Upcoming Lakeland Health Wellness Events

Free Pre-Diabetes Class in St. Joseph

(ST. JOSEPH) – 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, November 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Pharmacy Conference Room at the Center for Outpatient Services, located at 3900 Hollywood Road in St. Joseph.

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.

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 November 6 to December 4 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

(ST. JOSEPH) –  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, November 6, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Pharmacy Conference Room at the Center for Outpatient Services, located at 3900 Hollywood Rd in St. Joseph.

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.

Vein Specialist to Discuss Treatment for Varicose Veins

(ST. JOSEPH) – Community members are invited to join vein specialist, Glen Hastings, MD, FACS, for a free educational seminar titled, “Rid Yourself of the Look and Feel of Varicose Veins.” The seminar will take place from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7 at the Lincoln Township Public Library, located at 2099 W. John Beers Road in Stevensville. During the seminar, Dr. Hastings will discuss the causes and symptoms of spider and varicose veins as well as the best options for treatment.

“If your legs feel tired, heavy, or achy – especially at night – you may be one of the many people who suffer the painful effects of varicose veins,” said Dr. Hastings. “The condition affects both men and women and isn’t always visible to the naked eye. Fortunately, there are safe, virtually painless treatment options to consider.”

Preregistration is encouraged; walk-ins are welcome. For more information, or to register, call (269) 927-5361 or visit www.lakelandhealth.org/veinseminar

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, November 7 in the Frederick S. Upton Education Center at Lakeland Medical Center, located at 1234 Napier Avenue. A second seminar will be held on Wednesday, November 14 the community conference room at the Lakeland Medical Suites in Niles, located at 42 North St. Joseph 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. 

Holiday Blues Program Offered in Southwest Michigan

(ST. JOSEPH) – Join Caring Circle, a Lakeland Health Affiliate, for Holiday Blues, an annual program that provides an opportunity for individuals, family, and friends to participate in meaningful sharing and gain renewed strength to walk through grief during the holiday season. The program is free and open to the community. To register or for more information, call Caring Circle at (269) 429-7100. Sessions will be offered at the following dates and locations:

Thursday, November 8
12:00 p.m.
Caring Circle, Buchanan
4017 Chamberlain Road

Monday, November 12
5:30 p.m.
Lory’s Place, St. Joseph
445 Upton Drive

Thursday, November 13
12:00 p.m.
Caring Circle, St. Joseph
4025 Health Park Lane

Thursday, November 15
4:00 p.m.
Caring Circle, South Haven
05055 Blue Star Highway

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, November 8 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. A second class will be held on Tuesday, November 20 in the meeting room at Lakeland Hospital Niles, located at 31 North St. Joseph Avenue.

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 an upcoming Neighborhood Centered Health Home event on Thursday, November 8 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Elite Barbershop, located at 1301 Pipestone Road in Benton Harbor.

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.

Free Community Event Focuses on Managing Diabetes

(ST. JOSEPH) – A free community event will help individuals diagnosed with diabetes, their family, and caregivers learn ways to stay on track. “Managing Diabetes – It’s Not Easy, But It’s Worth It” will take place on Tuesday, November 13, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Center for Outpatient Services, located at 3900 Hollywood Road in St. Joseph.

During the event, endocrinologist, Amanda Morris, DO, along with a team of certified diabetes educators, will provide an interactive discussion about complications affecting uncontrolled diabetes and how to better manage the disease. Experts will be available to answer questions during a live Q&A panel. Guests will have the opportunity to sample healthy recipes for the upcoming holiday season and take home new recipes. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing for an optional group exercise opportunity at the end of the event.

For more information and to reserve a spot, call (269) 556-2868 or visit www.lakelandhealth.org/managingdiabetes

International Survivors of Suicide Day Event at Lory’s Place

(ST. JOSEPH) – Lory’s Place, a grief healing and education center of Caring Circle, will host an International Survivors of Suicide Day event on Saturday, November 17, at 1:30 p.m. The event will be held at Lory’s Place, located at 445 Upton Drive in St. Joseph.

Each year, one million people die by suicide, leaving behind countless family members and friends to make sense of it. This conference is designed for survivors of suicide loss to come together for support and guidance. Attendees will hear from other survivors about how they cope. Experts will share information about suicide and grief.

This event is free and open to the public; preregistration is requested. To register, or learn more about the services offered at Lory’s Place, call (269) 983-2707.

About Spectrum Health Lakeland
Spectrum Health Lakeland is a non-profit, community-owned health system serving southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. We offer a full continuum of care and wellness services including three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, and 41 physician practices. Lakeland is a division of Spectrum Health with 30,000 compassionate professionals, 4,100 medical staff experts, 3,200 committed volunteers and a health plan serving 1 million members. Lakeland has been recognized as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems by Truven Health Analytics®, part of IBM Watson HealthTM.