Spectrum Health Lakeland: Upcoming Wellness Events

Learn to Live Well with Heart Failure

(NILES) – Spectrum Health Lakeland 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, February 5, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Buchanan Health Resource Library at Lakeland Hospital Niles, located at 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue.

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. 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 February 5 to 28 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.

Bariatric Surgeons to Discuss Weight Loss Options

(NILES) – The Lakeland Weight Loss Center is offering a free seminar titled, “Lose Weight…Find Health” on Wednesday, February 6 in the Community Conference Room at Lakeland Medical Suites in Niles, located at 42 North St. Joseph Avenue. The seminar will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Bariatric surgeons Michael Schuhknecht, DO, and Seth Miller, MD, will discuss programs available for losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight for years to come. The Lakeland 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 Pre-Diabetes Class in Watervliet

(NILES) – Spectrum Health Lakeland 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, February 7, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Buchanan Health Resource Library at Lakeland Hospital Niles, located at 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue.

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.

Free Community Seminar to Discuss Treatment for Incontinence

(BENTON HARBOR) – Community members are invited to join medical providers, Cayla Dungey, NP, and Lyndsey Brown, PA, and physical therapist, Vanessa Cool, PT, for a free educational seminar titled, “Planning Your Life Around the Restroom? Take Control!” The seminar will take place from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 7 in the conference center at Lakeland at Meadowbrook, located at 2550 Meadowbrook Road in Benton Harbor.

Approximately 25 million adult Americans live with the lifestyle limitations that come with the inability to control urinary function. Many who suffer from this condition wait too long before seeking medical help. During the seminar, providers will discuss the causes and symptoms of incontinence and how you can overcome it safely and effectively.

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

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.