchie, Health and Safety Coordinator, 348-7666 or email at tomr@arcnlm.org.
Time to review Medicare options
The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program recommends Medicare beneficiaries review their options during renewal season which runs from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31.
Low-income individuals may qualify for extra help paying for premiums and co-pays by contacting the Social Security Administration.
To review the new 2008 Medicare prescription drug plans, go to www.medicare.gov or call (800) 633-4227.
Those with Medicare who would like local assistance can call MMAP, at (800) 803-7174 to be connected with a counselor in their area who can assist with the necessary research to make an informed decision.
Unique holiday gifts at online auction
TRAVERSE CITY -- House of Hope, a residential program for troubled teens, is conducting an Internet Auction with hundreds of items for unique Christmas gifts.
The auction, which ends Nov. 27, opened with over 200 items and new items are being added on a daily basis.
The auction is the largest fundraiser for House of Hope. The website is available at www.HouseOfHopeTC.com. For details about House of Hope, call 946-5350.
Use caution cooking Thanksgiving meal
SCOTTVILLE -- The Red Cross is urging residents to use caution in the kitchen while preparing the Thanksgiving Day meal.
To prevent kitchen fires, the Red Cross recommends keeping pot holders and food wrappers at least three feet away from heat sources while cooking. In addition stoves and ovens should be turned off if the responsible adult leaves the kitchen.
The American Red Cross also recommends following manufacturer guidelines for turkey fryers and designate a responsible family member to insure all candles and smoking materials are extinguished. For details, visit www.redcross.org/homefires or http://westshore.redcross.org.
Support available for transplant patients
SCOTTVILLE -- The Westshore Michigan Transplant Support Group through Gift of Life Michigan, will meet on the third Monday of every month. The meetings are currently held at 7 p.m. at the Scottville Senior Center on Main Street.
The non-profit group will help those in the area whose lives have been touched by organ, cornea and tissue donation and is open to transplant recipients, waiting recipients, donor families and caregivers. The group is working to generate more volunteers and hosting information and registration at area events as well as public education to area businesses, churches and associations. For details, call Dianne Longo, 462-3578 or email to happyheart719@yahoo.com
Add cell phone emergency contacts
TRAVERSE CITY -- Grand Traverse area first responders are joining together to encourage cell phone users to put their emergency contact information on their phones using the acronym ICE "In Case of Emergency."
For example, a participant in the ICE program would simply type "ICE1John Doe," "ICE2Doctor Smith," and other contacts as appropriate. First responders would check a patient's cell phone for the contact information.
ICE cards listing contact information also can be placed in wallets.
The web site ice4safety.com contains more information about the program.
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