Upcoming Lakeland Health Wellness Events

Bariatric Surgeons to Discuss Weight Loss Options

(ST. JOSEPH) – The Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center is offering a series of free seminars titled, “Lose Weight…Find Health.” The first seminar will take place on Wednesday, August 1 in the Community Conference Room at the Lakeland Medical Suites in Niles, located at 42 North St. Joseph. A second seminar will be held on Wednesday, August 15 in the Frederick S. Upton Education Center at Lakeland Medical Center, located at 1234 Napier Avenue. Both seminars will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Bariatric surgeons Jill Gorsuch, DO, and Michael Schuhknecht, DO, will discuss programs available for losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight for years to come. The Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center specializes in working with each person to create a customized lifestyle plan, including medical weight loss management through diet or bariatric surgery, nutrition counseling, individualized exercise programs, and monthly support groups.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 190 million adults in the United States are overweight and obese. Individuals more than 40% overweight are twice as likely to die prematurely as someone of average weight. However, the good news is that losing as little as 5-15% of your initial body weight can reduce your risk of diabetes and other illnesses, and can even eliminate your need for some medications.

For more information or to register for the seminar, visit www.lakelandweightlosscenter.com/events or call (269) 927-5361.
 

Free Financial Screenings Available

(ST. JOSEPH) – Community members are invited to attend a free, 15-minute financial screening with a Patient Financial Advocate at Lakeland Health. Advocates can help determine eligibility for medical financial assistance and answer questions about enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Screenings will be held at the following dates and time:

Saturday, August 4
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Center for Outpatient Services
Pharmacy Conference Room

Friday, August 10
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Lakeland Hospital Watervliet
Classrooms B and C

Friday, August 17
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Lakeland Medical Suites, Niles
Community Room

Friday, August 24
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Center for Outpatient Services
Pharmacy Conference Room

“We encourage patients who may be putting off surgery or an imaging exam such as a CT or MRI, due to cost, to meet with one of our financial advocates who can discuss coverage options as many times patients don’t know what’s available to them or what type of assistance they may qualify for,” said Jenna Howard, Manager Admitting and Registration, Lakeland Health.

For a full financial screening participants will need to bring paycheck stubs, ID, tax return, and latest bank statement. Preregistration is encouraged; walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a 15-minute time slot, call (269) 556-2810
 

Free Pre-Diabetes Class in Watervliet

(WATERVLIET) – Lakeland Health is offering a free program designed to help anyone with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels learn about lifestyle changes which may help them avoid or delay the onset of diabetes. The class will take place on Thursday, August 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Classroom B at Lakeland Hospital Watervliet, located at 400 Medical Park Drive.

During the first hour of the program, a registered nurse will guide attendees through the disease process of diabetes and introduce healthy lifestyle changes. The final hour will be spent with a registered dietitian who will suggest meal selections that can help you maintain health and manage weight.

This program does not require a physician referral. Pre-registration for this free class is required, and class size is limited. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-2868. Visit www.lakelandhealth.org or find Lakeland Health on Facebook or Twitter for more classes and events.
 

Bones in Balance Classes Helps Individuals with Osteoporosis

(ST. JOSEPH) – Lakeland Orthopedic Physical Therapy is now enrolling participants for Bones in Balance, a four-week program designed to teach those diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia how to successfully live with these conditions through self-management. Bones in Balance incorporates education and exercise and is led by specially trained physical therapists. The program includes valuable self-management tips from a pharmacist, registered dietitian, and nurse educator.

Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a four-week period at the Center for Outpatient Services, located at 3900 Hollywood Road in St. Joseph. Registration is now open for the next set of classes which will run from August 7 to 30 and be held at 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. or 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects over 44 million Americans, and although both men and women can develop the disease, over 80 percent of sufferers are women over the age of 45. Osteoporosis is commonly referred to as “the silent disease,” because bone loss occurs without any visible symptoms at first. Many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until their bones are so weak that the smallest strain or fall causes a bone to fracture.

A physician’s order is required to participate. There is a $25 registration fee to cover the cost of materials; the remaining amount is billable to your insurance. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-7150
 

Learn to Live Well with Heart Failure

(WATERVLIET) –  Lakeland Health will offer “Living Well with Heart Failure,” a free class for community members about congestive heart failure (CHF), a chronic condition characterized by the heart’s inability to meet the blood flow needs of the body. The program will take place on Tuesday, August 7, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Classroom B at Lakeland Hospital Watervliet located at 400 Medical Park Drive.

Participants will learn to identify common causes and symptoms of heart failure, as well as new daily routines that can dramatically improve one’s quality of life. Preregistration for the class is required; call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.
 

Free Adult Mental Health First Aid Courses Offered

(ST. JOSEPH) – Community members are invited to attend a series of mental health first aid training courses. The first class will take place on Thursday, August 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Lakeland Hospital Niles, located at 31 North St. Joseph Avenue. A second class will be held on Thursday, August 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Consortium for Community Development, located at 175 West Main Street in Benton Harbor.

Adult Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based public education and prevention tool which works to improve the public’s knowledge of mental health and substance use problems, help adults take the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations, and connects people with care. Studies show one in five Americans has a mental illness, but many are reluctant to seek help or might not know where to turn for care. When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they may need.

A training manual and certification is provided upon completion. Preregistration is required; call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544
 

Free Wellness Event in Benton Harbor

(BENTON HARBOR) –  Community members are invited to attend a series of upcoming Neighborhood Centered Health Home events at Elite Barbershop, located at 1301 Pipestone Road in Benton Harbor. The first event will take place Thursday, August 9 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. A second event will be held on Thursday, August 23 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered during the event. A nurse and clinical educator will be on-site for personal health coaching sessions. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to meet with a Lakeland Health resident physician and participate in discussion about key medical topics. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call (269) 556-2874

 

About Lakeland Health
Lakeland Health is a non-profit, community-owned health system, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services, and physician practices. Lakeland was ranked as a 15 Top U.S. Health System by Truven Health Analytics in 2017. The health system has over 4,000 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 450 affiliated physicians and other providers. For more information, visit www.lakelandhealth.org