Local health happenings

BACK PAIN WORKSHOP

Free Back Pain Workshop, July 18, 7 p.m., 171 Dwight Road, Suite 103, Longmeadow. Featured speaker: Dr. Dirk Johns, DC, FIAMA. Workshop will include demonstrations of exercises and stretches to reduce and/or prevent backpain, as well as a drug-free, surgical-free approach to managing back pain. Please call 565-5115 to register.

AMERICAN RED CROSS CLASSES

The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter is offering courses in CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automatic external defibrillator), fulfilling their mission by educating the community. Adult CPR/AED recognizing and caring for breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, heart disease prevention: Aug. 10 and Aug. 30. Infant and Child CPRcare for those zero to eight years old: Aug. 2 and Aug. 4. Community CPRcare for adults, children and infants: Aug. 8 and Aug. 15. CPR for Professional Rescuer/AEDfor the health care professional: Aug. 9 and Aug. 11. Babysitter's Trainingfor young people ages 11+: Aug. 9 and Aug. 10. All of the classes are held at the chapter, located at 506 Cottage St. in Springfield. For more info contact the American Red Cross at 737-4306, X953.

NURSE ASSISTANT TRAINING

Applications are now being accepted for the nationally recognized American Red Cross "Nurse Assistant Training" course. Several classes will be held in the coming months. Day classes: 8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m.; Aug. 8-29; Aug. 22-Sept. 14. Night classes: 5:30-9:30 p.m., Aug. 29-Oct. 3. Candidates will learn principles required to take the Massachusetts State Certified Nurse Assistant exam to work in a long-term care environment. Class sessions include instruction, skills practice, and clinical exposure. To receive further info call the American Red Cross Nurse Assistant hotline at 737-4306, X953.

"DIABETES 101"

The Diabetes and Endocrine Center at Mercy Medical Center, 299 Carew St., Springfield, is offering a free diabetes classes on Aug. 1 from 2:30-4 p.m. The class will provide an overview of diabetes and discuss the treatment plan including, meal planning, medications, exercise, blood glucose monitoring and strategies for preventing complications. Come and learn how to take care of your diabetes. The class is free of charge. People with diabetes, their family members and friends as well as the members of the general public are all welcome to attend. Registration is required. Call 748-7000 for info.

FREE LECTURE

Mercy Medical Center's Cancer Support Group will host a free public lecture entitled "Look Good...Feel Better." A volunteer from the American Cancer Society will speak at this lecture. This is a program for women who are undergoing cancer treatment and are experiencing hair loss and skin changes. All participants will receive a box of make-up valued at $250. Preregistration is required, please call 413-493-2100. The event will take place in the Rose Garvey Room of Mercy Medical Center's Deliso Conference Center, 299 Carew Street, Springfield, on August 22, 6 - 8 p.m. This lecture is free and open to the public.

COMPANIONS

There is a great need for caring and kind individuals to help elders in your local area. WestMass ElderCare is looking for "companions." Companions provide escort and transportation services for elders who have doctor appointments, hairdresser appointments, the need to go shopping, etc. Companions receive the satisfaction of knowing they have helped to make someone's life better. They also receive an hourly stipend and mileage reimbursement. WestMass ElderCare provides services to elders who live in Belchertown, Chicopee, Granby, Holyoke, Ludlow, South Hadley and Ware. If you have some time to give or if you would like more info, contact Sheryl Morris, Companion Program Director at 538-9020 or 800-462-2301, X303.

BIKE TO THE CAPE

Start training now for the American Lung Association's 21st Annual Autumn Escape Bike Trek, Sept. 16-18. Enjoy a well-supported ride through the backroads and scenic bike paths of Cape Cod and raise funds to support the fight against lung disease. To receive a brochure or get more details call 800-LUNG-USA (568-4872) or visit us online at www.autumnescape.org.

OLD CAR OUT

Don't trade it donate it. Give us a call to get that car out of your yard and get a year-end tax break. The American Lung Association of Massachusetts accepts donations of cars, trucks, and RVs. Donating your car today will help others breathe easier all year. (Some restrictions apply on older vehicles.) Your donation may even be tax-deductible. Call toll-free today, 800-577-5864.

JOIN

Take steps to end Alzheimer's! Join the thirteenth annual Alzheimer's Association Pioneer Valley Memory Walk, Sunday, September 25 at Stanley Park in Westfield. Every dollar raised in your community stays in your community and provides care and support for individuals and families touched by Alzheimer's. For more information call Ginny Sinkoski at (413) 787-1113 or send an email to pvmemorywalk05@yahoo.com or visit our web site www.memorywalkma.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Take steps to end Alzheimer's! Volunteers are needed to set up for the day, help with children's area, distribute food, cheer on walkers, and help along the walk route for the thirteenth annual Alzheimer's Association Pioneer Valley Memory Walk, Sunday, September 25, 2005. The walk, at Stanley Park in Westfield, benefits the Alzheimer's Associations' programs that provide care and support for individuals and families touched by the disease. Volunteer and make a difference. For more information call Ginny Sinkoski at (413) 787-1113 or send an email to pvmemorywalk05@yahoo.com or visit our web site www.memorywalkma.org.